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A Festive Finale: Christmas Lunch 2025

Our Rotary Club Christmas Lunch proved to be a wonderfully convivial way to round off another year of fellowship, service, and good humour. 

Held at the Queens Hotel, the event brought members together for an afternoon of laughter, conversation, and seasonal cheer. The lunch itself was traditional Christmas fare and as ever, it was the company that truly made the occasion. 

A highlight of the event was the Christmas raffle, expertly organised by Nick.

He was joined by Alan Thomas, who took on the rather unconventional role of selecting which prize each winner received. Odd though it may have seemed, the system worked remarkably well and certainly kept things moving at a brisk pace!

The proceeds from the raffle (an impressive £220) will go to the President’s Charity for the Year: Cornwall Hospice Care (St Julia’s Hospice). A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who contributed so generously. 

It was, all told, a warm and spirited end to the year — a reminder of what makes our club such a special community. 

Supporting Local Students Through Mock Interviews

As in previous years, Penzance Rotary was delighted to support both Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School in preparing their Year 11 pupils for the next steps in their lives. 

Our annual Mock Interview programme has become a valued fixture in the school calendar, offering young people a safe, supportive introduction to the world of work and further education. 

This December, Rotarians were joined by local business professionals to deliver a full day of practise interviews, helping students gain confidence, refine their communication skills, and better understand what employers look for in real‑life situations. The enthusiasm and maturity shown by the pupils made the event a pleasure for everyone involved. 

What Are Rotary Mock Interviews?

Rotary mock interviews are community initiatives designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. By simulating job or college interviews, we give students the chance to:

• Practise presenting themselves professionally

• Receive constructive feedback on their CVs and interview technique

• Explore how to articulate their strengths, interests, and ambitions

• Build confidence when speaking with unfamiliar adults

For many pupils, this is their first experience of a formal interview setting—an invaluable step as they prepare for college applications, apprenticeships, or part‑time work. 

How the Programme Works

Our collaboration with local schools ensures the experience is both realistic and supportive:

1. Partnership with Schools - we work closely with Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School to schedule interviews and prepare students for the day.

2. Student Preparation - Pupils create CVs and complete application forms, encouraging them to reflect on their achievements, hobbies, and future aspirations.

3. The Interview - Rotarians and local business volunteers conduct short, focused interviews—typically 15–20 minutes—mirroring the style and structure of real recruitment conversations.

4. Feedback & Guidance - After each interview, students receive personalised feedback on their communication, presentation, and ability to discuss experiences such as teamwork, leadership, and problem‑solving.

Key Benefits for Students

The impact of the programme is consistently positive. Students gain:

• Real‑world practice in a professional interview environment

• Confidence in meeting new people and expressing themselves clearly

• Skill development, including how to highlight achievements and handle challenging questions

• Career insights into what employers value and how to prepare for future opportunities

Teachers regularly tell us how much the pupils grow from the experience—and how it helps them approach their post‑16 choices with greater clarity. 

What Interviewers Look For

While every student is different, interviewers tend to focus on three core areas:

• Preparation – Has the student thought about their next steps and what their chosen path requires?

• Self‑awareness – Can they identify their strengths, interests, and relevant experiences?

• Communication – Are their answers clear, thoughtful, and free from unnecessary filler or rambling?

These are skills that develop with practice, and the mock interviews give students a valuable head start. 

A Big Thank You

Penzance Rotary extends sincere thanks to the staff at Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School for their continued partnership, and to all Rotarians and local professionals who volunteered their time. Your support helps equip young people with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the next stage of their lives. .