CLUBS NEWS
ROTARY CLUB OF CHURCH AND OSWALDTWISTLE
CHURCH and Oswaldtwistle Rotary have recently taken part in a brand new initiative for primary schools. The Rochester Bridge Trust and the Rotary have come together to introduce a technology tournament aimed at the under-12s, and the first competition in the Church and Oswaldtwistle district took place at St Andrew’s Primary School.
Rotarians Jim Hargreaves, Lyndon and Cath Heap, along with Kathleen Graham from Darwen Rotary, took over Year 6 class for the whole day. In the morning the children learned about tension and compression forces and undertook some fun challenges where they had to test out various materials and join them together to make strong structures. In the afternoon the tournament took place. The children were split into teams and had to design and build a bridge, for which they were given a pack of materials and a brief. The winning team was the one who, in the opinion of the judges, stuck best to the brief and showed initiative and teamwork.
Rotarian Cath Heap said: “The Rochester Bridge Technology Challenge includes aspects of design, maths and science, all important aspects of the curriculum and delivers them to the children in a fun and challenging way. It is the ideal enrichment day activity.
“St Andrew’s are part of the RotaKids programme, an important aspect of which is teamwork. The children really showed teamwork in action and they all joined in with enthusiasm and learned a lot from the day while having fun.”
Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary is keen to introduce new schools to the RotaKids initiative and would be delighted to hold a Technology Tournament in any primary school in the Oswaldtwistle area. Any teachers who would be interested in finding out more details can contact Cath Heap at cathheap57@gmail.com.
A team of golfers from Blackburn who play at Leyland Golf club were the winners of the 12th annual charity golf day, organised by Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary, which was recently held at Whalley Golf Club. They were presented with the trophy by president Lennie Herbert.
This charity competition is a popular event which is supported by participating teams from local firms and Rotary clubs and has raised substantial amounts over the years that go to deserving causes. £1,000 will be distributed to two charities.
Excellent weather throughout the afternoon was enjoyed by players and spectators alike. A buffet halfway round the course was arranged by the ladies of the Rotary club, which was very much appreciated.
One of the charities that will benefit from the competition is the Anaphylaxis Campaign which each year has received donations from the proceeds of the golf tournament and is a charity close to the Rotary club. One of its members, Franco Sanna, has been a tireless worker, raising funds for this very worthwhile charity which to date total over £25,000.
The second charity to receive proceeds from the golf event is Derian House, which is renowned throughout the region as being at the forefront of children’s palliative respite care.
Stan Bamber, representing Derian House, was one of the winners of the ‘nearest to the pin’ competition. On being presented with the prize he said: “I wish to pay tribute to both Whalley Golf Club and Rotary for putting on such a splendid event and thank organisers, Rotarians Mike Hindle and George Blenkinship, for all their efforts.
“Also I wish to thank the Rotary club for all the monetary awards they have made to Derian House over the years and to the golf club for the cheques received this year, under captain of the club George Blenkinship.”
ACCRINGTON ROTARY CLUB
PRESIDENT Helen Birtwistle led the members and guests in a minute’s silence in memory of our longest serving member, Trevor Dawson, who died recently.
The meeting continued with the consolidation of plans for the coming year. A new venture, to take place in spring next year, will be a Health Mela.
The fundraising for the district governor’s charity has resulted in the first Blood Bike being delivered ready for use. This bike will serve the communities of Lancashire and South Cumbria. The second bike is scheduled to work in the north of the Lake District and the rest of Cumbria.
The president’s challenge to double the £10 on offer has begun and Helen is starting by knitting fingerless gloves and offering them to members for £5 a pair. Members are coming up with many fun ways to fulfil this challenge to raise money for a new sleigh.
The next three meetings will be spent visiting different venues at Stonyhurst, Riley Green and Whalley. We will return to The Dunkenhalgh in September.
ACCRINGTON LIBRARY
CHRIS and Maria Thomas are celebrating their completion of the ‘Lancashire Reading Trail’ by reading and reviewing 50 books.
As part of their final Gold Prize they each received a book. Chris chose Arena 13 by Lancashire author Joseph Delaney and Maria chose The Terrible Two Get Worse by Jory John and Mac Barnett.
The brother and sister have also joined the Lancashire Reading Journey, an activitypacked challenge that will keep them busy with craft activities, visits and reading during the school holidays.
To join the Lancashire Reading Journey or to see what other activities are happening during the holidays, please call into Accrington Library.