Civic Cups Presentation at Whitley Bay High School

Whitley Bay Rotary Civic Cups - Whitley Bay High School

For the past seventy-eight years, the Rotary Club of Whitley Bay has been recognising the outstanding community achievements of some of North Tyneside's young people with the awarding of a Civic Cup to each individual.

Unfortunately, this year with the Covid 19 restrictions we were unable to have a more formal presentation at one of our monthly meetings, so a number of Rotarians visited Whitley Bay High School with President Liz presented the Cups, Certificates of Achievement and a cheque for £75.00 to each of the students.

The two successful students, Ollie Liddell and Amelie Ferris had the opportunity to discuss their achievements with President Liz and we have attached their nominated statements from Matt Bland, Head of Year 11. They make very impressive reading as to what these young people have been up to.

President Liz said; ‘Once again we are all amazed as to what these young people get up to in their spare time. North Tyneside Young Mayor, Tae Kwon Do Club, voluntary work in charity shops, Duke of Edinburgh Award, charity bag-packing, Marine Cadets, hospital visits and the list goes on….what an example they set for their school peer group and all young people in North Tyneside…’

Civic Cups Student Information - Mr Matt Bland, Head of Year 11 nominated the two students:- Ollie Liddle and Amelie Ferris and his statements are below.

Ollie Liddle
I’ve nominated Ollie Liddle because in the most challenging of circumstances, he has thought of others, and been an inspiration himself. After cancer caused the amputation of his leg at the start of Year 9, he has returned to school and managed extraordinarily well with his prosthetic and given up his time to help others in the same position. On his trips into the RVI for treatment, his nurses commented to me on the time he spends with other cancer patients on the ward, both older and younger than himself, sharing experiences, helping them with their recovery strategies and being a great comfort and inspiration for them too. He has also done some volunteer work as part of his Duke of Edinburgh, including things like charity bag-packing at supermarkets. All of this whilst managing with his GCSE studies, contributing well to his Marine Cadets group in Whitley Bay, and training in the gym with the aspiration to become a Paralympian one day. A very impressive young man who never makes a fuss and freely gives of his time to help others.

Amelie Ferris
Amelie became the first student from Whitley Bay High School to be North Tyneside Young Mayor whilst in Year 9, sparked from a desire to improve things for her local community. Her campaign received a huge number of votes on a platform of working to improve equality for young people. One of the highlights was the Equality and Diversity conference planed by Amelie. She worked extremely hard in her year’s tenure, and subsequently has kept helping the local area via the Youth Council too. In her spare time, she has also helped younger students at her Tae Kwon Do club and volunteered in three different charity shops, whilst dedicating herself to her studies at school. An exceptional young person.

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.

Richard Hart
C/o 45, Saltwick Gardens, West Park, W/Bay NE25 9GJ
Tel: 0191-2523941 or 07947 696467

Group Picture -
L-R: Whitley Bay High School - Steve Wilson Head Teacher, Student Amelie Ferris, Rotarians Ian & Yvonne Bedwell, Student Ollie Liddell, Rotarians John Clarkson and Martin Macray, President Liz Hayes and Matt Bland Head of Year 11