The Whitley Bay Rotary Civic Cups
When I recently looked at one of our Civic Cups, the first date I could see was 1943. That’s eighty years ago and that’s how long we have been running this civic award to young people in our school community.
For eighty years, Whitley Bay Rotary Club has been recognising the outstanding achievements of some of North Tyneside's young people with the awarding of a Civic Cup. Each individual is recognised by their school to have performed an outstanding contribution to either their school or/and community.
Last Tuesday evening this was celebrated at a special ‘Civic Cups Evening’ at a Rotary meeting in the Whitley Bay Golf Club.
The awards this year were presented by the Chairman of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Pat Oliver with two winners from each school: Monkseaton High School; Jay Kewley and Evie Sursham, and from Whitley Bay High School; Daniel Hartley and Ruby Grier.
All the winners outlined to club members and guests why their school had nominated them for these special awards and club President Roger Windass said;
'I am delighted to welcome Cllr Pat Oliver and her daughter Consort Judith Oliver. The staff from Monkseaton High, Head Teacher Joanne Suddes and Joe Lazell Head of Year Eleven. They brought along students Jay Kewley and Evie Sursham.
We also welcome the staff from Whitley Bay High, Head Teacher Steve Wilson and Abi Welch, Head of Year Eleven, with their students Daniel Hartley and Ruby Grier.
Once again, these nominated students have made amazing contributions to our community this year, so please sit back and listen to what they have to tell us.’
First up was Whitley Bay High School: Abi Welch, their Year Leader said that the two students had a 98% attendance record and had been noted for their hard work and excellent achievements!
• Ruby Grier – Ruby has spent much of her free time last year helping an elderly gentleman on his allotment for at least three hours per week. This has helped to fuel her passion for nature and all things that live and grow!!! In addition, she plays weekly in an orchestra and is currently working towards her gold medal within the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
• Daniel Hartley – Daniel has been working voluntarily in the Whitley Bay Barnardo’s shop every Saturday after his paper round. So successful has this voluntary work been he has been asked to join the shop in a more permanent role, all of which will help to support his Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme work.
Next, it was the turn of Monkseaton High: Joe Lazell, Year Leader for Jay and Evie, said that their two students were excellent role models for the school, worked much harder than the norm’ and in particular, had enterprising ideas!
• Jay Keley – Jay has a passion to run his own business, and got a job yesterday! He was in short, an entrepreneur – Dragons Den here we come! He had recently with his mum been in involved in the charity ‘Tin On The Wall’ where he had raised over £90.00 collecting sixty kilograms of tinned food.
• Evie Sursham – Evie wants to be an Army Paramedic and to that end she has volunteered in the St John’s Ambulance as a cadet paramedic. She has weekly meetings where she is involved in lots of training and was on duty at last year’s Cenotaph commemoration, when her services were called upon. She is an avid reader and enjoys all literature and in particular all things medical.
In addition, Evie is an avid sports person and is involved playing football at North Shields and volleyball for Monkseaton.
After the presentations Cllr. Pat added; ‘Thank you Rotary for hosting this wonderful event and helping us to celebrate the achievements of these young people. They are role models for their schools and great ambassadors for North Tyneside. Thank you also to the staff for coaching and encouraging them on the way.’
Each of the students received a cash award, certificate and an engraved cup.
After the presentation staff and students stayed for an evening meal and a chatty and 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, Facebook or telephone – 07419 736989.
When I recently looked at one of our Civic Cups, the first date I could see was 1943. That’s eighty years ago and that’s how long we have been running this civic award to young people in our school community.
For eighty years, Whitley Bay Rotary Club has been recognising the outstanding achievements of some of North Tyneside's young people with the awarding of a Civic Cup. Each individual is recognised by their school to have performed an outstanding contribution to either their school or/and community.
Last Tuesday evening this was celebrated at a special ‘Civic Cups Evening’ at a Rotary meeting in the Whitley Bay Golf Club.
The awards this year were presented by the Chairman of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Pat Oliver with two winners from each school: Monkseaton High School; Jay Kewley and Evie Sursham, and from Whitley Bay High School; Daniel Hartley and Ruby Grier.
All the winners outlined to club members and guests why their school had nominated them for these special awards and club President Roger Windass said;
'I am delighted to welcome Cllr Pat Oliver and her daughter Consort Judith Oliver. The staff from Monkseaton High, Head Teacher Joanne Suddes and Joe Lazell Head of Year Eleven. They brought along students Jay Kewley and Evie Sursham.
We also welcome the staff from Whitley Bay High, Head Teacher Steve Wilson and Abi Welch, Head of Year Eleven, with their students Daniel Hartley and Ruby Grier.
Once again, these nominated students have made amazing contributions to our community this year, so please sit back and listen to what they have to tell us.’
First up was Whitley Bay High School: Abi Welch, their Year Leader said that the two students had a 98% attendance record and had been noted for their hard work and excellent achievements!
• Ruby Grier – Ruby has spent much of her free time last year helping an elderly gentleman on his allotment for at least three hours per week. This has helped to fuel her passion for nature and all things that live and grow!!! In addition, she plays weekly in an orchestra and is currently working towards her gold medal within the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
• Daniel Hartley – Daniel has been working voluntarily in the Whitley Bay Barnardo’s shop every Saturday after his paper round. So successful has this voluntary work been he has been asked to join the shop in a more permanent role, all of which will help to support his Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme work.
Next, it was the turn of Monkseaton High: Joe Lazell, Year Leader for Jay and Evie, said that their two students were excellent role models for the school, worked much harder than the norm’ and in particular, had enterprising ideas!
• Jay Keley – Jay has a passion to run his own business, and got a job yesterday! He was in short, an entrepreneur – Dragons Den here we come! He had recently with his mum been in involved in the charity ‘Tin On The Wall’ where he had raised over £90.00 collecting sixty kilograms of tinned food.
• Evie Sursham – Evie wants to be an Army Paramedic and to that end she has volunteered in the St John’s Ambulance as a cadet paramedic. She has weekly meetings where she is involved in lots of training and was on duty at last year’s Cenotaph commemoration, when her services were called upon. She is an avid reader and enjoys all literature and in particular all things medical.
In addition, Evie is an avid sports person and is involved playing football at North Shields and volleyball for Monkseaton.
After the presentations Cllr. Pat added; ‘Thank you Rotary for hosting this wonderful event and helping us to celebrate the achievements of these young people. They are role models for their schools and great ambassadors for North Tyneside. Thank you also to the staff for coaching and encouraging them on the way.’
Each of the students received a cash award, certificate and an engraved cup.
After the presentation staff and students stayed for an evening meal and a chatty and 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, Facebook or telephone – 07419 736989.