Making Memories

It was all thanks to the school’s principal, Mr. Mike Wade, and one fateful question: “Would you like to join us for a water fight?”  As a new member, Olu Akindeinde felt this would be a great opportunity to integrate into the Rotary club and to learn more about the Rotary’s local activities. Never one to shy away from a challenge, or an opportunity for fun, he readily accepted, not realising what he was getting into.

Mr Wade explained what it was all about when he was interviewed by the school TV station QTV.   “It’s about making memories!  Our school leavers face difficult days ahead at secondary school as sometimes older children will challenge their desire to work hard and to want to learn, and to be kind (Quilters values - Ed.).  They need to stick to their values and what they believe in, and that is so much easier if they have positive memories of school. ....this is one of the landmarks which they can anchor their values on...”

Soaked From Head to Toe

On the day of the event, the school playground was awash in sunlight and excitement. Children lined up, each sporting a gleaming water pistol or super-soaker, eyes sparkling with anticipation - a collection of eager water warriors, their teachers, and a smattering of guests prepared for a friendly skirmish.  Mr. Wade, ever the enthusiastic leader, reminded everyone: “No running!” (A gentle suggestion mostly disregarded in the heat of the moment.)

And then, with a collective countdown—“3, 2, 1… GO!”—the playground erupted.  Water arced and glittered in the sunlight, punctuated by squeals of laughter and surprise attacks from all directions.  I was swept up in the chaos, dodging gleeful children and defending myself in good humour. The teachers, bravely participating, were frequent targets - Mr. Wade himself soon soaked from head to toe, his grin reflecting the pure joy (and perhaps mischievous satisfaction) of the moment.

Everyone was Smiling

As the initial frenzy faded, the mood on the playground transformed. Music from the 1980s began to play, inviting everyone to a spontaneous, sun-drenched schoolyard disco.  Dripping, exhilarated children and teachers danced to the likes of “Footloose” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” puddles becoming part of the choreography. The lines between participants, staff, and visitors blurred in this shared celebration of movement and joy.

Moving through the crowd, they swapped stories of surprise splashes and team tactics—everyone, even those who’d caught the biggest soaks, were smiling. With no elaborate staging or props needed, the playground itself set the scene, each corner and bench repurposed as battlefield, dancefloor, and gathering space.

It was difficult to know how long they’d been out there for, but as the event drew to an end, water guns were laid aside and everyone huddled, soaked but glowing with excitement. Laughter rang out as the most dramatic moments—and the biggest splash victories—were recounted. Mr. Wade, still damp but undaunted, praised the teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusive energy that marked the afternoon. There were no awards or fanfare—just applause, smiles, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Simple Joys Bind Communities

Olu summed it all up "For me, this event captured everything I value in local outreach: genuine connection, spirited participation, and the joy of all ages coming together in simple fun.  Quilters School’s approach—eschewing elaborate spectacles in favour of spontaneous, inclusive play—reminded me that sometimes, the most meaningful memories are created by simply being together and allowing joy to take centre stage.

Later, as I changed into dry clothes, I found myself reflecting on the deeper impact of the afternoon. This was more than a water fight and impromptu disco.  It was a powerful lesson in community unity, the importance of play, and the value of bridging generations.  It demonstrated—first-hand—the importance of engagement, creativity, and openness to shared experience. If this is what being in the Rotary is, then I’m here for it!

Though invited as a guest, I left feeling like a true participant in the school’s tradition. When the last puddle finally dried and the music faded, what lingered wasn’t just the laughter or even the soaked shoes—it was the connection, the camaraderie, and the reminder that simple joys bind communities closer than any formality ever could.

In an era when community can sometimes feel abstract, experiences like this serve as a joyful, soaking-wet reminder.  At Quilters School, on a sunlit afternoon with water guns and 80s hits, I witnessed the heart of community in action—and felt proud to be a small part of it."

By Olu Akindeinde