Events Archive 2025-2024
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.
November 2024 - Quiz Night
Nick and Jan, supported by Sian organised the
BTRC Quiz Night at the Chantry Centre.
Raising money for Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society.
November 2024 - Remembrance Sunday Service
Brian laid a wreath on behalf of RCBT at Billericay Remembrance Day Service.
August 2024 - Club Barbeque
July 2024 - Historical Murder Mystery Walk
The Rotary Club recently embarked on a murder mystery tour of Billericay High Street, culminating in a pizza dinner at Queenie’s. Beginning at the library, where participants received their clue booklets, five teams of three to four people each set out to solve the mystery.
As they followed the clues around the High Street,
The teams uncovered not only the identity of the murderer and the weapon but also fascinating snippets of local history. Despite some clues being trickier than others, most teams successfully completed the trail. The event was written by Sian and inspired by treasure trails she and Nick had enjoyed in other towns, was blessed with good weather. The tour proved to be a challenging, but fun experience for all
Follow the History – Solve the Mystery
June 2024 - Charter Night Dinner at the Ivy Hill Hotel
The venue of our 2024 Charter night Dinner was at the Ivy Hill Hotel, Margretting.
June 2024 - Ragged School Museum, Mile End
Lynn organised a visit to the Ragged School Museum, Mile End. A group of 10 Rotarians enjoyed an educational visit and lunch in the canal side Ragged Cafe.
The Museum is housed in a canal side building, which once formed the largest “ragged” or free school in London.
Thomas Barnardo came to London from Dublin in 1866, to train as a doctor, become a missionary in China. Confronted by a city where disease was rife, poverty and overcrowding endemic and educational opportunities for the poor were non-existent. Then a cholera epidemic swept through the East End, leaving over 3,000 Londoners dead and many destitute.
He gave up his medical training to pursue his local missionary works and in 1867 opened his first “ragged school” where children could gain free basic education.
June 2024 - Sandra's Open Garden Day
Sandra organised an Open Garden at her house with teas, coffee homemade cakes and plants for sale. In aid of Charities supported by Rotary.
June 2024 - National Drive-It Day (Essex) Classic Car Tulip Rallye
The bright red Morris Minor split windscreen, 1956 two door convertible started life in England as a grey two door saloon, before being shipped out to New Zealand and converted.
Jan originally used the car regularly in the summer for local journeys, rather than classic car shows.
The concept of rally’s did appeal though, and when it was announced that my Rotary club was to help organise a charity rally on National Drive it Day.
The Essex Rally was open to a wide range rage of cars from vintage to more recent thoroughbreds. Whilst my Morris was never going to win best in show, there was a prize for best dressed.
My navigator Rachel and I dressed up in our Sunday best, from 1956 to match the date of the car and won!
Rachel loves Morris Minors, due to her late grandfather having one, and her childhood memories of it.
It was a great day, well organised and quite a spectacle through the Essex countryside. Well done to everyone involved. Jan
January 2024 - Dr Feelgood Concert for the Spotlight Appeal
Twenty-eight members and guests reliving their youth.
After a delicious Italian meal at Il Palazzo, we headed over the road to the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, to hear an extremely loud gig by Dr Feelgood.
The playlist included new music, cover version of R&R standards and hits such as Roxette, Milk & Alcohol and Back In The Night.