Rotec welcomes local school students for work experience

Max and Yaakoub from Taunton Academy
Max and Yaakoub of Taunton Academy

During June and July, Rotec Hydraulics Ltd welcomed students from Year 10 to provide them with an insight into an engineering workplace.

The students, who are pupils at The Castle School and Taunton Academy, all chose the placement at Rotec due to their interest in exploring possible careers within the engineering sector. During their week at Rotec’s Taunton Service Centre and Head Office, Joshua, Raynier, Max and Yaakoub spent time in key areas of the business including Warehouse, Technical Design, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

Max, of Taunton Academy, is drawn to a career in engineering because of his love of ‘hands-on’ subjects. The highlight of his work experience was supporting Rotec’s Mechanical Engineers install hydraulic winches onto the front of field vehicles for a national utility company. Max said,

“It was great to experience what it would be like to work as an engineer. My favourite part was working with Rotec’s Mechanical Engineering Team on the winches. My ambition is to be an engineer in the future.”

The most enjoyable part for fellow Taunton Academy student, Yaakoub was spending time with Rotec’s Electrical Engineering Department. He commented,

“I wanted to do my work experience at Rotec because I want to be an Electrical Engineer when I am older. Spending time with the Electricians here was really great.”

Castle School pupil, Raynier chose to carry out his work experience at an Engineering company after being inspired by his Electrical Engineer father. Raynier had a varied week and said,

“My favourite department in Rotec was definitely the Technical Team office. I liked working with the Design Engineers and learning about the different computer programmes they use.”

Joshua from The Castle School has ambitions to be a pilot. However, has always been fascinated by engineering and was keen to accept Rotec’s work experience placement for an insight into a real-world workshop. Joshua commented,

“Thank you to Rotec for allowing me to carry out my work experience here. I have thoroughly enjoyed this week. My best part was spending time with the Electrical Engineering Team and being shown how to build an electrical panel for the Marine industry.”

Providing work experience placements and opportunities to inspire a pipeline of future engineers is a key element of Rotec’s business ethos. With a national shortage of engineers within the UK, estimated to cost the economy around £1.5bn a year, Rotec hopes it can do its bit to inspire the next generation. Operations Manager, Mark Coniff said,

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd
Raynier and Joshua of The Castle School

 “We were delighted to be able to welcome Joshua, Raynier, Max and Yaakoub to Rotec for their work experience placements. By providing these opportunities, along with welcoming a new cohort of engineering apprentices in September, we hope to be able to foster a new pipeline of engineers for the future.”

Rotec proud to support local hospice at The Big Somerset Cricket Bash

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Last weekend, Rotec Hydraulics Ltd had the pleasure of sponsoring the first ever Big Somerset Cricket Bash, raising funds and awareness for St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

Participants completed a 10km charity walk finishing at The Cooper Associates County Ground – home of Somerset County Cricket Club. They then enjoyed watching Somerset vs Nottinghamshire on day 1 of the County Championship. 

As well as raising sponsorship money for the hospice, the event aimed at encouraging talking, sharing experience and positive mental health, particularly amongst men who are statistically less likely to talk about grief.

Many taking part were walking in memory of a loved one who recieved care from the hospice. 

Andy dedicated his walk to his wife Tanya who was referred to the hospice in 2017. Since Tanya’s death Andy has had over 20 counselling sessions with the hospice’s Bereavement Team which he says have helped him to function during one of the most difficult times of his life.

Andy said,

“Hospice care touches everybody in some way and St Margaret’s amazing team of people support not just patients across Somerset but their families too.”

Rotec sponsors The Big Somerset Cricket Bash

In the first of its kind in Somerset, St Margaret’s Hospice is hosting The Big Somerset Cricket Bash.

Far from your usual fundraising event, The Big Somerset Cricket Bash, is a 10k charity walk fuelled by bacon sarnies, taking in the sights of Taunton leading to The Cooper Associates County Ground, where participants have free entry to cheer on Somerset County Cricket Club as they take on Nottinghamshire on the first day of the County Championship match.

Exclusively sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, throughout the day men and women will be coming together to share precious memories of family and friends who have died. They will talk openly about their feelings and the realities of losing a loved one, the bereavement and grief that follows, as well as learning to adapt to a new way of life.

Ellie Weston, Marketing and Events Officer at St Margaret’s said,

“It’s well recognised that many struggle to talk about their feelings. In addition to the services offered by our Bereavement Support Team, we wanted to provide an outlet for men and empower them to come together and talk openly.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec commented,

“The Big Somerset Cricket Bash is sure to be a spectacular event, raising importance mental health awareness, as well as raising much needed funds for the St Margaret’s Hospice charity.” 

St Margaret’s Hospice supports families and carers of loved ones who are facing a life-limiting illness through bereavement support and counselling groups. £38 could pay for a counselling session with their Bereavement Team.

Entry to The Big Somerset Cricket Bash on the June 25, 2023 costs £25 for adults and £20 for children. Early booking is recommended as we anticipate a sell-out event. Tickets include free entry to the game, a hot and tasty bacon roll and a bespoke t-shirt to wear on the walk and as a memento of the day.

For more information or to buy tickets for The Big Somerset Cricket Bash visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/big-somerset-cricket-bash.

Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake relaunch

The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, is relaunching a tasty new fundraising campaign: Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake!

Sponsored by long-standing supporter Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, anyone is able to take part and help raise some dough for Bristol Children’s Hospital with a bake sale.

 Whether you are a novice baker or a patisserie professional, anyone can host a BIG Bake sale at any point throughout the year, with free fundraising packs available at BIGBake.org.uk.

All money raised goes towards supporting sick children and babies at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd commented;

“It is our great pleasure to once again support The Grand Appeal. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the charity and was touched by the incredible work they do each day to support children and families from across the South West during the most difficult of times.

 

“We wish The Grand Appeal every success with their BIG Bake campaign, and are looking forward to taking part!”

The Grand Appeal®. Registered charity 1043603. ©&™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2023. All rights reserved.

Rotec’s Santa Abseil team raises £1,650 for St Margaret’s Hospice Care

Sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, more than 80 Santa’s braved a 60ft abseil down Cheddar Gorge to raise vital funds for St Margaret’s Hospice last weekend.

Supporters of all ages decked themselves in Santa suits and enjoyed the breath-taking views on a chilly winter’s day at the first ever charity abseil down Cheddar Gorge, one of Britain’s most spectacular landmarks.

The event aimed to raise awareness and monies for St Margaret’s Hospice Care. Last year St Margaret’s Hospice Care supported more than 5,000 people. 1 in 3 people in Somerset will use the hospice’s services either as a patient or relative during their lifetime, and with the hospice relying solely on donations, every penny raised is appreciated.

Rotec’s team, consisting of Stroud Branch Manager, Dale Lockart, Quality Manager, Josie Chamberlain, Marketing Manager, Rachel Worth, Design Engineer, Isaac Anderson, Production Stock Control Manager, Glyn Cattle and Sales Office Manager, Alex Pounde all completed the challenge on Saturday 3rd December, and raised an incredible £1,650.

So far, the Santa Abseil event has generated in excess of £23,850. This could provide over 190 specialist Community Nurse visits for the hospice’s local patients being cared for at home and 190 hours of support to one of St Margaret’s patients at home by one of their Adviceline nurses.

Ellie Weston, Marketing and Events Officer at St Margaret’s, said,

“We’re so proud of our amazing supporters who faced their fears on Saturday. It was fantastic to see so many Santa’s abseiling down Cheddar Gorge to raise funds for St Margaret’s Hospice. The money they have raised so far could pay for 200 community nurse visits across Somerset however every month our community nurses make 800 visits to patients receiving care at home, so we hope our abseilers continue to keep raising valuable sponsorship.

 

 

“Thank you to Cave and Climb, our amazing volunteers and the event sponsors Sheppy’s, Refresco, and Rotec Hydraulics for supporting us this year. We can’t wait to see everyone again at our upcoming events.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd said:

“It is our great pleasure to support the hospice by sponsoring their Santa Abseil. The vital work they do to help patients with life-limiting illnesses, together with their families and carers is remarkable. A special thank you to Dale, Alex, Josie, Rachel, Glyn and Isaac from Rotec for taking on the challenge, and to all their supporters who have donated so generously.”

For those wishing to donate, please visit http://bit.ly/rotecsanta.

 St Margaret’s Hospice Care. Registered charity number: 279473 Company limited by guarantee number: ENG 1471345. All rights reserved. Registered Office: Heron Drive, Taunton, TA1 5HA

Rotec sponsors ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ this Christmas

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is proud to announce they will once again be supporting Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, this Christmas.

Following a successful campaign in 2021, the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ display is back bigger and better this year, with much loved Gromit Unleashed characters and seasonal stars set to adorn the walls of the hospital building in central Bristol. 

Pictured above: Image of last year’s display

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is proud to announce they will once again be supporting Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, this Christmas.

Following a successful campaign in 2021, the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ display is back bigger and better this year, with much loved Gromit Unleashed characters and seasonal stars set to adorn the walls of the hospital building in central Bristol.

The dazzling design will feature some of Aardman’s most iconic characters – from Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw, as well as small, medium and large illuminated stars.

Launching on Thursday 1st December, the lights will be switched on at dusk every day for all to see throughout December, providing a spectacular festive light display for patients and their families as well as hospital staff, visitors, and everyone passing the iconic children’s hospital building in Bristol.

Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, Paul Prouse comments,

“It is always a pleasure to support the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, The Grand Appeal.  The hospital team go over and above to support and care for children and their families every year and show remarkable dedication, providing life-saving treatment and support to children and families across the South West and even nationally.

 

“Now in our 9th year of supporting The Grand Appeal, we are pleased to once again help illuminate the Hospital with a special Christmas light display, which will hopefully bring a smile to the children and their families.”

The money raised from the campaign will support The Grand Appeal’s three family accommodation houses, music, arts and play therapy at Christmas and beyond, as well as a range of pioneering equipment to help save the lives of the young patients at the hospital.

Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising (Corporate) at The Grand Appeal said,

“Christmas is a magical time of year – a time for giving and sharing special moments with those you love. No one expects to spend Christmas in a hospital, but sadly this will be the reality for many babies and children this year. As the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, our ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign brings some festive Christmas cheer to patients and their families, at a time when they need it most.” 

Bristol Children’s Hospital cares for over 100,000 babies, children and young adults from across the South West annually and supports patients with rare genetic disorders, neurological conditions, congenital heart disease, traumatic injuries, cancer and kidney disease. Everyone can get involved with the campaign by spreading cheer in their community and decorating their house, window or garden. For more information about the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign, including how to get involved visit The Grand Appeal’s website or you can donate here.

The Grand Appeal®. Registered charity 1043603. ©&™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2021. All rights reserved