Tag: Fettes College students

Fettes students to take part in 24-hour tyre drag to raise money for local charity, SuperTroop

Students from Fettes College are to take part in a 24-hour continuous tyre drag this weekend to raise money for an Edinburgh children’s charity.

40 Lower Sixth form students from each of Fettes’ eight boarding houses will be dragging a 90kg tyre along the school’s main drive for 24 hours straight, with the aim of raising at least £10,000 for Edinburgh-based charity, SuperTroop.

SuperTroop provides week-long residential holidays for children and young people with learning disabilities every summer in Edinburgh. It works with a team of volunteers from Fettes College each year to raise funds which go towards travel costs and admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo during the residential holiday.

Last year, Fettes students raised £9,000 for the charity after taking part in a continuous metal-log carry, with each student working in 15-minute shifts.

The proceeds went towards a week-long summer holiday camp at Fettes, which welcomed 16 children and young people. Fettes students volunteered at the camp and provided support and friendship to the holidaymakers.

This year, the students are determined to beat their fundraising target to reach at least £10,000. Every donation made will be matched by an anonymous private donor, meaning the students could potentially double their target.

Mr Rhys Rowlands, Head of Outdoor Pursuits and Director of Volunteering at Fettes College, said: “Organising gruelling 24-hour challenges like the tyre drag not only develops a sense of teamwork and resilience in our students, but also teaches them the profound impact of compassion and giving back.

“This challenge is much more mental than it is physical, identifying what is possible when you push yourself to a new limit is a vital lesson. ‘Super Troop’ holds a special place within the Fettes College Community and we are proud to be able to support this superb charity.”

One of the students taking part said: “Although last year’s challenge was a very exhausting 24 hours, it was hugely rewarding knowing all the money raised is going to an amazing charity.

“I am looking forward to taking part in this year’s challenge and hopefully meeting our fundraising target.”

Katrina, a parent of one of the young people who has taken part in the SuperTroop holiday for the past few years, said: “SuperToop is a win-win for our family.

“Our youngest son absolutely loves his annual holiday having fun with his friends and helpers at SuperTroop. And we, his family, have a bit of a holiday and a rest knowing that he is in safe hands living his best life. We wish the Fettes students the best of luck with their fundraising challenge.”

Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop, said: “SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holidaymakers feel surrounded by peers and friends, and one where they can gain some independence.

“The work we do with Fettes College is vital to make sure they have the best experience possible and we couldn’t do it without them. I’m very grateful that students will be taking part in another challenge this year to raise invaluable funds that help contribute to the work we do for these deserving young people.”

To find out more about the event, visit www.justgiving.com/page/rhys-rowlands-24hour2024.

Care Home opens Coronation Garden in celebration of King Charles III

Excitement was in the air at Queens Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road where residents and staff have been busy celebrating the King’s Coronation throughout the weekend.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King. 

Over the bank holiday weekend celebrations were kicked off by welcoming 30 students from Fettes_College into Queens Manor as part of their service day – where they send over 200 students off into the community to give back to and help others, as part of ‘the big help out’.

They helped us get our garden summer ready, provided entertainment for everyone & also spent time chatting, mingling and laughing with residents, visitors and staff at our Royal coffee morning. Thank you to Rhys (Head of Outdoor Pursuits at Fettes) for continually working with us to grow the relationship we have between Queens Manor and the College organising this day. 

We then opened our Queens Manor Coronation Garden – named & official opened by our very own Doris. Having watched the garden come together directly outside her bedroom, she advised us of her name suggestion – to which we loved! 

The garden features a new garden bench with a plaque commemorating the newly crowned King Charles III and hand crafted, wood burned signage created by our friendly handyman Damyan, alongside our King Charles III rose that we have planted beside the garden.

Joined by members of our local community, the students and staff from Fettes, our community police officers (Paula and Euan), residents, staff & visitors, we had our grand opening.

Our gardener Andy led the way with his pipes, there was a speech from Donna (General Manager) and ribbon cutting by Doris, followed by a beautiful violin recital of God Save The King by Fettes student Ione accompanied by singing by all. 

This was topped off by having a cocktail mixology session in our café – the afternoon really couldn’t have been any better!

The weekend came to a close yesterday with a garden party fit for the royals – With a 6 piece saxophone & clarinet band in the morning, a singer in the afternoon, garden games, followed by plenty of fizz & snacks.

The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Donna, General Manager at Queens Manor said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion.

“Many of our staff and residents had never witnessed the coronation, or at least cannot remember it – so it was great to contribute to so many memories.  Our in house lifestyle team worked so hard to ensure that everyone could celebrate how they wanted – covering all aspects of mind, body and soul”

Doris Duncanson resident at Queens Manor said: “I really can’t thank the team here enough for helping the idea of ‘The Coronation Garden’ come to life.

“The whole weekend was amazing – from the students from Fettes coming in, officially opening the garden and watching all of the entertainment at Queens Manor throughout the weekend – it’s something I will cherish forever.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia carer & respite care.