Peter Wright and I, along with representatives of the other Wolverhampton Rotary clubs were invited to a ‘thankyou’ party at the Wolverhampton Branch of the Association of Ukainians in the UK. The centre is called ‘Razom,’which is the Ukrainian for ‘together,’and the party was arranged to take place the day after Ukrainian Independence Day, Thursday August 24th.

Our good friend Hryhorij Kowalczuk – known to us as ‘Greg’ – was fulsome in his gratitude and praise for numerous local organisations that have provided a very great deal of support, donations and goodwill for the more than 300 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Wolverhampton since the start of the conflict. Also, desparately needed items such as generators,and relief goods have been sent to countries bordering Ukraine for distribution in the camps there.  Many groups, companies and individuals were named, but Greg singled out the Rotary clubs in the City for special praise, making particlar mention of the £5000 worth of goods that we supplied funded to the most part by a Disaster Response Grant from the Rotary

PDG Richard Green

Peter Wright, Cynthia, Alder and I were delighted to be invited to attend the celebration of the 35^th anniversary of the founding of the Ukrainian church in Wolverhampton.

There was a most moving service – conducted mostly in Ukrainian by the Archpriest Very Rev Mykola Matwijiwskyj with frequent passages in English. Our good friend ‘Greg’ – whose full name is Hryhorij Kowalczuk – had assembled a choir of around 30 voices and their singing was superb. The 3 priests officiating were ably assisted by another good friend of Rotary. We know him as ‘Michael’ but we should acknowledge him again by his Ukrainian name – Mykhailo Fedyk.

At one point in the service, our attention was drawn to 2 icons – metal military protection body armour which had been made by Collins Aerospace of Coventry and worn by 2 soldiers of the Ukrainian army. Bullet holes were clearly visible and we were told that they had saved the servicemen’s lives with the result that the plates have been decorated with religious symbols as an act of thanksgiving. (shown in the attached photgraph.)

After the service everybody went across the road to ‘Razom’ – the Wolverhampton Association of Ukrainians’social club to be treated to an excellent meal of typically Ukrainian food and colorful entertainment. There was an amusing and interesting speech by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Doctor Michael Hardcacre, in which he praised the part played in our community by the many Ukrainians in the city.

It was gratifying to hear from Greg in his speech how much the support from all the local Rotary clubs which has been given to the many Ukrainian refugees who have arrived is appreciated.

Photographs by kalynaphotography@gmail.com

A number of Rotarians from local clubs joined packed audiences for the Wolverhampton Schools Music Service series of concerts from the 10^th to the 14^th of July at the Music School and St. John’s church, culminating in the full orchestra’s and the Youth Wind orchestra’s presentations just before they set off for the annual overseas tour, this year to Italy.

Each concert demonstrated the extraordinary range of musical talent in our schools, reflecting the superb work done by all the teachers in the music service. They ranged from the Classical Guitar Ensemble, the Youth Choir and the Jazz Big Band among several others.

The head of the Music Service Ciaran O’donnell was fulsome in his praise and appreciation for the support provided by all the Friends of The Music Service and Rotary, and it was fitting that 2 presentations were made by Rotarians..

Firstly, Past District Governor Richard Green, representing the President of the City of Wolverhampton club Charles Cox presented the Grace Edwards award to Elsie Matthews, who had achieved 141 marks out of a possible 150 in her grade 1 examination.

The Grace Edwards Award is presented in memory of the Wolverhampton teacher, widow of Mr Brindsley Edwards, the former Headteacher of Pendeford High School. Grace Edwards was an ardent supporter of the Youth Orchestra and regularly attended their concerts. A cheque is presented annually to the pupil who gains the highest mark in a national exam board grade 1 to 5 exam and is to be used for books, music or instrument costs.

Then it was a proud moment when Tim Dukes, son of Fraser, presented the annual Fraser Dukes memorial trophy to Claudie Leary-Broomhall. Ciaran O’donnell described the late Fraser Dukes as a highly respected Rotarian who had, amongst his numerous significant services to the community, led the Rotary International programme in the District for the elimination of polio worldwide.

The award is given to the student who achieves the highest marks in external examinations.This year the winner was Jack Turner for his grade 6 Jazz saxophone examination marks. Jack was unable to be present so the award was accepted on his behalf by his teacher from Heath Park school, Claudie Leary-Broomhall.

As to the concert itself, the standard of music was stunning. The full Youth Orchestra, under their conductor Catriona Roberts included in their programme ‘The Grand March’ from Aida by Verdi – instantly recognisable, providing a rousing start. The also included, amongst other pieces ‘Chariots of Fire’ by Vangelis.

In the second half, the Youth Wind Orchestra, under their conductor Russell Lock included a new piece, written by a member of the orchestra Tom McDonald called ‘Parade,’ and they also gave us a selection of James Bond theme tunes.

Friends of  Wolverhampton Music Service

Dear Richard and Brian

I write to thank you for your very kind donation of £300 from the Rotary Club of the City of Wolverhampton to the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service, which will enable the Friends to support the Music School’s Italian Tour in July 2023.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians to perform in great venues as well as enjoying time together and taking in the sights and culture of the country.

As a registered charity, FOWMS aims to support the participation of school age children.from all backgrounds and all part of Wolverhampton, in music learning, performance, appreciation and enjoyment by providing financial and other assistance to the Wolverhampton Music Service.

FOWMS provides this support to Wolverhampton Music Service so that as many children as possible are able to take part in a wide range of musical activities, fundraising to provide for equipment and other materials for which the Music Service receives no funding.

Currently, Wolverhampton Music Service:

• Teaches over 5,500 children every week in Wolverhampton schools on over 30 different instruments;
• Has over 50 years’ experience of nurturing and celebrating young lives of school children across Wolverhampton through musical experiences;
• Provides over 3,000 musical instruments on long term loan, at no extra cost to parents or schools; and,
• Runs 13 progressive bands, orchestras and ensembles outside the school day, at no extra cost to parents, for children to develop their playing and progress with others.

If you would like further information about the charity or our work, please contact me using the details provided below.

Thank you again for your continuing support to the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service, it is very much appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Claire Wardroper

Treasurer, Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service

e-mail: c.wardroper@tiscali.co.uk

Charity No: 1185383

c/o Wolverhampton Music Service

The Music School, Graisley Hill,

Wolverhampton, WV2 4NE 

The Books4Home scheme at Uplands Junior School, Finchfield, Wolverhampton is going from strength to strength in the capable hands of Norman Holmes and Sally Woods.

In order to add to the children’s enjoyment of the books, the Rotary club of The City of Wolverhampton donated funds to purchase bean bags for the children to sit on while they read their books in the reading shed. Photograph shows Head Teacher Mrs. Webster-Smith with Norman and President Sylvia Morgan givng the bean bags a trial run!

Mrs. Webster Smith says “we are delighted with the wonderful support offered to our children with the Rotary Books4Home scheme. It is unique and gives our young people the great opportunity to choose and enjoy a wide range of reading material.”

Another delivery of books made recently to another Wolverhampton school under the Rotary Alumni/City of Wolverhampton club Books4Home project – a very large order this time – 360!

Rotarian Sally Woods is also seen handing over some of the books deliverered to Dunstall Hill Primary School to Family Support Worker Dawn Cummings who is very happy to receive them

The brilliant Rotary Alumni Books For Home project, welcomes a new school to support with Rotarian Sally Woods taking responsibility for delivering a constant supply of books for children to keep. Hats off to Graisley Primary School deputy head Stacey Keating and all the staff….. and indeed teachers across the city – there are children from 30 countries attending, requiring nearly as many different languages, typical of the diversity in all the schools in Wolverhampton.

IPP  Richard Green.