Fellowship, Finery And Fine on the Night

Rotary is about many things – utmost, fellowship. Five weeks ago our friends from Basildon Rotary Club engaged with us with at a full table at our own Charter lunch. 

We reciprocated in kind at their 6lst Anniversary Charter Night which took place on November 19, at the Holiday Inn Basildon. As usual, it was a black-tie event, and everybody turned up in their best finery.
What an enjoyable night. With the great news that the evening raised over £170 for Children in Need.  Well done Basildon.

A Warm Welcome

Nine from our Club helped the celebrations - President Les Sheppard, President Elect Michael Ginn, Secretary Brian Wellman, Immediate Past President Peter Greene and Wendy, Patrick Rothon, Roger Kettle and Sarah, and Margaret Fowler.

We missed President Les’s wife Val (away visiting her new (and first) grandchild – a granddaughter – (see page xx), and wives Julia Wellman, Sue Ginn and Carol Rothon who were unable to attend at the last minute. We were all on one table except for President Les who joined Basildon Club President Peter Townsend on the top table.

Incumbent Basildon President Peter Townsend welcomed all, followed by Alison Beaumont, President of Basildon Concord Rotary Club, who gave the toast to our hosts, the Rotary Club of Basildon.  President Peter Townsend responded, and we all then tucked into an enjoyable buffet.

A Magnetic Talk

Speaker for the evening was Nadine Stevenson, a “well-being advocate” and a promoter of using magnets to cure ills.  An interesting talk as she regaled us with tales of the effectiveness of magnet therapy.  Many booklets for taking away and products to buy if we so desired. Interest enough for some to enquire about the products.

Ben Rajan gave the vote of thanks to Nadine, and the evening ended with a presentation of a bouquet to Secretary Carol Barrett for all her hard work.

The final toast of the evening was to “absent friends” (for those unfortunately no longer with us) and “Rotary And Peace The World Over.”

We all had a great evening and were delighted to support our fellow Rotarians in Basildon who are always willing and happy to support our events, not just because the Club is only one year younger than ours, but also because we share so many objectives and twinning relationships with Clubs in Italy, France and Sweden.
We look forward to many more joint events and trips.