Walsall Rotary Club District 1210

Community & Vocational Service

Vocational Services Committee Members: Chairman Stephen Taylor

Young Person's Award for Innovation: The Young Persons Award for Innovation is being run again this year and a Walsall Final is being arranged. Last year the local finals were held through the courtesy of the East Mercia Chamber of Commerce and the winning entry (James Fern from Queen Mary's Grammar School progressed to the district final.

Drug card: Distribution was completed with the help of Diane McNulty of the Walsall Health Authority. Over 20,000 cards were distributed raising awareness of the dangers of drugs to young people.

Young Designer of the Year: Following a successful 'Anti-Smoking' Poster competition last year which was open to all Walsall children aged between 7-9 and 10-11, it is intended to promote an 'Anti-Litter Poster' competition for the same age group, as litter in Walsall Town Centre is a major problem. Last year's competition, in association with the Health Authority, asked children of primary school age to design an anti-smoking poster. The competition was again divided into two age groups and attracted a total of over 450 entries. In the 7-9 age group the winner was Lucy Dean from Beechdale School and in the 10-11 age group Geoffrey Lloyd from Bentley West Primary School. The presentation of awards was very well supported by staff and pupils from the schools. Cllr Mrs Doreen Farrell, Deputy Mayor was in attendance and assisted our President and Mr Brian Lowe (President of The East Mercia Chamber of Commerce).

Young Tryer: A scheme for awarding children from schools in rather deprived areas of Walsall at key stage 1 and 2 has been established at Priory and Harden Primary Schools and has been well received. At the end of each term the schools select two pupils who have shown the most significant improvement in study, behavior and relationship with the community and fellow pupils.

Drug Bus: No progress was made last year due, initially, to painting problems and then to mechanical complications. When mechanical problems have been overcome it is intended to arrange a presentation with Walsall Health Authority to explore possible ways of involvement with other Rotary Clubs.

Prince's Youth Business Trust: Our members have continued to support young people embarking on projects sponsored by the Trust through acting as Business Advisors. Of particular interest is possibly the two-way help Rtn John Harper and the young professional golfer at Golf Club are getting from each other. The success of several young people has been enhanced by the continued support of our members.

Visits: Last year, Highgate Brewery hosted a visit which was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Rtn Shan Nagendram also hosted two visits to his company Piquant Ltd. This year arrangements are to be developed for visits to Ikea, a brewery and a high tech company.

School Liaison: As a result of the 'Anti-Smoking' competition and the Young Tryer Scheme, contact with schools has much improved and a member of committee is being supported to forge further links and explore further ways and means of involvement.

Mock Interviews: The committee continued support of Walsall Compact.