Chesterfield Junior Schools Verse-Speaking Competition 2015

Thirteen youngsters from seven local primary schools in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire took part in the annual Junior Verse-Speaking Competition, organised for the 28th year by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield.

There was a very high standard from the competitors making it difficult for the three judges who were, president Kath Bradley and past-president Margaret Mitchell from Chesterfield Inner Wheel, and retired local school teacher Mrs Judy Stone.

Once again there were two categories, for schools with less than 200 pupils, and for bigger schools with more than 200 pupils. An award was given to the runner-up and winner of each category. The overall competition winner was Maria Benney.

The event was kindly hosted by Calow CE Primary School on Thursday 22 October 2015 and the main organiser and compere was past-president David Windle. The schools taking part were:- Barrow Hill Primary School, Calow Church of England (V.C.) Primary School, Duckmanton Primary School, Hady Primary School, Hasland Junior School, New Whittington Community Primary School, and Walton Holymoorside Primary School.

Overall winner Maria Benney being presented with the cup by Chesterfield Rotary joint-president Ian Gaunt, whilst the other finalists look on

Chesterfield Citizen of the Year 2015

Two local volunteers from Chesterfield have received the ultimate accolade from the Rotary Club of Chesterfield. Mrs Barbara Harrison and Mr David Botham were this year’s joint recipients of the club’s annual Citizen of the Year Award for their unselfish and unstinting charitable service to the local community.

Past-president David Windle, who hosted the award ceremony, said: “Through the charitable work undertaken the two have brought much pleasure to so many people over so many years.”

He also congratulated them on their sterling efforts in leading a Saturday Singalong for the residents of Harehills Court, Grangewood, every week since the home opened 22 years ago. David Windle added: “This is an event that is much loved and eagerly anticipated each week by the enthusiastic participants of the home.”

The two award winners individually expressed their gratitude for the award. Barbara Harrison said: “This was a complete surprise and something I never expected.”

Meanwhile, David Botham said: “This unexpected award by the Rotary Club is so very much appreciated – thank you.”

Joint president David Dolman presented special certificates to the two Citizens of the Year Award winners at the club meeting on Friday 16 October 2015. Also pictured host, past-president David Windle (right).

Rotary Dictionary for Life Project

To help with their personal development, youngsters at Christ Church CofE Primary School, Stonegravels, Chesterfield, have received a personal copy of an Usborne Illustrated English Dictionary, courtesy the Rotary Club of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Rotary President Ian Gaunt visited the school to present personal copies of the dictionary to the leaving pupils in Year 6 at the school’s weekly Family Assembly on Friday 3 July 2015.

Pictured are the children with their dictionaries. Centre front row is headteacher Mrs Sue Beckett and Chesterfield Rotary president Ian Gaunt

President Ian Gaunt said: “The Dictionary 4 Life project aims to help children develop their knowledge and use of the English language and is a national project in support of Rotary International’s emphasis on Literacy.”

He added: “We believe the dictionaries will stimulate an interest in language, books and reading.”

Christ Church head teacher Mrs Sue Beckett said: “We wish to thank Rotary for this generous and most useful gift for our children.”