The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

Club junior vice-president, Danny Lawrence accompanied 13 year old James Fuerte, a holder of a “Diana Award” to a reception for award winners at Lancaster House. James who works as a volunteer at Gateway 97.8, the community radio station for Basildon & East Thurrock, suffers from cystic fibrosis. Nevertheless, he regular helps to produce their Friday evening feature “School’s Out”. On one occasion, James managed to persuade the hospital authorities to allow him to leave their care for a couple of hours to do his bit for the programme, as he did not want to let his friends down.

This action helped James to the treasured “Diana Award” and a trip to Althorpe where he met Earl Spencer. Danny Lawrence reported that it was James’ fellow presenters, all teenagers who wrote the citation for the award in which they claim James was their inspiration. WELL DONE JAMES.

The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside took their “World’s First Fruit Machine” to the King Harold Day Festivities at Waltham Abbey on Saturday 8th October. Along with the Archery, Hawking, Morris Dancers, Knights in armour and the myriad of stalls offering an insight into many aspects of medieval life, our game was in constant use. As always it raised a smile or two from the adults as many of the younger children wondered how it worked.
It was good to see so many people wanting to try their luck to win one of the many soft toys on offer, but it was one particular member of the public that really made us feel good, when he told us that ours was the best sideshow of its kind he had ever seen!! Praise indeed. Apart from the game we were on hand to sell balloons to add to the party spirit, as a result the club has raised a further £200 for its charity work. To all those who were involved – WELL DONE!

Sadly, for the second time in just two months, we have to report the death of yet another of our valued members. Past President Brian Price died whilst returning from a holiday cruise. He was at Barcelona airport when he collapsed and died.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Suzarne and their son Barry at this very sad time.
Brian joined the club from the Rotary Club of Southwark in 1993 and was elected club President in 1998/9. Brian was an active member of the club and supported a number of projects. Even though he was unable to help with the heavy work when the club built a garden for Corringham Primary School as he was recovering from a hernia operation, he still turned up to give the others his support by making the tea.
Sadly, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and his health declined, but he never complained. Affectionately known in the club as Captain Mainwaring, Brian will be missed by us all. Not only was he a willing participant to all we did he was active on the sports side, representing the club at bowls, golf, snooker and darts. He was also active in the local community as a politician and school governor.
It was a pleasure to have known him and he will be sorely missed.