The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

For the past three weeks, President David Fenn and Vice-President John Wallington have visited three local schools, Bulphan, Corringham and Giffards Primary Schools to distribute Dictionaries 4 Life to all the year six pupils in these schools.
The Dictionary 4 Life is part of a literacy programme reflecting Rotary International priorities supported by local Rotary Clubs. This is the third consecutive year the the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside have been involved in the project. In visiting the schools, the Rotarians have the opportunity to tell the children a little about the work of Rotary and to answer their questions. Questions have been varied, from when did Rotary start? to What was your last poject? and How do you raise the money for these projects?
At Bulphan, the children were particularly interested in Rotary’s Polio Eradication Programme, and have agreed to take part in a fund-raising event during the next school year.
All the children appeared to be pleased with their gift, which we trust will help them in their studies at their new schools.

On Sunday 17th July the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside held their annual Fishing day for handicapped and special needs children. Twelve youngsters from the Thurrock Special Needs Activity Club turned up despite the adverse weather conditions to enjoy their fishing. Punctuated all afternoon by heavy showers of rain, theyoungsters were aided by the fishermen of the Anniversay Fishing Syndicate that help the Rotary Club each year. 332 fish were landed with Chris Watt landing the biggest – a twelve pound carp. Calum Guy landed a total of seventy three fish to win the trophy for the most fish caught. To keep their spirits up, the Rotarians produced a steady stream of hamburgers and hot dogs, all washed down with copious amounts of fizzy drinks.
President David Fenn presented a trophy to each one of the children to reward their efforts. It was then that the Fishing Syndicate produced a surprise cheque for the Rotary Club of £895, which will be used in charitable projects during the coming year. In accepting the cheque, President David was somewhat short of words, stunned by the amount of the gift, he could only say a very big THANK YOU.
The children all left with big grins on their faces, clutching their prized trophies and plenty of tales about the ones that got away. Another successful fishing day, which showed Rotary working in the community.

On Saturday 9th July the club took along their “Original Fruit Machine” to the Corringham Primary School fete. It was amazing to see how popular the game was with queue’s forming to have a go.  The seven Rotarians present were kept extremely busy as the competitors strove to win a prize.  As usual the game drew a lot of smiles and it helped the school to raise much needed funds.

Corringham Thameside were away to Rochford Rotary Club in the quarter final of the Hugh Markham Trophy where the challenge was Krazy Golf.  Our team of Brian Price, Graham Palmer, John Cooper and David Fenn met our opponents at the Inca Krazy Golf course near to Southend’s Pier.  Graham Palmer got off to the best possible start with a hole in one, only to find his opponent match his score.  At the end Brian, John and Graham all narrowly lost their matches, leaving David to give us our only win with a margin of 5-2.  He scored six under par for the course.  We wish our opponents all the very best in the semi-final.

Friday 1st July was a big day in the life of the Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside as we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of receiving our charter.
A dinner was held at Barnard’s Farm, West Horndon and the club welcomed incoming District Governor Neil Muir and Assistant Governor Peter Dowse to the party. It was also nice to welcome Rotarian Godwin Swift, the incoming President of our parent club Stanford Le Hope & Corringham.
During the meal, the guests were entertained by the String Quartet from Gable Hall School in Corringham whose playing was of a very high standard and much appreciated by the audience.
Rotarian Danny Lawrence proposed the toast to “Our President” and President David Fenn, in his reply pointed out that two of our founder members, Peter Burfoot and Bernie Purver were still active members and were present on this occasion. David outlined the achievements of the club over the past twelve months which included 13 community and international projects the club were involved in. The President wagered that not many clubs could match that. He also stressed the need to attract new members.
Rotarian Brian Price proposed a toast to “Our Ladies and our guests” with the reply coming from A.G. Peter Dowse. District Governor Neil Muir paid tribute to the achievements of the club and the enthusiasm of its members and wished the club well for the future.
Following the speeches there was a short “handover” ceremomy when District Governor inducted David Fenn as President for the year 2011/12. The first time in the club’s history that a member had been President for successive years. John Wallington is the new vice-president and Danny Lawrence takes over the mantle of junior vice-president.
Singer Debbie Rae entertained the guests until the midnight hour.