Rotarians in Newton Aycliffe heard how life for students at Woodham Academy was not simply about gaining good academic results. Headteacher Christine Forsyth said that it was equally important to give young people the right values in such areas as good behaviour and good manners to prepare them for future life in the community. In an impressive review of recent developments at the Academy, Mrs Forsyth (pictured left with Rotary Club President Nora Scott) revealed how one third of the students were now involved in some form of sport and how this had led to a marked improvement in academic results. The aim of the Academy, she said, was ‘Achievement for All’ Mrs Forsyth was introduced by Rtn Syd Howarth and thanked by Rtn John Snowball. The club recently welcomed as guest speaker Mr John Elliott, chairman of Ebac (the acronym stands for Excellent Bishop Auckland Company) which began life in 1973 building industrial dehumidifiers and then developed the UK’s first mass-produced domestic dehumidifer. It subsequently introduced a range of refrigerators and freezers and more recently a successful range of washing machines which are now much in demand in the American market. After moving to Aycliffe EBAC now stand for “Even Better Aycliffe company”. Both Mrs Forsyth and Mr. Elliott were described by members as ‘truly motivational speakers’
