Celebrating RotaKids Success

Thursday 29th June 2017

17 Rotakids and 19 parents and teachers, from Arkholme and Slyne with Hest schools, joined Carnforth Rotary on Thursday evening to tell us all about their fundraising activities and events throughout the year. This ranged from planting crocus bulbs in a design 'Rotakids 2017', selling crocus badges and holding a Bingo afternoon. They have also been collecting ties and ring pulls for Purple Community (http://www.p-c-f.org) who make them into bags and other goods to sell. One Year 6 pupil is hoping to start an Interact Club at The Lancaster Royal Grammar School when he starts in September.

Chernobyl Children (and helpers) Have Fun

Over the last 10 days, Rotarians have been happy to support the friends of the children of Chernobyl by helping to act as reception for the children on many days when the hosts had to go to work. We received them at the Silverdale Cricket club, which was opened especially for us, and gave the children a great time.

From here, there have been many outings sponsored by our club.  The first was to the Police Museum in Manchester where the children dressed up in various bobbies' uniforms from past years. They were taken to a real courtroom, often used in TV and film dramas, and then locked in the cells. The judge was a Russian who eventually released us in order to continue with our day.

We took them for walks on the shore, which they love,  swimming lessons at Bleasedale house ,plus a wonderful lunch which they provided and a lot of fun in the grounds with all the equipment they have.

 The best day for all (although Nigel Joan  Kath and Mike were nearly broken at the end of it) was a visit to Haven holidays where they had the most special time.

It started with a ranger experience , he had given up his day off just to come in and show the children how to make fire without matches, brew hot chocolate and then toast marshmallows ( very popular).

From here we went on the Bungee jumps (again the guy had given up his day off, driven from Manchester to Blackpool) especially to open up the bungees just for them. 

Then Ice skating, where  the children were amazed when the owner of the concession spoke to them in Russian. It turned out he was an ex ice skating champion, and  once again the ice rink had been opened especially for them.

We then had a picnic where loads  of salad a literal mountain of fruit was consumed.

I would like to pay special compliments and thank most sincerely Jenny and her team at Martin Mere holiday camp, where they all went above and  beyond their normal duties to give the children the best day of their lives and they are all FANTASTIC. 

From here to the water splash park where all, including the helpers,  got rather wet but no problem as it was 26 degrees.

Finally to the swimming pool where we all had fun until it was time to get out and get ready to go home. However, just before we left a mini picnic of cake and fruit was devoured.

Next was pond dipping at Leighton Moss, where there were signs written in Russian, the volunteer greeted them in Russian and even tried to explain some things in Russian. The effort made by all was amazing.

From here to lunch provided by Holgates and bowling and a play in the grounds.

Primary Technology Competition is no blow over

Twenty seven Yr 6 children from St Luke's School, Slyne -with - Hest took part in the Rotary Primary Technology Competition on Tuesday 12th June. The competition is aimed at promoting problem solving, creativity, team work and engineering skills.
All of the children had a wonderful time, working well in their groups to design and create a safe passage for red squirrels to cross a busy thoroughfare. All models were tested to extremely stringent standards, using a hairdryer, and passed with flying colours. This made the judging very difficult, so the overall winners, The Three Amigos, won by half a point on aesthetic qualities. Prizes were awarded by District Governor Elect, Larry Branyan.
Well done to all and thank you to St Luke's School for letting Carnforth Rotary members enjoy themselves.

Helping Hands Worldwide

Carnforth Rotarians collect medical and disability aids to send to countries all over the world. We are loading this container for 1step2step to send to Thailand. We also help Physionet, which is based in Yorkshire, and another area in Warrington.

Carnforth Rotary Lend a Helping Hand

Carnforth Rotary members are in Booths Carnforth, today Saturday 3rd June, helping British Red Cross to collect for the We Love Manchester Appeal.

Congratulations and Thanks

Our warmest congratulations and thanks for the energy and enthusiasm that our two new Paul Harris Fellowship members have given to their projects in Rotary.
President John Blowes presented two Paul Harris Fellowship Awards after the Club Assembly meeting 1st June 2017.

Kath Bromilow MBE, who brought together members of Carnforth Rotary Club, staff and pupils from Bleasdale School, and members of the community to raise awareness of local crime, as well as planting crocus bulbs to raise awareness of the End Polio Now campaign.
Carnforth Rotary in partnership with Bleasdale School were awarded joint second place at the National Crimebeat Awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 15th March 2017.

Pete Lambson, National Technology Co-ordinator, for his tireless efforts to organise Rotary Technology Tournaments in 10 venues across District 1190. Thus giving numerous children, along with their teachers, the opportunity to show off their technology and problem solving skills. He is now organising trial Primary Technology Competitions in several schools in this district.

Promoting Learning by Having Fun

Carnforth Rotary were pleased to be able to provide supplemental funding to further progress the excellent work done by Over Kellet Playgroup, in providing a natural garden area with raised beds, stepping stones, sand and water trays etc. Funded so far, by hard work of parents with raffles, baking cakes and attending coffee mornings.  

Photographed here are Malcolm Watkins, Chair of the Rotary Community Committee; Jackie Bassinder, Playgroup Manager and Rotary President John Blowes.

Carnforth Rotary Associate Rotarians, Heather Baker and Ian Morris accompany HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, on a school tour at a Sierra Leone home for primary and secondary children with a range of disabilities.  

One aspect of the tour included unveiling the Carnforth Rotary recognition plaque, at the entrance to the newly constructed safe play area, which was made possible by our generous support.

Another new member

President, John Blowes and sponsor, Linda Lambson welcomed Amanda O'Garrow, as Carnforth's fourth new member this year. Amanda is looking forward to being on the Community Committee and  is also planning on helping with Polio vaccinations in India. 

Helping Others.

Carnforth Rotary Club presented cheques to representatives from several local charities. These included The Carnforth Community Choir, Silverdale Guides, Silverdale Brownies, The Air Training Corps, HomeStart and Cancer Research North West.

Fiona, a guider has been raising money to support her trip to the Maldives, where she will be teaching leadership skills to the Brownie packs over there and Georgina is a truly inspirational Brownie Leader. The Carnforth Community Choir meets every Monday evening (except Bank Holidays) for a social evening and songs. Dorothy baffled us with some of the information on Cancer Research North West, but we all know the work is vital. The Air Training Corps told us how they take part in a wide range of activities including archery and kayaking, whilst HomeStart take less privileged children and families on interesting visits.

Rotary Technology Tournament

The Lancaster Area Technology Tournament took place at The Lancaster Boys' and Girls' Club on Friday 17th March.

A number of pupils from local secondary schools were given the task of working in teams to make a "mole' to remove debris from a tunnel. The competition had three different entry levels, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. 

Crimebeat Award

Carnforth Rotary in partnership with Bleasdale School were awarded joint second place at the National Crimebeat Awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 15th March 2017.
The project, which was the idea of rotarian Kath Bromilow MBE, brought together  members of the community to raise awareness and help reduce crime in the area. It also involved members of Carnforth Rotary Club, staff and pupils from Bleasdale School and members of the local community planting crocus bulbs to raise awareness of the End Polio Now campaign.

From left: Carnforth President John Blowes, District 1190 Governor Malcolm Baldwin, Carnforth President Elect Kath Bromilow MBE, RIBI President Eve Conway, High Sheriff of Lancaster's wife Danielle, High Sheriff of Lancaster John Barnett MBE and Carnforth Inner Wheel President Carole Corless

The Award 

Bleasdale school pupils, staff and Carnforth Rotary members.

Purple for Polio

Members of Carnforth Rotary have been responsible, along with many helpers, for planting 5,000 crocus bulbs in the local area. We took on this task in Autumn 2016, working with the local community and pupils and staff from Bleasdale School in Silverdale. The planting area in Silverdale was in St John's Grove, where several of the crocuses are now in bloom. Hopefully there will be a better show in the second year.
Carnforth Rotary President, John Blowes, planted a number of bulbs by Halton Hydro which is is visited by many people including walkers who follow the footpath along the River Lune.
In order to promote awareness of our campaign to 'End Polio Now' a number of signs have been put with the crocuses so that the public know why they are there.

The High Sheriff Visited Bleasdale School

 The High Sheriff of Lancashire, along with his wife Danielle, visited Bleasdale School yesterday and spent over 2 hours with the children. A brilliant time was had by all, as can be seen from the pictures.

The bottom right photo shows The High Sheriff, Danielle and Rotarian Kath Bromilow MBE standing outside the entrance to Bleasdale School

Three New Members

Carnforth Rotary recently had the great pleasure to welcome three new members.

Ivor Davies, David Parker and Roger Cowling who were presented with badges, certificates and welcome packs.

Ivor Davies with President John Blowes.

David Parker (centre) with Rotarian Geoff Parker (left) and President John Blowes.

Roger Cowling (centre) with Rotarian Kath Bromilow MBE and President John Blowes.

Giving More Funds to Communities

Rotary Club of Carnforth President John Blowes, is seen handing over a cheque for £587 to Becky Townson in recognition of Carnforth’s Beaver, Cub and Scout leaders' help, to bring Santa and his Sleigh to local villages last Christmas.

This was on a night when parents were able to see the numerous activates being enjoyed, and learn about progress on the construction of the new Scout Hut and associated fund raising, to provide a high standard of facilities.

Carnforth Pennant goes to Arusha, Tanzania

Yesterday evening, Caroline Blowes, daughter of President John, gave a lively and interesting presentation on her life as a midwife in Arusha.
What a contrast to life in the UK. The ladies may have to share a bed, there are three beds to the 'delivery suite'  with only curtains for privacy. One midwife can often be looking after 10 patients at a time, there are no painkillers and the babies are recognised by the cloth they are wrapped in, to name just a few. However, they are now the proud owners of several new, wipe clean, mattress covers which were bought with money donated by Carnforth Rotary.

President John giving Associate Member, Caroline, a Carnforth Rotary Pennant to take to the Rotary Club in Arusha

Giving Back to the Local Communities

President John Blowes (centre) presenting cheques from Santa's Sleigh Collections to Sgt Phil Spencer (of the Police Cadets) for help received from them, and to Anne Oliver from Age UK Lancaster to pay for the Christmas tree in Warton Christmas Tree Festival.