Charter - A Milestone Anniversary

President Patrick and Carol were on hand early to welcome Members, Partners, Honoured Guests and our Speaker Rt. Hon. Richard Holden M.P, to another memorable Charter Lunch on the October 26, 2024 at the Magic Mushroom Restaurant, our traditional venue over the past few years.

This was the 65th Charter Anniversary of the club, another proud year and another reason to celebrate in style.
Prior to our lunch, members and guests availed themselves of the bar facilities for a pre–dinner drink and to order wine to accompany their meal.

President Patrick opened the proceedings by welcoming District Governor Anne Moriaty, President Alistair Moulds (Billericay Mayflower RC), President Brian Pratt (Billericay Town RC), and the Rt Honourable Richard Holden M.P. to our 65th Charter lunch.  “It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces and to welcome new friends, and old friends too, especially Janet Mudd & Kathryn Burton, to this special occasion.  “We are also fortunate to have our District Governor Anne and her husband Stephen join us after the fantastic District 1240 Conference at Whittlebury Park, which several of us attended.”

“Also following the General Election, we have a new MP for Basildon &  Billericay,  so we welcome Richard Holden MP, our guest speaker today.  Thank you all for being here, let us enjoy this wonderful lunch and celebrate the achievements of our club.”

Grace was read by Rotarian Bert French, in the same inimitable style as at our weekly meetings.

End Polio Now

World Polio Day had been on the October 24 to celebrate the continuing efforts of Rotary International with its allies in the Global Polio Elimination Initiative.  As is customary at this Charter Lunch, as in previous years, we held a Bucket collection during lunch.

Generous as always, club members and guests raised the record sum of £561.90 (which includes £60 from Malcolm Acors who donated all his third prize in the 100 Club draw).  Gift Aid will add a further £140.48 for a total £702.38, which plus the triple  contribution from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation of £1404.76 means we raised a total of £2107.14. which will pay for approximately 27,400 doses of the anti-polio vaccine.

Well done everybody.

Following an excellent lunch as always at the Magic Mushroom and the Loyal Toast, the “objects of Rotary” were read by our Founder Member and nonagenarian Ben Clarke.  It was was time for the annual Charter Draw of our 100 Club conducted professionally and expertly as usual by Master of Ceremonies IPP Roger Kettle.

It was then time for President Patrick’s opportunity to address all those present.

Dedication, Expertise, Leadership and Fellowship

“It is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the 65th Charter Lunch of the Billericay Rotary Club” he said.  “This occasion is particularly special for me, as it marks my third term as President and my 48th year as a member of this incredible Club.”

“Our Club maybe small in numbers, but we are mighty in spirit and action, and, as we say, we always try to punch above our weight. The dedication, expertise, and fellowship of our members have always been our greatest strength.  Each one of you brings something unique and invaluable to our club, and together, we have made remarkable achievements.”

“Today, I would like to take a moment to pay a special tribute to my late Father Felix who was the founder President of our club.  His vision, leadership and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for what we have become today.  He believed in the power of community service and the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can have on the world.  Although I lost him 7 years ago, I still miss him in so many ways.”

“As we reflect on our journey over the past 65 years, let us remember the values that have guided us: fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. These principles have not only shaped our club but have also inspired us to make a difference in our community and beyond.”

Community Service and Co-operation

“This year, we are proud to support several causes, including Polio Plus, Hamelin House, sponsorship of young Kenyan students, Marys Meals, Kids In Mind, Orbis, and many donations to our various speakers throughout the year. These initiatives reflect our commitment to making a positive difference both locally and globally.”

“I am delighted to acknowledge that our District Governor, Anne, hails from our Mother Club, the Chelmsford Rotary Club.  Additionally, I want to recognise Rotarian Bert Raven, a club member and our District’s extension officer, whose name proudly adorns our club banner in the silhouette of a Raven.  Today, we are honoured to have one our founder members. Ben Clarke, with us, along with his family.  Your presence here today means a great deal to all of us.”

“We also deeply value our close ties with the other service clubs in Billericay, not forgetting our close links with our RotaKids at Buttsbury and Quilters school where the children are extremely enthusiastic and a credit to their schools.  

Working together, we have supported some wonderful community events like the Soapbox Derby, Summerfest and the Christmas Market. These events not only bring joy and excitement to our community but also strengthen our bonds and amplify our collective impact.”

“This year’s Rotary theme “Its Magic” truly resonates with the spirit of our club.  The Magic lies in our ability to come together to transform lives and hope to create lasting change.”

“I would also like to highlight our very successful Double Triangular exchange, where we hosted our twinned Rotary Clubs of Beausoleil, Alba, Ovada and Karlshamn for a three-day visit.  This wonderful event was expertly organized by Sue and Malcolm Acors, and it exemplified the spirit of international friendship and cooperation that Rotary stands for.  It was truly Magic.”

My Thanks

“Before I conclude. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my wonderful wife Carol, your unwavering support and patience is greatly appreciated. Thank you for always being there for me, for putting up with my busy schedule, and for your endless support.  I couldn’t have done this without you, and I am forever grateful for everything you do, and let’s be honest, putting up with me is no small feat – you deserve a Paul Harris medal!!”

“Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to all the members who are supporting me during my year of office. Your guidance, encouragement and hard work have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support.”

Patrick then led club members in the traditional toast to our guests.

The Magic of Rotary

It was then District Governor Anne Moriaty’s turn to reply on behalf of the guests, congratulating the Rotary Club of Billericay on its 65th Charter Anniversary.  What was life like then?  65 years ago Harold McMillan was PM, the Mini had just been launched, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, Post Codes were first issued as a trial in Norwich, a new car cost £780, a new House cost £2077, a pint of beer cost 9 pence, and Wolverhampton Wanderers were 1st Division Champions. 

She thanked us all for all the wonderful things we have done to make the Magic of Rotary happen in our community for 65 years.  We haven’t just made a difference there – but our continued commitment to The Rotary Foundation and End Polio Now is changing lives across the World

President Patrick then introduced our speaker for the day, the Rt. Honourable Richard Holden MP for Billericay & Basildon who gave a very interesting talk and made time to sit with every table and meet with club members there.