HAYWARD’S Primary School was delighted to welcome on Monday, October 19, the President of Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland, Peter Davey, who was visiting the school to see the results of the "Ready Steady Read with Rotary" programme, that had been funded and supported by the Rotary Club of Crediton.

Since its inception in 1949 the Club has been an active supporter of community in Crediton.

A Rotary spokesman said: “With this programme, the Club is proud to be associated with such a forward thinking organisation as Hayward’s Primary School.”

The Club first visited Hayward’s in October 2013 and presented the school with an exciting opportunity to help children who would benefit from extra support in reading, with an extensive one-to-one programme using a proven system of teaching and supported by Rotary selected consultants.

The programme is now active in Paignton and will shortly be realised in Tiverton.

Rotary Clubs in Crediton and Paignton are now trying to encourage other Clubs in Devon and Cornwall to implement this programme across their areas.

Peter Davey said after his visit to Hayward’s: “This has been a fascinating day. This school has welcomed Rotary and the help and support Rotary has been able to provide.

"It is so satisfying to see communities working together especially when they are helping very young children, who after all, are our future.”

When asked about the future involvement of Rotary across the South West, Mr Davey said: “We will be putting these ideas to all our 89 Clubs and to more than 2,600 Rotary members in Devon and Cornwall. This will take time, but knowing how Rotary members feel about their community, I am sure that there will be a lot of interest.”

A Rotary Club of Crediton spokesman said: “This has been an opportunity for all our members to be properly recognised for the work they do to support this programme.

"However, we are always looking for new members or volunteers to help us support and run everything we do. Our membership secretary is Sylvia Seage and she can be contacted on 01363 84226 or email: [email protected] .

"If you would like to be part of an organisation whose motto is “Service before Self” we would love to hear from you.”

Alan Quick