YOUNGSTERS got to grips with language workshops teaching Swahili and Chinese as part of an annual Global Awareness Day at a Hucknall school.

The event, at Hucknall National Church Of England Academy on Annesley Road, involved more than 200 students.

The aim was to show the practical benefits of learning a second language.

The day was laid on by the school’s head of languages, Olga Monteith, who is a native of Paris, and Kirsteen Bardell, who is head of psychology.

A series of workshops was staged, with one given by Jim and Lorna Stirland, who co-ordinate National’s link with a school in Uganda, Halcyon High. In fact, National teacher Mike Jones is currently teaching at Halcyon High as part of a sabbatical.

Other attractions included a presentation by Sue Walters, of the SEW Consultancy, who focused on the Congo, and workshops from Nottingham and Trent University language students.

A highlight of the event was a cookery challenge, staged by the French Living restaurant in Nottingham.

OUR PHOTO shows Louise Luiggi, of the French Living restaurant, checking out the gratin dauphinois made by year-nine girls Shayne Craig (left) and Megan Corthorn — DISPIC NHUD12-0281-1.

]]> 1.4273735 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:44:38 +0000 http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/santa_s_sleigh_breaks_all_fundraising_records_1_4273730

A BUSY 2011 for members of BULWELL AND BASFORD ROTARY CLUB has proved worthwhile with news that its annual festive Santa’s Sleigh initiative — both mobile and static — has broken all previous fundraising records.

In the 1980s, former Bulwell builder Tony Craske donated to the club a boat trailer, which was duly converted and modified to create a very effective Christmas float. It first took to the roads 25 years ago.

Past presidents Keith Bentley and Graham Hayes have been the driving forces behind the fundraising sleigh, which has become a familiar sight on the streets of Bulwell and Basford in the days leading up to Christmas.

The generosity of local residents has helped the Rotary Club to raise thousands of pounds for its many good causes and last year, the total collected was a record-breaking £4,528.

Mr Bentley said: “Despite difficult times, members of the public and people in the community have dug even deeper. The announcement that we have set a new record has delighted everyone involved.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported our efforts.”

OUR PHOTO shows the record-breaking Rotary fundraisers, with club president Malcolm Darroch (seated, front centre). (PHOTO AND STORY BY: Peter Jordan).

WATER babies who take part in swimming lessons at Hucknall’s two leisure centres are celebrating success in a special prize draw.

Youngsters who were re-enrolled on to the next block of lessons at either Edgewood or Hucknall Leisure Centres before Christmas were automatically entered into the competition, which featured a top prize of a Nintendo Wii games-console package.

Three-year-old CAHIR SMITH, who swims at Edgewood Leisure Centre off Christchurch Road, came through to win the Wii.

One-year-old LILY DAVIS, who also swims at Edgewood, and ten-year-old MILES ELKINGTON, who enjoys lessons at Hucknall Leisure Centre on Linby Road, each scooped a year’s worth of swimming lessons.

A total of more than £500 worth or prizes was dished out.

n OUR PHOTO shows Cahir with her Nintendo Wii prize.

PARENTS in Hucknall are being urged to have their say on proposed changes to school holidays.

Notts County Council has put forward two options — the first to keep the schedule of holidays as it is and the second to have a fixed break of two weeks at the end of the spring term to make the spring and summer terms more equal in length.

Traditionally the length of the spring and summer terms is dictated by where Easter falls. Option two would negate this.

To take part in the consultation, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooltermconsultation.