Welcome to Rotary Club of Wellingborough
Rotary is all about bringing people together to make a difference and make connections
Protecting the environment
Rotary’s newest Area of Focus shows our commitment to protecting the planet.
Rotary on the brink of ending polio
The eradication of polio is Rotary’s most significant humanitarian goal.
About us
Agona Swedru School - Update
As part of the Agona Swedru school project that Wellingborough and other District 1070 Rotary clubs were recently involved with, a separate donation of £200 was made by Wellingborough club to the senior school to be used for the purchase of teaching materials. The photograph below shows Gesa presenting the donation to the Headmistress of the senior school when she visited the project earlier this year, whilst the accompanying short video (click on link) shows how the funds were used and thanks the club for its contribution.
AS_Video.mp4
Brixworth Church
The Club recently visited the historic early Anglo-Saxon church of All Saints', Brixworth. Following a guided talk about the history of this unique church, we were granted special permission to climb the tower for views into the church and to see the bells. Fortunately, we had all climbed down again before 7pm struck!
Seasonal Concerts
Our annual Seasonal Concerts for 2024 are not far off, and tickets are now on sale for this wonderful event - contact details are included on the poster below.
Over 4 very special nights, children from Primary and Junior schools across the Wellingborough district get to showcase their musical talents. These concerts build confidence and promote teamwork as well as giving the children the thrill of performing live, and we are justifiably proud of the opportunity this gives to local children.
Citation
The Club is proud to have been awarded a Citation for the 2023-24 year, which recognises the contribution made by our club in helping Rotary create hope in the world.
Drayton House
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough recently enjoyed a guided tour of Drayton House, near Lowick. The house, brought to wider attention due to its use as a location in the hit film Saltburn, has a fascinating history dating back to the 14th Century, and is regarded as one of the best examples of a mediaeval mansion.
The informative tour was followed by sharing platters at the Snooty Fox in Lowick.
Presidential HandoverMonday 24th June saw the club launch a new Rotary year at its Presidential Handover. Outgoing president, Peter Anstee, bestowed the responsibility to David Campden, incoming president for 2024-25, with Nigel Anderson becoming President Elect for the year.
Agona Swedru School
In a follow up to District 1070’s fundraising for the Agona Swedru School Science Laboratories and STEM Resource Centre project, Rotarians from the District travelled to Ghana to attend the official opening. Gesa Beales, International & Foundation Committee Chair for Wellingborough RC, represented the club and took part in the celebrations.
As well as providing enhanced teaching facilities for the school’s 800 pupils, there are 5 other schools in close proximity which will benefit from the project, meaning another 3,300 pupils will now have access to an IT suite and science laboratory. Both buildings are open for extended hours to enable all schools to use it.
Please click on the link below to download the full story.
Sol Nepal Project
In the Spring of 2020, the Rotary Club of Danetre, Daventry launched a project to supply running water to a community and school in Kavre Pokhari, a remote area of Nepal. It was conceived as a multi-club project across District 1070, with the Rotary Club of Wellingborough being a keen participant.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the World, lacking many of the everyday essentials which developed countries treat as normal. Often the only way to get water is to collect it at a stream or pond and carry it uphill over long distances to meet every-day needs of drinking, washing, cooking and tending to animals or crops.
The technology harnessed solar energy to pump water uphill to a reservoir, ready to be used by a community of 400 people plus a secondary school serving the wider area with a further 400 pupils. Life-expectancy of the solar panels is currently estimated at up to 40 years.
Besides fundraising by the clubs of District 1070, a District Grant was also secured, meaning combined funding of some £20,000 was achieved by 2022. Despite delays caused by Covid restrictions in Nepal, installation was finally completed in the early months of 2024 and is already bringing multiple benefits to the community.
For a more in-depth look at the project, please click on the link below:
Young Writer of the Year 2024
Park Junior School Wellingborough once again participated in the Rotary Young Writer competition with 132 pupils submitting an entry and receiving a certificate.
The theme this year was "REBUILDING" and the story could be fiction, non-fiction or a poem.
Judging was difficult because of the broad age range of 7 to 10 years. Our adjudicator commented "I was really impressed by the standard of some of this year’s entries and so it was really difficult to decide on the best ones. Congratulations to all of you, especially your descriptive writing and your imagination". The top 3 entries were:
1. Freya Nzanya
2. Abishayan Sivarupan
3. Laiba Chowdhury
The prize giving was at the school and Freya read out her winning entry to the whole school. Rotarian John Patrick and Club President Peter Anstee presented Freya with her certificate. To read Freya's story, please click on the link below:
Agona Swedru School Project
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough has been involved with an exciting District 1070 project in Ghana to deliver science laboratories to the Agona Swedru school. Paul Bertin from Kettering Huxloe instigated the appeal, and Wellingborough Rotarians were pleased to contribute to this worthy cause. Donations were made both from the club and privately.
Gesa Beales, International & Foundation Committee Chair for Wellingborough will accompany a small group of fellow Rotarians to Ghana for the grand opening in June, where plaques from the Rotary Club District and private contributors (including Gesa and her late husband John) will be unveiled.
Further information can be downloaded via the links below.
District Quiz Winners
Having won through the hotly-contested heats in October 2023, the team of Bob Lymn, Steve Chambers, Julian Glover and Mike Gent represented Wellingborough in the finals.
Some tough quizzing between nine excellent teams followed. Rounds covered a variety of subjects from Geography to Entertainment and General Knowledge, with Wellingborough finally winning out by a narrow margin to lift the trophy,
Dementia sings out
Miriam Johnson as Lady Captain of Wellingborough Golf Club nominated the Rotary Club of Wellingborough as her chosen charity for the year. Miriam is also a member of the Rotary Club and wanted the money raised to be spent on local charities.
The total amount raised was £8,310 and it was proposed by the Club Community Committee to designate £2,000 of these funds to Dementia Sings Out. A locally run charity who our club has regularly supported in the past. It is run by two of the Lady Members of Wellingborough Golf Club and we have very close connections with the charity, who provide local people suffering with Dementia and their carers a wonderful few hours of singing and dancing.
Last Thursday our President, Peter Anstee, together with two club members Gesa Beales and Bob Lymn attended the session and presented them with the cheque.....
Dance World Cup 2023
The Kilburn School of Dance have recently returned from the Dance World Cup in Portugal, they were part of the Team England Squad. Wellingborough Rotary Club supported their trip with a donation of £500 to help towards the cost of the trip. We are really pleased that in many of the categories the students were well placed. We hope that the experience of representing their Country and Kilburn School of Dance stands them in good stead for future events and activities. Well done to all the participants plus parents and staff for making the trip possible.
The children were all amazing and did incredibly well in some big and tough sections.
Please see below our results:
Mini National Solo
1st - Isla-Belle
2nd - Lilac-Willow
Children National Duets
5th - Erin and Scarlett
Children Small National Group
2nd - Kilburn School of Dance
Mini Ballet Solo (Boys)
5th - Cory
Children National Solo
14th - Amelia
Children Song and Dance Group
10th - Kilburn School of Dance
Mini Jazz Duets
9th - Isla-Belle and Lilac-Willow
Mini Tap Solo
5th - Isla-Belle
Mini National Duet
2nd - Isla-Belle and Lilac-Willow
Rotary Young Writer 2023
"Park Junior School Wellingborough once again participated in the Rotary Young Writer competition with 123 pupils submitting an entry and receiving a certificate.
The theme this year was "PEACE" and the story could be fiction, non fiction or a poem.
Judging was difficult because of the broad age range of 7 to 10 years but after reading and rereading the adjudicator concluded:
1. Magdalena Dabrowska
2. Dua Din
3. Freya Nzanya
The prize giving was at the school but unfortunately Dua was not in school that day so the photograph with our President Gesa only shows Magdalena and Freya.
The winning entry is appended below."
Name: Magdalena
School: Park Junior School
Age: 10
On the North Coast Of Russia, lived a girl called Elizabeth. She enjoyed peering out of the frosty window every day and seeing the variety of snowflakes trickle gently down to the icy floor. Every morning, she would put on her thick coat, long boots and secure gloves. And her curls bouncing with excitement as she took a step on the snow, every step crackled under her big soles as she travelled to the frozen lake to skate. Even though it wasn't everything she ever dreamed of it was enough to make her happy. Until one day it all changed.
"we're moving away? Why? how? Where?"
Her mother slowly passed her a stack of papers. She glanced at the big red letters clearly stating they were evicted.
"No... this can't be!" she said as her eyes blurred and filled with tears.
"It is dear child, I'm sorry but you must pack your bags." That day they travelled to the well-known country of Britain.
"Is there no snow here, or frozen lakes or great big coats?" I'm afraid not where we're staying"
she nodded solemnly. The next day she found herself in a school which looks like it was in a horror story. An ear piercing whistle suddenly blew. Elizabeths curls drooped and straightened. In the classroom, on a newspaper were some letters she could pick out. 'Russia declares war on Ukraine'. Elizabeths heart sunk and she felt terrible for all the people who lived in Ukraine. Behind her sat a boy who was looking at her furiously. He suddenly blurted out,
"don't kill me!" in a mocking voice, yet nobody seemed to pay attention.
Fast forward to the end of a painful term full of insulting things said to her, everybody was sent to the hall where the head teacher bellowed
"as it is the end of a fantastic term, we are going to ask some students to tell everyone about themselves, first up in Elizabeth R." A chill was sent down Elizabeths spine. Her curls didn't bounce nor droop but froze like her hands and feet while her heart was thumping at an incredible pace. She stuttered as she explained why she came to Britain and how she isn't evil in anyway. Although it was nerve-racking, she did it and people finally understood her. But not everyone. She learned, not everyone will accept her, but she made peace with it, like she hopes peace will be with the world.
Rotary Music Festival 2023
Many congratulations to all the young musicians who have
performed at the Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival last week. We had four evenings of excellent music with
such a variety of styles, and all showing great musicianship. Thank you to the teachers
and parents who supported the young students so well. The full list of winners
can be found on this website, along with some photos of them with their
trophies.
We look forward to the Festival Concert on Monday 27thMarch at 7pm at The Castle Theatre.
Tickets are now on sale at the box office (01933 270007) adults £10,
under 18s £5.00. You will hear our Young Musician of the Year (Vocal) Dawid
Szwaj, and Young Musician of the Year (Instrumental) Grace Hillis, as well as
many other superb performances. Our young performers are excited to be
appearing on stage, so come and be part of their amazing experience.
Rotary Street Collection
on Saturday 18th February in aid of Turkish and Syrian earthquake disaster victims.
This was in aid of the Turkish and Syrian earthquake disaster victims.
The total collected of approximately £ 200 was doubled by a generous club member and rounded up to £500 by the Club.
Gesa Beales, the club President, is shown fighting off the attentions of a giant wasp right outside the shopping centre.
Shaking the Bucket
I stand for charity; it’s what I do.
So here I find myself, weekend a.m.,
In high-vis jacket, chilling through,
Clutching a bucket that declares my aim.
People drift past, and most avoid my smile.
Is that a wallet poised? No, it’s a phone
Which proves to them they’re not alone.
But coins and notes are offered in a while.
How sad faces can look, when in repose;
How purposefully people stroll or stride.
They’re rather better off, one must suppose,
Than those whom their misfortune has deprived.
My watch ticks on; is it yet time to go?
How much we took I’d like to know.
Mine is by now a weightier bucket.
I’ll hand it over and say, “Fff -antastic!”
Gesa Beales, on the occasion of the Turkey/Syria Earthquake Disaster, Feb.2023
The Peace Advocate Project
Sir Christopher Hatton Academy
Students at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy are celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award from the Peace Advocate Project.
The Peace Advocate Project is a charity set up by Scottish Rotarians Jean and Keith Best. The project enables young people to become peace advocates in schools and community groups. The aims of the project are to recognise and acknowledge the innate expertise of young people, enable them to resolve conflict, embrace success and empower them to become leaders of the 21st century.
The project started at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy in 2018 where we trained a group of over 40 students from Years 8 – 12, delivered by Jean and Keith Best and supported by The Rotary Club of Wellingborough.
From then, the project continued on from strength to strength. The training focused on engaging young people on driving forward positivity amongst their peers, which is a perfect fit with our wider objective to promote and encourage kindness and respect to all.
Alastair Mitchell and Nick Salisbury, Co-Principals of Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, said: “We are committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect. This project has, and continues to empower our students to be responsible and respectful citizens within and beyond our academy community, and we have been thrilled to see the positive impact of this project on academy life”
Nigel Anderson from The Rotary Club of Wellingborough, said: “ The commitment of Sir Christopher Hatton Academy has been tremendous. A project 5 years in the making takes a concerted effort from teachers and students to make sure that the project reached its full potential, finally receiving its Blue Flag. Wellingborough Rotary Club are committed to achieving the next step which is to engage with other Wellingborough Schools to form a community hub to support young people through challenging times. “
Following the receipt of this award, The Rotary Club of Wellingborough have invited our Academy to become a Peace Hub for the Wellingborough Area. The students who have been trained through the programme will assist in training other schools in the local area.
Remembrance Sunday 2022
President Gesa Beales lays the wreath on behalf of Wellingborough Rotary Club
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn."
Presidential Handover 2022
“The Rotary Club of Wellingborough met for a meal on 27th June 2022 at The Lilacs pub in Isham. Interim president Geoff Dawson was pleased to hand over the chain of office to Gesa Beales the new president for 2022 - 23. District Governor elect, Steve Howe was delighted to present Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Rotarians Geoff Dawson, Noel Howell, David Lawrence, Bob Lymn and John Patrick. This honour marks their significant contributions to promote the work of the Rotary Club over the last few years. President Gesa Beales was please to welcome Julian Glover as a new full member of the Club. She also welcomed Peter Anstee, president elect for 2023 -24 and president nominee David Campden who will be president in 2024-25.”
Rotary Young Writer Competition 2022
for ages 7 to 10
Theme - "Environment"
As for many years now the entries from Park Junior School Wellingborough were judged by Lynette Hall who commenced her teaching career at Park Junior. Once more we must thank her for the time she spent reading the 76 entries and giving them such careful consideration.
We are very grateful for the support received from David Tebbutt Headmaster and his teachers for promoting this competition in the School. With all the pressures on the time available for a School to deliver the core curriculum their encouragement of pupils to enter and to express their thoughts on "Environment" is much appreciated.
The winning entry is appended below with the names of the first 3 and those highly commended."
The winners were:
1st Abigail James-Oliver
2nd Sreshta Reddy Pateel
3rd Sara James-Oliver
who all received book tokens as prizes.
Highly commended were:
Keira Van Geffen
Rainer Clark
"You may not think that two cats would be able to change the whole world in a positive way, like taking every, and I mean EVERY, piece of plastic out of the ocean and recycling them or coming up with a different way to power vehicles, but these two can! These cats are no ordinary cats....they are hero cats! One is named Super Sheba and the other Pleasant Prince and together they fight climate change and accomplish many other daring things.
Pleasant Prince and Super Sheba want to see more people aid the planet. One of Prince and Sheba's super power is mind persuasion...
These two hero cats only use super power when you are about to make a negative change to the environment. They do this by hiding on a high article and scanning you down with their supreme scanning skills this way they can gather information about you and will have the ability to make you do the opposite thing. Pleasant Prince and Super Sheba have done an excellent job so far but they need your help.
Pleasant Prince and Super Sheba have heard some of the governments secret meetings in the governments secret room and these meetings are the worst meetings a cat or anyone could ever hear the government want to exasperate the environment horribly! Prince and Sheba try to use mind persuasion but surprisingly it never works on the government! This is why Prince and Sheba need your help, they need you to make a positive change to the environment because even one small positive change can make the world a better place.
Time has passed and luckily hundreds of other people out there are taking positive action on the environment like; planting trees, recycling and reusing! The best thing is that the government has recently been degeared and has even said they will be helping to plant more trees! This has pleased Pleasant Prince and Super Sheba, this is the future they both wanted.”
Abigail (Age 9)
Platinum Jubilee Youth Music Festival Concert
The Rotary Club Music Committee are pleased to announce a special concert at The Castle Theatre on Thursday 7th July at 7pm. It will feature young musicians from schools and other music establishments in the area. It will include performances from the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust Wellingborough Centre, Kilburn School of Dance, The Manor School Raunds, Weavers Academy and Wrenn School. Tickets are available from The Castle Box Office on 01933 270007 or on their website www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre Adults £12, children under 16 years, £6. This concert will allow some of the best of our local young musicians to perform on a professional stage and help the whole community to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style.
Seasonal Concerts for Junior Schools
The Castle Theatre will be the venue for the Rotary Seasonal Concerts for Junior Schools in the week beginning Monday 25thNovember. Each night there will be around 200 children singing from our local primary schools. Local schools will be invited to apply during the summer term. More information about the performances will be available on the Wellingborough Rotary Club website from September.
Cransley Hospice Trust
Christmas Tree Recycling 2022
Good afternoon Nigel, Geoff and Richard,
Thank you for making the Cransley Hospice Trust Christmas Tree Recycle 2022 such a Tree-ific success!
Thank you so much for joining the #CransleyCrew at the weekend to help us collect over 900 trees, we think this is phenomenal! We are so pleased you were part of such a memorable weekend, we loved seeing so many come together to support Cransley and our local community. You have made a massive difference to your local community in 2022!
I really hope you enjoyed the weekend, we wouldn’t have been able to dream of organising this event without you. We have managed to raise over £13,000 including gift aid, we are all so pleased with this total. We will also be donating 10% to Northants 4x4 Response, a wonderful local charity who also helped with the collection.
We absolutely love that so many from our community supported this project including the support from local businesses, thank you to Bosworth’s Garden Centre as our main sponsor and thank you to the other local businesses who have supported us Mercedes Benz Inter County, KRFC, Wellingborough Old Grammarians, Pig and Waffle, EPM Engineering, Boughton House Estate, The Business Room Wellingborough, CO-OP Funeral Care, Timotay and NHFT.
Thank you again and a very Happy New Year to you all.
Warmest wishes
Louise
Louise Gurney | Community Fundraising Manager
Cransley Hospice Trust
The Music Committee of the Rotary Club of Wellingborough
Rotary Music Festival Postponement
The Rotary Music Committee has reluctantly decided to postpone the Music Festival planned for Monday 7th – Friday 11th March 2022 until the Spring of 2023. We apologise to the local young musicians and their teachers who may have already started work on their performance pieces. The many uncertainties of the Covid pandemic this winter mean the Rotary Club could not guarantee to run safe and effective performance opportunities for our local young musicians.
The Festival concert planned for 16th March 2022 at the Castle Theatre has also been cancelled. However, the Wellingborough Rotary Club are considering running a Platinum Jubilee Youth Music Festival Concert around the end of June, at which local young musicians will be invited to perform. Further information about this will be posted on the www.wellingboroughrotary.org website in the Spring.
David Lawrence on behalf of the Rotary Club Music Committee
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Rotary Young Writer Competition 2021
for ages 7 to 10
As usual the entries from Park Junior School Wellingborough for this competition were judged by Lynette Hall who actually commenced her teaching career at Park Junior. Once again we must thank her for her careful consideration of all entries and the time she spent on this task.
Because of coronavirus the number of entries were much reduced this year but we thank David Tebbutt Headmaster and his teachers for making the time in the difficult scenario of most pupils working from home to still promote this competition. David hopes that next year we will once more see the whole school take part.
Finally we must thank all the pupils who entered for some very interesting themes and also their parents who in most cases made the "Happiest Day" happen.
The Winners were:
1st Dexter Griggs-Sealy
2nd Keris Bell
3rd Rayyan Haque
who all received book tokens as prizes.
the picture shows from left to right the winners, Rayyan, Keris, Dexter.
My Happiest Day
One cold Christmas morning, I woke up dazzled in excitement to visit Santas wonderful ice village. The first thing we did that morning was hopped onto the coach, which was full of kind and happy elves and set off on our special journey. On that journey to Santas ice village the elves told us lots of incredibly int eresting facts such as Rudolph's nose only lights up on Christmas eve to guide Santas sleigh and that they drink special potions to make themselves normal height for humans and then they would drink it again to make themselves tiny, immature, naughty and silly for Santas w orkshop . On that coach we also sang lots of lovely Christmas carols and I really enjoyed the journey to Santas ice village.
When we arrived at Santas special ice village all of the kids and parents were amazed to see how special and beautiful it was. The first thing we did at the lovely place was to go on a husky ride through the forest and trees. The huskies were all so cute and kind that at one point I felt like I was on magical ride. The huskies were barking loudly and excitedly to run through the snow, it made for a thrilling ride! The snow,ice, trees and forest smelled really fresh and wonderful, that gave me the scent of nature.
After the husky ride, we went inside a huge tent for the arctic crossing ceremony. The arctic crossing ceremony was a bit weird, but also very unique and fun at the same time. The woman that held that unique ceremony was drumming and making cool noises chanting. I really enjoyed the arctic crossing ceremony because it was unusual and if you know me, unusual is a good thing!
Next, we went to sled very fast down some really snowy steep hills and the naughty elves pushing me down. At one point I couldn't believe my eyes when the elf even slid down himself. I really enjoyed the activity, making Christmas day especially awesome. I could hear the laughter and happiness of children playing and having the time of their life
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When we got into the ice village there were all of these unique and amazing ice sculptures, I was fixated and mesmerised by a red glowing spiral ice sculptures and how beautiful everything was. There was an ice slide that I rid down with my dad and it was painful because of all of the rock-hard ice kept bouncing off of my bottom!
When we got off the painful ice slide, we went for another stroll round the ice village, we found everything was made of ice including stools, drinks glasses, tables and even beds. We also found out that people can stay overnight in the ice village and also sleep on the ice beds and I even had a lie in one and it was painfully cold and I couldn't understand why someone would want to stay overnight in one. After the painful bed situation, we went into the ice bar where my mum and dad got to drink out of these freezing ice glasses.
When we got out of the ice village, we went on a super awesome snowmobile safari to try and find the real Santa. The driver of the snowmobile was setting us choices of directions to try and find Santas special hut. The snowmobiles were very fast and we stopped in the middle of this humongous field and daddy threw me in and there was snow all the way up to my chest! Finally, I spotted Santas hut and I was so excited to go inside. Once we were inside, I sat on Santa's lap and he told me that I was on the nice list and that's when my body got super full of excitement. Santa gave me a toy elf called Jingle and that one special toy is still kept in my bedroom to this very day. When I look at Jingle it makes me super happy and reminds me of the best day ever!
To me seeing just how amazing and magical Lapland was with my own two eyes is so special and this day will remain the happiest day of my life for a long, long time.
Urgent appeal for unused laptops and other devices
The Rotary clubs of Wellingborough have joined forces to launch an urgent appeal for laptops and other unwanted devices to help schools in the borough satisfy a huge demand for home-schooling help.
In just two weeks 35 laptops have been refurbished, updated and delivered to nine primary schools in the town and surrounding villages, however the need is great and Rotary Club of Wellingborough and The Rotary Club of Wellingborough Hatton are appealing for business owners and homeowners to clear-out their unwanted goods.
Nigel Anderson, Home Schooling IT Project Manager for Wellingborough Rotary Club, said: “Two weeks ago we answered an urgent appeal by the headteacher of Wilby Primary School for help in sourcing some Amazon Kindle Fires for children working from home.
“We immediately got to work, and agreed a to set aside a budget to purchase two Amazon Kindle Fires for Wilby Primary School and create a fund to help others.”
The charitable organisations rely on donations from the public. The unwanted machines are then delivered to Wellingborough-based computer repair service, Revitalized-IT who help to wipe, update and refurbish the donated equipment or crush and destroy donations unsuitable for use.
Nigel added: “Unfortunately some of the equipment is too old with no WI-FI so about 50 per cent of those donated recently could not be used. In an ideal world the items will be WI-FI compatible and able to support Windows 10, we can take care of getting them tested and if they cannot be used, they are crushed and destroyed free of charge.”
Funds have grown from £2000 from the Wellingborough Club following a £1,000 grant from the District Rotary and the collaboration with Wellingborough Hatton Rotary who also set up a £2,000 fund and successfully applied for a separate £1,000 grant from the District Rotary fund.
Nigel added: “Since we joined forces, we have had a steady stream of donations and we have also used some of the money to purchase refurbished laptops. Since launching we have donated 35 laptops to schools and two Amazon Kindle Fires, another 11 machines are currently being cleaned and wiped ready to go out.
“One business man had a clear-out and donated nine old machines. We don’t yet know if they’re viable. The problem is, the Government promised the roll-out of equipment, however senior schools take priority and this has left some primary schools desperate for help. Criteria also has to be met, so those what were initially promised five only qualify for one and are still waiting.
“This is an urgent appeal. The schools need the help now.”
To donate your unwanted laptops and tablets, find our more or arrange the collection of your unwanted goods contact Nigel Anderson: nigel.anderson.na@gmail.com 07881854943
Since launching two weeks ago the 35 machines have been refurbished, updated and delivered to the following primary schools:
Wilby CEVA Primary
Freemans Junior School
Ruskin Academy
Redwell Academy
Little Harrowden School
Victoria Primary Academy
Olympic School
Park Junior School
Warwick Primary School
Please click on the link to view the press release from Wellingborough Chamber of Commerce
https://wencc.co.uk/2021/01/29/urgent-appeal-for-unused-laptops-and-other-devices/
Newsletter from Victoria School
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival and Festival Concert
It is with great regret the Wellingborough Rotary Club have decided to cancel the Music Festival scheduled for 1st – 5th March 2021, and the Festival Concert on 18th March at The Castle Theatre. An important part of the Music Festival is the opportunity given to all entrants to perform their music to a public audience. With the current and ongoing Covid 19 restrictions for amateur performance, we have concluded that there is no way that this objective could be realistically and safely achieved. We sincerely hope to stage a full Music Festival in March 2022, and details will be available in due course on the www.wellingboroughrotary.org website.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of the Music Festival, please contact the Festival Secretary, Mr Richard Rowlatt on 07929 542983 or email him at richardrowlatt@rowlatts.co.uk
Rotary Club Seasonal Concerts 2020
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough has for the last 30 years, held Seasonal Concerts in November for our local Primary Schools. With great reluctance we have decided to cancel the concerts planned for November this year at The Castle. We have taken account of the views of many of the teachers involved, and the pressures which will be on schools, teachers and pupils when full schooling is planned to re-start in September.
This year, we were able to hold the Music Festival in March, with the full week of competition. However, the Festival Concert was cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions. We are hopeful that the Music Festival will take place again in March 2021, and hope to publish details about this by Christmas.
David Lawrence on behalf of the Youth and Music Committee
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WELLINGBOROUGH
On-line meeting on 29 June 2020 – Handover
President David welcomed the 28 members who participated in this ‘Zoom’ meeting.
He then briefly reviewed the Club’s activities during the year just closing, a year which, of course, had been seriously affected over the last four months by the on-going difficulties caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. In particular he recalled that during our active time we had been able to host our annual Seasonal Concerts over four evenings at the Castle Theatre in November and our annual Music Festival in early March, although the Festival Concert had had to be cancelled. He also had fond memories of our social events, including the visit to the Concorde exhibition in Bristol.
Over the year three of our members had become Honorary Members. Meanwhile, David had been pleased to welcome Marie, Gesa and Lorna into full membership from Associate membership, and Marilyn and Vicky as new Associate members. Sadly, two of our members, Martin and Stan, had died.
During lockdown the Club had been able to donate funds to the local food bank, and David thanked all members for their participation in the Club’s endeavours over the year, for which we had been presented with a Rotary Citation..
Then the President’s chain of office was ‘handed over’ on line to Noel, who in turn ‘handed over’ the President-Elect’s chain to Melissa. Noel then congratulated David on successfully guiding the Club through a challenging year.
After this Noel took us on a genealogical trip through his antecedents (beginning in South Wales and including the USA), leading up to his birth in Bristol in 1944, six days before D-Day. Life then took him to nearby Keynsham, and subsequently as a teenager in 1960 he moved with the family to Market Harborough in Leicestershire where his father had taken up a new job at Symingtons, the soup company. The rest is history!
There followed a few words about the origin of toasts, after which we all drank to ‘Rotary Internationally’ and brought the meeting to a close.
Next meeting: 13 July 2020 via ‘Zoom’ at 7pm
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival Concert
With great reluctance, the Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival Concert on 18th March at the Castle Theatre has been cancelled. We are grateful to all the musicians who took part in the Festival last week, and look forward to hearing more such excellent performances in the future. Meanwhile, the list of winners is published on the Rotary Club website.
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival 2020
“Rotary Music Festival 9th – 13th March 2020”
“Our entry numbers this year were 20% up on last year, with continued growth in the vocal classes. We were pleased to have several percussion players this year, the first in these classes for some time. The adjudicators all remarked on the high standard of performances, and their difficulty in choosing winners from so many excellent musicians. Particular praise is due to the Young Musicians of the Year. Henry Grant won the Instrumental title, and Georgina Stock the Vocal award.
A full list of winners is available on www.wellingboroughrotary.org what we do. You will also find pictures of some of our winning Young Musicians. We were sad that we were unable to hold the Festival Concert this year, but hope to offer a full Rotary Music Festival programme in March 2021.”
Wellingborough Inner-wheel Clubs 75th Charter Celebrations
As President I was invited to our Wellingborough Inner-wheel Clubs 75th Charter celebration.
This was held on Sunday September 29th at the Stanwick Hotel.
Inner Wheel President's Changeover
The changeover of Inner Wheel President took place at the meeting at Wellingborough Golf Club On Monday 1st Jult 2019.
Rotary President changeover
Monday 25th June 2019
Rotarian David Cross took over as President of Wellingborough Rotary Club on Monday 24th June 2019 at a meeting at The Priory and is seen here being congratulated by retiring President Geoff Dawson.
President David Cross (Centre) with President Elect for 2020/2021 Noel Howell (Left) and Past President Geoff Dawson (Right)
President David Cross with President Nominee 2019-2020 Melissa French
President Elect Noel Howell, President Nominee Melissa French with President David Cross
Young Writer 2019
Geoff Dawson, President and John Patrick, Organiser visited Park Junior School,
Wellingborough to present prizes in connection with the above competition.
There were 153 entries in the 7 - 10 age group.
Ist place Mia Darwood
2nd place Grisha Patel
3rd place Daisy Childs
Commended Aveline Cluff
The requirement was to produce a written or typed story entitled "MY INSPIRATION". The written entry could be fiction, a story or a poem.
Below is a picture taken at the presentation.
The Judge commented "many of the stories have been truly inspirational and it was difficult to choose the winners".
There are some 240 pupils attending Park Junior School and it was very pleasing that so many entered this competition.
Rotary Music Festival 2019
Rotary Music Festival 4th – 8th March 2019
The Festival this year had a record number of entries, particularly in the Ensembles and Vocal Classes. The full list of winners can be found on the Wellingborough Rotary club website ( www.wellingboroughrotary.orgwhat we do / music festival 2019 ). The adjudicators had a really difficult task to choose winners from so many excellent performances, and they all remarked on the very high standard of musical performance in all ages and classes.
Young musicians from the Rotary Music Festival took part in the Festival Concert at the Castle Theatre on Wednesday 20thMarch. Twenty five performers or groups performed on stage over two hours to an enthusiastic audience. Towards the end of the concert, the Mayor of Wellingborough presented trophies and cheques to Flora Anderson, Young Musician of the Year (vocal) and Jonathan Davies, Young Musician of the Year (instrumental). The President of the Rotary Club of Wellingborough, Geoff Dawson also presented a cheque from the Wellingborough Rotary Club to Jan Hall for the local Thomas’ Fund charity. The Club would like to thank all the musicians, their teachers, supporters and families for their part in making the Festival and Concert such a success.
Flora Anderson
Young Musician of the Year (Vocal)
Emilia Okon Young Musician of the Year Junior (6 - 10 years)
Freya Chapman
Young Musician of the Year Intermediate (11 - 12 years)
Eva Jennings Young Musician of the Year Intermediate 2
.
Young Musician of the Year (Instrumental) Senior
Johnathan Davies, Young Musician of the Year (Instrumental)
Flora Anderson, Young Musician of the Year (Vocal)
The President of the Rotary Club of Wellingborough, Geoff Dawson also presented a cheque from the Wellingborough Rotary Club to Jan Hall for the local Thomas’ Fund charity.
SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON SCHOOL AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF WELLINGBOROUGH PEACE ADVOCATE PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Last week at Sir Christopher Hatton, across 2 days, over 40 students from years 8 – 12 came together to train to be Peace Advocates within their school community. The specialist training, focusing on the empowerment of young people to have collaborative conversations with each other in order to resolve conflict and support each other, was delivered by Jean and Keith Best, backed by The Rotary Club of Wellingborough. The training focused on engaging young people on driving forward positivity amongst their peers which is a perfect fit with Sir Christopher Hatton Academy’s wider objective to promote and encourage kindness and respect to all, as they lead up to the national Anti-Bullying Week campaign.
The students at Sir Christopher Hatton were delighted to take part in the first training of its kind in Wellingborough, although teaching young people conflict resolution skills through this project has so far also been delivered in other parts of the UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico and the USA. Having previously been honoured at the United Nations as part of Rotary Day in Geneva, Jean was impressed by the level of engagement and response by the students at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy.
Jean said “The influence of a social media onslaught on today's youngsters is having a devastating impact. From online bullying and sexual harassment through to gang recruitment and radicalisation, the dangers of being online are real across the world. In Secondary Schools problems stemming from being online are a huge and growing issue. It’s been a delight to such passion and commitment from the Students at Sir Christopher Hatton who clearly want things to be different for them.” Jean is no stranger to education, having been involved with for 38 years, trying to maintain and improve attainment levels - but wanted to help "upskill" youngsters so they could then take control of their own problems.
She continued, “One in three teenagers have been a victim of cyber bullying in some form and new trends are emerging. Teachers cannot achieve their primary goal of educating students to a level that makes them ready for Work and University if they are having to spend countless hours on dealing with social rather than educational matters.” The peace project was born out of the issues faced by young people today and part of the training ensured the students recognise when issues have already reached a very serious stage and therefore should be dealt with by teachers immediately. That said it is envisaged that through this project, if the students can deal with and resolve problems working collaboratively with Peace Advocates when problems first arise, it may well prevent them from escalating to a level that requires a greater level of support.
Clare Raku, Head of School at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy said “We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect. This project is empowering our students to be responsible, active citizens within and beyond the academy community, and we are very excited to see the positive impact it will have on academy life.”
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough have invited Sir Christopher Hatton Academy to become a Peace Hub for the Wellingborough Area with the future students of the school being trained as Peace Advocates not by Jean Best or teachers at the school but by the initial batch of students who attended last week’s training which is a very exciting prospect!
With the start of Anti Bullying Week just around the corner, students at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy are already very regularly modelling positive examples of respect to each other and are looking forward to developing this particular initiative across the wider school beyond.
====================================================================
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WELLINGBOROUGH
Club Assembly and Handover on Monday 25 June 2018
President David welcomed Assistant District Governor Steve Howe to our Club Assembly meeting, and he extended a welcome too to guest Fergus Macdonald, a member of the Ise Valley Rotary Club. This was David’s last meeting as President, and after thanking members for their support during his year he presented, on behalf of the Club, two certificates – one to Mike Chamberlain to mark 40 years as a member of the Club and to wish him well in his move to Norfolk, and the other to Steve Chambers, who after three years as Club Secretary moves on to become District Treasurer. With that he handed over the President’s chain to Geoff Dawson.
Retiring President David Lawrence hands over to incoming President Geoff Dawson
In opening the Club Assembly, our President for 2018/19, Geoff Dawson, expressed his wish for Rotary to carry on being fun to belong to, and for the Club to continue being run on democratic lines with the freedom to make changes given majority support.
International Champions of Change Awards 2018
International heroes from across Great Britain and Ireland were honoured at the fifth annual awards night in Cardiff on 18th May.
Unsung heroes from across Great Britain and Ireland were honoured at the fifth annual awards night in Cardiff on 18th May.
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff hosted the event in the City Hall, along with other local dignitaries and supporting Rotarians.
The winners were presented with their awards by National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ Chair Peter Kellner and President Denis Spiller.
Bob Parfitt
Bob completed outstanding work to help orphaned children in Croatia, leading to being presented with the International Champions of Change award.
Back in the nineties Bob was moved to Croatia, where the war was just coming to an end, leaving a huge number of displaced persons, including orphans who had seen sights that nobody should witness.
He organised convoys of at least five vehicles at a time and subsequently sent aid consignments using road trains to a vast number of people living below the poverty line.
As if this were not enough, Bob has helped equip a hospital in the Gambia over the last two decades and has visited Bansang to assess what is most needed.
He went on to equip schools in Sierra Leone, another country ripped apart by war.
His sourcing of medical and kitchen items for Mercy Ships is inspiring and he stays aboard the ship in Liberia to give practical help.
From Bob Lymn:
I am delighted to have accompanied Bob to receive his Champion of Change award for which he was nominated by our club. A just reward for fantastic work. A true Rotarian.
Rotary Trip to Morgan Cars
Nineteen Rotarians, wives and friends took a trip down to Malvern on Tuesday.
After a splendid lunch at the Swan at Newland, followed by a two hour tour of the Morgan car factory, where little has changed in over a hundred years. They use very upto date materials and very powerful BMW engines but a lot of the build principles are the same.
We saw everything from an original cycle car, through three wheelers, sports cars and some amazing endurance racing cars which have been very successful at Le Mans.
We were blessed with delightful weather and a good guide, so everyone seemed quite happy.
Young Musician of the Year 2018
Robert Burton being presented with the Rotary Young Musician of the year trophy in 2016 by Squadron Leader Matthew Little, the Head of Music for the Royal Air Force and adjudicator for the instrumental finals. Richard Rowlatt, Festival Secretary in attendance.
Robert Burton became the Rotary Club of Wellingborough Young Musician of the Year at our 2016 Music Festival.
The young saxophanist has gone onto greater achievement in the 2018 BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition. Robert won the finals of the woodwind class and has now been selected in the semi-finals to play in the final on Sunday 13th May in Birmingham.
He will perform a full concerto with the City of Birmingham Syphany Orchestra conducted by Mark Wrigglesworth in the Symphany Hall.
(Televised on BBC4 at 7.00pm on Sunday 13th May 2018. BBC Young Musician of the Year 2018 Grand Final)
Know your Blood Pressure
On Saturday 21st April the Rotary Club of Wellingborough, in association with Wellingborough Hatton Rotary Club and the Stroke Association, held a “Know Your Blood Pressure” event in the Swansgate Shopping Centre, Wellingborough. Over six hours, a grand total of 181 people stopped by to have their Blood Pressure recorded by a team of eight local health professionals. Of these 181 people, 80% had a normal Blood Pressure, and 36 people were recommended to have it checked again.
Many said how good it was to be checked away from a medical environment, and as a break in their busy day of shopping. The picture is of Dr Stephen Kownacki, a retired General Practitioner from Wellingborough taking the blood pressure of a grateful Mr David Billson from Finedon.
Dr David Lawrence
President Rotary Club of Wellingborough
Rotary Music Festival 2018
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival
The Festival took place on 5th – 9th March at various schools in the Wellingborough area. There were 114 entrants, varying from solo instrumental and vocal musicians to big bands. Many of the winners took part in the Festival Concert on 14th March at the Castle Theatre. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances, which showed the great talents of our local young musicians. The Young Vocalist of the Year was Flora Anderson who sang “So Big, So Small” by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. The Young Instrumentalist of the Year was Jade Segler, who played Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances. The full list of all the winners can be seen on www.wellingboroughrotary.org website. We look forward to our 29th Rotary Music Festival in March next year, and hearing more excellent performances from our local young musicians.
(More photos in our Picture Gallery)
Young Musician of the Year Instrumental Finalists
Jade Segler Young Instrumentalist of the Year
Flora Anderson Young Vocalist of the Year
More pictures are in Photo Galleries in 'What we do'
Spring is on the way!
The first signs of Spring and the first showing of the Crocus Project
15,000 crocus bulbs have been planted on behalf of The Rotary Club of Wellingborough to raise awareness of Rotary's aim to help to eradicate Polio worldwide.
Thanks are given to all those who assisted in the planting of the bulbs and especially to Wellingborough Norse who assisted by planting 8,000 bulbs.
Thanks are also given to our sponsors for the purchase of the bulbs, RAO Stationers, THC Selfstore Ltd, Wellingborough Norse, and to Wellingborough Borough Council.
The signs were donated by Advent Plastics.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WELLINGBOROUGH
82nd birthday dinner at The Lane Restaurant at Northampton College
Forty-eight members, spouses and guests gathered at The Lane Restaurant at Northampton College to enjoy a delightful four-course meal and to celebrate the 82nd birthday of our Club. The meal was prepared and served to us by the young students attending the college’s catering and hospitality course.
The trainee waiters and kitchen staff present themselves at the end of the meal.
President David formally thanked the catering team, and he went on to remind us of some of the other events in the UK that had taken place 82 years ago when our Club received its Charter, including the BBC’s launch of the world’s first regular television service, the destruction of the Crystal Palace by fire and the abdication of Edward VIII.
Seasonal Concerts at the Castle Theatre Wellingborough
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough ran a week of concerts for Primary School children at the excellent Castle Theatre in Wellingborough in November. A total of 21 primary schools took part over the week, with up to 220 children on stage every evening. In harmony with the Rotary theme, the combined choirs sang “Let there be Peace on Earth” as an introduction to the concert. Each school sang two pieces of their own choice, often with a Christmas theme, and all the children together performed a substantial work, “Hosanna Rock” by Sheila Wilson. Over the five nights, we had an audience of more than 2000. The children all learned the music in the previous two months, and thanks to their hard work, guided by the excellent teachers and music staff, the performances were of a very high standard. The profit from the concerts will benefit our Rotary charities. Jan Hall of Rowan Gate Primary School which helps Special Needs children, wrote. “Just to say a huge thank you to you all for the seasonal concert this year. It is so great for our pupils to be included and take part like everyone else. Everyone really enjoyed it and we have had some lovely feedback from pupils, staff and parents. I know it's an enormous amount of work for you all but there's nothing else quite like it for our pupils.” The Club has the vision of offering every primary school child in and around Wellingborough the chance to perform on stage at these concerts. We look forward to our 29th season in November 2018.
Dr David Lawrence, President Rotary Club of Wellingborough
Ruskin Infants School Project
A request for help from a local primary school provoked a positive reaction from Wellingborough Rotary Club. They agreed to finance the re-development of Ruskin Infant School's outdoor learning area, involving the provision of a model Pirate Ship which could accommodate several children.
Hard work during the Autumn half-term holiday resulted in the improvement of several outdoor play areas, including setting up the Pirate Ship and other activity facilities. It is hoped that further progress will be made, as more funds become available.
.
Two Rotarians were present at an excellent school Nativity play, after which they were able to view the new developments in the learning areas. They are pictured with Christine Cundy, the teacher responsible for the improvements
Breathe – End Polio Now
The film “Breathe” is about Robin Cavendish who contracted polio, and needed help with breathing for the rest of his life. It tells of his resourcefulness and courage, and was produced by his son Jonathan. At two recent showings of the film at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough, the Rotary Clubs of Wellingborough and Wellingborough Hatton collaborated to publicise the efforts of the End Polio Now campaign. The technical crew were able to screen the Rotary “Drop to Zero” short film before the performance, and Rotarian Dick Parsley gave a short introduction about the End Polio Now campaign, and the Polio Fellowship, which supports people who live with the consequences of the polio infection in the UK. Rotarians from both clubs collected over £260 from the audience at the end of the screenings, which will be donated to both these charities.
David Lawrence
President
Rotary Club of Wellingborough
....
..
Blood Pressure Awareness
National Blood Pressure
Awareness Day
Wellingborough Rotary Club
will be offering blood pressure
tests in Wellingborough Swansgate Centre
again this year.
Be Safe – Be tested
Saturday 21st April 2018
President of Wellingborough Rotary Club for 2017/2018
.
Rotarian David Lawrence (left) took over as President of The Rotary Club of Wellingborough on Monday 26th June 2017 at a meeting of the club held at The Priory, Wellingborough, and is seen here being congratulated by retiring President Rotarian David Billson.
Rotarian David Lawrence is seen here welcoming Geoff Dawson as President Elect for 2018/2019
Young Writer 2017
I have visited Park Junior School Wellingborough with David Billson to present prizes in connection with the above competition.
There were over 80 entries in the 7 - 10 year age group.
!st place was Benji Gent
2nd place Yashvi Master
3rd place Daniel Grynezel
The requirement was to produce a written or typed story in prose entitled "Reflection". The written entry could be fiction, a story or a poem.
Attached is a picture and a copy of the winning story by Benji who is on left, Yashvi middle and Daniel right.
John Patrick
National Stroke Awareness Day
Blood pressure monitoring in the Swansgate Centre, Wellingborough on Saturday 22nd April 2016.
195 people are now more aware of their blood pressure!!
Know Your Blood Pressure Event
Wellingborough Rotary & The Stroke Association
22nd April 2017
Swansgate Centre Concourse, Wellingborough
|
Year |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
||||||
|
Men |
44 |
|
71 |
|
68 |
|
59 |
61 |
63 |
|||
|
Women |
44 |
|
85 |
|
103 |
|
109 |
111 |
117 |
|||
|
Not recorded |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|||
|
Total |
88 |
|
156 |
|
171 |
|
168 |
172 |
195 |
|||
|
Age range |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
15 – 29 |
8 |
9% |
14 |
9% |
11 |
6% |
13 |
8% |
14 |
8.% |
15 |
8% |
|
30 – 44 |
17 |
19% |
27 |
17% |
17 |
10% |
24 |
14% |
21 |
13% |
22 |
11% |
|
45 – 59 |
23 |
26% |
42 |
27% |
62 |
37% |
61 |
36% |
54 |
32% |
65 |
33% |
|
60 – 85 |
39 |
44% |
69 |
44% |
81 |
47% |
69 |
41% |
75 |
50% |
86 |
44% |
|
85+ |
1 |
1% |
3 |
2% |
0 |
0% |
1 |
1% |
3 |
2% |
5 |
3% |
|
Age not given |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
3% |
2 |
1% |
|
Outcome |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Follow up |
69 |
78% |
107 |
69% |
134 |
78% |
122 |
73% |
118 |
69% |
149 |
76% |
|
1 month FU |
19 |
22% |
43 |
28% |
30 |
18% |
41 |
24% |
49 |
28% |
39 |
20% |
|
1 week FU |
0 |
0% |
6 |
3% |
7 |
4% |
5 |
3% |
5 |
3% |
7 |
4% |
In 2016 we had 10 health professionals available. In 2017 we had 9, but with more working in the early slot when it was busy.
I wish to thank all the Rotarians who came to help, and the health professionals who gave up part of their Saturday to take Blood Pressures, and talk to the public about their health risks.
Dr David Lawrence Rotarian Organiser
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival 2017
The 2017 Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival, the 27th edition, has been another great success. There have been very many outstanding performances in both the instrumental and in the vocal classes in all age groups.
The festival culminated in a wonderful concert at Castle Theatre, Wellingborough. Many of the class winners performed in the concert. These consisted not only of soloists but also of duets, ensembles, choirs and orchestras. The concert was attended by a record audience which included The Mayor and Mayoress of Wellingborough and the festival sponsors from Ryan and Frost Solicitors, 61-62 Oxford Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4JJ.
The results in all the classes are available on the club's music website www.wellingboroughrotarymusic.co.uk. The prospectus for the 2018 festival will be available on this music website by the end of October 2017.
Megan O'Brien
Megan O'Brien Young Vocalist of the Year 2017, with adjudicator Rhonda Browne the internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano
Shona Cameron
Shona Cameron, bassoonist, was awarded the title of Young Instrumentalist of the Year by Dr Tom Williams, principal lecturer in Music Composition and course director of BA Music at Coventry University
The annual Festival Concert, which had a record number in the audience at Castle Theatre, was attended by the Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Malcolm Waters, and by Anna Denny from The Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT). The Trust was presented on the evening with a Cheque for £3000 to support young musicians in the Wellingborough area by Rotarian Richard Rowlatt, (also pictured) on behalf of The Rotary Club of Wellingborough.
81st Charter Celebrations
Held at Finedon Dolben Cricket Club on Monday 27th February 2017.
President David Billson, Fellow Rotarians and Guests celebrated in fine style.
See photo galleries for more photographs.
PRESENTATION OF PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIPS
At the Club’s 2016 Christmas Dinner, which took place on 19 December at The Hind hotel, President David Billson presented four Paul Harris Fellowships in recognition of outstanding service. The four who received the awards were David Cross, Stephen Ostler, Joan Barrett and Richard Rowlatt.
David Cross had been Club President in our 75th year (2010/11) and took the role again in 2014/15 when, owing to successional problems, he also had to act as Club Secretary.
During his time as a member of the Club, Stephen Ostler had masterminded our annual Music Festival, and he had organised two innovative fundraising events. One of these was the celebrity conductors evening at the Castle Theatre with the County Youth Orchestra, and the other was the very ambitious and successful Living Advent Calendar, which he staged in the town; a door opening to a different short-duration event in a different location on each of 24 nights in December 2014.
Joan Barrett has long been a stalwart of the Club’s musical events for young people and has worked hard liaising with schools and organising the annual Seasonal Concerts at the Castle Theatre when, during a week of performances, a total of about 1,000 children from over 20 local primary schools sing on stage in front of packed houses.
Richard Rowlatt has in recent years chaired the Club’s youth service and music events committee. He quietly and capably holds everything together so that our major annual events, the November Seasonal Concerts and the March Music Festival and Concert continue to go from strength to strength.
Community Service Group
The Community Group helps to raise funds for community projects. We are looking forward to the next Kids Out event, scheduled for June 14th, 2017, and considering raising funds for defibrillators to be located in strategic places. Our group has links to the Daylight Centre, where we have funded various projects to help local needy people
President of Wellingborough Rotary Club for 2016/2017
Rotarian David Billson (right) took over as President of Wellingborough Rotary Club on Monday 4th July 2016 and is here being congratulated by retiring President Rotarian Phillip Douglas after the meeting at The Castle.
President David Billson (centre) with President Elect for 2017/2018 David Lawrence (left) and Past President Philip Douglas (right)
Visit to Rushden Transport Museum
On 27th June 2016 (5th Monday of the Month) The Rotary Club of Wellingborough visited the Rushden Transport Museum at the old Railway Station, Rushden
This was a very pleasant evening and enjoyed by all those who attended. A buffet and bar were laid on to satisfy hungry members!
See photo gallery for more pictures
Stow House and Gardens
On Tuesday 17th May 2016, 12 members of Wellingborough Rotary Club visited Stow House and Gardens.
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough
Visit to Stowe House and Gardens
Tuesday 17th May 2016
The current President of Brackley Rotary Club, Stephen Vanns, acts as an occasional guide at Stowe House and during a recent Rotary District Meeting fell into conversation with our President, Philip Douglas, during which it was arranged that a party from Wellingborough Rotary Club would visit Stowe House for a conducted tour.
Stowe House is fully occupied, these days, by Stowe School (the former alma mater of Sir Richard Branson for instance) and is run separately from the Capability Brown designed surrounding landscape which is covered by the National Trust. These landscaped gardens are famous for the many listed buildings, temples, obelisks and statues that are to be found there.
The visit was extremely interesting and enjoyable for the visitors during which they learnt both the history of Stowe House from 1676 forwards and were able to view the meticulous and ongoing work to restore the fabric of the House being undertaken by the Stowe House Preservation Trust.
We enjoyed stories of Richard Grenville forcing George III to award him with the Order of the Garter and, subsequently, the dissolute behaviour of the first two Dukes of Buckingham who reduced the family from the richest and most influential in the land to penury and bankruptcy. This lead to the glorious art and contents of the House becoming lost to the family, in the late 19th century, through their compulsory sale to pay off their debts, and which contents subsequently were purchased and spread around the museums and great houses of the world.
One could only dream of the heyday of Stowe, with the 400 rooms it contains, when it was the epicentre of European society and political life and few stately homes can have an entrance hall to rival that at Stowe. We could only be pleased that Stowe House was saved in 1922 when it was taken over to become the famous Independent School which now fills its rooms and the fact that they have made it possible for the public to enjoy the building and the many stories it holds.
Michael Gent
Know Your Blood Pressure Event Results
Wellingborough Rotary & The Stroke Association
23rd April 2016
Swansgate Centre Concourse, Wellingborough
|
Year |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|||||
|
Men |
44 |
71 |
68 |
59 |
61 |
|||||
|
Women |
44 |
85 |
103 |
109 |
111 |
|||||
|
Total |
88 |
156 |
171 |
168 |
172 |
|||||
|
Age range |
||||||||||
|
15 – 29 |
8 |
9% |
14 |
9% |
11 |
6% |
13 |
8% |
14 |
8.% |
|
30 – 44 |
17 |
19% |
27 |
17% |
17 |
10% |
24 |
14% |
21 |
13% |
|
45 – 59 |
23 |
26% |
42 |
27% |
62 |
37% |
61 |
36% |
54 |
32% |
|
60 – 85 |
39 |
44% |
69 |
44% |
81 |
47% |
69 |
41% |
75 |
50% |
|
85+ |
1 |
1% |
3 |
2% |
0 |
0% |
1 |
1% |
3 |
2% |
|
Age not given |
5 |
3% |
||||||||
|
Outcome |
||||||||||
|
No Follow up |
69 |
78% |
107 |
69% |
134 |
78% |
122 |
73% |
118 |
69% |
|
1 month FU |
19 |
22% |
43 |
28% |
30 |
18% |
41 |
24% |
49 |
28% |
|
1 week FU |
0 |
0% |
6 |
3% |
7 |
4% |
5 |
3% |
5 |
3% |
In 2016 we had 10 health professionals available, compared with 6 in 2015 so people did not queue for long.
I wish to thank all the Rotarians who came to help, and the health professionals who gave up part of their Saturday to take Blood Pressures, and talk to the public about their health risks.
Dr David Lawrence Rotarian Organiser
Wellingborough Rotary Music Festival 2016
The 2016 Festival has been another resounding success, with hundreds of young musicians participating over the six evenings of the festival, and some going on to perform at the Festival Concert at The Castle theatre on March 16th.
There have been many outstanding performances and the professional adjudicators have all commented on the breadth, depth and quality of the musicianship on display during the festival. This is a reflection of the standards set by the music teachers, the teachers in the local schools and by the Northamptonshire Music Service, not to mention the skill and hard work of the young musicians themselves!
The Young Musician of the Year (Vocal) is Isabel Leslie-Carter, and The Young Musician of the Year (Instrumental) is Robert Burton on saxophone.
The winners of all the classes can be found on www.wellingboroughrotarymusic.co.uk
The provisional dates for the 2017 festival are Friday 3rd to Friday 10th March 2017.
Festival Secretary Richard Rowlatt; Young Musician of the Year 2016 (Instrumental): Robert Burton (saxophone);and adjudicator Squadron Leader Matthew Little, Director of Music RAF.
Youth Speaks District Final
The above was held yesterday, (12th March 2016) at Catmose College Oakham with our entries in both the Intermediates,(13and under), and Seniors, (18 and under), having been successful in the semi finals, taking part.
Our teams were not successful in their endeavours to reach the Regional Final but our Club can be proud to have young people of such confidence and ability represent us at this event.
The picture above is the Intermediate team, left to right, Grace Innocent (Speaker) Cecilia Morris (Chairman) Max Buckby (Vote of Thanks).
Their subject matter " Should Countries have the right to nuclear weapons in the same way as they have to bear arms".
This picture is the Senior team, left to right, Alex Wardle-Solano (Speaker) Sean O' Hagan (Chairman) Matilda Hanning (Vote of Thanks).
Their subject matter "What can we learn from past wars in our conflict with ISIS".
Our congratulations to both teams on their efforts.
Both pictures show our District Governor, Geoff Blurton, who attended the final.
80th Charter Night Dinner Celebrations
at The Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering
Monday 29th February 2016
On 29th February 2016 - leap year night and 5th Monday- 114 Rotarians and Inner Wheelers met for a celebratory banquet at Kettering Park Hotel to remember the 80th Anniversary of the Charter of the Rotary Club of Wellingborough - founded on 28th February 1936.
This was a special Charter Night for us as we were both celebrating our 80th anniversary and also welcoming the RIBI Vice-President Elect, Rotarian Denis Spiller,to our Dinner. As guest of honour he was our main speaker on this occasion. We were also honoured by the presence of our District Governor, Rotarian Geoff Blurton, and his wife, Heather, plus the Mayor of Wellingborough, former Rotarian Barry Graves and his wife, Pauline.
Guests were serenaded by local Malika String Quartet
The invitation, this year, was extended to husbands, wives and partners of Rotarians and by moving to The Rutland Suite at The Kettering Park Hotel we were able to accommodate everyone.
ABOUT ROTARY AND OUR CLUB
Rotary is a trusted 108-year-old global network of inspired business, professional and community leaders, men and women looking for a chance to give something back to their communities who together volunteer their talents and what time they can spare to help make a positive difference locally and around the world, either directly or by putting on fund-raising events.
The Rotary Club of Wellingborough was formed in 1936 and is one of 1,850 Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, and of 34,000 clubs around the world. It meets weekly and its members participate in many projects and activities whilst at the same time enjoying the camaraderie of working and socializing together.
Our French “Twin” Rotary Club
St Amand-Montrond, Cher
Rotary is a truly international organisation and hence it is quite common for Rotary Clubs in Great Britain to forge links with Clubs on the near continent of Europe such as France. To give a sense of history and identity to our twinning the year 2015, represents the 50th anniversary of the first visit here by Rotarians from St Amand-Montrond, in 1965. The twinning, for instance, happened long before the twinning of the Borough of Wellingborough with Niort.
The original coming together of our two Rotary Clubs was inspired through business contacts in the Cher region by Rotarian John Barlow, followed quickly by support from the Rotary Club of Peterborough which was already twinned with Bourges, the nearest city to St Amand and capital of the Cher dà©partement. Through this contact and with enthusiasm from Rotarians like Stan Wilford and Ted Adams, who was then President in 1965, plus many others, the relationship quickly developed and many Rotarians, past and present, have enjoyed their friendship with a continental Rotary Club over the years.
In Rotarian Stan Wilford we have some clear memories of their first visit on 1 May 1965 when they were entertained to a dinner at The Hind where “Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding” was the main course! On Wellingborough’s return a year later on 11 June 1966 the French reciprocated with dinner at Le Château de Meillant, serving a main course of Baron d’Agneau á la Broche. After this opening salvo the twinning relationship settled down to agreed biennial meetings alternating between home and away. Most recently, in June 2015, twelve Wellingborough Rotarians and partners travelled to St Amand; now it will be our turn to entertain them here in the summer of 2017.
Those that have visited St Amand previously recognise their special responsibility, and wish, to reciprocate the French hospitality when they visit us here in Wellingborough. Equally they are very aware that many Rotarians miss out on the great opportunity of “entente cordiale” which emanates from these twinning exchanges and, therefore, continue to urge members to participate where possible. The twinning offers a wonderful opportunity of meeting families from another country with similar ideals and being invited into their homes and finding out, at first hand, how they tick; also to showing off our own country and friends to them when they return. When you meet at the social and friendly level of these exchanges you find so much more common ground than you probably expected! And what of the language you might ask? Well, that sort of happens and with perhaps “school French” plus a lot of sign language it is surprising what conversations and amusing exchanges are possible!
(Mike Gent - October 2015)
Le Rotary est une organisation vraiment internationale et donc il est assez frà©quent pour les Rotary Clubs de la Grande-Bretagne d'à©tablir des liens avec des clubs en Europe comme ceux en France. Pour donner un sens de l'histoire et de l'identità© de notre jumelage, l'annà©e 2015 reprà©sente le 50e anniversaire de la premià¨re visite ici par des Rotariens de St Amand-Montrond, en 1965. Ce jumelage existait bien avant le jumelage de la ville de Wellingborough avec Niort.
La rencontre originale entre nos deux Clubs Rotary a à©tà© inspirà©e par les relations d'affaires du Rotarien John Barlow dans la rà©gion du Cher,suivi rapidement par le soutien du Rotary Club de Peterborough qui à©tait dà©jà jumelà© avec Bourges, la ville la plus proche de St Amand et la capitale du dà©partement du Cher. Grâce à ce contact et avec l'enthousiasme de Rotariens comme Stan Wilford et Ted Adams, Prà©sident en 1965, et beaucoup d'autres, l'amitià© a rapidement grandi et de nombreux Rotariens, au passà© comme au prà©sent, ont apprà©cià© une amitià© avec un Club Rotary en Europe au cours des annà©es.
Du Rotarien Stan Wilford nous viennent quelques souvenirs clairs de leur premià¨re visite le 1er mai 1965 quand ils ont à©tà© reçus à un dà®ner au Hind o๠on a servi comme plat principal le rà´ti de boeuf et le Yorkshire pudding. Pendant la visite de Wellingborough un an plus tard, le 11 juin 1966, les Français ont offert en retour un dà®ner au Château de Meillant, o๠on a mangà© en plat principal le Baron d'agneau à la Broche. Aprà¨s ces premià¨res rencontres le jumelage s'est à©tabli avec un systà¨me de rà©unions biennales en alternance entre la France et l'Angleterre. Plus rà©cemment, en juin 2015, douze Rotariens de Wellingborough et leurs partenaires se sont rendus à St Amand; maintenant, ce sera à nous d'accueillir les Français ici en à©tà© 2017.
Ceux qui ont dà©jà visità© St Amand reconnaissent leur responsabilità© particulià¨re et veulent offrir une hospitalità© pareille à celle des Français lorsqu'ils nous rendent visite ici à Wellingborough. Ils sont à©galement trà¨s conscients qu'il manque à de nombreux Rotariens l'occasion de profiter de « l'entente cordiale », qui à©mane de ces à©changes et, donc ils conseillent vivement à nos membres d'y participer si possible. Le jumelage fournit une merveilleuse occasion de rencontrer des familles d'un autre pays qui partagent nos idà©aux et en tant qu'invità©s chez eux, de dà©couvrir, de premià¨re main, comment ils fonctionnent,et à©galement de leur montrer notre propre pays et nos amis quand ils sone chez nous. Lorsqu'on se rencontre au niveau social et amical des à©changes, on trouve beaucoup plus en commun qu'on n'attendait. Et la langue ? Eh bien, on se dà©brouille et peut-être à l'aide du "français du collà¨ge" et beaucoup de langage des signes, il est à©tonnant combien de conversations et entretiens amusants soient possibles ! (Mike Gent - October 2015)
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Mon, Nov 4th 2024 6:00 pm
Committee/Council Meetings
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Stewards: Vicky Bigley & Mike Gent
Mon, Nov 11th 2024 6:00 pm
SGM & Business Meeting
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Stewards: Geoff Dawson & John Patrick
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