We had a lovely time today at the Canterbury City Show, with members from “Rotary in Canterbury” – which includes the three Canterbury clubs (Sunrise, Forest of Blean and our own club), Whitstable, Chestfield and Herne Bay – getting together to host a fun “Recycling Challenge” in Westgate Gardens, right next to the River Stour.
The challenge (devised and overseen by Steve Root from the Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise after and he and his wife had a debate about recycling) centred around knowledge of what goes into which waste bin in the area covered by Canterbury City Council. Basically, members of the public had to answer a series of questions about recycling items by “slotting” each item into the appropriate “bin”. Some of the answers were obvious, while others had people scratching their heads. Everyone who wanted to was asked to complete a card with their answers and pop it into a box from which a prize winner for a £50 voucher donated by the Council will later be drawn.
As well as encouraging people to learn more about recycling by playing the game with their friends and family members, those who took on the Challenge also had a chance to learn about Rotary and ask all sorts of questions of members. It was remarkable how many people – some from as far away as India and Turkey – had actually had some interactions with Rotary in the past. Several people commended Rotary’s global efforts to help rid the world of polio. We were also delighted to have a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Denbigh in Wales pop by and say hello. We joked that it was great for him to have come all that way just to join our event!
Everyone enjoyed the good weather and those who took part in the Recycling Challenge seemed to have a fun time. “I’ve learned so much more about recycling, I surprised myself” said a member of one happy family.
This year’s Canterbury City Show is the second time that this vibrant community festival, celebrating the rich culture, talent, and creativity of Canterbury, has been held. There are all sorts of things taking place at various venues over the two days (today and tomorrow) – you can find out more here. Today we were next to an area for picnics and food and drinks and adjacent to stalls from Demelza, Pilgrims Hospices and Westgate Parks – which is great, because Rotary has great relations with all of these.
We will also be at the City Show tomorrow (21st), so do come along with your friends and family and have a go at the Recycling Challenge yourself – we look forward to seeing you!
Picture: One youngster helps her mum take part in the recycling challenge! Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury. (Permission obtained).
You can see more pictures on our Facebook page.
