10th March – Speaker meeting. After some regular business we were introduced to Darren Harte of the Dorset Centre of Excellence at Coombe House. He brought us up to date on the progress and future plans for this SEND school and the facilities they have on the site. We look forward to exploring the opportunities of working together in the future. Coombe House School
16th March – Kindly hosted by Coombe House, we held our first sponsored swim for young pupils from the local schools. About 25 children took part with 50 parents cheering them along. A very successful event and will be added to our annual calendar. Coffer and refreshments provided by Brave & Determined
22nd March – Murder Mystery – Kindlyhosted by David & Amanda – 15 of us turned out for an Italian themed double murder with Pizza raising £175 towards the Twinning visit funds.
24th March – Our regular Business meeting with a round up of reports on activities and planning for future events.
Rotary’s 2025 Youth Speaks District Final – The winning teams from the Shaftesbury Area Competition took part in the District Final on Sunday 30th March in Romsey, Hampshire. Both the Senior Team from Shaftesbury High School and the Junior/Intermediate team from Sturminster Newton High School competed against three other teams from across the District. Although neither team was victorious, they both spoke with great skill and confidence.
The Senior Team members; Esme Compton-Cowdery, Lucy Holdcroft and Phoebe O’Keefe; discussed the topic of abortion. The Junior/Intermediate Team members, Amber Barlow, Owen Jackson and Tilly Westbrook; discussed whether the national voting age should be lowered to 12 years of age.
The eventual winners of the Senior Competition were Bay House School from the Gosport. The winners of the Junior/Intermediate Competition were Rookwood School from Andover.
