Recent Events
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, they 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
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.
December 2023 - Jingle & Mingle
Enjoying the festive themed afternoon tea with prosecco, craft stalls, lucky dip, a raffle at the Chantry Centre and raising funds in support of local charities.
December 2023 - Christmas Supper Evening
Our Christmas Supper Social was a ‘Stockpot Evening Meal’ including desert, at Billericay Rugby Club. All prepared by our members. Brian was the host and Nick prepared a game of ‘Would I Lie to You’.
A great evening and enjoyed by everybody.
December 2023 - Christmas Market Mulled Wine Stall
Our Mulled Wine stall at Rotary Mayflower Christmas Market.
November 2023 - Lake Meadows Planting Crocus
Crocus planting at Lake Meadows with Charles Novis Friends of Lake Meadows for Rotary ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.
November 2023 - Remembrance Sunday Service
Brian laid a wreath on behalf of RCBT at Billericay Remembrance Day Service.
Photograph courtesy Peter Greene
November 2023 - End Polio Now talk at Mayflower High School
We arranged to speak at the Sixth Form assembly at Mayflower High School, talking to the students about Polio, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and the continuing importance of vaccination.
Club had purchased purple crocus corms, which were sold in aid of End Polio Now.
After the talk, we were joined by sixth formers and some staff, who spending a happy half an hour digging holes, getting muddy and planning the corms, along the fence adjoining Stock Road.
We all hope the squirrels will leave some of the crocuses to grow and provide a cheerful display in the spring.
November 2023 - Lake Meadows Firework Night
We provided support to Billericay Round Table, who organised the Billericay Fireworks Night at Lake Meadows.
The team manned the entry gate at Hillhouse Drive.
October 2023 - End Polio Now Walk
We organised a mini fundraiser for World Polio Day and decided to take up the challenge of walking a mile!
Mainly as a gentle social stroll with family and dogs, but seeking sponsorship.
Foundation have set up a dedicated link for our Club, meaning they can claim Gift Aid on our behalf, as well as the usual double match funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The link to our dedicated Sponsorship Page: Walk a Mile to End Polio
July 2023 - Summerfest & Jazz in the Park
We organised our very successful Pimm’s Stall at Mayflower Rotary Club ‘Summerfest’, together with our Coconut Shy stall.
We also provided the Pimm’s Stall at Friends of Lake Meadows ‘Jazz in the Park’
June 2023 - Charter Night Dinner
Charter Night Dinner at the Magic Mushroom, where Kevin Smith handed over the presidency to Brian Pratt.
