Showcase - Taunton Opportunity Group

Out for a duck? – No a chicken.

We were bailed out by Eat The Bird Restaurant in Coal Orchard, when SCCC informed us on Monday morning that they had no booking for us. Frantic phoning everyone by Richard Austin meant that we had 44 members turn up on time.

Umpire Colin called the overs for our second Showcase Evening, a presentation about TOG. Slightly cramped seating, but a riveting performance.

Taunton Opportunity Group, since 1995, has been an ongoing project by our Club, involving provision of premises and support for improvements, as well as the day-to-day running of this Special School.
Malcolm Turner gave an outline of the history, the politics of OFSTED ratings, and staffing levels – one to one needed, and the disabilities cared for. The aim is to enable these children to mainly be equipped to go on to mainstream education.

Jennifer Bird then spoke about her background in all levels of teaching, and the challenge of adjusting to these early years infants. She had been profoundly moved when one boy was able to express his pleasure in a piece of music, after being unresponsive for a long time. Parents were supported by each other and by professionals, at a very traumatic time for them.

Bill Tregillus was able to explain the complexities and challenges of the finances, and how fund raising was essential to keeping this school open for this vulnerable section of our community.

Duty Rotarian Gary Davies praised the speakers, and thanked the numerous Club and Inner Wheel members who were working behind the scenes, as Volunteers and maintenance, and urged the Club to continue to support fund raising.

Ball Draw – newest member Colin Ayres drew a card but not the Joker.

Next week’s meeting is definitely at SCCC – Speaker Surgeon Mr King – Historical Surgery. d/r Jonny Dunk s/f John Bird.  Meal Apologies to R Austin

29th January – Business, where Committee reports will be expected. d/r R Foster. Meal Apologies to D Janes.