Chartering of Billericay’s New Rotarians

Billericay is blessed with our Rotary Club – the Rotary Club of Billericay, and our daughter club, The Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower, as well as other service clubs such as the Lions, Round Table and the 41 club.  It was a great initiative two years ago when the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower, formed a Satellite Rotary Club – the Satellite Club of Billericay Town.

Starting then, with only 12 members, it has proven so successful and grown at such a rate that it has already achieved a membership of 20 Rotarians – 17 women and three men.  (Quite a change from the gender basis of the original Billericay Rotary Clubs!).  It was ready for existence in its own right!

All Present For The Birth!

On Thursday May 23 members of its mother Club of Billericay Mayflower, and five members of what we might call the “grandmother” Club of Billericay, attended the Charter Night of the newly independent Rotary Club of Billericay Town.  Also present were members of the District Team including amongst others DG Lesley Sulley, AG Dave Eagles (DGNN) and AG Keith Brownlie (DGN), and PDG Alan Clarke.  Billericay’s third Rotary Club was born!

After starting with a glass of Prosecco and canapés provided by the District Team, the 20 members of the new club circulated and conversed with members of the existing Rotary Clubs and District Team.  Eventually, we all moved to the tables where we were welcomed by Carl Johnson, President of Billericay Mayflower.

Then came the challenge. Sheets of baby photographs on each table?  Each photo was of a member of the new club – in the words of a famous ‘60s TV programme, “our mission, should we choose to accept it”, was to identify which baby was which member of Billericay Town.

Chain Of Office

After a delicious meal (with wine provided by Billericay Mayflower) District Governor Lesley Sulley opened the proceedings with a speech celebrating the new club, praised its rapid rise in membership and called up Lynn Talbot to be presented formally with the Charter, as President of the Rotary Club of Billericay Town.

President Lynn then asked each new member to stand and be introduced. So whose photograph corresponded to whom? Our success rate is too embarrassing to report here!

President Les then made an amusing speech and handed over to President Lynn, our gift of a special gold embossed “Visitors’ Book” for the new Club.  Mayflower President Carl then made another amusing speech and presented Lynn with the charter gift from Mayflower Club.

Finally, the closing toast of the evening by DG Lesley Sculley.  A great evening  – convivial conversation, a good meal, but most of all a CELEBRATION of the new Rotary Club of Billericay Town.  We welcome you all.