Civic Cups
For the past seventy-seven years the Rotary Club of Whitley Bay has been recognising the outstanding achievements of some of North Tyneside's young people with the awarding of a Civic Cup to each individual.
This was once again recently celebrated at a special ‘Civic Cups Evening’ at the Whitley Bay Golf Club.
The awards this year were presented by the Chairman of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Wendy Lott. There were two winners from each school: Monkseaton High School, Georgia Smith & Shi Zu An (alias -Toby), and from Whitley Bay High School, Eloise Pegg & JJ Harris.
All the winners outlined to club members and guests why their school had nominated them for these special awards and Club President Rod Clark said:
'I am delighted to welcome Cllr Wendy Lott and her Consort and the staff and students who have made such amazing contributions to our community.’
He then went on to summarize each student’s achievement:
For instance:
• Georgia is not only a Lance Corporal in the Royal Marine Cadet Core but she is responsible for the training of new cadets. She also raises money for charities such as MacMillan Cancer and has recently completed a singing marathon raising £200 for a cancer charity.
• Toby, a recent newcomer to our shores, has been volunteering at St Oswald’s Hospice, the British Heart Foundation and a local care home, all of which has enabled him to learn English in approximately eighteen months! He is a keen mathematician and has been helping to teach a group of ten year olds the rudiments of mathematics and has set his sights on becoming a dentist.
• Eloise on the other hand is not only a Taekwondo martial arts expert, but she has been a North Sea Volunteer Lifeguard since the age of ten. She regular helps with the administration and demonstrates her skills in swimming pools and on our beaches. She is also the holder of a Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.
• And JJ at the age of 15 has been supporting Barnardo’s and the young people at The Base in Whitley Bay, as well as volunteering at the Moorcroft Sheltered Home. He has a 1st Aid Certificate from the Red Cross and is also a regular volunteer at the Whitley Bay Carnival.
Cllr. Wendy Lott added ‘I think we are all amazed at the variety and enthusiasm of these young people. They have told us about their activities in our community and I think they are to be highly commended for all their energy and enthusiasm.’
Each of the students received a cash award, certificate and an engraved cup.
After the presentation, the staff and students stayed for an evening meal and enjoyed a more informal end to their visit.
If you would like to know more about our Rotary Club please do not hesitate to contact us through or website or telephone – 07419 736989.
Picture 1
Standing L-R: Whitley Bay High School - Steve Wilson & Abi Welsh; Chairman’s Consort, Mr Frank Lott; Chair North Tyneside Council, Cllr. Wendy Lott; President of Whitley Bay Rotary Club, Rod Clark; Monkseaton High School – Joanne Suddes & Kim Hay.
Seated L-R: Students from WBHS – JJ Harris & Eloise Pegg and from MHS – Georgia Smith & Shi Zu An (Toby)
Picture 2; L-R: MHS Cllr Wendy Lott, Georgia Smith, Shi Zu An (Toby), President Rod Clark.
Picture 3; L-R: Toby, Georgia, Eloise and JJ share their experiences together.
Picture 4; L-R: Georgia and Eloise share a humorous moment about their experiences.
Picture 5; L-R: WBHS Cllr. Wendy Lott, JJ Harris, Eloise Pegg, President Rod Clark
Picture 7; L-R: WBHS – Eloise receive her prizes, Cllr. Wendy Lott, Eloise Pegg, President Rod Clark.
Picture 8; L-R MHS. Vice President Liz Hayes, Georgia Smith and Head of School Joanne Suddes share another story with a moment of laughter.
If you are interested in finding out more about Whitley Bay Rotary Club, please contact us either on enquiries@whitleybayrotaryclub.co.uk or by telephoning 07419 736989.