A Good Crowd

Roger Kettle and Sarah, Brian Wellman and Julia, Robert Godfrey and Rose, Peter Greene and Wendy, David Holroyd, Les Sheppard. Michael Dunne, President Stephen King, Vice President Nick Street and Revd. Margaret Fowler all had a very warm welcome at the celebration.

Apart from us, and Basildon members, there was also our Assistant Governor Mark Chambers & Stephanie, from Mayflower Rotary Club, and District Governor Mark Williamson from Wickford Rotary Club.  42 people in all, a fine turn-out.

The proceedings were started by President Ben Rajan, who welcomed everybody to the event and briefly talked about the achievements of the club.  He specifically mentioned the loss of two “amazing Rotarians. Bob Thomas and Janet Mudd”.  Both were staunch Rotarians who had worked tirelessly to help others.  Janet in particular was well known to us visiting Billericay Rotarians, and was a very sad loss.

After Grace by Carol Barrett, the three course meal was served, all courses “booked” beforehand and speedily served by our waitresses.  The Loyal Toast was made by President Ben, and the toast to the club’s guests led by Mike Barrett.

The response on behalf of the guests was made by DG Mark Williamson, who added some brief words of encouragement.

During the meal there was a bucket collection in aid of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and the Alzheimer’s Society, at which nearly £250 was raised from all attendees.

We Hug the Hurt …

After a short break, Peter Townsend introduced Basildon’s “Unsung Hero” award which was made to Karen Pullen, whose son Craig had been just 22 when he took his own life.  Not wishing to let her son’s tragic death be in vain, she founded The Craig Tyler Trust to help others struggling with depression and mental health issues.

It has drop-in centres in Pitsea and Basildon and a recently opened a fundraising shop and drop-in centre at Wat Tyler Park.  Karen and her team work tirelessly 7 days a week to help others, and their motto is We Hug the Hurt, Befriend the Lost and Love the Lonely.

Basildon Rotary Club were delighted to donate £500.00 to Karen and her amazing charity.  (More information: https://www.thecraigtylertrust.co.uk/)

Adventurer and Conservationist 

This award was followed by the main speaker of the day, Ryan Parker, who was introduced by President Ben Rajan.  Ryan describes himself as a conservationist and adventurer from “Save the Animals, Save the World”, a charity based in Basildon.

Unfortunately, the Billericay Fireworks event was scheduled for that night and five of the attendees from Billericay Rotary Club were on duty from 4.30-4.45 and had to leave shortly afterwards.

They missed a very interesting talk covering nature topics in general, including:

• Biodiversity & Ecosystems
• The exotic pet trade
• Climate change and wildlife
• Rewilding & habitat restoration
• Wildlife tourism & responsible travels
• Careers with animals & working in conservation
• Orca conservation
• Hyena behaviour and protection
• Sharks & marine conservation
• Crocodiles & reptiles
• Big cats, elephants, pangolins, and more

He says his talks are designed to be inspiring, educational, and action-driven — bringing the wild world alive and empowering people to make a difference.  He then proceeded to talk about his love of adventure, wildlife and conservation.  He spoke of his ongoing travel and encounters with wildlife in places such as the Serengeti, Kenya , Borneo etc.

Ryan showed some amazing footage of swimming with sharks, being capsized on the Nile river, sitting with Silverback gorillas to name just a few of his exploits.  He gives lectures to students of all ages regarding conservation in general and is a certified safari guide should you wish to go to Africa and see the animals close. up.  (More information: https://www.facebook.com/Savetheanimalssavetheworld/) 

Kevin Howard made the vote of thanks to Ryan, and President Ben Rajan gave the Final Rotary Toast before everybody made their happy way home.