The Rotary Club of Wellington continues to develop partnerships with local schools.

As part of this aim, 158 copies of the Usborne Illustrated English Dictionary have been presented to all Year 6 school leavers from Beech Grove, Rockwell Green, St John’s and Wellesley Park Primary Schools. This is part of the Rotary “Dictionary 4 Life” project which is funded through Rotary and enables Rotary Clubs to donate these illustrated dictionaries to primary schools.

This project, to support worldwide literacy development, is now in its sixteenth year and to date well over one million books have been donated.

The 288-page Dictionary is packed with 1,000 illustrations, 10,000 entries and 20,000 definitions. It has a user’s guide, hints on basic grammar, a history of the English language, a list of recommended web sites and is printed in full colour on paper from sustainable forests. It also includes a vocabulary for the internet age appropriate for children of primary school age.

When we gathered for our monthly meeting on Monday, July 14 at Lodge Close Hall, Wellington & District Townswomen’s Guild members enjoyed a fascinating talk from local amateur historian and Victorian specialist Mike Crew about the 1851 ‘Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations’.

Mike told us about the astonishing construction, on nineteen acres of Hyde Park, of the ‘Crystal Palace’, as the building housing the exhibition became known. Glass-makers had to make by hand 300,000 panes of glass, each precisely sized to fit the immense iron framework. This was built using iron columns, which were hollow to act as downpipes for the thousands of gallons of rainwater which fell on the roof. In a feat of typical Victorian ingenuity, this water was then used to flush the toilets!

The Exhibition ran for six months, and attracted an astounding six million visitors, including an 84-year-old woman who walked to London from Penzance! The profits from the entrance fees funded the building of the Victorian and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and the Science Museum. After the end of the Exhibition, the building was dismantled and relocated to Sydenham in south London, where it stood until it burned down in dramatic fashion in November 1936, despite the efforts of 400 firefighters.

After we had digested all Mike’s facts and figures, the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer gave their reports and we confirmed plans for our August meeting. Then it was time for tea and biscuits, and the raffle.

New members are always welcome, so do feel free to come along to a meeting as a visitor if you are thinking of joining us. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, and are usually at Lodge Close Hall.

However, our next meeting, on August 11, will take place at House of Cake in the High Street, where we shall enjoy a cream tea!

The popular community Christmas Show, created to showcase the talents of Wellington and its local community and raise money for local charities, is back. In previous years the show has seen dance groups, Christmas readings, local choirs and solo artists perform. The WAA are looking for acts for the 2025 show due to be performed on Sunday, December 14. The show will take place in the afternoon with time in the morning for rehearsal.

Do you have a talent you want to show case? Ever wanted to get up on stage and perform? Well nows your chance! The show as a limited number of slot for acts so the arts association are currently looking for expression of interest from the community.

Please submit your acts by email to [email protected], subject: Christmas at the Wellesley.

There will be people in the surrounding area who are now in their senior years who will remember with affection attending the first Holiday Club held at the parish hall Hemyock and now find their grandchildren looking forward to the 54th Club. This year it is returning to the hall whilst work is carried at the primary school which has been the meeting place in more recent years.

Organised by local churches, primary aged children (five to 11 years) will find themselves enjoying games and a variety of activities during August 19 to 21 from 11am to 2.45pm.

Cost is £2 a day or £5 for the entire sessions. Drinks are provided but youngsters are asked to bring their own lunch.

Look out for posters in the village for signing up details.