An early start today to pack in a very busy programme. We started at The Hollies school in Cardiff, with the Cardiff East club, a school for disabled children, where we saw the work of the school and their new sensory room. David, helped by two children in wheelchairs, planted an acer tree in a raised plot in the school's sensory garden. The tree offers tactile as well as visual stimulation for the children.
A short trip across the city took us to the Herbert Thompson school to see the Cardiff club's literacy project. Rotarians and their wives have committed two hours a week to working with the children. They completed CRB checks and had half a day's training in preparation. We saw some of them at work with the children after an introduction to the project from the school Head, a member of staff, and Jane from the local education department. A great example of a club giving service to their community in an area of need.
A drive to Bridgend and we were the guests of Ysgol Bryn Castell for a round of the Rotary Welsh Gymnastics Championships for disabled children. PDG Don runs this and he took us through the background to the championships and we then went into the hall to meet the folks from WAGA running the event and the school Head. About 80 children were fully engaged in various rounds of gymnastics.
A quick drive to Cardiff Bay next, where we were the guests at a multi-club lunch in the Novotel Hotel, hosted by the Cardiff Bay club. Another occasion for good food and good fellowship.
We had an appointment with the Mayor of Newport in the afternoon. So we set off for Tredegar House where Joy and Gavin from Growing Space had arranged for two oak trees to be planted. President Mike, from the Newport club, had acquired the trees and we strode across the park to meet the Mayor, armed with our newly purchased ceremonial spade. Thanks to President Stuart of Cwmbran Vale for sourcing this for us.
David and the Mayor teamed up and did the job with lots of laughter.
We then had a tour of the gardens run by Growing Space, a charity that helps folks with mental illness get back on their feet, plus a chance to see some of their carpentry and wood carving.
In the evening we had another multi-club dinner, this time at Greenmeadow golf club in Cwmbran, hosted by the Pontypool club. A great way to finish off the visit with fine food and lots of opportunities for David to meet people from a number of clubs. President Granville and his team did us proud.
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