The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

In the first round of the District 1240 bowls competition, Corringham Thameside welcomed local rivals Stanford Le Hope and Corringham. The game started well for Thameside with them taking a three nil lead over the first two ends, only to be pegged back and then overtaken ten-seven by end seven.  Then the game turned with Thameside scoring 5, 7, 3 over the next three ends to lead 22-10.  They then dropped a point on end 11 only to increase their lead over the next five ends to 27-11.  Stanford stuck valiently to their task and pulled back to 14 points.  Leaving Corringham Thameside the winners by 28 -14.
The match was played in a friendly but competitive manner, with the Corringham Thameside team of David Fenn, Peter Matthews and Brian Price the more consistant.  We would like to thank our opponents for their sportsmanship and for the most enjoyable afternoon’s bowling.

As a change to our normal club evening, Rotarians and friends visited the Combined Military Museum at Maldon on Thursday 10th June 2010. The visit begun with a short talk about the origins of the museum by the Curator, before those present enjoyed a finger buffet prior to studying the exhibits. There was a huge collection of firearms to study, and some of those present who had served in the armed forces quickly identified the ones they had used during their service. There was also an array of shells and ammunitions from both world wars and beyond, together with uniforms, medals and other forms of equipment. The only surviving “Cockleshell” kayak was on view as well as an engine from the TRSL aircraft. The area devoted to the spying side of life was extremely interesting with gadgets that James Bond would have been proud of. On the ground floor, one could observe the vast array of sword, axes, pikes etc. used in the Tudor and Stuart eras as well as many items of armour.

The tour took a full hour and all 22 who attended, all went home having enjoyed the evening with a better understanding of our role of our armed forces. It’s a museum for all to visit.

Our thanks to Gerry Buggle for arranging this most successful evening.

The Combined Services Museum can be found by clicking here.

After five months of hard graft, we finally finished the garden project at Corringham Primary School in time for the RIBI President’s visit on Saturday 29th May 2010. Only the weather let us down.
It was a cold blustery day with intermittant showers, but up to 40 Rotarians and their families, staff and pupils at the school braved the elements to witness the opening of the garden and the planting of the “lollipop” tree by guest of honour RIBI President David Fowler.
Corringham Thameside’s Vice-President David Fenn, together with Head Teacher David Garland greeted the V.I.P. party of President David Fowler and his wife Daphne, District Governor John Banks and his wife Maureen, Assistant Governors Gloria Nicholls and Pam Watson-Jones and gave them a conducted tour of the project.
David Fenn introduced the guests of honour to the assembled gathering and outlined the background to the project before presenting Head Teacher, David Garland with a club banner. Flowers were presented to both Mrs Fowler and Mrs Banks by the children, before local man Tony Bortella read a poem he had written especially for the occasion. President David Fowler praised the club for their efforts in building the open space and the school for their help and understanding in bringing the idea to fruition.
Two children from the school, representing the school council, the cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque to open the garden before RIBI President David Fowler planted the “lollipop” tree in the centre of the garden.
After the ceremony the guests were treated to a buffet provided by the school and had the opportunity to mix with the other guests. President David Fowler presented the Rotary club with his own personal banner.

The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to President David Fowler his wife, District Governor John Banks and his wife, Assistant Governors Gloria Nicholls and Pam Watson-Jones for their support. We would like to thank Tony Bartella and his wife for attending and for composing the poem. And of course the school staff and pupils who supported us throughout. We would like to thank Head teacher David Garland and his staff for the buffet and all the support and encouragement they have given to us over the past months.
Lest we forget, we should also thank all the members of the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside who gave so much of their time to build the open space. Without their efforts, none of it would have been possible.

On Thursday 27th May 2010 the club celebrated their 29th President’s Night at The Ivory Rooms at Billericay. Diners sat down to a three course meal in the most convivial of atmospheres with both Rotarians, families and friends enjoying the fellowship.
Vice-President David Fenn in toasting President Robert Waite reminded the members of the contribution Rob had made to the club during his time with the club. Under his Presidency the club had achieved much to be proud of and were in a strong position to move forward into the next Rotary year.
After dinner those present were entertained by comedian Willie Thompson who soon had those present rocking with laughter. The evening continued with dancing to disco music.
A good time was had by all who attended.