Barbara Steele wins Rotary Club annual community award

Date published: 19/12/2005

The Rotary Club of Rochdale Eighty Six has selected Barbara Steele as the recipient of their annual community award given in recognition of an individuals outstanding service to the community in Rochdale.  Barbara runs a children's playgroup (called POPS) at West Street Baptist Church who meet on Tuesday's and Thursday's. 

She started the group 7 years ago after retiring from teaching, as she wanted to be able to provide parents and children a safe environment to meet and share experiences which would be beneficial to all concerned.  In this time many children have been able to socialise and play safe in the knowledge there is always someone there to help if needed, and parents have had the opportunity to gain from experiences of others. 

Barbara has managed to accumulate various toys and games for the children and each session provides the opportunity to participate in some activity such as painting, shape sticking, planting bulbs, etc. She also ensures the children have the opportunity for a story or a singsong. 

The children clearly love their time at POPS and this is mainly down to the time and effort that Barbara has put into running it.  Her time is given voluntary and is very much is keeping with the Rotary motto of service above self. 

She is a worthy winner of the award and President Irene Davidson of Rochdale Eighty Six Rotary Club  was delighted to present the award to Barbara at the Christmas Party on Thursday 15 December.