Bonus Day, BBQ  and Nobody Loses!

The Rotary Club of Billericay participated in MP John Barron’s Fun Walk for the second time this year, with Rotarian Roger Kettle leading the charge as our sponsored walker, and club members Malcolm Acors and patrick Rothon helping out as a marshals along the route.

The Fun Walk started in 2002 to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, when it raised over £6,000 for six charities and projects.  The event starts at 12pm, with the walk begining at 1pm.   The Fun Walk has been a considerable success in enabling local Charities and Support Groups to raise funds for their good causes. Not just through individuals and groups gaining sponsorship for their participation but then being able to increase the money they raised through a “Bonus Pot” contribution donated from local Businesses and other Sponsors. As our Club knows, in 2015 for every £100 we raised in sponsorship the Bonus Pot added a further £90. In total last year, the Fun Walk Initiative raised very nearly £100,000 for 100 projects.

It’s a lot of organisation but what a worthwhile and beneficial initiative for good causes in our community.  The 2016 Fun Walk again built on the success of past years. There was music, a superb BBQ, various food opportunities, fun and participation stalls and a large display of stalls being there to advertise their charities and good causes and all supported by a very large crowd, in fact much bigger in numbers than last year.

There were two walks to choose from – both within Barleylands Farm. One of three miles and the good idea of a shorter course suitable for families, children and the disabled. It meant everyone could participate. There were wheel chairs, although the ground was bumpy in places, blind people with their guides and goodness knows how many families. The weather stayed fine and warm and the walks were across quite beautiful Essex Countryside. In other words a very nice Sunday Walk.  It wasn’t a race, you could walk at your own comfortable pace and in addition to the fresh air and exercise you were raising money for good causes. Very much a win – win situation.

At the end everyone was given a certificate and a medal which the children thought great, and then it was back to the music, the BBQ, the support activities and socialising with friends and other participants. 
Well done to everyone involved in the organisation.
By Roger Kettle