We all know that keeping the children occupied throughout the school summer holidays can be hard work to say the least but the staff at Nedbank Private Wealth have found a great way for the family to spend a fun-filled day together.
As a long-standing supporter of the Manx Wildlife Trust, the bank arranged a rock-pooling event with the Trust’s education officer, Kath Smith. Staff and their children spent the afternoon at Scarlett, finding and learning about all the wonderful sea creatures that live around our shores. Some of the small creatures discovered by the children included shrimps, crabs, squat lobsters and starfish.
Cathy Cowin, senior marketing executive for the bank attended with her two small children and commented: ‘It is lovely, in this age of iPads and computer games, to see so many children outside and enjoying the Island’s beautiful coastline. A day at the beach is something children never tire of, and to have Kath there sharing her knowledge ensured it was a day the kids will remember for a long time.’
In January this year the bank announced that it had agreed financial support for the Manx Wildlife Trust to continue its key education officer role for a further twelve months, due to the charity having lost its previous annual grant for the post from the Department of Education and Children.
At the time, Janet Taylor, senior executive to the managing director at Nedbank Private Wealth, commented: ‘During these times of austerity, it is vital that the education of our Island’s children does not suffer, and the understanding of our impact on the environment must continue to grow. The education officer role is crucial in fulfilling both these objectives and therefore we are delighted to support the post and look forward to seeing our children benefit from this as a result.’
Following an in-house presentation to the bank’s staff by Kath and now the rock-pooling session with her, the staff have a much better understanding of the great work Manx Wildlife Trust does in educating children on the Island with respect to local wildlife, and why it is so important for this work to continue.
Photo - A sample of some of the creatures found.
