The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

In the quarterfinal of the District Bowls competition Corringham Thameside was drawn away to the Rotary Club of Rochford. The match was played at the Essex County Bowls Club at Westcliff on Monday 19th July 2010. Corringham was represented by Clive Yallop, David Fenn and Brian Price whilst the Rochford team consisted of Terry Warne, Keith Holdsworth and Peter Hancock. The early ends all went to Rochford as we found it difficult to read the pace of the very fast rink. In fact we were 8-0 down after nine ends before we got on the scoreboard and gained the jack. Things improved gradually and by the 17th end there was only 3 points between the teams. This end proved decisive as Corringham were holding shot in what was a cluttered forehand. Rochford captain, Peter Hancock with the last wood of the end put in a shot that was worthy of the very best. Ignoring his number two, he decided to stay on the forehand and go for a minute gap. This he did, narrowly missing Corringham’s wood which would have left the score at 12-11 with one end to go. Somehow, he managed to get through to leave the score at 13-9 with one end to play. The final end swung to and fro. Corringham holding shot from David Fenn which was knocked out by Rochford only for Brian Price to reinstate shot wood. Try as he could, Peter hancock was unable to gain shot but was able to deprive Corringham the chance to tie the match. The scoring was low and the tension was great a brilliant game which Rochford shaved. We wish them all the best in the semi-final. For Corringham it was defeat with honour.

Over the past two weeks, the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside have visited Bulphan, Corringham and Giffard Primary Schools to handover an illustrated Dictioanry 4 Life to all the year six pupils who will be moving on to their secondary school in September.
The Dictionary 4 Life is part of a literacy programme reflecting Rotary International priorities supported by local Rotary Clubs.
Club President David Fenn, in handing over the books was able to answer the childrens questions about the role of Rotary in the world and was impressed by the enthusiasm of the children in this regard.

For the sixteenth consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside together with the Anniversary Fishing Syndicate held their annual fishing day for handicapped and special needs children on Sunday 11th July. The weather was kind as fifteen excited youngsters arrived to try their luck with rod and line. All the youngsters came from Thurrock Special Needs Activity Club and were allocated a fisherman each to show them the ropes. The fishing syndicate provided all the equipment as well as the fishing expertise whilst the Rotarians provided the ever popular barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs washed down with a variety of soft drinks.
Newly installed President, David Fenn having shed mmany tears chopping the many onions required then contrived to forget to bring them. Thankfully, one of the mums saved the day by buying some at a nearby shop, leaving David to once again go through the agony of chopping them.
A magnificent total of 462 fish were landed by the youngsters with Bradley Styles landing a creditable 70 fish. Several fish of 5 or 6 pounds were landed but the biggest catch of the day was made by Rhys Martin who landed his whopper weighing in at 12pounds. In addition to his trophy, Rhys was presented with a new rod by the fishing syndicate. Every youngster was presented with a trophy for their efforts and went home happily telling tales of the one that got away. THe Fishing Syndicate presented the Rotary Club with a cheque for £200, being the profits they made on their five competition days for the Rotary Shield.
Rotary Club President thanked the Fishing club for their generosity and for their undying support to the event, without their help we could not run the event. He also thanked the Rotarians and their families for their efforts in making the day another successful one. He thanked the children and their carers for coming along and enjoying the opportunity to fish.
Another occasion where the club has served the community.

On Saturday 19th July, the club had a stall at the Corringham Primary School Fete to raise money for the school. The stand was dressed with the club’s “pop-up” banners and decked with balloons for sale whilst the public were invited to locate the “Pirates treasure” on a map.
The Punch Balloons were an instant success with Rob Waite, Brian Munroe and Peter Matthews selling them like hot cakes. The hot weather made it hard going but there was interest in the treasure hunt. It was good to see support from the club members and their wives to this event which to date has raised £79 for the school. The PTA Chairperson, Jo Vincent was very pleased with the club’s efforts and wishes us to pass on their thanks to all who were involved. Another case of Rotary working in the community.
The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside would like to thank Karen of Balloon Decor for supplying the punch balloons.

Gateway FM has been awarded a five year licence by OFCOM and will commence broadcasting on a regular basis from late September. A new wavelength has been allocated for this – 97.8fm. The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside will be presenting a regular weekly show – Gateway to Jazz which will be introduced by David Fenn. It will be a two hour show bringing you the very best from the world of jazz, including not only the established stars of this genre but local and up and coming musicians too. A regular feature will be Jazz in the hit parade from 1924. Watch this space for more information !