 Euroscola 2007
The EU has a significant impact on the lives of all Europeans,
yet it remains a mystery to many. After having been chosen
by Ramsbottom Rotary Club, I relished the opportunity to join
a group of 30 students from around the UK to participate in the
EUROSCOLA programme at the European Parliament in Strasbourg,
France. The 5 day trip gave me a real insight into the
workings of the European Parliament and reinforced my knowledge
and understanding of the issues Europe currently faces.
On arrival in Strasbourg, one of our first tasks was to
conduct a questionnaire to the residents of Strasbourg to test
their knowledge about many aspects of Europe. This proved
to be an excellent opportunity to speak French in an ‘authentic’ and ‘meaningful’ environment
and immensely improved my confidence ahead of the day at the
European Parliament.
 After
extensive preparation, the ‘big’ day
finally arrived. On arrival at the European Parliament,
we met representatives from 15 European countries over breakfast,
during which the details of the programme were explained. We
then made our way to the ‘hemicycle’ to take our
seats and the session began with the opportunity to ask questions
to several MEPs. This facilitated a discussion on a variety
of topical European issues which was concluded by voting using
the Parliament’s electronic system.
Lunch was a great opportunity to interact with other Europeans,
forming smaller teams consisting of four different nationalities,
to complete the ‘Eurogame’, a quiz of 20 questions
each written in a different language of the EU. Throughout
the day, we were encouraged to use our linguistic abilities to
communicate in order to share our own thoughts and ideas.
 In
the afternoon, we were divided into working groups to engage in
a debate about a variety of social, political, economic and environmental
problems. Using my linguistic abilities and conversing in between
French, Spanish, German and of course English, I was able to actively
participate in the discussions. Our
main ideas were used to draw up five proposals which were discussed
and voted on later in the main chamber.
The day finished with a quiz on knowledge of European
culture and a closing ceremony, during which there was a flag
parade and the European anthem, ‘Ode to Joy’ was
sung. There was a great atmosphere of unity amongst all
the participants.
 I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the European
Parliament. The
opportunity to communicate with citizens from all over Europe
certainly improved my knowledge, linguistic abilities and increased
my confidence. I made many new friends and gained many
skills which will be invaluable to me, especially as I am planning
to continue my studies of languages at University next year. I
would like to thank everybody involved for giving me such a wonderful
opportunity and many happy memories!
CATHERINE PIETRALSKI
Ramsbottom Interact Club |
Five
Ramsbottom Interactors travelled to Bournemouth to be presented
with their award at the National Rotary Conference. The
presentation was shown live on BBC News 24 along with film of
the Interactors doing project work and film of Rotary shoeboxes
being distributed in the Ukraine. Interactors were part
of the successful attempt to break the Guinness world record
for kite flying later that day. 
assist both the Rotary
Shoe Box Scheme and International Aid Trust. 
Ramsbottom Interact and Rotaract made a presentation about
their clubs from the stage of the District Conference in Scarborough. Preceeded
by BBC News 24 film, Interactors Sophie and Katie talked about
receiving the Rotary Young Citizens trophy in Bournemouth, visiting
the BBC in London and the International Aid Trust projects in Kiev
and Odessa to which the prize money has been put. Rotaractor
Jennie joined the Interactors and with slides rolling on the screen
behind they described the types of projects and social events
they are involved with, how they are structured and how they recruit
members. Jennie explained how the Rotaract club meets
online during university term time and uses Facebook to communicate.
DG Keith Unsworth presents gifts to Interactors Sophie Tickle, Katie
Byrne and Rotaractor Jennie Rowlands after they had spoken
As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Bury Gateway,
a club that provides recreation, social facilities and support
for disabled people, Ramsbottom Interactors abseiled 180 feet down
Peel Tower. The
Interactors raised about £400 of sponsorship and had a good
time mixing with many other people including Interactors from Prestwich & Whitefield who
descended the landmark on Holcombe Hill. 