Visitors Day at LifeLine 2016

The Rotary Club of Oswestry's annual LifeLine event, for Year 6 pupils from primary schools in and around Oswestry, took over the Showground at Park Hall, Oswestry last week when 410 pupils from 25 schools each took part in a half day's experience learning about social awareness and personal safety in the situations that they could meet as they move up into secondary education.

A well-established annual event, the children received training delivered by professionals such as the Police, British Transport Police, Fire Service, Coastguard and St John Ambulance together with Rotary volunteers and friends who present the Bullying (in association with NSPCC), Road Safety Demonstration, Farm Danger (with the NFU), Cycling Safety and Internet Danger scenarios.

The Club was pleased that the Friday morning session was visited by The High Sheriffs of both Shropshire and Powys, Christine Holmes and Ann Tudor, Rotary District 1180 Governor Molly Youd and the Oswestry Town Council Mayor Paul Milner.

Celebrating Volunteering during her year in office, Shropshire High Sheriff Christine Holmes recognised that the experience, organised by Rotary volunteers, addressed the needs of the younger community. "I am lucky to be invited", she said, "to see all of you so excited, learning and asking questions," as she presented medals to that morning's teams from Criftins and Holy Trinity schools.

At the end of the presentations, Mayor Paul Milner challenged the pupils. "What a marvellous event with so much useful information - but will you remember ALL of it?" The pupils went back to school on their coaches and, as reported by Criftins school, were still "buzzing" on their return.

If any primary school in the Oswestry area, including Powys, who wasn't involved this year would like to take part in this event next September, please email Oswestry Rotary Club on rotarycluboswestry@gmail.com when the available opportunities can be discussed.