Reading scheme is thanks to Rotary

Rotary helps children and young people in so many different ways – overseas exchanges, leadership courses, competitions, mock interviews to name but a few. We aim to encourage and develop future generations in as many positive ways as possible.

Whittlesey Rotary Club

is supporting a home reading programme at New Road School. The scheme will encourage children and parents to read together with books loaned from school. Rotary Club President Joseph Cornell said: “We are very impressed with the school and delighted to support this innovative programme by donating £750 to help it along.” Head Rob Litten is very enthusiastic will keep members informed of progress. Just look at the happy smiles in the photograph.

On a different note, St Ives

Rotary has been having some fun with a `biggest sunflower’ growing competition. Their aim was to raise money for our Rotary charity and promote awareness of the End Polio Now campaign. Club members, friends and family were invited to make a do- nation in exchange for some baby sunflower plants. They were challenged to grow the sunflower with the biggest head. John Rhodes gave one of his plants to his grandson Ralph Rhodes (a very junior prospective Rotarian?) aged 2 ¾ years. He planted it, ten- ded and watered it every day. With help from his mum and dad and a stepladder he was in the running for the cup. On a warm summer’s evening at Slepe Hall the much anticipated Sunflower competition winners were announced - and what a giant amongst helianthuses they produced. The impeachable judging duo spent all day measuring, cutting down and photographing sunflowers across the patch. Rotarians Sally Heffer and Iain Martin came out winners with a flower diameter of 29cm. There were joint runners up

with 24cm but there was a special mention for Ralph (the Sunflower Kid) who finished with a highly respectable flower of 20cm – well done Ralph.

This year Peterborough

Rotary Club sponsored two exchange students. Talented violinist Dianthi Edirisooria, participated in the USA San Diago Music Camp meeting musicians from around the world all sponsored by Rotary. They came together to rehearse for and perform Orchestral Concerts at various locations including the International Youth Symphony 2016.

Sunita Edirisooria was hosted in Taiwan where she and worldwide participants enjoyed a cultural tour visiting many sites of major interest. Both gained invaluable experiences, met participants from around the world and developed many new friendships.