Willowbridge School in Enniskillen hosted a recent visit by the President of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen, Mr. Kenny Fisher and fellow Rotarians.

The Club’s main fundraising project for the year is the purchase of a new minibus for Willowbridge, where they were welcomed by staff and pupils.

They were shown around the new build and their visit allowed them to meet the young people who will benefit from the new bus.

The visit also afforded Ms Murphy the opportunity to tell their visitors about Willowbridge and what they do.

The Rotarians, who were joined by the Rev. John Beacom, of Ballinamallard Methodist Circuit, and Archdeacon Brian Harper, of Magheracross Parish Church, heard about the school’s youth club which meets on Thursday nights and they were told about Willowbridge’s Friday night Friendship Group for year 10 pupils. Ms Murphy outlined that the children from year 10 upwards are collected in a taxi from home and they engage in normal teenager activities, including enjoying pizza and visiting the cinema. This Friday night facility, which will continue until the beginning of June, is run by classroom assistants from Willowbridge.

The young people go to the group independently from their parents, explained the Principal, who noted that the Thursday and Friday night activities are funded by their own fundraising at the school.

The guests were entertained to lunch consisting of soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee and biscuits, served by Willowbridge students.

Ms Murphy was delighted to be able to give a tour to the Rotarians, who also held their weekly meeting there. In fact, she pointed out that they were the very first people to eat in their new dining room in the new part of the building.

Rotarian Roy Crawford, a Past President of the Club, speaking after the enjoyable visit, said that the Rotarians received a very warm welcome.

“It was a very worthwhile visit,” felt Roy, who described the new build as “fantastic.”

Meanwhile, it’s a hectic time at Willowbridge, where the pupils and staff are all set to be in their new building following the half term break.

Photographs courtesy of Roy Crawford.