Stories

Happy St. George's Day 2024

Happy St. Georges Day to all, perhaps celebrate with an English sparkling wine!

Mystery Trip 2024 - Mr P does it again!

Please see our Facebook page for the first reel but here are a few shots from our Mystery Trip organised as ever by Rotarian Alan Peaford, a huge THANK YOU to him. 21 of us left Thurrock by minibus and headed to Gatwick with only our passports a few quid and enough clothes for two nights but no idea where we were going! Some clues given by Alan eventually led us to either Malta, Switzerland or well anyway is was the great island of Malta.

Our hotel was excellent if a little noisy as it was in the heart of all the nightlife action which finished around 4am although a few of our merry band were still drinking so didn't notice. Naturally with such a large group and the trouble you can have trying to get restaurants that hadn't been booked to take us all, we split into a few groups and did our own thing. The first night started with a few sherbets in the Irish bar and some pretty decent food and as the night wore on some decided to run the gauntlet of a the night clubs vying for our business and returned to the hotel, while certain others partied on to the wee small hours.

The next day we took an open top bus round the island which orientated us to the island and then we had a few hours before the booked evening meal. 7 of us returned to a wine bar on the harbour front at St Julian's and discovered nearly 100 gins to try, we gave it a good go!

The following day feeling a bit jaded, some of our number walked to Valetta while others went to Mdina which was spectacular, particularly when we found some stocks to put misbehaving members in.

Our return to Blighty was smooth and without incident, a great two days with excellent company, great food and a few sherbets all very reasonably priced which was an added bonus.

Lets Grow Together - End Polio Now

Did you wonder what the result was of all that hard digging and planting last year, all the bulbs we planted at the Thurrock Rugby Club are in beautiful bloom.

Young Photographer Competition Winners

Congratulations to our Young Photographer winners

Saiyeda Raza age 7 WoodsideAcademy 0-10 category

Elyse Hubbard age 11 William Edwards 11-13 category

Olivia Phillip age17 Hathaway Academy 14-17 category

How many students does it take to make a light flash?

Take a look at this year's Technology Tournament hosted by the Tilbury Cruise Terminal and very ably assisted by South Essex College. This year the tournament was won by Gable Hall

Technology Tournament 2024 a huge success

On Tuesday 12th March the club hosted the 2024 Technology Tournament at the Cruise Terminal in Tilbury.

Participating this year was Gable Hall, Thames Park Secondary, The Hathaway Academy and St Clere's School, plus a combined teachers team who produced a masterpiece of crafting. The students whose ages ranged from 12 and a half to 15 had to design, build and test a Flashing Beacon using either an electrical circuit with LED's or bulbs. The levels of ingenuity were a delight to see as a number of designs were imagined, built and presented with one of the teams from Gable Hall winning overall. The team won a trophy, presented by Steven Quigley, to take back to their school and each student was awarded an Amazon voucher for £25.

However next year we may have to add a runner-up category as it was a close run thing and given the effort, imagination and application from the teams its a pity we couldn't have more than one winner. The students were a delight to meet, all were polite, friendly and took the competition seriously as well as having fun. They were all a credit to themselves, their teachers and their schools.

We were also very fortunate to have the Tilbury Radio Club demonstrating their radio equipment and giving the students a quick lesson in Morse Code, more of this in future bulletins.

More pictures of the tournament will be released along with a video as the final edits have been completed by Jay Willoughby from the South Essex College who was our cameraman and videographer for the day, our heartfelt thanks to him for this. Also from The South Essex College was Simon Parker and James (who was one of our judges) along with Rotarians and partners Clive Page & Fiona East, Nicholas Wilkinson, Corrin Whymark, Nick Heath (who PAT tested our equipment) John Collier. Abdul Quddoos, Pam Worrall (our senior Judge) John Smith (our President) Sheena Allsopp from the Cruise Terminal, myself and my wife Lesley Quigley. Without the tireless efforts of all involved including the teachers who not only brought the students to the venue, also entered the competition with gusto, this event would never have happened, so huge THANK YOU to all of them.

Cheque Presentations to our Christmas Charities

At our luncheon meeting of the 7th March we presented representatives of our Christmas Charities with a cheque for £2,625 each being a full distribution of the £10,500 we raised from the Christmas Santa sleigh rides and collections at Tesco's Lakeside, Morrisons Corringham and ASDA Tilbury. The representative from Great Ormond Street was not present so we will send them their cheque.

Peggy Davis - Bernardo's

Aaron Lane - Little Havens Children's Hospice

John Brewer and Anthony Hatton - Treetops School

Young Artist 2024 - The Results Are In

Senior Category Winners

Winner Isabel Aros-Solomon from William Edwards School “My artwork portrays an idea of destruction but there is rebuilding in progress. There is a strong bond explaining that you can still fix yourself, even when half broken, by rebuilding. This process of rebuilding does not have to be pretty and that is exactly how my artwork relates to the theme”.
Highly Commended Rachida Rai from the Hathaway Academy “BAM! In the middle of the universe. In the middle of nowhere. Things still keep going on. Even with a peak into another realm, life goes on. Bricks are laid, columns are built to be used and destroyed later. Life goes on so build it again”.
Highly Commended Nifemi Alawiye from the Hathaway Academy “ADHD best describes who I am, how my brain ‘operates’. Each time I feel like my day goes bad, my brain ‘rebuilds’. I need to do better tomorrow”

Intermediate Category Winners

Winner Aaron Tregunno from Treetops School “In future people might be rebuilt as robots”
Very Highly Commended Owen Taylor from Treetops School “All of the questions I had before starting at Treetops School seem less important as I rebuild my confidence”
Highly Commended Jehlani Francis from Treetops School “This is the theme of life and death. Something comes to an end and new life continues to be rebuilt in the future”
Commended Shae O’Hanlon from William Edwards School. “Flowers rebuild and grow new leaves every year”.

Junior Category Winners

Winner Myra Ali from Woodside Academy “A vandalised park being rebuilt”
Very Highly Commended Evie Newberry from Stifford Clays Junior School “Rebuilding Womens football since the FA ban in 1921”.
Highly Commended Honey Waro from Stifford Clays Junior School “The effects rebuilding can have on people and their surroundings”.

Young Artist Competition 2024 - The Results Are In

Category: Senior
Name	School	Placing	Description of artwork	Picture
Isabel Aros-Solomon	William Edwards School	Winner	My artwork portrays an idea of destruction but there is rebuilding in progress. There is a strong bond explaining that you can still fix yourself, even when half broken, by rebuilding. This process of rebuilding does not have to be pretty and that is exactly how my artwork relates to the theme.
Rachida Rai	Hathaway Academy	Highly commended	BAM! In the middle of the universe. In the middle of nowhere. Things still keep going on. Even with a peak into another realm, life goes on. Bricks are laid, columns are built to be used and destroyed later. Life goes on so build it again
Nifemi Alawiye	Hathaway Academy	Highly Commended	ADHD best describes who I am, how my brain ‘operates’. Each time I feel like my day goes bad, my brain ‘rebuilds’. “I need to do better tomorrow”

Young Artists 2024 - The Results Are In

Category: Senior
Name	School	Placing	Description of artwork	Picture
Isabel Aros-Solomon	William Edwards School	Winner	My artwork portrays an idea of destruction but there is rebuilding in progress. There is a strong bond explaining that you can still fix yourself, even when half broken, by rebuilding. This process of rebuilding does not have to be pretty and that is exactly how my artwork relates to the theme.
Rachida Rai	Hathaway Academy	Highly commended	BAM! In the middle of the universe. In the middle of nowhere. Things still keep going on. Even with a peak into another realm, life goes on. Bricks are laid, columns are built to be used and destroyed later. Life goes on so build it again
Nifemi Alawiye	Hathaway Academy	Highly Commended	ADHD best describes who I am, how my brain ‘operates’. Each time I feel like my day goes bad, my brain ‘rebuilds’. “I need to do better tomorrow”

Young Writer Competition - Results

The subject that the entrants had to write upon was “Rebuilding”. The competition was fierce, and of all the entries were of a high standard. The majority of the entries received were submitted via a school, but we did receive two private entries who were encouraged to enter by Woodside Academy staff.

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the Junior, (10 years old and under category) was from Woodside Academy called Myra Ali who the judge considered that her work to be well written and consistent in the power of her argument. The winner of the Intermediate (11 to 13 years old category) was a student from Hathaway Academy called Nifemi Alawiye who the judge considered her prose entry to be excellent and that if fully met the criteria.

Congratulations to both the winners, who will receive their prizes at our prize presentations in due course and will be representing Thurrock at the next stage of the national competition.

New Member - Abdul Quddoos

Welcome to our latest new member Abdul Quddoos.

Pictured below is our President John Smith inducting Abdul into the club together with Abdul's sponsor Rotarian Adrian Alsop

Rotary Theme for 2024 - 2025

The Magic of Rotary is the new theme for the Rotary Year 2024 to 2025

Young Musician Competition Winners

Many congratulations to the winners of the Thurrock Rotary Young Musician 2023 Competition. Details of the 2024 competition will be posted on this website in July/September 2024.

Advanced Class: Melda Kondoz – Violin & Ismael DoSoo – Vocalist. The very best of luck to Melda and Ismael when they represent Thurrock in the Rotary District 1240 Young Musician Competition in Brentwood Cathedral on Saturday 2^nd March.

Intermediate Class: Mollie Quincy – Vocalist & Ismael Dosoo - Cello.

Beginner Class: Robin Turner – Saxophone & Lura Mihaj – Vocalist.

Fantastic Youth Events Coming Up

The following fantastic Youth Events are coming up but please don't delay in sending us your entry as the closing date is the 8th February 2024! - Go to our Youth Section to download the information packs and entry forms

Thurrock's Young Musicians Showcase Their Talents

A pair of young musicians from Thurrock have each scooped an award at the Rotary Young Musician of the Year 2023 event.

Melda Kondoz, 16 from Aveley, won the “Solo Instrumental of the year” while Ismael Dosoo, 12 from East Tilbury picked up the “Solo Vocal of the year” prize.

The talented youngsters came out top in a highly competitive field of musicians aged 17 and under and will now go on to showcase their musicianship in Brentwood Cathedral at the Rotary 1240 District finals where they will compete against young musicians from across Essex.

We want to say a big congratulations to Ismael and Melda and wish them the best of luck for the next round of this national competition.

Visit Thurrock Music Services at https://thurrockmusic.co.uk/ if you would like to learn more about the ways you can learn or hire an instrument in Thurrock. Also, visit Grays Thurrock Rotary Club, Youth Section at https://graysthurrockrotary.org.uk/sitepage/youth-events-competitions to learn more about other youth events open to young people living in Thurrock.

New Member - John Collier

On the 7th December, John Collier was inducted as a new member of the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock having attended 3 meetings and a formal orientation meeting. Pictured below is John being welcomed by his sponsor, our current President, John B Smith.

Welcome John

Mathletics 2024

This year the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock will be holding their annual Mathletics Competition for Thurrock Primary Schools on Wednesday 6^th March 2024. The aim of this fun event is to celebrate and encourage students to achieve their very best in mathematics. This successful and looked forward to event, is sponsored by the club and organised in partnership with The Gateway Academy Tilbury, it will be held during the morning at The Gateway Academy, Marshfoot Road, Tilbury RM16 4LU

Every primary school across the Borough of Thurrock is invited to enter a team of their most able mathematicians. Many of these schools hold their own in-house competitions prior to the event to make sure that their most able pupils are selected. Each team of four pupils have to work in an organised way to make sure that they answer all of the challenging questions in an allocated time. The winning school receives a trophy and the students in the top three teams each receive their own personal trophy.

A senior schoolteacher at the event said “Thanks to Rotary for organising this. It’s a great way to raise the profile of maths across the borough and also a great way to champion our most able pupils. It’s fun and challenging for them and its success can be seen in the pupils’ enthusiasm, application and smiles as well as by the number of schools that take part each year”.

Lastly, an invitation is sent to every primary school in Thurrock at the beginning of the Spring Term.

[Contact admin@rotaryclubofgraysthurrock.co.uk if you need further information.]

Father Christmas, his Sleigh, his Elves and our routes

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock on behalf of Father Christmas will be running 10 routes in our local area this December collecting for our Christmas charities. Last year despite tough times for us all, we collected a record amount of donations which was distributed to the named charities, this speaks volumes about our community and its generosity. The routes and approximate times are listed below as are the route maps and as before we have the SANTA SLEIGH TRACKER which can be loaded on your mobile using this QR code or browsing directly to https://glympse.com/!graysrotary

Our sleigh routes are as follows:-

Monday 11th December 6pm - Stifford Clays

Tuesday 12th December 6pm - Tilbury

Wednesday 13th December 6pm - Rectory Road North

Thursday 14th December 6pm - Chadwell St Mary

Friday 15th December 6pm - Grays

Saturday 16th December 5pm - Woodside

Sunday 17th December 5pm - Blackshots

Monday 18th December 6pm - Stanford-le-Hope

Tuesday 19th December 6pm - Rectory Road South

Wednesday 20th December 6pm - Orsett

As usual we will be providing collecting tins for all donations but in addition you can use the following QR code to our Just Giving site - Grays Thurrock Rotary Club Trust Fund

Early Christmas visit from the Rotary Santa

The Orsett Hall (our regular weekly home from home) held its Christmas shopping extravaganza and as usual the Rotary Santa made an appearance for charity. Well done to all our collectors and other Elves who collectively raised £235 which was considerably up from last year. Thank you to all who gave so generously.

Young Chef 2023

This years Young Chef competition held on Thursday 30th November at "Waves" South Essex College was yet again another hugely successful event, with very talented entrants. This years winner and runner up both came from the Hassenbrook Academy:-

Winner - Pippa Hammond

Runner Up - Archie Harper

Our lead Rotarian, Corin Whymark is seen here guiding events and our President John B Smith congratulates the winners, together with some pictures of the children taking part, thoroughly enjoying themselves at the excellent facilities of the South Essex College under the expert oversight of Chef Steve.

Technology Tournament 2024

Introduction

Each team of four participants is required to design, develop, build and then test a previously set technology task.

Date: Tuesday 12^th March 2024

Venue: The London Cruise Terminal, Fort Road, Tilbury, RM18 7NG (use postcode for SatNav).

Time: Competitors are asked to arrive and register at 12.00. The Tournament will start promptly at 12.30pm and the anticipated finish time is 4.30pm.

Aims

This competition aims to encourage young people to:

put their STEM skills to the test.
show they can work within a team and communicate with each other to achieve a common goal.
be creative and constructive but showing their command of time management skills.

Please head to our Youth Section to download the FULL DETAILS & ENTRY FORM

The video below was created by Mark Bradley for the 2018 tournament run by Rotary Clubs in Leeds but gives you a good idea of what to expect

Remembrance Sunday 2023

Our President John B Smith laid a wreath at the Grays War Memorial at this years Act of Remembrance. The service led as usual by the Revd Canon Darren Barlow was well attended despite the damp weather where the pipes of the Sutherlands and the brass instruments of the Grays Town Band did much to add to the atmosphere.

93 This Month

On the 9th October The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock was 93 years old and is never looking more healthy!

On the 10th September 1930, Rotary International issued the Club Charter which was presented to the club in the Queens Hotel, Grays on the 9th October 1930 with over 100 people present at this inauguration. The Presidents Bell was presented by the Southend-on-Sea Club which is our Mother Club. The inaugural meeting of the club which had 15 members by now, included the Headmaster of Palmers College, Roland Hall Accountants, Frank West and W E Walsham (unable to attend at the time) and E V Saxton all notable professionals and business owners from the local area. Today we are over 38 members with Mr John Walsham our current Father of the Club providing continuity (and an enduring link with our origins) over the generations.

Our first home was the Queens Hotel and regular lunchtime meetings began with a four course lunch costing 2 shillings, today we meet for lunch at the Orsett Hall (except on the 2nd Thursday of the month where we have an evening meeting, see "Why Not Join Us" section of the website for more details) and it costs £20 for a two course meal! In the early days Rotary allowed only one member per business classification and initially all members were active business men, but today everyone who wants to contribute to society and in particular, people in need, whether in the UK or abroad are welcome to apply for membership, providing they can commit to giving time, their passion and expertise.

In the 1930's the club raised funds by a "whip-round" at Christmas and a Christmas party for "Crippled Children" as there were many such children following an outbreak of Polio in the late 1920's. Today we raise substantial sums through various initiatives and give to international appeals such as relief for natural disasters and unfortunately war relief. On the 24th October it was WORLD POLIO DAY and Rotary can be justly proud with its leadership and efforts which have all but eradicated Polio from the world (except for Afghanistan and Pakistan).

In the 1960's we started a Tripartite relationship with a club in Germany and Holland with the first joint meeting held in Grays on the 14th May 1960, each year we take turns in hosting the other clubs and it was Grays's turn this year with a truly amazing event in Greenwich and Orsett (see earlier posts).

In the 1980's the club sponsored the formation of the Rotary Club of Mardyke Valley with it boundaries the same as the Grays Thurrock Club but they tended to concentrate on the western half of our area. Our involvement in the District and National parts of Rotary remained strong and in 1988 Geoff Player became our second District Governor.

In the early 2000's our involvement with "Kids Out" started and is just as strong today (see earlier posts for our recent trip to the Southend Sea Life Centre) and in 2008 we started our annual "Mystery Trip" for members where you just turn up with a few well packed clothes, a few quid in your pocket and your passport for a great few days away.

The 2020's were a challenge, particularly the pandemic as we were affected as everybody was and life changed. We continued meetings but by Zoom, so technology came to our aid and the tenure of our President at the time, Adrian Alsop, was extended to 18 months from the normal 12 months.

Today with our new President John B Smith we are 38 active members and actively looking to grow and are particularly keen to attract Ladies into our club.

Our New Associate Member

On the 12th October 2023, Graham Pinkerton made a welcome return to club membership (he was formally a former full member) as an Associate Member so he can combine his work commitments with club activities. Associate members don't have the same commitments as full members but play an important part in the club affairs while enjoying the fellowship of club members and club activities. Graham continues the Walsham family involvement with the club as his father-in-law is the current Father of the Club and Mr W.E. Walsham was one of the founder members of the club. Below our President Mr John Smith welcomes Graham at his induction.

Kids Out 2023

The Magnificent Seven - well Seven Rotarians anyway

The weather for the day was perfect and two full coach loads of children with their individual carers all from the Treetops School in Thurrock, together with seven of our club Rotarians, were collected in the morning from the school and whisked away to the Southend Sea Life Centre. There the children took great delight in seeing in the aquariums everything from sharks to lobsters and all manner of fish plus monkeys and Meercats. Meanwhile in a forest setting life-size models of pre-historic dinosaurs were found and then finally a colony of Penguins.

After lunch at the Sea Life Centre, everyone walked along the Esplanade beside the sea to Adventure Indoors and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon on funfair rides and amusements. We would like to thank the Sea Life Centre and Adventure Indoors for their tremendous generosity in providing the children, and carers (plus of course ourselves) with free access to both venues and a place to have our lunch, its so appreciated and the trip could not have happened without their support. Profound thanks also goes to KB Coaches who heavily discounted the cost of providing two coaches to ferry us all from Treetops School to Southend and back in such comfort and safety.

Thanks to Pam Watson Jones the Rotary area coordinator for Kids Out, Steve Payne who organised the day from our end and club members, Bob Paterson, Adrian Alsop, Chris Churchyard, Peter Hoche, Steve Quigley and Clive Page. Note the photo of Rotarians on the Esplanade enjoying a donut – enough said!

The coach trip home was quieter than the one out and all the children will no doubt have slept soundly the night after their day at the seaside.

Next Year we hope to return to the more usual time of year for this event.

A Fabulous Day at the Grays Thurrock Rotary Club Charity Golf Day

26 teams of 4 teed off on a shotgun start at Orsett Golf Club for the Grays Thurrock Rotary Charity Golf Day on 22^nd August under sun and a brilliant blue sky.

With some useful golfers entered, including last year’s winning team, there was an intensive day of competition, seconds before the off, a Spitfire flew low over the course which was a fantastic sight and then the gun was fired soon after at 2.00pm. Teams came off the course at about 6.30pm, happy but tired after 18 holes and a very competitive Putting Competition. At the end of a long hot day competitors relaxed in the club bar regaling stories of the day followed by a lovely meal in the club dining room and a well-supported raffle, auction and prize giving.

The overall winner was Trevor Heaps who received the Griffin Residential & Rotary perpetual Trophy, a winner’s trophy, Champagne, a £50 golfing voucher and free entry to next year’s competition. The Runner Up was Gary Bennett who also received Champagne and a golf voucher. The winning team was Gary Bennett (Captain), J Howard, Danny Gallagher and D Bennett who received a sheave of balls and wine. The winning Lady by one point, was Sue Lister and Dave Oakley managed to win a hotly contested Putting Competition by sinking three out of his four balls. Nearest the pin on the 3^rd, was won by Dave Lister and nearest the pin in 2 on the 6^th, was won by Scott Ourton. There was also a Beat the Pro session which everyone enjoyed, save for perhaps the pro who had to play the same hole 26 times. Having said that those organising the Putting Competition had to watch the same put over 400 times, but all good fun. The raffle was well supported by everyone and had some great prizes, including a TV, a Hamper, a handbag, lots of spirits and vouchers for golf and restaurants from our sponsors.

It was a good club team effort but particular thanks go to event organiser Ray Smallcombe, scorer John Smith, Dave Wheatley on programme and admin, Ivan North on entry coordination, Clive Page and Adrian Alsop running the Putting Competition, Dave Hamilton on photography, Kevin Watkins on the raffle and Steve Quigley as score runner. Our principle sponsor Griffins Residential and indeed all our other sponsors, were generous in their support of the event and in all we managed to raise over [£5,000] which will go towards or Clubs charities. Club Past President Clive Page presented the trophies and thanked in particular all the sponsors for their continued support.

Next year’s competition will also be at Orsett Golf Club and is already in the diary for 20^th August 2024, so if you are interested in entering a team have a look at the club website end of May next year for entry details. You need to be quick because nearly all the teams this year said they would want to come next year.

Charity Golf Day a huge success

The second charity golf day held at The Orsett Golf Club by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock on Tuesday 22nd August 2023, was a huge success, with over 100 golfers enjoying beautiful weather on one of the finest courses in the country. The club was first conceived in 1899 by local dignitaries, business men, officers from the Indian Military and landowners, changing and expanding over the century to become as John A Smith the Centenary Captain said " The development of the club over the years has resulted in a Championship golf course and one of the finest in the County", the club also played host to an airfield during WW1.

The success of the day was in no small part due to the tireless efforts and organisation of Rotarian Ray Smallcombe and his merry band of Grays Thurrock Rotary club members who organised the raffle, manned the putting competition, photographer, published the guide and produced course maps plus many more logistic activities. The Orsett Golf Club too was not only very supportive but played an active and essential part in the success of the day with the club manager Michael Bruce and deputy manager Sue Coleman particularly noted for their enthusiastic support along with members Jim Scales and David Stitson acting as Marshalls for the day.

In a series of updates this is the first brief look at the fun and sportsmanlike competitive spirit that the players contributed along with a hint of the hard work required to stage such an event.

New District Governor - David Willis and his ADG visit the Club

The new Governor of our district 1240, David Willis, visited the club with the Assistant District Governor, Norman Ellenby. David mentioned the relatively short term of one year for each appointment making it a challenge to see through initiatives but nevertheless committed to putting in a huge amount of time and passion into his theme for 2023/24 being "Create hope in the World" and his chosen personal charity 'Young lives versus cancer".

David made it clear that Rotarians change peoples lives for the better every day both at home and around the world. Our charitable giving and the individual efforts of Rotarians who are always front and centre when a crisis engulfs people are clear examples of this, with the war in Ukraine and the earthquake in Turkey and Syria being recent notable examples. In both crises Rotary had produced lorry loads of relief aid and donated millions of pounds within weeks of them unfolding.

David emphasised the importance of networking and meeting people so is likely to have a busy year visiting the clubs in the district, plus this year will see the first joint District Conference with us joining with Beds, Bucks and Herts District with JJ Chalmers being our guest speaker alongside those from charities and other organisations. Our new Governor also recognised the significant contribution that The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock makes and with a growing membership is successfully swimming against the tide of dwindling membership in some clubs. ADG Norman Ellenby also offered his time and support to the club which was appreciated.

Pictured below is our new president John B Smith welcoming both Governor Willis and ADG Ellenby to the club where they joined us for lunch at The Orsett Hall.

Another valued sponsor for our Charity Golf Day

We are delighted to announce that Rowland Hall have been added to our roll call of valued sponsors of our Charity Golf Day, a huge "Thank-You" to them.

Presidents Weekend 2023 - Sancerre

24 Rotarians and partners travelled to Sancerre in central France for the President’s Weekend from Friday 23rd to Monday 26^th June 2023. The weekend started on the Friday with a drinks party and buffet meal in the garden of Clive and Fiona’s holiday home in the village, where we partied well into the night, some having a dip in the pool and a game of boule.

The next day it was down to the Wine Museum in Sancerre to discover how wine is made and the history of the terroir – the moisture squirted into one’s face at the appropriate time during the 3D interactive film was a laugh. It was followed by a wine tasting on the museum terrace. After lunch and in brilliant sunshine (temp in excess of 30 degrees), Clive took everyone for a guided walk around the town, following the red line painted in the street. It started at the Esplanade Porte-Cesar with a fantastic panoramic view of the Loire and finished at the library on the other side of town with another great view of the vineyards. After this everyone retreated to their swimming pools for a well-earned swim and a cool down.

In the early evening there was a wine tasting at the Joseph Mellot Historic Cellar in town. We were shown around by the owner and a follow Rotarian, Catherine Corbeau-Mellot and her son Armond, who explained how wine was stored in oak barrels and how to get the best out of the delicious Sancerre and Pouilly Fume wines we were tasting. Later we walked to the Joseph Mellot Auberge Restaurant in the town Square for a three-course meal paired with appropriate wines. There were informal speeches and we were able to meet the President of the Sancerre and Cosne Rotary Club Regis Jouan and his partner, Christiane, who were our guests. Regis was glad to receive his Grays Thurrock Rotary tie which he wore with pride and Clive received a banner and a bottle of Sancerre wine engraved with the club’s name.

On the Sunday everyone was again greeted in the morning by brilliant sunshine and blue skies for another hot day. We gathered at the Joseph Mellot Winery at 10.00am for a tour and explanation of how the wine is made, from grape crushers to giant stainless-steel vats and the bottling and packaging plants. Joseph Mellot’s three wineries produce 1.4 – 1.6 million bottles of wine a year. We even had a chance to look at the developing grapes on the nearby vines – harvest expected mid-September. After the tour, you guessed it, there was another wine tasting in the Winery.

After lunch a convey of cars met at the Panoramic hotel and we drove down to the banks of the Loire at St Satur, where our party was split into two groups, one of which went for a walk along the Loire and finished with a ice cream in the Cafe, while the other group went for a boat trip along the river to the Wildlife Sanctuary and back – onboard Fiona oversaw the nibbles and wine. When they returned an hour later it was the first groups turn to jump on the boat with Fiona for the second river boat trip of the day. That evening, we met for the final evening meal at the Le Connétable Restaurant and eat al fresco on the terrace in the town Square. After an informal meal of huge portions, we said our goodbyes and retired to the bars of the town or our accommodation, all having had a great time. Many thanks to the President and particularly his partner Fiona East, for organising the event.

Charity Golf Day 2023

We are holding a Charity Golf Day in August hoping to repeat the huge success that was last years competition, made possible this year by our kind sponsors and hard work by club members. Please click on our "Golf Day" in the menu bar at the top for the entry form.

Our New President

Our Rotary year runs from 1st July to 30th June each year and the first meeting of the year is usually the occasion for the handover from the outgoing President to the incoming one. Usually very informal, including handing over the heavy chain most Presidents wear for formal occasions. Club presidents plan and lead club meetings, set goals, encourage communication between club and district committees, review expenditures, participate in decisions, and motivate club members, they also collaborate with the district governor and assistant governor.

Below we see outgoing President Clive Page hand over the chain of office to our new President John Smith, good luck to John and we all wish him a successful and enjoyable Presidential year.

Two new members brings us up to 38 active members

Two new members inducted at our regular luncheon meeting at the Orsett Hall, bringing our thriving club membership up to 38 active members!

On 1st June, after the usual induction process, the Club President inducted two new members, Mr Ross Bungsraz, proposed by Rotarian Rajan Mohile and Mr Barry Price, proposed by Rotarian Alan Peaford MBE. Our President Clive Page officiated and presented their badges and welcomed them to the club and the fellowship of Rotary.

Both new members look forward getting involved with all the activities of the Club.

Greenwich T2023

Lunch at The Old Brewery T2023

Speeches T2023

The Trip to Greenwich T2023

Presidents Tripartite 2023

Tripartite 2023

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock hosted the 62nd Tripartite of the Rotary Clubs of Iserlohn, Voorschoten-Leidschendam and Grays Thurrock in Greenwich and Orsett. The weekend began on Friday 26th with a golf tournament at the Orsett Golf Club for the golfers of the three clubs and then in the evening a drinks reception was held at the Orsett Hall before the groups then went on to members houses for evening dinner parties.

On Saturday the fun started with a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car which took them to Greenwich for lunch and a free afternoon touring the Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum, The Royal Observatory, local shops and the Royal Park. A drinks reception was held at the Old Brewery Hall with a marvellous string quartet entertaining them before dinner. On Sunday a brunch was held in the Gold Room at the Orsett Hall where following a solid breakfast speeches from our President Clive Page and the President Elect of the Iserlohn Club thanked all involved and confirmed the dates of the 63rd meeting which will be held on the 10th to the 12th May 2024 hosted by the Iserlohn Club.

Our President and the Presidents of the Dutch and German clubs thanked the Grays Thurrock Tripartite team of Kevin Watkins, Adrian Alsop, Raj Mobile and Clive Page for a truly fantastic job organising such a successful event.

Photos of the whole weekend can be seen below

Brunch T2023

Dinner Parties T2023

Our New Paul Harris Fellow - Clive Attwood

Clive Attwood receives the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from our President, Clive Page and proposer Ray Smallcombe for his long and distinguished service to Rotary and the club.

Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to Rotary and Rotary Foundation. Many other notable figures have been named Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk.

Coronation of King Charles & Queen Camilla

Congratulations to their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla

A wonderful spectacular that only GB can do and a moment in history for our nation.

Photo credit Chris Jackson

Young Chef Workshop - new Jamie Oliver's in the making

On Wednesday 29^th March, Fellow Rotarians, Corin Whymark and Nick Wilkinson organised with Steve Deal the Group Commercial Catering Manager at South Essex College, a spin-off of Rotary’s Young Chef competition called ‘Young Chef Workshop’.

Twelve students from three Thurrock Secondary Schools attended the College and were asked to cook a three-course meal. This was Rotary Young Chef with a twist because, Thurrock’s answer to Jamie Oliver, Chef Steve Deal, showed the teams how to cook the three dishes – Eggs Florentine; Chicken & Asparagus Risotto and Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake - at the college’s excellently equipped student kitchens in the Grays Campus. Steve’s dishes were then displayed in the kitchen and off the young chefs went to their individual workstations to prepare and cook their own submissions. The kitchen was a hive of activity with Steve floating around offering the benefit of his culinary skills. All the students did exceptionally well and then came the judging. The poor judges, Steve and Corin, tasted 36 dishes and wrote detailed feedback sheets for each competitor. Steve also gave individual appraisals which everyone enjoyed.

At the end of the competition, all competitors were given a certificate of participation and a goody bag from the College. Steve announced the winner as Finley Chilvers from The Gateway Academy and he received the winner’s Young Chef trophy, an Amazon voucher and a cookery book from the Club’s President, Clive Page.

The club would like to thank all the competitors and their teachers for making the day an educational and fun event. One of the teachers who attended said, “All the students worked extremely hard and produced some great dishes and had the experience of working with Steve who was amazing, it was lovely being part of the day.” What more can you say, apart from again thanking South Essex College and its head chef Steve Deal for the use of the fantastic facilities, expertise and materials for the event and for agreeing to run the competition again next year. As for the competitors, you can see where the celebrity chefs of tomorrow are produced

Thurrock Primary Mathletics Competition

EVENT UPDATE

THURROCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ MATHLETICS

THURSDAY 4TH MAY 2023

It’s nearly time for the very exciting and fun Mathematics Competition that the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock runs in partnership with the Gateway Learning Community.

Our Maths Quiz has been running very successfully for several years and this year we have invited young mathematicians from Year 5 to participate.

The competition is open to all schools across Thurrock, and they are invited to submit a Year 5 team of four pupils.

Two new members officially welcomed

The club welcomed two new members Mr Chris Churchyard who was proposed by Rotarian Alan Peaford MBE and Mr Tony Bold proposed by Rotarian Ray Smallcombe. Our President Clive Page officiated and presented their badges.

A Lovely Letter from one of our Charities

Young Artist 2023 - Junior

Here are the excellent entries in the Junior age group (up to and including 10 years old) well done to both of them

Frankie Ella English - Woodside - Highly Commended

Arisha Ahsan - Quarry Hill - Commended

Young Artists 2023 Intermediate

Here are the excellent entries in the Intermediate age group (11 to 13 years old) well done to all of them

Maraizal Morton - William Edwards School - Highly Commended

Maja Malgorzata Sypek - Hathaway - Highly Commended

Emerald Agyeman - Orsett Heath - Commended

Jonah Brooking - William Edwards - Commended

August Giedraityte - Orsett Heath - Commended

Alysha Kushierz - Hathaway - Commended

Young Artists Competition Winners

We are pleased to recognise the winners of the Young Artist Competition which is a competition open to all young people living in Thurrock (from the very young right up to 17 years old) and is designed to encourage and develop skills in traditional and contemporary media. Organised and promoted by Rotary International GB and Ireland, this years' theme was "Sunset and Sunrise" and our winners have been entered into the next stage which will be the District competition and may (fingers crossed) lead to the Nationals.

Here are the winning pictures by Lexi Harle from William Edwards School who won the Intermediate Category (11 to 13 years old) and Simon Statil from Quarry Hill School who won the Junior Category (up and including 10 years old). Congratulations to them both and GOOD LUCK in the District Competition.

Lexi Harle - Intermediate Category Winner

Simon Statil Junior Category Winner

"Thank you" to our Supermarket Friends

Our President, Clive Page, thanked our Supermarket friends (ASDA, Sainsbury's and Tesco) for allowing us to hold our Christmas collections at their stores, which including our sleigh runs raised over £10,795. Pictured below with our President (centre) are Josh Obrien (Store Manager, Tesco Lakeside) Angela Mitchell (Community Champion, Tesco Lakeside) and Kim Morgan (Community Champion, ASDA Tilbury).

Christmas Collections - Cheque Presentations to our Charities

The Club held its annual Cheque Presentation Lunch at Orsett Hall on Thursday 2^nd March, to distribute the funds collected for our chosen Christmas charities.

The Club President said, “From mid-December until Christmas Eve we held public collections, ran 10 Sleigh Routes around the streets of Thurrock, a static display here at Orsett Hall and spent 8 days collecting inside three major Thurrock supermarkets. We managed to collect, including recovered tax and donations, a total of £10,795, which despite the World Cup, the inclement weather and a cost of living crisis, speaks volumes about the generosity of the residents of Thurrock and the efforts of our collectors.”

In attendance were the following guests, all of whom gave inspirational and moving acceptance speeches, Sue Little from the local Barnardo’s branch; Jon Brewer and Anthony Hattam (the Head Teachers from Treetops and Treetops Free Schools) and Aron Lane from Little Havens Children’s Hospice - all three charities receiving a cheque for £2,500 for their respective charities. Peter Newall the Operations Manager at the Thurrock Foodbank, received a cheque for £89, being the balance we collected for them on our card reader and having already received £1,588 that we collected at Sainsbury’s plus a substantial Club donation before Christmas.

The Club also forwarded cheques to two national charities who gave their apologies for absence from the lunch, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (GOSH) who received £2,500; and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) who received £434.

Sue Little - Bernardo's

Jon Brewer and Anthony Hattam - Treetops

Ashley - Little Havens Children's Hospice

Peter Newall - Thurrock Food Bank

Community Services

Grays Thurrock Rotary is a thriving, active part of Thurrock, whose members are drawn from local professions and businesses but is also a part of a worldwide organisation that raises and donates £ billions annually to worthy causes. One of our aims is to provide support for Charities, especially those whose work impacts the people of Thurrock, we also regularly make financial contributions to local charities as well as individuals.

So how can we help? We have a small amount of money that may help solve an immediate issue. Our members also have a considerable amount of knowledge and experience, drawn from all walks of life that may be able to offer support. Any request has to be considered by our Community Services committee; we are not able to support all requests but we do try.

If you know of any person, family or club that needs support or charity that is trying to help the local community but experiencing a challenging time please contact us or alternatively forward this communication to them and ask them to contact us.

You can contact us via this website https://www.graysthurrockrotary.org.uk/ or by direct messaging us through of Facebook Page @Grays.Thurrock.Rotary

Youth Debate a thumping success

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock sponsorship of the Youth Debate saw excellent candidates and the winning team in each category (Intermediate and Senior) of this event may be invited to represent Thurrock in the Rotary District 1240 competition at Chelmsford and from there have an opportunity to compete at the National finals.

There intermediate winners, seen here with our President Clive Page, came from the Convent School with Khusi Thakkar winning Outstanding Chairperson and Aiofe Connelly the Outstanding Debate Proposer.

District Youth Debate Competition

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL HAVE ONCE AGAIN AGREED

FOR OUR COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, DUKE STREET, CHELMSFORD.

INTERMEDIATES (Ages 11-13 YEARS)

SENIORS (Ages 14-17years)

TUESDAY 28^th FEBRUARY 2023

Students must be seated by 4.45p.m. to commence the

Competition at 5.00p.m. prompt.

(Approximate finish at 7.30pm)

We look forward to welcoming you to the Council Chamber and know you will be rewarded with a range of subjects executed by some talented young people.

End Polio Now!

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years, our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Here our President and Rotarians Adrian Alsop and Bob Paterson are seen planting more Crocus bulbs as part of this vital initiative.

An Intro into Rotary from Rotary Great Britain & Ireland

The Boys of 1905 - A History of Rotary

An excellent documentary of the beginnings of Rotary, its a little long but a unique historical perspective

Thurrock Rugby Club Youth Academy

Young Thurrock Rugby Club members look resplendent in their new Academy jerseys. Its such a pleasure to see how the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock can partner with Thurrock Rugby Club, by even a small donation to their running costs, to make a positive difference to young lives.

Technology Tournament

Date: Wednesday 15th March 2023

Venue: The London Cruise Terminal, Fort Road, Tilbury, RM18 7NG (use postcode for SatNav).

Time: Competitors are asked to arrive and register at 12.00. The Tournament will start promptly at 12.30pm and the anticipated finish time is 4.30pm.

Technology Tournaments are a well-established and successful competition promoted by Rotary International in Britain and Ireland (RGBI). This Tournament is organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock in association with the London Cruise Terminal at the Port of Tilbury. Entrants may participate in a club or district competition that is outside of their geographical boundary but may compete in only one Rotary club or Rotary district Technology Tournament.

The competition is open to all schools and college communities and any other young peoples’ community organisations, for example, community Interact, Scout Groups, Girl Guides etc. and the age group for participants is 11 to 16 years old. Each team of four participants is required to design, develop, build and then test a previously set technology task as well as show they can work within a team and communicate with each other to achieve a common goal; Tasks are based on engineering principals, but also be creative and constructive, showing their command of time management skills.

PLEASE GO TO OUR YOUTH EVENTS TAB TO DOWNLOAD THE INFO PACK

Young Musician Competition Winner

The Young Musician Competition (an arrangement between the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and the Thurrock Music Service) held at the Gateway Academy saw around 30 very talented entrants this year.

The winner was Melda Kondoz who played El Choclo by Angel Villoldo on the violin which was an absolute joy to listen to, our runner up was Ismael Dosoo who sang the Coronation Mass in C Major by Mozart, both of these talented young people have been entered into the Rotary 1240 District Young Musician competition being held at Chelmsford Cathedral on Saturday 18th February 2023. Tickets for the event at the Cathedral cost £5 and can be ordered from ian.t.mcmeekan@btinternet.com , doors open at 6pm and the event starts at 7pm.

Our President, Rotarian Clive Page, presented the winner and runner up with their trophies.

Santa Sleigh Update

***********I'm BACK***********

Those lovely folk at Grays Thurrock Rotary are putting on an extra night to make up for us missing Sunday. So tomorrow night my Sleigh will be riding through Chadwell from 6pm, please come out and see me and all my Elves. The route is shown in the maps below but remember you can track my sleigh using the app and please don't forget to check out our Facebook page.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can.

Love and a very Merry Christmas

Santa and his Grays Thurrock Rotary Elves

******Unfortunately SUNDAY 18th's Sleigh Ride through Chadwell St Mary has had to be POSTPONED******

An up to date route for our sleigh ride through Chadwell tonight Saturday 17th December from 6pm, please come and see us

Christmas Sleigh Routes Update

A Message from Santa

Those nice folks from Grays Thurrock Rotary Club will be pulling my sleigh again on our next 8 routes all starting at 6pm

Monday 12th Rectory Road North

Wednesday 14th Blackshots

Thursday 15th Grays

Friday 16th Woodside

Saturday 17th Chadwell

Sunday 18th Chadwell

Monday 19th Rectory Road South

Tuesday 20th Thurrock Park and Orsett

Our route maps are below and are subject to Crown Copyright

Christmas Sleigh Routes

SLEIGH ROUTES ANNOUNCED

Whilst, unlike Santa, we can't be everywhere, we have tried to put together some interesting routes for our Santa, his Elves and the Sleigh. If you have the time, its fun to download the Santa Sleigh Tracker (at https://www.sleightracker.co.uk/357 )so you can see where we are, but here are three routes for you to look at.

Christmas 2022 Collections Update

We are really looking forward to seeing you at Sainsbury's Chafford Hundred THIS FRIDAY from 9am to 5pm and then on SATURDAY 10th and SUNDAY 11th. Our Elves and the odd Santa look-alike will be wearing name badges and Rotary Tabbards so you can identify us, this year, at Sainsbury's, we will be collecting for Thurrock Foodbank only.

Our other collections at Asda, Tilbury will be on the 15TH, 16TH AND 17TH DECEMBER and at Tesco, Lakeside on the FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER AND CHRISTMAS EVE 9am to 5pm and 100% of all donations will be split between the charities noted below.

Our collectors will have a card reader for donations, recognising that not all of us carry much cash these days, but also the traditional collection boxes, we are very grateful for any donation, it all helps those less well off than ourselves. Please donate what you can but we will also be happy just to say hello and wish you a Merry Christmas.

A Very Rotary Santa

The sound of sleigh bells will fill the air as the Grays Thurrock Rotary Club teams up with Santa to raise funds for our charities, come out and see us and join in the fun. Please go to our Facebook page to see the message from Santa but if you want to track our sleigh as it makes its way through the borough please go to https://www.sleightracker.co.uk/357to download our App. This year we have been focusing on supporting local needs as much as our established initiatives.

Christmas is Coming

The first outing of 2022 for our new sleigh was at The Orsett Hall, please see our Facebook Page for a message from Santa.

Youth Activities Update from Nick

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock sponsors and supports a number of Youth Competitions, here is an update from Nicholas Wilkinson

Despite a really challenging year, the team have made excellent progress. The Young Musician is being held on Saturday 26th November with a good number of entrants spread between the three categories so it promises to be a rewarding and successful event. Despite the valiant efforts of Corin, the Young Chef competition is looking doubtful, but the Technology Tournament is looking very promising with the Cruise Terminal confirming they are happy to support this. The Youth Debate will be held at The Beehive following a successful meeting that Corin and Nick had with them. Bob and Nick have meetings planned with the two SEC judges to get the Young Photographer and Young Filmmaker off the ground.

Thanks to Raj's hard work the LAMP project is now underway and a meeting with the participating school is imminent

Paul Harris Fellowship Awards 2022

President Clive Page presents the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Awards to two long standing Rotarians for their outstanding service. Congratulations to Bob Paterson and Dr Kevin Watkins

Rotary supports Junior Rugby at Thurrock Rugby Club

The President and Members of our Club attended Thurrock Rugby Club on 6th November to present a cheque for £500 to Mr Ken Laybourn, for youth team equipment and kit.

The clubhouse was packed with junior rugby players for their Monday evening training session and the President said the Club was glad to support an activity that gives so much to the young people of Grays Thurrock.

The District Governor Commest

The District Governor comest for Lunch.

Twenty seven Rotarians sat down to lunch with Jed Brooks the District Governor at Orsett Hall on Thursday 3rd November. After lunch Jed gave an interesting and uplifting speech on the future of Rotary and presented to our sports captain, Bob Paterson, the Districts prestigious Hugh Markham Trophy, that the club had won earlier in the year.

Purple4Polio Crocus Planting 2022

ADDING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO OUR COMMUNITIES

Spring each year, sees a beautiful purple carpet of crocus blooming in many communities across Great Britain and Ireland thanks to the Purple Crocus Corm planting to raise awareness of the Rotary fight for a polio free world.

Planting the purple crocus corms by Rotary and many community groups is a great way of getting active, having fun and talking to lots of different people about the need to eradicate the life threatening and disabling polio virus.

Quiz Night at Thurrock Rugby Club at 7:30pm on Friday 28th October

Grays Thurrock Rotary are holding a quiz night at Thurrock Rugby Club in aid of Polio Eradication at 7:30 prompt on FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2022

HM Queen Elizabeth II

Rotary Remembers Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Hugh Markham Trophy - SMITE

Rotarians from Manningtree were ‘smitten’ by a team from Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and East Thurrock in the district multi-sports final

CHARITY GOLF DAY 2022 - THE BEST EVENT SO PAR

Hugely successful CHARITY GOLF DAY raises over £4,000

CLUB NIGHT a real FEAST

Our July Club Night saw a return to Feast

YOUTH ACTIVITIES AWARDS - William Edwards School

Here are our young winners of the Thurrock Competition and Rotary Great Britain

Thurrock Foodbank Donation

Grays Rotary agreed yesterday to donate £500 to Thurrock Foodbank to help assist those in need over the Christmas period.

Although the funds were sent electronically for speed, President Adrian is shown below outside Thurrock Foodbank with a presentation cheque.

Even Santa has to go shopping

Santa Spotted at ASDA, Tilbury

Ormiston Park Academy Garden Project

Ormiston Park Academy Garden Project

The club has recently made a donation of £250 to Ormiston Parak Academy to help start their Garden Project. A group of students, and teacher Sharon Grimmond, were welcomed at Thurrock Garden Centre last week to buy various items such as soil, plants and seeds to get started. Elaine Stevens, Chairperson of the Communty Service Committee was also on hand to help out with suggestions as to what to buy. The club will also assist on site at the school to give further advice.

We wish them well with their project!

Clive Banbury

Grays loses a Rotarian, sportsman and a friend.

It is with great sadness that we must report the death of Clive Banbury. Clive had been a Rotarian for over 30 years. He was the Club's president in 1992-3, a Paul Harris Fellow and an active member.

Clive was a great sportsman. He played football for Grays Athletic, cricket for Orsett and rugby for Thurrock. The rugby club made him a life member in recognition of his services to the club where he was affectionately known as Dad. I remember Clive's 80th birthday celebrations and his daughter calling him Dad. The thought that immediately went through my mind was "Even his family call him Dad." Then I suppose they would, wouldn't they!

Clive was always active and always took part in trips away or a meal out. He was also a bit of a rogue. Only on Monday evening he was regaling the story of how he spent three months in France because he wanted to meet Bridget Bardot. Those of you that know the story will know why he spent so long there. Then on Tuesday he was out with a group of ex-Round Tablers for dinner. Clive always used to organise these dinners and this is one of the many jobs he did for his friends. He was always taking numbers for a dinner or a night out.

Our thoughts go out to his two daughters, Debbie and Fran. Clive you will be missed by us all.

Below are some memories of happier times. (Click for full size)

90 Years of Rotary

Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock celebrates 90 years

On 9th October 2020, the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock celebrates 90 years of service in the community. The club is as active today as it was when its Charter was presented back in 1930.

Our Youth Services section has provided to local youth, annual events for, Photography, Writing, Cooking, Public Speaking, Music, Art, Filmmaking, Mathematics and a Technology Tournament. Within the community, we have provided much support, including the provision of school dictionaries, foodbank funding, hampers at Christmas to the needy and equipment to Basildon Hospital Dementia Unit to fight this debilitating disease. We didn’t stop during the pandemic either, providing funding for the manufacture of gowns and visors which were distributed to local health professionals.

Residents will also know of the annual visit of Father Christmas and his elves on the Rotary Sleigh, collections outside local supermarkets and of course the annual Christmas Concert, (this year to be held virtually), all of which raised vital funds in support local and national charities. – this year four children’s charities.

Rotary supports the needy both at home and worldwide and our global efforts to eradicate polio were recently acknowledged by Parliament and the PM, a task which looks to be nearly complete. We have also been there with, water making facilities, shelter boxes and support in response to the world’s natural disasters.

Grays Rotary President, Elaine Stephens said, “We are proud of what our club has achieved over 90 years and we look forward to what we can do in the future. We welcome new members and for those interested, there is much detail about the club and our activities on our website www.graysthurrockrotary.org.uk”. The Club meets every Thursday and has substantial community projects on the go and a lively social programme for its members.

Our First and our Current President

Arthur W Boatman

President 1930-31

Elaine Stevens

President 2019-20

Miles for Smiles Success

Well done Elaine!

Elaine completed her 150 mile walk and has raised £547 for Operation Smile in the process.

Don't worry if you forgot to donate the Just Giving site is still open and you can donate using the link below.

Elaine's Miles for Smiles

Posted on Sep 17, 2020

President Elaine is planning on walking 150 Miles for Smiles raising much needed funds for Operation Smile.

Operation Smile provides free cleft surgeries for children around the globe. It trains local doctors to give them the expertise to carry out these surgeries long after they have gone. In as little as 45 minutes & for just £150 we can provide surgery that will transform a child’s life forever.

It is easy to take for granted the surgical care we have available. But for too many people safe surgery is not an option. Children born with cleft lip and palate in the developing world cannot access the surgery they desperately need for a healthy, happy future. Instead they face difficulty breathing, eating and speaking and are left to live in social isolation due to the stigma surrounding their condition. It costs as little as £150 and takes just 45 minutes to provide this life-changing surgery.

Please donate at Elaine's donation page - just click on

Rotary Club pays £500 for more PPE

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a worldwide shortage of all types of personal protective equipment (PPE). To counter this, across the world, ordinary people have been producing replacements for these pieces of in-demand PPE.

Currently, across the UK, there are thousands of people collaborating and using their own 3d printing machines to produce the plastic headbands for shield visors that are required when treating potential COVID-19 patients.

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock have donated £500 towards the production of these visors and these are being distributed to local NHS workers who need them. Our gallant hero wished to remain anonymous but our thanks go out to him!

pictured trying out the PPE visor is local dentist Mr Iain Ramsay

click through to see how the process works

Rotary World First for Grays Thurrock

In an historic move tonight the Rotary Club of Grays, Thurrock may just have pulled off a UK first or even a World first - we awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship (the top honour in Rotary) VIRTUALLY!

During this evening's regular lockdown Thursday Zoom Meeting Derek Swan was surprised at home with his award by local colleague, Iain Ramsay - no rules were broken - social distancing was observed and wife Linda pinned the badge on the proud recipient for the rest of the Club to watch on the Internet

The proud and deserved recipient Derek Swan pictured here having just been surprised on the doorstep!

Derek joined our Club on 14 July 1983 - A busy year for the Club as we sponsored the formation of Mardyke Valley Rotary Club that year.

In the early years he was heavily involved in the work of the International Committee.

Then, like now, he enjoyed travelling (for social purposes) - Skiing, holidaying, having a good time.

He has always been at the front in everything that is happening in Rotary and has always been a very keen and active participant in Tripartite.

In 1985 he masterminded the raffle of a mini car (in those days you could buy one and have change from £500), it made £400 profit.

He served as President of the Club in 1995/96.

Following this he returned to normal duties, i.e. involved in everything, until he took over as Hon. Secretary in 2012/13 the role he still occupies.

A retired Grays Dentist who has served the Club and the Community unstintingly for almost 40 years

WELL DONE DEREK - A THOROUGHLY DESERVED AWARD UNANIMOUSLY AGREED ON (BEHIND YOUR BACK)

Virtual 70's Night

The Club will not be deterred by a Virus - Oh No!

We organised a 70's night for the President and a 70's Night WE WILL DO!

But not as you know it

we are VIRTUAL (virtually!)

At the point this news story went live dozens of Rotarians are at this very moment tucking into

Cheese on a stick and Vol au Vents

Prawn Cocktail

Chicken in the Basket

Black Forest Gateaux

accompanied by lashings of Blue Nun and Mateus Rose

Double Diamond or Tartan Bitter (Carlsberg Special Brew for the hard cases)

R Whites lemonade for the non drinkers

Remember the 70's - what a depressing time they were:

It was the decade of strikes, electricity shortages and piles of rotting rubbish on the street.

There was more to the 1970s, such as music, fashion and long, hot summers.

But the industrial unrest had a huge impact.

"I remember one time I had to wait two hours outside a fruit shop just to get some milk!"

"I used to love power cuts. We would have candles and mum made us all Bovril to drink. We would sit around the coal fire and my dad told me fairies lived in it. That kept me entertained for hours. Better than Crackerjack!!"

"Candles... I was about 8/9 during the three-day week. Mum made it sound exciting like the Blitz but it wasn't. Apart from that my abiding memories is of dreariness, decay and depression apart from the summer of 76 of course"

if you want to see what our 70's looked like then click through

The Lockdown Quiz

So you are shut away with nothing to do

Well I am going to exercise those brain cells - over the next five days I will post 20 questions each day on different topics and you download the word doc or pdf from our website homepage - answer the questions and return it to me however you can - The Webmaster - in the contacts list on the homepage if you don't already know my contact details - Sorry but GDPR rules and regs prevent me from giving my email address out publicly.

There is a pdf version in AVAILABLE DOWNLOADS on the homepage also if you cannot use the word doc file - don't forget - the non Grays Rotary Club members can send them via the contacts list to the Webmaster (almost at the bottom of the list)

Just a quick run through of the rules to avoid any complications:

I am the Quizmaster therefore:

1. I am right - even if I am wrong I am still right

2. There are no prizes

3. I am still right

4. The answers must get to me by 6pm

5. In case you thought there was room for misunderstanding - no there isn't - I am still right

6. If I can't understand your answers they must be wrong

7. 5 DAYS 20 MARKS EACH DAY - POSSIBLE SCORE 100 MARKS

Where are the questions - scroll down the page to the Download Files on the right hand side of the page and they will magically appear everyday and I will TRY to post the results also as we go along but no promises!

GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY

ps when you download any file it usually appears on the bottom left of your screen and you click it to open it - people are telling me it doesn't download - yes it does - you are just not looking for it - most downloads happen like this - this is not my doing! You see you are learning at the same time.

Lockdown Quiz Results

SORRY FOR THE DELAY - I WAS WAITING ON SOME ENTRIES BUT IT IS TOO LATE NOW!

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT TOOK PART

AFTER MANY HOURS OF DELIBERATION AND CURSING - AND THAT WAS JUST ME MAKING UP THE QUESTIONS

I CAN ANNOUNCE AFTER 5 DAYS AND 100 QUESTIONS

A lot of bovver to make them hover!

"Thurrock's Top Junior Scientists battle it out at the 2020 Technology Tournament

Nine teams from five schools in the area were entered at this year’s Technology Tournament organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and South Essex College.

The overall winners were Grays Convent High School (top photo) with their amusingly named hovercraft, "The Flying Nun". There were also certificates for: the straightest running hovercraft, Treetops School (middle photo); the fastest hovercraft, Hathaway Academy (bottom photo), for the best Teamwork shown, Gable Hall School and for the best designed hovercraft, again Grays Convent High School.

Talented Brush Strokes - go one further

We are very pleased to announce that Lillian's winning entry in our local heat won the District Heat and will now go forward to the National Finals - GOOD LUCK LILLIAN

We now have the winners of the Grays Thurrock Rotary Young Artist Competition:

The Rotary theme this year was "Through my Eyes".

The winning entry of the Senior Section was an oil on stretched canvas (30x40cms) and was painted by Lillian Tagg, a student at William Edwards School. This was Lillian's description as to how her artwork relates to the competition theme: "Seeing how people can view their own bodies compared to reality and how people can be blinded by things when seeing it through their own eyes"

The winning entry of the Intermediate Section was also an oil on stretched canvas (36x45cms) and was painted by Isabella Jasper, also a student at William Edwards School. Isabella's description of her composition was "I decided to draw the World in an eye because I see the World as everchanging. The sunset background signifies my love of sunsets. This means that the World can be seen in many different ways depending on the person"

Well done to both of you-many congratulations and thanks to all our entries this year - it has been a fabulous experience just seeing the many varied variations on a theme - inspiring!

SNAP Happy

SNAP informs, encourages and supports parents and carers, enabling them to provide the best possible help to their children via a range of online resources, together with activities and services at the SNAP centre and the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock is proud to support SNAP

Rotarian Clive Ingram handing over a cheque to SNAP for £500 to help them continue their good work

An Indian Tale

Club members taking a well earned break from all the stressful activities that makes Rotary so rewarding - of course someone needs to organise this too but thankfully we have Bob Paterson for such things

with kind thanks To Village Indiya also for allowing 30 Rotarians to eat them out of house and home!

The Great Christmas Giveaway

Well we have done it - we have given away a record amount from our 2019 Christmas campaign and here is President Elaine with the cheques to prove it!

Budding Young Writer recognised

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock was pleased to be able to present a Certificate of Participation to Ashley Palipana in recognition of his entry in the Young Writer Competition. His well written and thoughtful entry, whilst not selected as the winner, was one of several outstanding entries that the judges discussed for quite a while before selecting the successful entry. He has also participated in the Rotary Club Young Musician competition, and is also looking at further competitions running this year. The club wishes him well in his future activities, and looks forward to his participation next year.

President Elaine with Ashley

Sean takes Runner up Spot at District

The winner of our local heat of Rotary Young Musician, Sean Corrigan (see below) has just taken Runner Up spot at the District Finals at Chelmsford Cathedral - in a closely contested competition the judges declared that it was difficult to separate the top three candidates but in the end awarded our young clarinettist second place - Well Done Sean

a delighted Sean with his Runner Up silverware

Another First for the Club

The Club was delighted to award the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship to Owner of Smiths Orchard Garden Centre, Helen Bradwell in recognition of the many years of the help and assistance that she and her employees have given to the Club particularly in relation to the Christmas Collections and the never ending amount of coins they cheerfully count and bag up for us - remember this year alone we collected £12,000 in coins so this is no small task - not only is this the first time Grays Thurrock Rotary Club has awarded this to someone outside of the Club but it is also the first time a woman has been recognised so we are very proud to be breaking new ground on many fronts.

Helen receiving her surprise award last week from President Elaine

On receiving the award, Helen declared "Thank you so much for the honour given me and my company through the Paul Harris Fellowship award - I am very proud to be associated with Grays Thurrock Rotary Club, its charities and long term aspirations such as the eradication of polio -Thank you again for the honour

Young Musicians Hit the Right Note

Posted by iain ramsay on Dec 07, 2019

The Gateway Academy hosted the Rotary Young Musician Competition local heat and what a turn out we got.

The overall winner was judged to be clarinettist Sean Corrigan who performed Malcolm Arnold's Clarinet Sonatina.

Sean will go on to compete at the District Finals at Chelmsford Cathedral and hopefully will play at The Rotary Christmas Concert next year also.

for the other winners please click Read More

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Posted by iain ramsay on Dec 03, 2019

Fresh out of his Diary - Here are the first details of the Sleigh appearances

Friday 6th December Stifford Clays 6-8pm

Saturday 7th December Blackshots 4-6pm

Sunday 8th December Chadwell West 4-6pm

Monday 9th December Rectory Road North 6-8pm

Tuesday 10th December Rectory Road South 6-8pm..............................REARRANGED

Thursday 12th December Chadwell East 6-8pm

Friday 13th December South Grays 6-8pm

Sunday 15th December Grays Town 4-6pm

Monday 16th December King Edward Drive/ Parkside 6-8pm

Tuesday 17th December Rectory Road South 6-8pm

Thursday 19th December Tilbury 6-8pm

To see the routes in detail click Read More

Thurrock Chef Cooks up a Win

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

This Rotary Club in Partnership with the South Essex College (SEC) once again ran the Young Chef competition at the SEC campus in Grays. The competition was fierce, and the judges had some difficult decisions to make. Each student had to produce a three-course meal costing no more than £20. A detailed menu and a costings sheet had to be submitted before the event started.

In the end there could only be one winner though and Head Judge, Graeme Collie, Head of Commercial Catering at the SEC declared Amreet Dhillon from Grays Convent High School to be top chef on the day. Standards were high and it was a close call. Amreet will now represent Thurrock at the Essex District Competition in the new year.

all the student chefs with Head Judge Graeme Collie

The Victor Amreet with Rotary President Elaine Stevens (right) and her teacher from the Convent Louise Caruana (left).

Strange Santa Sightings all over Thurrock

Posted by iain ramsay on Nov 18, 2019

Our latest project bursts into life with the distribution of our fabulous new Christmas collecting tins

This picture on our new Christmas Charity tins will be an ever increasing sight across the Borough and many thanks to the following establishments for allowing us to collect in this way:

The Sandmartin - Drake Road, Chafford Hundred

The Treacle Mine - Lodge Lane, Grays

The Old Shant - 432 London Road, Grays

The Ship Inn - 470 London Road, Grays

The Dog and Partridge - High Road, North Stifford

The Fox - 178 Heath Road, Grays

Stifford Clays Social Club

Thurrock RFC - Oakfield, Long Lane, Grays

The Lounge Bar - 4 Lakeside Business Park, Chafford Hundred

The George and Dragon - Princess Margaret Road, Linford

The Dog and Partridge - Brentwood Road, Orsett

Ice White Dental - 87 Orsett Road, Grays

The Swan - 121 High Road, Horndon on the Hill

Theobald Arms - Kings Walk, Grays

The Bull - 98 Dock Road, Grays

The White Hart - Kings Walk, Grays

The Ship Inn - Dock Road, Grays

Tyrells Hall Working Mens Club - 67 Dock Road, Grays

The Courtyard Inn - Clarence Road, Grays

The Wharf - Wharf Road South, Grays

Banjos - Maidstone Road, Grays

Rileys Sports Bar - 142 Clarence Road, Grays

The Kings Arms - Stifford Clays Road, Orsett

The Foxhound - High Road, Orsett

The Whitmore Arms - Rectory Road, Orsett

The Ship - Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury

The Chadwell Arms - 44 Longhouse Road, Grays

Chadwell Working Mens Social Club - 21 Riverview, Chadwell St Mary

The Traitors Gate -40-42 Broadway, Little Thurrock, Grays

Concert Shows Thurrock at it's Best

Posted by iain ramsay on Nov 11, 2019

To see the show highlights please click here

we are very grateful to our event photographers Trebor Photography

Who gave up their time and considerable experience for free

Email: photographer@treborphotography.com

Telephone: 01376 786995

The Proms come to Orsett Hall

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 11, 2019

A Brand New Concert For Thurrock

Tickets Go On Sale Soon

Exclusive Limited Edition Calendar

Posted by iain ramsay on Nov 01, 2019

This Rotary Club is proud to launch it's first ever Charity Calendar - reflecting what the Club has been up to over the past 12 months the A4 sized wall hanging calendar is produced on high quality gloss card with pin sharp images to match.

If you really still don't know what we do then come and browse the 12 calendar months to see for yourself but hurry because they really are limited edition and will sell out before Christmas and they are priced at £10 - all the profits raised will go towards the innumerable charitable causes that we help with during a typical Rotary year.

Click on Calendars in the contacts on this homepage and leave your details

JUST £10 EACH and

JUST 1 BOX LEFT

when they are gone they are gone!

Matilda The Musical

Posted by iain ramsay on Oct 30, 2019

The Club gave a donation of £500.00 towards the cost of sending 95 year 3 pupils at Tilbury Pioneer Academy to see the stage show Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre in London.

The cheque was presented to Megan Godfrey, English Lead, on the 18th October 2019. The smash hit play based on the book by Roal Dahl and produced by the RSC is now in its 9th year. This will be the first introduction to any theatre for the children and they will be focusing on it all term. We wish them a joyous evening watching Matilda outsmarting the dreaded Miss Trunchbull.

Pictured with Rotarian Clive Ingram are some of the children with Megan Godfrey

The Journey Men

Posted by iain ramsay on Oct 25, 2019

Grays Thurrock Rotary Club was pleased to host a lunch for some very special guests this week - Roger Frank and John Taylor from Upper Eden and Appleby Rotary Clubs respectively would be travelling a total of 1240km in their classic Teal Bugatti in appalling weathers to arrive in district 1240 with us, in Grays, at exactly 12:40 on World Polio Day. They were raising awareness of the need to continue efforts to stamp out this dreadful disease and raise money to do so. Grays Thurrock Rotary chipped in to help their total and will be further holding a quiz on Friday November 1st in aid of the fight to eliminate polio. On their way down Roger and John had stopped with 'Bertie' at Rotary Clubs in Scunthorpe and Saffron Walden and they were able to report that they arrived back home 'Up North' at 5pm on Friday 25th - cold and wet but very happy.

our intrepid travellers sharing a joke over the bonnet of Bertie the Teal

Recent Donations

Posted by iain ramsay on Oct 17, 2019

President Elaine has been out and about presenting cheques to people again

These lucky recipients who got in touch with the club with their requests included Thurrock Sea Cadets, The Majko School of Irish Dancing and Batias, The Independent Advocacy Scheme

On Monday 30^th September President Elaine visited the training ship Dragon. She presented a cheque was to help with the purchase of a mini bus. The unit competes in many activities and transport is always a challenge so at the moment fund raising for this item is a major item. Elaine arrived as agreed towards the end of the evening and watched as the lowering of the flag and associated events occurred. The picture shows Elaine handing the cheque to the civilian support chairperson Sue Merrin. Sue is the chair of the civilian team (UMT) which manages the assets to allow the young cadets to get the most of their time at the unit. President Elaine commented “ she was pleased to visit the t/s Dragon and see what occurs. She hoped the cheque would help the Sea cadets reach their target which would enable them to purchase the mini bus”.

Shannon's Story

Posted by iain ramsay on Oct 06, 2019

Our money helped send trainee nurse Shannon Crowley to Nepal and now she has returned read the highlights of her lifetime experience.

Here she is with paediatric surgeon Dr Dinesh Koirala following the surgery she assisted in

read on for Shannon's highlights

Girl Power

Posted by iain ramsay on Sep 06, 2019

The Club was delighted to host a luncheon for our new District Governor, Pauline Dean along with her husband, former DG Terry, and Assistant DG Alan Banks. The combination of Pauline and our President Elaine is convincing evidence that the Club and Rotary in general is keeping up with the times and meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Thank you Pauline and we hope you have a great year!

The Chain of Command !

District Governor Pauline flanked by our very own President Elaine and VP Adrian

A New Era for Grays, Thurrock Rotary Club

Posted by iain ramsay on Jun 28, 2019

2019 sees a new milestone in the Club's near 90 year history as we induct our first lady President - hopefully the flood gates are now open and we will see many more but for the moment congratulations to Mrs Elaine Stevens at the start of what will, we are sure, be a memorable year

Immediate Past President Mark Dvorkin handing over the reins to new President Elaine Stevens

Rotary helps Play Time

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 18, 2019

President in waiting Elaine Stevens presents a cheque for £200 to Thurrock Play Network to assist in their work

The Pyramid Resource Centre collects re-useable waste from businesses that would otherwise be sent to landfill. These waste materials are available for art, craft, and design and technology projects or to be just creative. They are not only giving the community the opportunity to use our resources but also helping the environment become a little bit greener.

What they need from you!

Everyday companies will have to discard their waste products. Much of this is collected and may be put into landfill sites, normally at a cost to the company, the environment or both………...there is an alternative…………..

The Pyramid Resource Centre will collect suitable scrap materials free of charge for re-use for their members. What may be rubbish to you can be re-used for arts, crafts, design and technology projects and creative play.

They need a wide range of clean, safe, versatile waste materials that could provide a valuable source of entertainment, play and stimulation for their members.

Examples of Scrap needed:

Card & Paper—all types	Wallpaper	Containers with lids / boxes, clean new bottles
Fabric, Fur & Textiles	Bubble wrap	Stationary—any
CD’s & CDR’s	Ex-display materials	Novelty goods
Foils & films	Production off cuts	Reject stock
Rope, cord, twine & wood	Mannequins	Ribbon
Tubes—card, plastic etc	Sample books	Buttons

The list is endless… if you think you may have something that would benefit our members please contact them……..don’t forget what you think is rubbish they may be able to use!

Rain Doesn't Stop Play

Posted by iain ramsay on Jun 12, 2019

Kidz Out 2019 and it rained and it rained and it rained! But rain will never ruin their day!

While everybody else holds on for dear life there is always one in every crowd!

Back-up for Max

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 30, 2019

Young Grays lad, Max Clarke has been selected to play for the London Broncos Rugby League Academy and is working hard, even picking up a man of the match award recently, and looking forward to getting a full contract at some point in the near future. The 6'5'' Max trains with them 3 times a week and has a match once a week - he is weighed every week and is 94Kg and has to eat 1000's of calories just to maintain that weight! Grays Thurrock Rotary have chosen to help him reach his goal by providing £200 towards his size 13 boots. Here is with mum, Alana - his chief supporter and main back-up ..................ps she is tall so Max is a giant!

2019 Tripartite Big Success

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 20, 2019

Early signs show Tripartite 2019 in Holland was a big success - well attended and well organised - those involved had a great time- see below for the full story

Man the Boats

Posted by Nicholas Wilkinson on Apr 02, 2019

Last Wednesday 50 students from Thurrock schools met at the Thurrock Cruise terminal to take part in this year’s Technology Tournament. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock, the South Essex College and supported by the Tilbury Cruise Terminal.

Tea for Two

Posted by Elaine Stevens on Apr 02, 2019

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock was pleased to make a donation of £500 to Thurrock Contact the Elderly, a charity that hosts tea parties for elderly residents who live alone. Lorraine Coleman, the Area Co-ordinator, said she was “taken aback at the amazingly generous donation”, and it would go towards the summer outing in May for all 8 of the tea party groups. The cheque was presented to Lorraine by Elaine Stevens from the Rotary Club. She said “they do such a wonderful job, we are so pleased to be able to help”.

Mystery Trip

Posted by iain ramsay on Mar 31, 2019

Number 11 and what a trip - well done Alan Peaford and his helpers

CAN YOU GUESS WHERE WE WENT?

Students Snap Up Their Prizes

Posted by Corin Whymark on Mar 28, 2019

Yet another success story from the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock.

The talented winners of the Young Photographer competition run across the Borough of Thurrock have gone on to win the Rotary District 1240 event in all three age groups. Their photos have now been entered into the Rotary National Finals. President Mark Dvorkin is seen presenting awards and wishing them all the best for the next stage of the national competition.

l-r: Luke Merrigan (Harris Academy); Freya McCarthy (Orsett Primary); Emer Cullen (Gable Hall)

THE WINNING ENTRIES (CLICK THROUGH)

Golly GOSH

Posted by iain ramsay on Feb 26, 2019

Singapore Surprise

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 19, 2019

Member Adrian Alsop stopped off in Singapore recently on a cruise and joined up with the Rotary Club of Raffles City, Singapore at the famous Raffles Club - he kept the Grays end up and wished them well.

Here he is with wife Sandra and President Brian Tan receiving a club banner

Sasha serves up a treat

Posted by iain ramsay on Feb 10, 2019

STOP PRESS - Sasha won the District Finals too and now goes forward to the Nationals so Well Done Sasha for cooking up a storm!

Last Monday saw ‘Young Chefs’ that live in Thurrock go head to head with each other. The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock together with the South Essex College (SEC) ran the Rotary ‘Young Chef’ competition and the competition was fierce.

The event is a four stage national competition designed to encourage the development of cookery skills and was open to all students in full time education aged 11 to 17. This was the first round with the winner moving to the all Essex competition. The aims of the competition were to learn how to cook a healthy meal, consider food hygiene issues, develop food presentation skills, develop organisational and planning skills and develop an ability to cope in a demanding situation. The goal was to prepare in two hours, a three-course healthy meal comprising starter, main course and dessert for two people costing less than £20.00.

The students used the cooking facilities at the South Essex College and the judges were Head Chef Steve Deal assisted by Chef Lecturer Phil Watson from the SEC who had the task of judging the food produced. The winner was Sasha Martin from the Gateway Academy who will now represent the schools in Thurrock at the Rotary County event.

Above picture shows Head Chef Steve Deal, Sasha Martin and Phil Watson.

Group picture of all the chefs and members of the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock.

Christmas Giveaway

Posted by iain ramsay on Feb 10, 2019

At a well attended and busy meeting thursday last the Club gave away its takings from a very busy 2018 Christmas period - over £11,500 was collected and £2000 was given to each of the four main charities - Little Havens Hospice, Treetops School, Barnardos and Great Ormond Street Hospital while thank you cheques were given to our helper groups from Thurrock Air Cadets, Thurrock Sea Cadets and Thurrock Cubs while praise and certificates were heaped on our Supermarket friends from Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda without whom we could not achieve the figures we do. President Mark paid tribute to all those who had given up so much time to come together and make the superlative effort that was required to raise £11,500 and there is a bit left over in the pot to help others in need of our help throughout the rest of this year.

Pictured below receiving his £2000 cheque from President Mark Dvorkin on behalf of Treetops School is headmaster Mr Paul Smith

and from GOSH Area Charity Coordinator - Judy Kuhl

and Little Havens' Area Coordinator Bob Jamieson

and from Barnardos - Paul Beard and Ann French

and receiving their certificates of achievement - Bob James from Thurrock Sea Cadets, Mark Jones from Thurrock Air Cadets and Graham Tidman from Thurrock Cub Scouts

Rotary Makes a Splash

Posted by Nicholas Wilkinson on Nov 18, 2018

Thurrock Community Leisure was pleased to benefit from a donation of £250 from the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock to help with the provision of swimming classes for people recovering from differing medical problems

The classes help improve the fitness and wellbeing of people who suffer from, of have suffered, illness such as strokes and heart problems. One of the swimmers, Pete, told how much the classes had done for him both physically and mentally after an Aneurysm left him severely disabled and unable to walk. The cheque was presented by Elaine Stevens, Community Service Chairperson to Wendy Barnard, instructor. Wendy said “the classes are such a lifeline, and costs have to be covered by fundraising”.

Rotary's Grand Delivery

Posted by Alan Peaford on Oct 09, 2018

Thameside Primary School Academy has always been a great seat of learning and now it is sitting pretty thanks to a cash donation for books from Grays Thurrock Rotary Club.

The club donated a thousand pounds to the Manor Road, Grays school for them to further their literary resources and give pupils even greater reading material in their library.

The school has 45 different languages spoken and has a ratio of English as Another Language (EAL) of well over 50%, making the focus on reading and literacy very high among the school’s priorities.

President of Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock, Mark Dvorkin said “The club is very keen to support the education of our town’s children and this is a fantastic school to engage with.

The people of Thurrock are very generous with their donations to our charity events, particularly the Christmas Concert, so it’s really satisfying to be able to encourage the pupils of Thameside Primary with their literacy skills so that they may grow to be equally supportive members of our community in years to come.”

Pictured with Mr. Dvorkin and keen readers Luan, from year 2, and Lily, from year 4, Head Teacher Mrs Joanna Bray said: “The school is very grateful for this generous donation from Grays Thurrock Rotary Club. The money will be split, £500 will be used to buy new thesaurus’ for classrooms and the other £500 will be spent on buying new books to further encourage the children in our school to read for pleasure.”

Air Cadets Cleared for Take off

Posted by iain ramsay on Sep 23, 2018

Thurrock Air Cadets ( who we helped with the purchase of a simulator earlier in the year) got real hands on experience thanks to Grays Rotary Club.

11 cadets visited a local airfield and were given a briefing on the principles of flight by Rotarian and pilot Mr Alan Peaford and each was allowed to try out the cockpit.

Grays Rotary Club is heavily involved in aviation with the largest membership of IFFR ( International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians) from any Rotary Club in the world

The Cadets were also presented with a copy each of Alan’s book, the Pocket Guide to Business Aircraft.

Stubbers Gets a Boost!

Posted by Nicholas Wilkinson on Jun 19, 2018

Stubbers Adventure Centre in North Ockendon recently benefited from a donation of £250 from the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock.

The money will be used to replace equipment which needs updating. The cheque was handed over by Elaine Stevens, Community Service Chairperson, to the Centre Manager, Bob Edwards, who expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club for their generosity.

Stubbers Adventure Centre offers various events and activities including sailing, archery, rifle shooting, quad biking to everyone, from the age of 6 years (subject to site regulations). It has been a growing in popularity over the years, benefiting many groups and individuals from the local community. On presenting the cheque, Elaine said “she was impressed with the facilities on offer which included a coffee shop open to the public, offering drinks and snacks to people who visit”.

Elaine presenting the cheque to Bob Edwards.

Splashdown RYLA!

Posted by Nicholas Wilkinson on Jun 19, 2018

Rotary District 1240 (Essex) recently ran the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) day at the Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre, South Ockendon. The event was co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and 30 students were invited to participate from schools and youth organisations in the South of the County. The event was free for the participants all costs being covered by Rotary.

Students testing out their raft which they built themselves.

Dictionaries for Schools

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 14, 2018

The Club are delighted to present these magnificent illustrated dictionaries to 15 of the local primary schools all of whom will be receiving their boxes very soon

Kidz Enjoy Day Out

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 14, 2018

86 pupils and their carers from Treetops School, Grays enjoyed a fabulous day out by the seaside courtesy of the Club and the annual Kidz Out day in Southend. Accompanied by members of the Club and wearing their free lemon t shirts many happy faces were in evidence and many tired bodies made their way home on the coaches at the end of the day!

Princess Royal on becoming Honorary Rotarian

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 27, 2018

Rotary members were delighted to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal join them at National Conference 2018.

Watch her speech in full where she praised Rotary's work in polio eradication, working with young people and promoting peace.

click through for Key Note Speakers Chris Tarrant on his memories of 'Millionaire' and Angela Rippon on her experiences with dementia.

Techno Kids On Form

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 12, 2018

Technology Tournament

In March 2018 a remarkable 52 students from Thurrock Secondary Schools took part in the first annual Technology Tournament organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock in partnership with the South Essex College and the Port of Tilbury. The students worked in teams as they designed and completed a technology based task, which they knew nothing about until they arrived on the day, from materials supplied.

Kamal is The New Fellow

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 12, 2018

Congratulations to Kamal Sud the latest Rotarian to be presented with his Paul Harris Fellowship and didn't he deserve it! The Fellowship named after the founder is the highest award with which a club can honour a member. Kamal has served Grays Rotary for many years and shows no signs of slowing up anyday soon. Here he is doing what Kamal does best - Joining in and participating

Congratulations and Well Done to Kamal

Operation Smile

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 12, 2018

They say a picture speaks volumes - well Chris Williams from Operation Smile had that startling message to get across today and he did it very well.

At Operation Smile, they believe every child deserves exceptional surgical care. They believe all children deserve to be treated as if they were our own. That’s what drives each and every one of their team: Their global and local network professionals, who donate thousands of hours toward the care of children around the world each year, and their supporters who are moved every day to make a difference in the lives of children they’ve never met. The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock thank Chris for his visit and we thank the whole team for their continued efforts.

new member Clive

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 12, 2018

Greetings to our latest member Clive Ingram seen here in the grip of President Steve and his proposer Adrian Alsop

Mystery Trip Upgrade 18.10

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 29, 2018

Yes our tenth Mystery Trip this year landed us in Prague, Czechin and what a trip it was too.

Congratulations to Alan and his team for a job well done.

RAD Signs In

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 29, 2018

Paul Draper the Community and Corporate Fundraiser at the Royal Association for Deaf People, raising money to improve the lives for Deaf people and providing access to better services.

Paul gave an insightful talk into the work of the Society now celebrating 175 years and having to fundraise for the first time in it's existence!

Mathematical minds from Thurrock pupils...

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 14, 2018

It all adds up!

20 primary schools from across Thurrock recently participated in the fifth annual Mathletics competition, hosted by the Gateway Academy and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock.

New Wave Shutterbugs

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 12, 2018

‘Snapping up some Winners’

the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock will once again be organising a Local Heat for 2019 - closing date for entries 31/01/19. If you would like to receive further details and an information pack when published please contact Youngphotographer@rotaryclubofgraysthurrock.co.uk.

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock kicked off 2018 with a completely new but successful event for young people in Thurrock. The Young Photographer competition for 7 to 17 year olds received an extremely rewarding number of entries from primary and secondary schools across the borough. One of the organisers, Rotarian Alan Falder commented, “It’s no wonder that the judges had such a difficult task choosing the winners as I was really amazed by the high standards of entries around the theme – “A Different Perspective”.

Sasha is top of the chefs again

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 12, 2018

From left to right: Ton Finkel, organiser, Lisa Shaw, judge, Tom Gardner, judge, and District Governor 1130 (London) , Michael Hodge with Sasha hold the certificate and cup.

Sasha heads off to the Young Chef UK National Finals.

Great Ormond Street Hospital - our total so far

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 04, 2018

Great Ormond Street Hospital very kindly sent us this - many years/ many people/ many cold nights!

Double Top!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 04, 2018

Step forward messrs Wilkinson and Whymark - yes these two surprised gentlemen received Rotary's highest honour last week when they were both awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship.

Congratulations to both Nick and Corin for a prize well deserved and the recognition that goes along with it.

Nick and Corin receiving their Fellowship awards from President Steve at Orsett Hall Hotel last week

Chef gets Just Desserts

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 12, 2018

We are very pleased to announce that in the district 1240 finals for the Rotary Young Chef event Sasha from the Gateway Academy (our club winner) won the event and will now represent the district at the regional event. We join together to congratulate Sasha and wish her all the very best in the regional heats next month

Sasha's winning dishes

crispy prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and blowtorched figs

(homemade focaccia, pea shoots with a balsamic glaze and basil oil)

pan roasted pork tenderloin, celeriac puree and parsnip crisps

(honey roast root vegetables and sprouts in a red wine gravy)

chocolate & banana, avocado mousse

(raspberry coulis, chocolate & pistachio soil with a pistachio tuille and fresh raspberries)

and we give additional thanks to Graeme Collie, Head of Commercial Catering at South Essex College, Grays who has mentored Sasha and contributed enormously to her success

Mathletics 2018 - It All Adds Up!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 12, 2018

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock, in partnership with the Gateway Academy, has organised the Thurrock Mathletics event for many years.

This year teams of four more able pupils from each Primary School across Thurrock will compete against each other on Thursday 8^th March.

Which schools will be in the top three this year?

A Good Christmas

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 02, 2018

Grays Rotary Club gave away a massive £10,720 as a result of their 2017 Christmas Campaign collecting money around the streets of Grays, Tilbury and Chadwell and the major Supermarkets.

The beneficiaries were of course charities and organisations providing services to the children in the local area.

so:

Little Havens Hospice
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Barnardos
Treetops School

all received big donations

(President Steve Payne awarding representatives from both Treetops School and Great Ormond Street Hospital with their cheques for £2680 as part of the big cash giveaway)

Steve also gave thanks to the supermarkets Asda, Tesco and Sainsburys for letting us collect there in the first place and to the leaders and the youngsters of Thurrock Air Cadets, Thurrock Scouts and Thurrock Sea Cadets who helped us out so enthusiastically on the streets, all of whom received small donations from the club to further their goals and a big thank you to Orchard Garden Centre for doing all the coin counting - a huge task in the circumstances and of course a huge thanks to our Sleigh Captain Mr Mark Dvorkin for putting it all together.

Another Great Christmas Concert

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 19, 2017

Friday night's charity concert at the Civic Hall was another huge success and close to 500 people turned out to enjoy the cream of our local talent.

The fabulous evening included turns from The Aveley and Newham Brass Band, The Mosaic Choir, The Little Thurrock School Choir, The Drumenagh School of Irish dance and the amazing young singer Teerna Mukherjee and the equally brilliant and internationally renowned flautist Amy-Jayne Milton. Brilliantly held together by the ever reliable Alan Peaford MBE it finished with a hugely entertaining rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas which was coordinated in spectacular style and used just about everybody in the hall!

They are counting the monies and a final total is yet to be confirmed but should be in the region of £5000 - all to be used on local causes.

To see for yourselves click on the link below

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Grays Thurrock Rotary Club 2017

Dementia Care Nurses Spread Cheer

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 04, 2017

The Club held a formal lunch last week to celebrate the successful installation of and completion of training on the new equipment purchased by the club and donated to Basildon Hospital Dementia Ward for use throughout the hospital. The total cost of the equipment was £7500 and was the largest single donation the Club has made.

Admiral Nurse Jane Gilby tells the Club what a difference the new equipment is already making

Welcome on board Alan

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 14, 2017

Congratulations and welcome to our latest new member Alan Falder

seen here being inducted by President Steve Payne

A Fishy Tale

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 16, 2017

The Club enjoyed another return visit to Smiths of Wapping last Sunday- organised superbly by Kamal Sud - about 30 people enjoyed Sunday lunch 'up London'

The DG Cometh

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 03, 2017

The Club recently played host to the District Governor Nick Sillitoe. Well known to the club Nick brought us news from District and we wish him a successful year

Welcome Back Peter

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 01, 2017

We are very proud to welcome back Mr Peter Hoche into the Grays fold. Work commitments meant Peter had to leave a few years ago but he couldn't stay away forever and as soon as the situation allowed he is back.

President Steve Payne extends the Rotary hand of fellowship here to Peter.

Good luck Peter.

Grays Reaches Out with Hand of Fellowship

Posted by Alan Peaford on Sep 05, 2017

Grays Rotary Club reached out the hand of fellowship to East Africa with membership chairman Alan Peaford visiting Dar es Salaam Oyste rBay Rotary Club in Tanzania.

Out with the Old and In with the New

Posted by iain ramsay on Jul 05, 2017

Another new Rotary Year begins and these photos show the handover last week

Outgoing President Kevin Watkins (right) hands over the baton to new President Steve Payne

President Steve welcomes in his new Vice President Mark Dvorkin

and his new 2nd Vice President Elaine Stevens

Learning the Ropes

We were exceptionally pleased to welcome two members from the Interact Club of Grays Convent High School to our business meeting last week. They were accompanied by their teachers and were able to see the inner workings of the club in action. Lively debates, friendly arguments, presentations, plans and dates - having seen the oldies in action they definitely knew what not to do after this performance!

Tripartite in Grays-Thurrock vom 12 - 14 Mai 2017 incl President Kevin's translation

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 28, 2017

Wer nicht dabei war, hat etwas verpasst!

Gern sind die Ehepaare Köhler, Jug, Forsmann, Hannibal, Höfle, Budde sowie Christian Kamp mit seinen Söhnen Maximilian & Alexander als auch Aisa der Einladung zum Tripartite nach Grays-Thurrock gefolgt – und wir haben es nicht bereut!

Rotary Wheels Turning to Support School

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 28, 2017

Children like Tyler (pictured) at Thameside Primary School, who suffers with spastic paraplegia, now have a ticket to ride thanks to Grays Thurrock Rotary Club.

Rotary club President Dr Kevin Watkins (left) at the school with the wheelchair and pupil Tyler, Rotary’s Mr Peter Minter and Thameside Primary School’s Senior Deputy Headteacher Mrs Billinghurst

Maths Quiz Scores Major Points With the Children

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 22, 2017

It’s Ten out of Ten for Thurrock Primary Schools

This year was the fourth annual Mathletics Competition for Thurrock Primary Schools sponsored by The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and organised in partnership with The Gateway Academy Tilbury. Each primary school across the borough was invited to enter a team of their most able mathematicians. Many of these schools held their own in-house competitions to make sure that their most able pupils were selected. Each team of four pupils had to work in an organised way to make sure that they answered all of the questions in an allocated time.

Rolling Down the River

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 17, 2017

There is nothing so good as messing about on the river! Well our friends from Germany and Holland thought as much during the culmination of Tripartite weekend. Departing from St Katherine's Dock the evening dinner cruise went up to Westminster Bridge and all the way back down to the O2 and all the while we wined and dined to the strains of the Jazz Duo on board. Conditions up top were brilliant, London at night being shown off at its best and it all made for a thoroughly good evening

Blood On Their Hands

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 08, 2017

see below for the full story of lies, deceit, fake news and betrayal

Mystery Trip - Can you guess the location?

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 04, 2017

Spot the clues and guess where we ended up on the recent mystery trip

read on for more clues

Santa's Christmas Giveaway!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 04, 2017

Over £10,000 was given away at Orsett Hall recently.

The proceeds of the sleigh and supermarket collections over the Christmas period were shared equally between Treetops School, Little Havens Hospice, Barnardos and Great Ormond Street Hospital whilst donations were given to Thurrock Scouts and Thurrock Air Cadets who helped out with the collections.

RYLA is a big hit

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 01, 2017

Once again the Club hosted the South Essex RYLA heats last Saturday at Grangewaters and over 30 children took part from six different schools teaming up to take part in four activities across the day from the climbing wall to problem solving. Many thanks to all the volunteers for helping out and making the day possible for the participants but most of all - thanks to all the young leaders who turned out and threw themselves into the challenges with so much enthusiasm - well done (check out the full gallery on website homepage)

Presidential Visit

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 01, 2017

President Kevin Watkins visited The Grays Convent High School to officially award the winning team of Rotary Youth Speaks Senior Section

with their trophy. Congratulations again to Tasnim, Archisha and Zoe who won speaking on 'Ambition'

New Member Clive

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 01, 2017

Congratulations to our latest member Clive Page who joined the ranks recently -we wish him a long and happy time in Rotary

Up Up and Away

Posted by Alan Peaford on Mar 31, 2017

Biggles and his chums Algy and Ginger have been at it again

Mini Chefs Cook Up A Storm

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 27, 2017

The recent Mini Chefs competition at Tree Tops certainly brought out the creative side in our contestants. Judged over two courses our Michelin Wannabees impressed the judges but there had to be a winner - Macey Ewers (pictured centre with trophy)

All photos by photography student Jordan King

Well Done Eggheads

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 06, 2017

Total Raised .......£800

Christmas Concert a Huge Success

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 19, 2016

The annual Christmas Concert returned to the Civic Hall last Friday evening and what a night it was. Showcasing local talent new and old, the names on show that night included Anna Marie Childs, Eliza Love,The Becontree Brass Band, The Little Thurrock Primary School Choir, The Mosaic Choir and the Drumenagh Irish Dance Troupe. The evening was a delightful reminder of traditional values and seasonal goodwill.

Rotary Young Chef of the Year 2016

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 14, 2016

Congratulations to Sasha Martin who carried off the inaugural Young Chef of the Year trophy last week at SE Essex College Grays.

Gemma comes out shining!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 14, 2016

The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock are proud to have helped local athlete Gemma Holloway achieve her dream for running in the GB team AND WINNING GOLD in the U20 Ladies Cross Country European Championships

WELL DONE GEMMA

Gemma (pictured 2nd from right) about to receive her gold medal

Santa Has Been and Gone!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 30, 2016

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells!

SOMEBODY IS VERY HAPPY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF THURROCK - THE NINE COLLECTIONS RAISED A TOTAL OF ..... £4570.72

ALL OF WHICH WILL BE DIVIDED EQUALLY BETWEEN

GREAT ORMOND HOSPITAL

TREETOPS SCHOOL

BARNARDOS

LITTLE HAVENS CHILDRENS HOSPICE

ALL OF THESE ORGANISATIONS ARE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH PEOPLE FROM THURROCK

Christmas Concert Details

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 23, 2016

Tickets also available at :

Ice White Dental 87 Orsett Road Grays

01375 372111

Smith's Orchard Garden Centre Chadwell Road Grays 01375 372195

Thurrock Garden Centre South Rd South Ockendon 01708 851991

Youth Speaks Local Heats 2016

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 13, 2016

In a hard fought and well thought out debate the winners in the intermediate section were William Edwards School and the winners in the Senior Section were the Grays Convent High School. The competition, held in the Civic Chambers is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills. Well done to all participants

Thomas, Charles and Daniel proudly display their trophy debating 'Could it happen again?'

Zoe, Archisha and Tasnim with their trophy won speaking on 'Ambition'

1-2-3-4-5-6-

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Sep 22, 2016

New member Adrian plainly fails to understand the rules of Hide and Seek...

while we close our eyes, he is supposed to run and hide!

Former Member Passes

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Sep 19, 2016

It is with much regret that I have to announce the passing of Peter Bookey. A very popular member, the former funeral director had suffered with a long term illness. He will be greatly missed by the club. Our condolences go out to his wife, Margaret and their family.

Club mourns death of Ted Saxton

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 23, 2016

Young Leaders still buoyant!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 11, 2016

Question - How do you go from this?

To this

and then this?

Answer

Pleased As Punch

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 22, 2016

The Winning Team in the Senior Section of this years Youth Speaks Competition..........

Hathaway Academy

Well Done to all involved

The Coffers are Empty

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 03, 2016

That's it then - no more now until we do it all over again!

The last cheque for £2000 from the 2015 Christmas Collections was today presented to Judy Kuhl from Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital

Smiling President Peter Minter hands over the cheque this lunchtime

COLLECT with one hand and GIVE with the other

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 15, 2016

The Christmas 2015 campaign came and went and here are some of the lucky recipients of this years efforts with their cheques proudly displaying the amounts

Good Luck spending it Terri Carroll from Treetops School, Peter Hall from Little Havens Hospice and Anne French from Barnardos

More Wheels on my wagon!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 15, 2016

Thanks to another generous contribution form Grays Thurrock Rotary The Bar'n'Bus project just keeps rolling on

Christmas Hampers for Christmas Joy

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 07, 2015

Filled to the brim with seasonal goodness our Christmas hampers are once again ready to be distributed across the borough to those deserving households.

Rotary Really Takes Off This Time

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 05, 2015

Grays Rotary Club's IFFR (international Fellowship of Flying Rotarians) members organised the IFFR fly-in to famous World War II airport Biggin Hill. Club stalwart Alan Peaford (Left) joins IFFR chairman Alisma Clark to hand over an iconic piece of RAF artwork to Biggin Hill's marketing boss Andy Patsilides who had hosted the club's tour of the airport and a special Spitfire display with Pimms and sausages for refreshment.

The Circle of Life!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 07, 2015

Another Rotary Year ends and a new one starts

Outgoing President Iain Ramsay congratulates incoming President Peter Minter 2015-16

Good Luck Peter

The Merchant of Venice is a scorcher!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 07, 2015

On a blissfully hot weekend 27 people from Grays Thurrock Rotary travelled up to Stratford Upon Avon for the now annual Shakespeare pilgrimage

Tripartite is a Winner!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 02, 2015

Grays Thurrock RC travelled to Iserlohn during May and met with our German and Dutch counterparts for great weekend of FELLOWSHIP

Tom Shiner - An Obituary to a Gentleman of the Club

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 04, 2015

6^th May 1925 - 16^th April 2015

RYLA Result!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on May 03, 2015

On Sunday 26th April youngsters from Thurrock took part in the RYLA (Rotary Young Leaders Awards) held this year at Danbury Youth Centre

Mathematical Minds in Thurrock

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 08, 2015

The 'Mathletics' competition was a huge success enjoyed by a whopping 27 out of possible 35 primary schools and Grays Thurrock Rotary were in the thick of it.

Frank Saunders 1921-2015

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 25, 2015

An Obituary to a Father of the Club

Concert Raises Over £6000 for Rotary Causes

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 31, 2015

Fabulous Christmas Concert Reaches New Heights

Grays Thurrock Rotary Donates Christmas Monies

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 31, 2015

Our four nominated charities received their donation cheques this week at a presentation lunch at Orsett Hall Hotel

Burns Night Great Success

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 31, 2015

Ever greater numbers for annual Scots Fest at Orsett Hall

Santa and His Sleigh Came to Town

Posted by Iain Ramsay

Father Christmas Brings Goodwill to Thurrock

Many Thanks to all those people who came out to see Father Christmas and we thank you for your donations. We are delighted to announce that the sleigh collections raised £5000 for local children's charities

THANK YOU AGAIN

Iain Ramsay President Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock

Our Youths Speak!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 01, 2014

Grays Thurrock Rotary Hosts another successful opening round of The Youth Speaks debating competition

Rotary Christmas Charity Concert 2014

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 18, 2014

Christmas Charity Spectacular Showcases Local Grays Talent

Final Artistes Announced for Christmas Spectacular

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 15, 2014

The bill is now complete for the Grays Rotary Charity Christmas show at The Civic Hall on Friday 19th December

John Vesey 1933-2014

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 10, 2014

An Obituary

New Team Declared

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Sep 04, 2014

As the new Rotary Year shifts into gear we publish the teamsheet!

On the Road!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 30, 2014

Grays Thurrock Rotary take an August break from Orsett Hall

DG comes to town

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 21, 2014

The club received it's official visit from DG Stan Keller

New Rotary Year Gets Under Way

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 03, 2014

New Personnel, New Ideas and Facebook!

Cucumber Sandwiches at Pimms o'clock!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 20, 2014

The weather forecast predicts good weather for the President's Garden Party

Tripartite Comes up Trumps

Posted on May 24, 2014

Grays leads the way in European Harmony - and that is a fact!

Marathon Man Crosses the Line

Posted on May 24, 2014

Congrats to Graeme on completing this year's London Marathon

Rotary in Moneytastic Giveaway!

Posted on Feb 05, 2014

Charities benefit from Rotary Christmas Collections

Rotary Burns Night Hailed Great Success

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 25, 2014

Tartan Army puts one over the Sassenachs once again.

Youth Speaks Volumes!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 01, 2013

Local Heats of Rotary public speaking competition are unqualified success.

Mauled by a tiger!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 01, 2013

The President's lunch proved to be a huge success

Boost for Leadership Award Scheme

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 01, 2013

Speaker Phil Griggs, District officer in charge of RYLA, fills in the blanks on this highly successful initiative

Speaker highlights work of Sea Cadets

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 03, 2013

Bob James from our local TS Boxer gave a fascinating talk on how to occupy our kids today

Grays Rotary return to RST summer 2014

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 20, 2013

Full House expected as we return to Stratford in hotly anticipated new season of productions.

Lunch with the President

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 20, 2013

Make a date - Sunday November 24th

Meals Out Series

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 20, 2013

The latest challenge to our fragile biosystems!

Youth Speaks

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 02, 2013

Grays Thurrock Rotary Club will host local heats in national competition

Is there anybody out there?

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Aug 06, 2013

Woodside Academy students explore amateur radio and global communications.

Presidential Handover

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 22, 2013

Brian Little takes over at the helm of Grays,Thurrock Rotary Club

Garden party held today - invite all the debs to play

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 22, 2013

Superbly hosted afternoon under a blistering summer sun.

Garlic and Golf

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jul 22, 2013

International golfing pros past and present flocked to France recently for challenging two day tournament.

RSC tour 2013

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 17, 2013

As You Like It - As We Like It!

Dutch Host Tripartite

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jun 17, 2013

Our Dutch colleagues hosted a marvellous Tripartite weekend

Rotary Aid to Spain

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Apr 14, 2013

Grays Rotary Club fly out emergency cash to starving Spanish waiters and cafe owners

Picka Pukka Tikka after Easter in Aveley!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 23, 2013

International Committee organising Indian Meal on monday April 29th

District Quiz Masters!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 23, 2013

Hard earned result last night at the District Quiz

Posh Fish Nosh with the Pres!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 23, 2013

Smiths in Wapping entertains large contingent from Grays Thurrock Rotary with fabulous luncheon

Rotary Assist Woodside Academy

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Mar 10, 2013

Much needed funds provided for Year 6 kids to go on Residential Week

Christmas Collections Donated

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Feb 03, 2013

Grays, Thurrock Rotay Club hands out over £6000 to Childrens Charities

Burns Night 2013

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 26, 2013

Great turn out for the club's annual Burns Supper held at Orsett Hall last thursday evening

Choral Concert for Rotary Charities

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 17, 2013

The Rotary Club of Chelmer Bridge will be holding a Charity Choral Concert at Chelmsford Cathedral on Saturday 9th February 2013, staring at 7.30pm.

Rotarian In Queen's New Year Honours List

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Jan 02, 2013

MBE for Alan in recognition of his work for CDLS

Rotary Christmas Concert a Huge Hit

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 23, 2012

The 3rd Rotary Christmas Concert at the Civic Hall last night was a huge sell out success.

Santa's Sleigh Shocks School

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 23, 2012

Treetops School greets Father Christmas.

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 23, 2012

Father Christmas Spotted !

Christmas Hampers Spread Seasonal Cheer

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 23, 2012

A Sea of Hampers Waiting for Distribution

Last Few Remaining

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 11, 2012

Get in Quick

Christmas Concert Close to Selling Out!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 07, 2012

Only a few tickets left for December 21st Concert

St Luke's Hospice Staff Get Trolleyed!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Dec 07, 2012

New dressings trolley is handed over to delighted staff

Obituary to Mr Geoffrey Player

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Nov 29, 2012

Geoffrey Blyth Player PDG, LDS RCS(Eng) PHF .....kindly researched and submitted by Rotarian Ray Reynolds

Proudly displaying the following medals:

1. Order of St John "Serving Brother" awarded for being President of Grays Men's Division for many years

2. Originally awarded to the British Expeditionary Force 1939-1940

3. France and Germany Star given to all who gave active service in either country

4. Defence Medal for everyone who served in any of the Forces.

5. For Active Service in the 21st Army Group in Normandy and onwards into Germany. Incorporated Oak Leaf signifies "Mentioned in Despatches"

6. Territorial Army Long Service - joined 1938

7. The Normandy Star for Active Service in Normandy in early days of the Invasion

Scouts open new tower with Rotary help

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 28, 2012

Condovers Abseiling Tower has finally been refurbished and is now open for duty

2012 Rotary Christmas Concert Details Released

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 25, 2012

All the news hot off the press

Thurrock Food Bank gets much needed Rotary help

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 25, 2012

President Raj hands over a cheque for £250 to assist with collection and distribution of food parcels

Grays Thurrock Rotary Website Goes Live

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 24, 2012

Grays Thurrock Rotary Club joins the information superhighway

Mark Your Calendars!

Posted by Iain Ramsay on Oct 12, 2012

Visit from District Governor

Dan Meyrick - an Obituary

Posted by Iain Ramsay

An Obituary to Rotarian Dan Meyrick 1912-2012

Many thanks to Rotarian Tom Shiner for his kind words and extensive research

Rotary: A Year of Major Accomplishments

Posted by Iain Ramsay

This past year was one of major accomplishments for Rotary and your Rotary Foundation.

Welcome to our new website!

Posted by Iain Ramsay

Welcome to our Rotary Club!

RIhomepage