ROTARY ROUND-UP: Durrington Rotary Interact Club moves on

This week, David Chapman, from the Rotary Club of West Worthing, gives an update on the latest and future goings-on.
Emma, Kiera, Chloe and Erin present a cheque to club president Jeremy Flaskett. In the background are Carol Flaskett, Rotarian Sue Virgo and Karen Jefford, the school community and enterprise managerEmma, Kiera, Chloe and Erin present a cheque to club president Jeremy Flaskett. In the background are Carol Flaskett, Rotarian Sue Virgo and Karen Jefford, the school community and enterprise manager
Emma, Kiera, Chloe and Erin present a cheque to club president Jeremy Flaskett. In the background are Carol Flaskett, Rotarian Sue Virgo and Karen Jefford, the school community and enterprise manager

As Durrington High School moves its focus on community activities to a whole school involvement, it was felt that it was time to suspend the work of the school’s Rotary Interact Club for the time being.

Four of the leading members of the Interact Club, Chloe Holmes (retiring president), Kiera Dornan, Erin Mills and Emma Valley met with the president of Worthing Rotary Club and other club members to reflect on the work of the Interact Club.

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The club has involved young people at the school aged between 12 and 18 who want to do something positive for their school and community.

Over the past three years that the club has been active in the school; they have carried through many projects which have been enjoyable challenges and good learning experiences.

The students reflected on the interesting events in which they had been involved.

The Interact Club has participated in the Durrington Festival, setting up stalls for activities such as sponge throwing, tombola, and guess the weight of the cake game, raising £150 for the Children of Sumatra Charity which helps to change children’s lives for the better.

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A Christmas disco organised by the Interact Club for years seven and eight was a fantastic success.

As well as giving students a great evening, it raised a total of £782.50 for school funds.

The Interact Club also initiated charity boxes to raise money for a variety of charities and successfully organised an indoor car boot sale where club members worked hard to make a variety of items such as note books, pin cushions, bookmarks and cakes to sell at the event.

They also participated in the Worthing seafront planting event, and organised book sales.

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Erin said that she found the need to speak in public very challenging and the experience has given her much greater skills and confidence.

Kiera said she found that working on the car boot sales was good fun.

Chloe and Emma mentioned that they found that raising funds to help fight the debilitating diseases in Africa was very worthwhile.

One of the main projects discussed was the aim to rid the world of the dreadful polio disease.

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It is now on the brink of success with only six cases reported in the past year anywhere in the world.

It is with that in mind that the students donated the last £369 of the funds they raised to be used towards that goal.

Jeremy Flaskett, president of West Worthing Rotary Club, said: “Because of a promise made by Bill Gates to give two pounds for every one pound raised by Rotary, the total gift is £1,107.”

Karen Jefford, community manager at the school said: “Rotary involvement has made a tremendous difference to the school community as well as helping the students in their personal growth and development.”

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Sue Virgo, youth officer for the club, said: “There is little doubt that the students have worked really hard and have a programme of achievements of which they should be really proud. We certainly admire and congratulate them on their achievements.”

As spring approaches (very slowly it appears this year) it is a good time to remind you of our next car boot sale, to be held on Saturday, May 5, from 6am to midday on Broadwater Green, Worthing, BN14 9DJ. Cars are £10, MPVs, £12 and vans £15 – just turn up on the day.

For any further enquiries, contact Jeremy Flaskett on 07977 579139.

As you turn your attention to spring cleaning and de-cluttering the house, here is an opportunity for you to pass on your unwanted clutter and earn a few pounds towards the summer holidays by taking a stall.

Details of Worthing’s three Rotary clubs are:

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• Worthing Rotary Club meets Monday, 12.55pm, at the Chatsworth Hotel, in The Steyne, Worthing, 01903 209564.

• West Worthing Rotary Club meets Tuesday evening at Tudor Close, Ferring, 01903 501961.

• Worthing Steyne Rotary Club meets Monday evening at The Ardington Hotel, in Steyne Gardens, Worthing, 07788 638757.

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