Youth Services

Youth Team Plan for 2025/2026

Having been given the opportunity to comment on notes from the District Assembly it was agreed that working with schools is becoming increasingly difficult and that we may need to think more laterally about how to engage with the youth of today.

We are mindful of rising costs of candidates taking part in some activities.  To that end, the following decisions were made, after discussions about each part of the Youth Programme in which we have previously participated.

1. RYLA – this is the programme with the greatest cost to Ashby Castle. (This year £800).  Whilst for 2024/2025 there is a proposed collaboration for payment, this is not always guaranteed.  Therefore, it is suggested that we will support next year, having applied for a grant straight into the new Rotary year to hopefully alleviate some of the cost.  Whilst one person will oversee the process, everyone on the team can suggest possible candidates.  It was further discussed that the team would like to support someone with a definite connection to Ashby de la Zouch.

2. Rotary Stars - this District 1070 innovation sees us working with two schools and a potential further two schools.  There is little cost to the club in the form of badges and a certificate well worth pursuing as it can hopefully lead to better partnerships.

3. Tech Tournaments – We have previously supported the Ivanhoe STEAM and Ashby TECH tournaments, giving financial support of £100 and £60 respectively.  It was agreed that this should continue.  Further, we would like to continue the link that Ruth André-Evans made with Viscount Beaumont School with regard to their Science Fair.

4. Young Musician – Although RC Ashby take the lead on this event, and they are prepared to continue for the next year, John Sedgley has asked for a member of Castle to work with him for the coming year with a view to potentially handing Castle the reins in the future.  

5. Young Writer – the team are happy to continue to support this venture

6. Young Photographer – although this was struggling to get off the ground during 2024/2025, we are going to have another try this year.  

7. Young Chef – As it is proving difficult to find a school that will support this competition the team feel that for this year, Castle will not be seeking to take part in the District Youth competition, however, we may be able to do something on a lesser scale within the club.

8. Young Artist – not something that Ashby Castle normally support, but Paul Cooke from RC Ashby is willing to continue to run this for the coming year with support.  Sylvia Williams has volunteered to collaborate with Paul on this venture again with the view that Castle may be running this event in the future.

The Youth Committee is also looking at holding two fundraising events and one social event (croquet)

We are still in discussions as to who the Youth Committee will be supporting locally.