Fundraising for Sierra Leone & End Polio Now
On Saturday 8th July, to celebrate the start of a new Rotary year, 200 people packed the theatre at Tudor Hall School, and saw a superb “West End” concert. Simon Adkins (originally from Banbury, currently the resident choreographer of 42nd St in the West End), with Alison Dormer & Clare Rickard accompanied by Musical Director, Rob Cousins performed a wide and varied range of songs from the Musicals.
Newly installed President of Banbury Rotary Club, Alan Wolstencroft, who was instrumental (pardon the pun) in setting up and organising the concert stole a line from Jersey Boys and said “Oh What a Night”! He added “all four performers donated their time and expenses to support Banbury Rotary Club’s event.
The concert was a great way to start my year as President. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to the 4 professionals for putting on a great show, delivering a truly spectacular evening of musical entertainment and giving freely of their time. We received great support from Shana and Tudor Hall School, Suzy & Simon of The Panto Bus (sound & lighting system), Banbury Print & Design & the local businesses and Rotarians who donated items for the raffle and auction”. A total of £3,775 was raised of which £1,985 has been allocated for ongoing projects in Sierra Leone to continue the development programme at the 4 schools.
So what’s next on the Sierra Leone agenda There are several things in the pipeline but as with everything they are dependent on funding. The schools are aware that things take time and are very understanding of the cash flow situation.
Liverpool Community School
To install a water harvesting system on the remaining 4 classroom block including 2 x 3,000 litre water storage tanks • To build and equip a 2 classroom block which will comprise a library and a laboratory for the secondary student • To install water harvesting on this block Banbury International Community School • A fundraising initiative to sink a well has been started by Nicola, who has visited the school several times, and was the driving force and principal fundraiser for the garden project at the school. Nicola has recently become a member of Reading Matins Rotary Club and is working with them in order to raise 50% of the required funds. Once this has been achieved we will be able to obtain a matching grant from Rotary District for the other 50% of the total cost (just over £2,000). I am hopeful that the work on this project will start sometime in September.
We are also hoping to be able to consider building one or two additional classrooms at the school as the number of pupils wishing to attend the school is increasing.
Our aim is to continue to support the development at the schools in order to improve the facilities and learning opportunities for the children in order to give them a better hope for the future.
A lot of secondary age girls miss out on education as they cannot afford sanitary towels during their menstrual cycle. We are currently exploring ways in which we can offer support in order to get the girls back in to school on a regular basis.
