It is never too early to start making a difference in the community, and the Rotary Club of Retford's RotaKids gives those aged 7-12 the chance to do just that.
Fun and exciting
Rotakids is a fun and exciting way for children to get involved with voluntary community activities, while having a great time in the process.
Learn new things
RotaKids clubs are based in primary schools, (Key Stage 2) and with the help and support from teaching staff and the local Rotary club, children can gain valuable experience in helping others and learning interesting new things. It also brings an exciting and practical approach to supporting the citizen element of the curriculum.
Service Above Self
In keeping with the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’, children taking part in RotaKids projects and events enjoy a boost in their confidence and self-esteem and develop an understanding of how their actions can positively impact on others.
The Rotary Club of Retford
The Rotary Club of Retford has been a positive force in and around the town since it was formed in 1937. Now in its 84th year, our Club is still thriving and is the largest in the East Midlands District. We normally meet every week on a Monday evening at Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor, and our Club currently has over 70 members, both men and women, from a wide range of backgounds. Rotary's moto is 'Service above self', which we achieve throughout the year by both practical and financial means, donating substantial funds to local, national and international charities, community organisations, families and individuals. Our Club's main fundraiser is the Annual Swimathon which takes place in the Bassetlaw Leisure Centre every March, which many of you will have no doubt heard of, or in which you possibly will have participated!
Thank you for your involvement in RotaKids which is slowly growing into a significant initiative for our Club, adding an important link within the local community.
Adrian Sumner - Rotary Club of Retford President
Every KS2 child in a RotaKids school can be an active member. There are usually two adult mentors per school: a teacher or teaching assistant acts as one of the adult mentors and the Rotary Club will assign a Rotarian as the second member (the RotaRep).
Most schools also like to launch RotaKids at an assembly or special school event where a RotaRep is willing to make an informative presentation.
Schools may form a RotaKids council, similar in format to a school council, who will come up with ideas and ‘manage’ the club with support from the mentors. Sometimes these are year 6 led, but with children from years 3,4,5 also in the team to provide continuity at the end of the school year. Each team will meet in school hours on a regular basis with the mentors to come up with and manage their ideas/projects.
RotaKids Schools
Carr Hill Primary
Linda Crossland - RotaKids Rep
Bracken Lane Primary Academy
Geraldine Matthews - RotaKids Rep
Everton Primary
Mike Davis - RotaKids Rep
Misterton Primary School
Gareth Day - RotaKids Rep
Orchard School
Phil Lewis - RotaKids Rep
Rampton Primary
Teresa Critchley - RotaKids Rep
Ranby House School
Paul Withers - RotaKids Rep
Ranskill Primary
John Reid - RotaKids Rep
Sturton C of E Primary
Brian Marchant - RotaKids Rep
Thrumpton Primary Academy
Derek Turner - RotaKids Rep
Linda Crossland - RotaKids Lead/Carr Hill Primary School"I have worked in Early Years Education as a Teaching Assistant for over 20 years. I am delighted to be the current RotaKids Lead for the Rotary Club of Retford and look forward to supporting RotaKids schools with their projects and initiatives. I am also the RotaRep for Carr Hill Primary School for which I have had a long association, both as an employee and as a parent. Prior to working in the education sector, I worked in administration for the Civil Service and the NHS.
Retford has been home to myself and my family for over 55 years. My hobbies include art and craft, gardening and a love of travel.
During the four years I have been a Rotarian, I have been a member of our Youth Committee and been involved in the organisation of the annual Retford Festival of Remembrance."
Geraldine Matthews - Bracken Lane Academy"Hi, my name is Geraldine Matthews and I have been a member of Retford Rotary Club for well over 10 years. Initially when I joined the world of work at the age of 20, I was Secretary to the Commercial Director of a company called Dowty Fuel System (having trained at the company in Cheltenham for one year). This company made fuel systems for aircraft. After my third child had been in school for his first full academic year I took a full time four year Education Degree at Sheffield and spent many busy and happy years as a Primary School Teacher. I am now retired and enjoy time with my family which includes four super grandchildren. My husband and I also enjoy golf (some of the time!), walking, Rotary activities, some very amateur artwork and socialising with our many good friends we have in this area. The photo shows me with a vehicle which was part of a road trip taken by Rotarians across the United Kingdom raising money for the eradication of polio worldwide. I joined Rotary to help those in need, make new friends and have fun and fellowship along the way."
Paul Withers - Ranby House School"Paul is a degree qualified Chartered Civil Engineer and is the Senior Partner of Civil,Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Consultancy HBPW LLP which employs 40 people in their offices on Bridgegate in Retford. HBPW designs critically important national infrastructure for Roads and Railways and other Heavy Civil Engineering Works as well as buildings for leisure and commerce.
Most notably the “Wing” at Silverstone Chairman of the Grand Prix circuit home to the British Grand Prix.
Paul has been a Rotary member for 30 years and has been President of the Rotary Club of Retford and is current Chairman of Environment Committee."
Brian Marchant - Sturton le Steeple School"I am really excited to be the Rotakid Rep for Sturton School. I have worked with the School before, as a Governor, and look forward to getting involved with your projects again. I am a retired Vet, and I love animals, especially dogs. I have a Gordon Setter called Angus. I like building models, and I play the bagpipes in the City of Sheffield Pipe Band. I am also committed to improving the environment. I am very fond of Sturton and would like to see the village community and the school integrate more and more. I know that many of you share these interests, and they will provide a wonderful basis for future projects."
Derek Turner - Thrumpton Primary Academy"I have worked with primary pupils throughout my career in education and have always seen the need to create a caring school community that reaches out to help others. I believe RotaKids supports the work and ethos of a school by offering additional resources and sponsorship to achieve this aim."
