The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

Our own Rotarian David Fenn gets to interview jazz legend Acker Bilk ….. Click here for more information

“Gateway to Jazz”, the programme that is brought to you by the Rotary Club Of Corringham Thameside and is broadcast on 87.7FM by Gateway FM, will feature an interview with jazz legend Mr Acker Bilk M.B.E. M.A. on Wednesday 17th December 2008 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Acker will be interviewed by our regular presenter Rotarian David Fenn.

Acker, born in Pensford, Somerset on 28th January 1929 and was given the names Bernard Stanley by his parents, but was known as “Acker” from a very young age. Acker is Somerset for “friend” or “mate”, and that fits well with this popular and likeable man.

Recognised throughout the world by his trade mark bowler hat and snazzy waistcoats, David will ask the great man about the origins of the form of dress, as well as enquiring about the origins of his enormous hit record “Stranger on the Shore”. Find out what Acker’s favourite recordings are, his favoured venues, how he got started and why he chose jazz.

We will also be playing a number of his recordings, covering the sixty years he has been in the entertainment industry. The show will also include plenty of other red hot music.

Acker is due to appear in concert with Kenny Ball at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on the 31st January 2009, a great opportunity to hear two of Britain’s finest jazz musicians on the same stage.

Don’t forget to tune into “Gateway to Jazz” every Wednesday from the 3rd December 2008 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and particularly to the show featuring Acker Bilk on the 17th. We can promise you the very best from the world of jazz.

Hope to join you there.

Forty four Rotarians, family and friends met at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday 23rd November to travel to France. In spite of the early start, (Peter Burfoot had never risen at this time before), and the sub-zero temperatures, they were in high spirits as they made their way by coach to Folkestone where they boarded the train to Calais. The trip from the port to Lille was uneventful apart from the snow falling in ever increasing ammounts. By the time we had arrived at our destination there was a full blooded snowstorm falling on Lille. Undetered, we went off to explore the Christmas market, with its array of novelties, Christmas decorations, and assorted French foods and drinks. The market was well lit with Christmas lights and surrounded by Christmas trees made even more beautiful by the snow. The biting northerly wind soon had the majority running for cover amongst the array of restaurants and bars to seek something hot. Others braved the elements to see the sights of the city, including the giant Ferris wheel which was surrounded by some really nice Christmas scenes. It did not take much encouragement for us to return to the coach a little early to escape from the worst of the weather. All aboard by 4.30 p.m. British time we started on the journey home. Delayed by the weather and a number of queues on the motorway, where the snow plough’s were out in force we made our way back to Calais. Here we had to queue for passport control and had to wait while five immigration officers closely inspected our coach. All in order we boarded the train to England and arrived safely back home shortly after 9.30 p.m. It may have been bad weather, we may not have enjoyed the market as much as we would have liked but we were all in good spirits and no doubt enjoyed the day.

Corringham Thameside’s indoor bowlers faired better in the District competition with a resounding win over the Rotary Club of Westcliff. Well done to Brian and Frank Price and good luck in the next round.
Our “B” team in the darts competition also secured a win in their match against Epping Forest South. We wish them luck in the next round also.

Our annual Give-A-Can appeal will take place at Somerfield’s store in Corringham on Saturday 6th December 2008 from 8 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.
Customers are asked to donate a can of food which will then be passed to the Salvation Army to help feed the homeless.
Your support will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.