Christmas Market 2013

Our thanks go once again to the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower for organising, managing and presenting this event for the people of Billericay and the surrounding towns. 

It was not as bitterly cold as last year and the sun made some brief appearances to brighten the day of all those who came.  People turned up in vast numbers from Billericay and the surrounding towns.

With many and varied stalls and most of the shops in the High Street and pedestrian areas open all day, there was much "retail therapy" to enjoy.  Plus of course, the Parade led by our Town Crier and featuring circus performers, many other entertainers and, of course, Santa Claus on his sleigh made sure of a truly family Christmas atmosphere.

There was live entertainment throughout the day in a variety of locations and for the children, Punch & Judy and of course Father Christmas in his Grotto, and exhibition dancing from the Mayflower Morris Men to entertain us all. There was something for everyone!

The success of the Market, with such a large sum raised for charity, owes much to the wide variety of stalls, activities and demonstrations on offer.  Farmers produce, a large Continental produce offer, a variety of craft stalls, Christmas products, balloons and lights for the kids, Emergency Service stands, and, hot food to meet all tastes.

The Rotary Club of Billericay principal activity was the Grand Raffle which was dedicated to raise money to fund further Shelter Boxes for relief activities in the Philippines.  With all the prizes donated by club members, including the main prize of a BMX bike, a luxury Christmas hamper, a case of great wine and a generous fruit basket there was something to attract everyone.

All this was part of a major Rotary presence where, with our Colleagues from Basildon and Corringham, we all sought to encourage recruitment and raise money for worthwhile causes:

Shelter Box Grand Raffle

A major fund raising initiative to raise money for Shelter Boxes to help disaster relief in the Philippines

Shelterbox Feature

A Shelter Box Exhibit featuring many Shelter Boxes, and a display of a complete shelter box tent with all the box's contents, astonished visitors with how much could be packed into such a small space, and how vital they could be in sustaining life in disaster situations.  Rotarians were on hand to explain how it saves lives and is so vital to the support work in the Philippines.

Recruitment Feature

The aims and objectives of Rotary, and what we have achieved.  A major effort by our colleagues from basildon to attract new members.

Entertainment Stall

Lot's of fun where Corringham Thameside Rotary Club provided some fairground games for the children. Over 200 children played the games and left us with a smile and a small prize. All part of Rotary's work in the community.

Another fund raising initiative backed by activities designed to attract passing children, and thus their parents (the ones with the money!)

Life Education

The Life education caravan was on hand to show how valuable this was to enhancing the quality of life of the youngest members of our society and helping them to make good choices in their lives.

Roll-a-Coin

An attraction where children of all ages could spin a coin down the "Roll-a-Coin" installation and help fund Rotary Charities.

Our efforts were rewarded with a total raised of over