Recent Events

May 2026 - Soapbox Derby

Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club organised the annual Soapbox Derby on 3 May, at Sun Corner. 14 Members of Billericay Town Rotary Club assisted, with Brian Platt in the Control Tent, and the other members manning the gates.
There was an impressive turnout in the excellent weather.

April 2026 - Countryside Walk

Several members enjoyed a countryside walk from Gooseberry Green Billericay to The White Hart, Margaretting Tye via coffee at Ravens Bakery, Ingatestone.
Excellent lunch at White Hart. Glorious weather and a few hardy souls then walked up to Stock via Crondon Golf Course to catch the 300 bus home. The total walk was about 9 miles.

April 2026 - Drive-It Day Classic Club Tulip Rallye

130 classic cars took part in our annual Drive It Day 2026 which we organise jointly with Billericay Mayflower. Our two nominated charities this year were both local branches Motor Neurone Disease Foundation ( MNDF) and Parkinson’s. Representatives of both charities attend the start of the rallye at Hunts Farm and both gave short speaches which I think helped swell the number of raffle tickets sold this year. The event raised £3073 with £1000 to each charity and the Rotary clubs will divide the remainder.
The rallye took the cars on a 51 mile tour of Essex avoiding many A and B roads. We could avoid potholes unfortunately but at least the roads were all open and no diversions sprung up over night. The oldest car was a 101 year old 1925 Vauxhall. How driving conditions must have changed since that car first took to the roads. It must be mentioned that Barry Howe’s Austin 10 celebrates her 80th birthday, whilst my VW Beetle has reached its 60th birthday. The final destination was the Museum of Power near Maldon. The vast majority of cars managed to complete the rallye, however for the first time we did have a vehicle end up in a ditch. Fortunately the driver was OK but unfortunately his car was damaged. Lastly thanks to all Towns and Mayflower members who help support the day by volunteering.

Bacon roll anyone? It was a logistical challenge knowing how much bacon and rolls to buy for the hungry entrants. There were 126 entrants and we sold 150 bacon rolls and similar amounts of tea/coffee. The orderly queue for refreshments seemed never ending but everyone was served before the 10am start.
The team of Angie Smith, Janet Howe, Jill Roberts and Hilary Minto worked very well together and now know what 14kg of bacon looks like!

January 2026 - Winter Warmer

On 17^th January 2026, to alleviate the winter blues, a Winter Warmer charity event was held in Stock Village Hall in support of Billericay Food Bank.
Approximately eighty people attended a jovial night of good food and fun activities. A delicious selection of main meal options was on offer, from beef bourguignon to vegetarian curries, and the profiteroles were a huge success among the numerous desserts on offer.
Stuart Gibbs spoke to the attendees on behalf of the Billericay Food Bank, and then the quizzes and games commenced.
Thanks to the support of the BTRC members, who provided all the food, and to Barbara Campbell and team for organising a very successful charity event, which donated £1,000 to the Billericay Food Bank.

To round off the evening, David Randell – Mayflower Rotary Club presented a cheque to Billericay Town President David Talbot for the club’s support at Billericay Christmas Market.

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 17^th 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 15^th 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.,