The Main Event

Our Charter lunch this year was again in the Beauvoir Arms at Downham, but this time in the main restaurant.  A very enjoyable event attended by 60 club members, partners and guests including District Governor Elect Nick Sillitoe from the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower, Sri Srivastava - the President of that same Rotary Club, Richard Albon - the President of Brentwood Rotary Club, Rtn. Mike Barratt acting as his President's representative from Basildon Rotary Club, Robert Brett - President of Billericay Lions and our speaker, Margaret Mills. 

After a very good meal, and the occasional drink, Founder member Ben Clarke read the "Objects of Rotary" and President Mike Sinclair gave an amusing speech welcoming everybody to our celebration. Mike took the opportunity.to present to Mike Barratt with the gifts from the Rotary Club of Alba which had been vouchsafed to him on our recent twinning visit to Alba to celebrate its 60th Anniversary.

Nick Sillitoe responded on behalf of the guests giving tribute to our club's achievements, especially the Soapbox Derby in which Mayflower were such firm supportersa of our endeavours, and proposed the toast to the Club. 

It was now the turn of our speaker, Margaret Mills who gave a most interesting and illuminating speech about "Darling Daisy", the owner of Eaton Lodge and subsequently Countess of Warwick.  Not a staid and boring life at all! 

The final event of the day was the draw for the winners of the 50:50 club, organised by club member Roger Kettle.  First prize went to President Mike's wife Liz!

Other distinguished guests included Angela Clarke, President of Inner Wheel and wife of our founder member Ben Clarke.

Our thanks to Norman Bishop for again arranging a superb lunch and to the staff of the Beauvoir Arms for their excellent service and support.