Hard Work at Buttsbury

"Are you here to help with the Craft and Technology Sewing Class"? I was asked when I arrived at Buttsbury Junior School. I explained my lack of skill with a needle and said I was there for the Rotary Day of Action to help with the school litter pick.

I was joined by Patrick, Mike and Liz, Peter and Brian.  Adam Graves, the Deputy Head, explained that this year, as well as pupils from the Junior School, we would be joined by year two infants as the Junior and Infants schools had now been amalgamated.

No Sweets Allowed

Armed with litter-pickers and hi-viz vests we split into two groups.  Patrick and I were with one group who went around the edge of the Junior playground.  It was generally very tidy, but the eagle-eyed children found the smallest pieces of litter. 

“We’re not allowed to bring snacks into school other than fruit and veg sticks, so we won’t find any sweet packets” one junior told me.

We went through a gate into the wild, tree area where the children searched around every bush and tree, only finding feathers and other natural debris. To find bigger prizes the side gate to the school was unlocked and we started searching in the adjoining alley way.  This was much more productive.  Soon crisp packets, sweet wrappers, and drinks cans were filling up the rubbish bags.

Reward for Hard Work

Our collecting done, the children led us back to a shaded area where, on a table, there were hot water dispensers and boxes of cakes.

The children very politely asked our names, choice of tea or coffee and lemon or chocolate cake. What was impressive was that they remembered names and choices exactly.

We then had a good discussion about the children’s favourite lessons (Maths, English and PE featured highly) and what careers they would like (ballerina, actor and criminal lawyer amongst them).

We heard that the RotaKids have a fund-raising ‘Break the Rules Day’ coming up.  For fifty pence, pupils can break one school rule such as having a shirt hanging out, tying jumpers around the waist, bringing in a sweet snack into school etc.

Just before the children went back to class Patrick explained to them the Rotary Day of Action and thanked them all for their efforts.

Thank you Buttsbury, it was a pleasure working with such polite and enthusiastic children.

By Steve King