THE GREAT CROYDON EXHIBITION

A dozen Rotary Clubs in and around Croydon mounted a week-long exhibition at the Fairfield Halls called “Rotary in Action”. “The exhibition raised awareness of what Rotary does and achieves. It showed people what happens to the cash they give to support our local charities, and perhaps interest them in joining the world’s largest voluntary organisation”, commented Rotarian Veronica Davies, President of the Croydon Whitgift Rotary Club, and Chairman of the exhibition’s organising committee.

Visitors were surprised just how many activities Rotarians are involved in. They include PolioPlus, the long-term international campaign that has almost eradicated polio throughout the world, to the part local clubs play in a campaign to educate Croydon’s young children about the dangers of drugs. The Exhibition was divided into zones covering Rotary activities including service to the community, education, fund-raising, international, and social activities.

'AQUABOXES'
A tent for emergency use in disaster areas was displayed on the Fairfield Mezzanine floor, just part of the “Shelterbox” kit which is sent by Rotary International to emergencies throughout the world. Visitors saw how Rotary Clubs also raise funds for “Aquaboxes” used in emergency situations where fresh water is impossible to find. The kits were displayed in the exhibition, together with videos explaining many of the tasks Rotarians undertake throughout the world. Examples of educational videos and a CD-ROM for schools on bullying were also on view.

A display of vehicles donated by various Rotary clubs, together with the Life Education Centre caravan which was the subject of a presentation of keys by the Mayor of Croydon. The Croydon Clubs in partnership with Croydon Education and Health Authorities, Metropolitan Police, and The Drug Action Team run a hi-tec mobile classroom with an onboard specialist educator.

The programme emphasises the need to make health decisions based on facts. It also explores the differences between facts and opinions through discussion and the use of an interactive game. It looks at how drugs affect the body, and in particular, the brain. Through drama techniques, children can explore the importance of examining facts before making decisions about health. The programme also examines influences that affect our lives including peer and media influences.

District 1140 Governor,
David Powers, encourages children from
Selsdon Primary School
to learn from the
CD-rom on bullying which Croydon Clubs are making available to schools.
The children were guests at the 'Rotary in Action' Exhibition
held in Fairfield Halls.

Other Rotarians present included Presidents of Croydon Clubs, and Assistant District Governor Denis Avins. The children are Hames Martin, Chris Stripp, Paul Edwards, Emily Slevin and Laura Penfold.

The emphasis of the programme is on prevention, but advice is given to deal with bullying situations and the problems of both the victim and the bully are addressed. Strategies have been researched across Europe over several years and only those found to be successful are included in the programme. The content has been co-ordinated by one of the UK’s leading experts, Val Besag.

EUROPEAN VISITORS
During her tour the mayor was also able to meet the Presidents of the Rotary Clubs that staged the exhibition including Croydon; Croydon East; Croydon Jubilee; Croydon South; Croydon Whitgift; Coulsdon; Coulsdon Manor; Mitcham; Purley and Thornton Heath. Besides local dignitaries, the Exhibition was host to youngsters from the six European countries with which the Croydon Club have links, who were gathered to celebrate International Youth Week.

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