Recent Events
December 2025 - History of the Saxophone
Andy Beharrell and Andy Brush gave a talk, with jokes, stories, films and music about the history of the saxophone. Andy is an extremely talented musician, who has a joyous enthusiasm, which he used to entertain us about origins of the instrument, which was created by Adolph Sax in the early 1840’s.
Initially, not liked by professional musicians, until Military bands began to include it. It however came to real prominence in the Jazz Age, from the southern states of America. During the interval, we enjoyed home-made soup with French bread followed by cakes, mince pies, tea & coffee.
November 2025 - Remembrance Sunday
David Talbot, President of Billericay Town, together with Vice-President Nick Sillitoe of Mayflower Rotary and Stephen King President of Billericay Rotary.
They all paid their respects and laid wreaths at the war memorial, for tha Annual Service of Rememberance, to commemorate British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who lost their lives in the two World Wars
October 2025 - Quiz Night
Nick and Jan, supported by Sian, organised the
BTRC Quiz Night at the Chantry Centre.
Raising money for BOSP (Brighter Opportunities for Special People)
October 2025 - London Livery Companies Walk
On 17th October, which was a delightful autumnal morning, 14 of us were treated to a guided walk by Richard Pusey, around the City of London, where we discovered the halls of a few of the 113 Livery Companies.The first Livery Companies were established in the 12th century within the City of London to set standards for its members and the goods or services they produced.
Walking along Foster Lane, we found ourselves outside the impressive Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The large Grade I listed building is notable for surviving the Blitz of London. The tour took us to view the majestic Guildhall. The current building is a mixture of architectural styles and dates to the 15th century. Towards Cheapside, we passed the hall of the Worshipful Company of Mercers.
Richard explained the connection between the folk tale of Dick Whittington and his cat with the Mercers’ Company.
We then walked along Dowgate Hill towards the Thames, passing several livery halls, including The Tallow Chandlers’ Company and the Worshipful Company of Dyers and on towards Fishmongers’ Hall, which is a Grade II listed building adjacent to London Bridge. The hall has been rebuilt multiple times, as it was originally destroyed in the Great Fire of London and severely damaged in the Blitz.
We finished the walking tour at The Walrus and The Carpenter on Monument Street, where we enjoyed traditional English fare, including the fabulous pies.
Another informative and entertaining tour, provided by Richard. Ehere everyone enjoyed a wonderful day.,
August 2025 - President's Barbeque
August 2025 - Afternoon Tea in the Garden
July 2025 - Jazz in the Park
Rotary Club, members manning the Pimms & Prosecco Tent at the Friends of Lake Meadows, ‘Jazz in the Park’ event.
May 2025 - Charter Night
Club members and Guests enjoying Charter Night at Crondon Park, Stock
May 2025 - Rotary Day of Service
Along with other local Rotary Clubs, members volunteered at the St Luke’s Hospice “Test Track Ten Races 25” at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre.
April 2025 - Drive-It Day - Classic Club Tulip Rallye
On 27th April, 140 classic cars set off on a “Drive It Day”, starting from Barleylands following a very basic map to an unknown destination. After a run of 50 miles through country lanes, all of the cars bar one, made it to the finish at a field belonging to a timber yard in East Hanningfield. At the finish Tea and cakes were served together with the inevitable raffle.
Prizes were awarded for the best pre and post war cars, together with one for the best dressed. All together the event raised over £3000 which was divided between St Luke’s Hospice and the Charities supported by Billericay Town and Billericay Mayflower Rotary Clubs.
We are grateful for the support of Barleylands and J Gard and Sons for the use of their venues, which was given free of charge. This is the second year we have run this event and we will run it again next year given the many messages of support from this year’s entrants.