CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Young leaders with Ilminster Rotary Club

THREE students have given presentations having returned from a Youth Leadership scheme sponsored by Ilminster Rotary Club.

Dan Clements, of Holyrood Academy in Chard, Ollie Staples, of Wadham School in Crewkerne, and James White of Somerset College in Taunton all attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards course on Dartmoor – thanks to £1,800 sponsorship from the Ilminster group.

Linda, who takes over as president of the Ilminster club next month, said: “The work that we do to support and develop our young people is really vital.

“Sending youngsters on a RYLA course, which costs £600 per person, is really worthwhile. In the past we have struggled to find suitable candidates to come forward, but by inviting other youngsters along to this presentation to hear first hand about what a great opportunity it is, I am hoping that this coming year we will have even more students apply.

“I am keen that we raise the necessary money to send as many as we can. As we usually do this by hosting fundraising suppers I can see that it is going to be a busy year ahead!”

The three lads went on the course where they met up with others for different team-building activities down on Dartmoor.

James said: “We and the other people bonded within a few hours and I am sure I have now made friends for life.

“It really has been a life changing experience. One of the key things I learnt was to appreciate the differences between us, to tolerate others’ point of view, and not to judge a book by its cover.

“I will always be grateful to Rotary for giving me this opportunity.”

PHOTO: Students Ollie Staples, James White and Dan Clements with Ilminster Rotary Club members Ken Dewsbury, Linda Piggott and Harley Pope.

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