Rotary goes wild at primary school

Rotarians are always on hand to help and encourage our youngsters. A disused and forgotten pond area at a village primary school has been transformed into an inspirational outdoor learning area with the support of Deepings Rotary Club.

Over a number of years the pond at the back of the playing field at Linchfield Community Primary School in Deeping St James had been out of use and fenced off for safety reasons. However, the school’s outdoor learning co-ordinator, Year Six teacher Scott Reeve, was not prepared to see such a potentially valuable learning opportunity go to waste.

He approached the Rotary Club for help and members willingly contributed £200 towards the project. The Friends of Linchfield School also provided generous funding and, thanks to the efforts of pupils and local firm Deep In Garden, we are delighted to report that the pond has been restored and rejuvenated.

Mr Reeve said: “We are very grateful to the Friends of Lin- chfield School and the Rotary Club for their support. The pond has now been redeveloped and is a great learning resource for the pupils.”

The project was of particular interest to the Rotary Club, keen to help with restoring the pond having been involved when it was first introduced at the school.

Rotary Club President Ken Littlemore said: “The Rotary Club is always pleased to su- pport community projects such as this and delighted to know that the pond will be a valuable learning resource for children at the school for many years to come.”

Another local success - Samuel Davies of Upwood School recently won first place in the Rotary District Junior Photographer competition. His work was judged best amongst entries from young pople across eight counties in the Central and East of England. Samuel and his family attended the awards ceremony at De Montfort University, Leicester.

Samuel had been placed first by Ramsey Rotary Club in a local heat. His entry was then forwarded to the district-wide competition.

This year the entry requirement was to produce a portfolio of three photographs representing “Our World is Beautiful” in colour or black and white on photographic paper. Each print, including mount, had to be no larger than A4. The winning presentation of a certificate and award to Samuel was made by District Governor Geoff Blurton.