Cooperation between the Rotary Club of Mount’s Bay and Penwith Housing Association (PHA) has allowed 22 year old Samantha Williams to benefit from a “brilliant” inspirational leadership course at Dartmeet.
She has returned to tell of its success in her development for the future. “It has been absolutely worthwhile and I would recommend anyone to go if they have the opportunity” said Samantha, who lives in Truro, to the Rotarians at the Union Hotel, Penzance.
There was a welcome from the £590 co-sponsors, Club president, Jeff Criddle and PHA’s Chief Executive, Andy Moore, at her presentation speech to the Rotarians.
“She was terrific” said Jeff, who introduced her. Andy thanked the club and spoke of PHA’s efforts in the community. “The partnership between PHA and the Rotary Club of Mounts Bay has allowed a fantastic personal development opportunity for one of our younger members of staff. Samantha has clearly found the course very worthwhile and I am sure our joint investment will prove its value to PHA and our customers”.
Samantha, who works as a customer services officer at PHA’s Truro office, said she joined 43 other candidates on the course. The mornings and evenings were spent on lectures, ranging from the environment to public speaking and self-confidence. The afternoons brought outdoor activities and team building – on how to work together. “It was one of the most brilliant things I have ever done. I would do the course every year if I could!” she remarked. “Surprisingly it made me assess a lot of things in my life, showing me how to develop contacts, getting out of a routine and offering advice on a lot of topics and career opportunities”.
Samantha, who formerly lived at Tehidy and studied sports and exercise sciences and sports massage at Cornwall College, said the candidates at Dartmeet were also enthusiastic about raising funds for Shelterbox, a Rotary charity.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards are gained by candidates who complete the one-week residential course, held in July. The ‘learning experience’ can be life-changing for many. The intensive programme of outdoor activities with projects and lectures has been operating in some 25 countries for over 32 years. Over 9,000 young people complete the courses each year.
The chief instructor at Dartmeet was Jack Russell, with his company Personal Development Coaching running the course for Rotary, whose local District Chairman is Peter Berry.
Jeff Criddle said the Mount’s Bay Club met on Thursday evenings at the Union Hotel, Penzance. “We are always looking for new members” he added. A member for the past eight years, he said there were now 35 in the club which had enjoyable meetings and activities and worked together on charity fundraising.
