At last weeks Bolton le Moors Presidents Evening we celebrated the Chartering of the Sharples School Interact Club in Bolton.

Present Paul Wightman presented the Charter to Deputy Head Caroline Molyneux following around 3 years close association with the school.

Staring with Mock Interviews the highlight of Bolton le Moors Rotary Clubs relationship was the design and project management of the schools Singadia Observatory by Club Secretary Roy Gibbins. The Observatory was opened by BBC astronomer Mark Thompson in December 2015 and is now a most valued asset to the school in expanding their curriculum as a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] School.

As the relationship prospered members of Bolton le Moors joined the school PTA. We supported the school in sending pupils to the District 1285 Science Lectures, Youth Speaks and Technology Tournament and helped them in fundraising for the Observatory which cost around £30,000; Roy’s contribution being completely free of cost. Additionally, three Rotarians became “Dragons” at a Super Learning Day when pupils were tasked with designing equipment for use by people with disabilities.

Since the inaugural meeting of the Interact Club in February 2016 the pupils are working to support a Sand Dam as their International Project and for Community Service they have assisted with the technology of downloading music for use in the Bolton le Moors Dementia Project.

Our relationship with the Sharples School is prospering and we are very proud to see the implanting of the Rotary ideals of service to our communities in the young people of Bolton.