Community Service/ Blind Faith 2016
Annual Fund raising "Blind Walk" in aid of ORBIS - the sight saving charity.

A Walk on the Blind Side
Every year it falls to our president to attempt a “Blind Walk” in aid of Orbis. Current president Mike Sinclair referred to having achieved it in last month's October newsletter. So to the details.
Mike completed the sponsored walk from the Health Centre in Stock Road, through the High Street and to finish at Reids in time for our Monday lunch on October 24. Only to find a sparse attendance!
No matter. As Mike explains: “It was an experience. Only one which you can appreciate when you cannot see. Now I understand what it must be like to be sightless.
“Without Ed and Chandra to help me on the day, I could not have achieved the walk blindfolded alone. It took 45 minutes – imagine that if you were not sightless.
“Thanks also to Peter Greene for ensuring it was all well recorded photographically for this newsletter and our website followers and as a major helper on the day. And a record for all blind people.
“You appreciate what it must be like to cross major roads, beware of traffic and pedestrians and, above all, not to able to see. Orbis does a great job.”
ORBIS spans the globe to bring people together: expert surgeons and village doctors, community nurses and traditional healers, health ministers and community activists, global foundations and individual donors - so they can work as one to combat avoidable blindness. It presently operates three flying eye hospitals which are equal parts surgeries, teachers, envoys and advocates in the global effort to end avoidable blindness. It enables expert volunteer doctors to perform eye tests, operations in its own on-board operating theatre, and also train local eye care teams in their own country. It also serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating change.
President Mike added: “We raised £250.00 – a creditable effort which, as a club, we hope will make life easier for those unfortunate people whose sight is not like ours.”
PS: It will fall on next year's president Peter Greene to attempt the ORBIS walk. Perhaps Wendy should get him practising now along Western Road!Every year for the last few years it has fallen on our President to do a "Blind Walk" to raise money for the sight saving charity ORBIS.
For more information on this charity, go to:
Related pages:
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detailsBlood Runners 2019
Dediacted volunteer delivers vital blood and breast milk to the point of need.
details2019 Fun Walk Bonus
We receive a bonus of £820 to add to the £1640 already raised by our participation in the Fun Walk.
detailsORBIS Blind Walk 2019
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detailsFun Walk 2019
September 2019 and time for us to take part yet again in the annual Billericay Fun Walk to raise money for good causes
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detailsBillericay in Bloom 2019
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detailsEnd Polio Fundraiser 2019
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detailsChernobyl Children Have Fun 2019
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We offered free Blood Pressure tests at Waitrose on April 6, 2019. Four Rotary members manned the stand and 4 volunteer nurses did over 100 tests.
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Invited back by Waitrose as part of its “Wellness Week” to do a further KYBP testing session for the staff.
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The first major donation of 2019 Soapbox Derby charity funds elicits support and encouragement at Quilters Junior School.
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We sponsor one of the prizes for the Friends of Lake Meadows annual Photographic Competition
details2018 Lake Meadows Photographic Competition
All smiles at the Friends of Lake Meadows Photographic Competition
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Rotary Club of Billericay members were out in force to support Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower’s Christmas Market, with our main features being our Grand Raffle, our RotaKids clubs and the May 6 2019 Soapbox Derby.
details2018 Blind Walk
Our President Les follows the lead of past Presidents to do the traditional President’s Blind Walk in aid of the Orbis charity on November 12, 2018.
detailsRemembrance Day 2018
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detailsFireworks Night 2018
Happy to help - we man the Hillhouse Drive gate at the 2018 Billericay Fireworks show in Lake Meadows.
detailsWorld Polio Day 2018
Our participation in the World's Greatest Meal raises £424 for "End Polio Now", worth over £1500 with top up donations from Gift Aid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
details2018 Billericay Art Trail
Preview Party on Friday night launches the 2018 Billericay Art Trail.
details2018 Aquabox Ambassador
Mike Ginn reports on his time as an "ambassador" for Aquabox, the pure water charity with a personal view on the Kerala disaster
details2018 Blood Runners
Club member Ken Smith reports on his involvment in “Essex Bloodrunners”, the Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS). They transport blood and blood products and milk within the NHS.
detailsSummerfest 2018
We launch the 2019 Soapbox Derby at the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower Summerfest, accompanied by the RotaKids clubs of Buttsbury and Quilters.
detailsBillericay in Bloom 2018
We yet again sponsored the ‘best back garden’ class of the Billericay in Bloom competition, and went along to Canon Roche hall for the Winners announcements and to present the prizes for this class.
details2018 Charity Day
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detailsChernobyl 2018 Overview
A Summary of our contributions to the visit of the 12 children from Ukraine brought here by the Chernobyl Children's Life Line
detailsChernobyl Children's Life Line 2018 Welcome
We continue to sponsor events for the children visiting from the Ukraine, who have been affected by the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster. Four weeks here equals two more years of Life!
detailsChernobyl 2018 - Bowling Fun!
A report of one of the two visits to the Chelmsford Bowl sponsored by the Rotary Club of Billericay.
detailsChernobyl 2018 - Firestation (wet) Fun
A Visit to the Billericay Fire Station to see the equipment, use the hoses and HAVE FUN!
details2018 Kids Out
Thirty-two children, twelve teachers and assistants, four Rotary members - and great fun for all at Old MacDonald’s Farm on KidsOut Day
detailsJam today - End Polio 2018
More support to End Polio Now - the Wilkins Jam Jar appeal has netted a further £500+ in donations to the End Polio campaign
detailsRecognition for End Polio Contributions 2017
The Club has just been recognised with District and International awards for its contributions to the End Polio Now capaign, and support of Rotary's own Charity - The Rotary Foundation.
details2017 Christmas Market
Rotary Club of Billericay members braved the crowds and the cold to support Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower’s Christmas Market, with our main features being our Grand Raffle, our RotaKids clubs and next year’s Soapbox Derby
detailsWalking for ORBIS 2017
Club president Peter Greene did the annual walk of about a mile to raise money for ORBIS, the sight charity and its Flying Eye Hospital.
detailsFireworks Night 2017
We man the Hillhouse Drive gate at the 48th. Billericay Fireworks show in Lake Meadows.
detailsFun Walk Bonus 2017
Bonus delaration at end September adds a further £671 to the £1,200 Patrick Rothon raised through his John Baron's Fun Walk back in May - making a total of over £1,800.
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We presented the prizes for the “Best Back Garden”, a Billericay in Bloom category which we have sponsored for many years.
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Thirty-five children, twelve teachers and asistants, four Rotary members - and great fun for all at Tropical Wings on KidsOut Day
detailsChernobyl Children's Life Line 2017
We continue to sponsor events for the children visiting from Belarus, who have been affected by the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster .
detailsBillericay Fun Walk 2017
May 2017 and time for us to take part yet again in the annual Billericay Fun Walk to raise money for good causes
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Soapbox Derby Donations Exceed £30,000 as four major charities receive donations from our 2017 Soapbox Derby.
detailsSoapbox Schools Competition 2017
Collaboration between the town's Reading Rooms Committee and our Rotary Club leads to an innovative design competition for our senior schools.
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A Purple4Polio Tea Party on Wednesday March 8 in St Mary Magdalen in Billericay High Street raising money to fight Polio
detailsChristmas Market 2016
Rotary Club of Billericay were out in force to support the Billericay Christmas Market, so superbly organised by Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower. We raised over £1600 in our grand Raffle.
detailsRemembrance Day 2016
In the presence of a large crowd at the Billericay War Memorial President Mike Sinclair laid our wreath, and Community Services Chairman Keith Wood did so for the Reading Rooms, to commemorate the fallen in our town's Act of Remembrance
detailsA Sell-Out Fireworks in 2016
47th Charity Fireworks Spectacular at Lake Meadows park, organised again by Round Table
detailsFun Walk Bonus 2016
Half as much again! - well actually more than that. Presentation of bonus cheques for 53% of the money raised by participants took place at Anisha Grange, Billericay, at the end of September
detailsSummerfest 2016
We man the Shelterbox tent at the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower's annual Summerfest. Another great success!
detailsChernobyl Children's Life Line 2016
We continue to sponsor events for the children visiting from Ukraine, who have been affected by the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster .
detailsCharitable Donations from the Soapbox Derby
Hand over of £15,000 to three designated major charities, all from the proceeds of our spectacular Soapbox Derby.
detailsKids Out 2016
We took 34 Kids to enjoy a day out at Tropical Wings Zoo in South Woodham Ferrers
detailsBillericay Fun Walk 2016
Second time out - we take part in the Bonus Fun walk again in 2016 to raise money for local good causes.
detailsKnow Your Blood Pressure 2016
April 23, 2016 - 100 successful tests in four hours. Know Your Blood Pressure testing at the Waitrose store in Billericay.
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We were delighted recently to receive a message of thanks from Catherine Butt, the Hope and Homes for Children Rotary Liaison Manager.
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detailsChristmas Market 2015
We participated fully in the annual Billericay Christmas Market organized so well by our sister club the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower. Our Grand Raffle and other fundraising raised over £2900.
details2015 Christmas Lights
As we do, year after year, we donated funds to support the Christmas Lights in Billericay High Street.
detailsMen's Cancer Awareness 2015
A Free complimentary full English breakfast and talks by Mr Vohra (NHS Consultant Urologist) and other speakers about male cancer. Sponsored by Nuffield Health Brentwood and REIDS restaurant and supported by Macmillan Nurses.
detailsFireworks 2015
46th Charity Fireworks Spetacular at Lake Meadows park, organised again by Round Table
detailsFun Walk Bonus!
Double your money! - well almost. Presentation of bonus cheques for 90% of the money raised by participants took place at Anisha Grange, Billericay, at the end of October.
detailsBillericay Great Balloon race
After much detective work, the winner of our balloon race has been located and her prize of £100 has now been presented to her.
detailsBillericay Fun Walk
A great day supporting the Billericay Fun Walk and raising money for Charity
detailsSummerFest 2015
The Great Balloon Race raises money for Charity at Billericay Mayflower's Billericay SummerFest
detailsBillericay in Bloom 2015
President Ed awards the prizes in the "Best Kept Large Garden" category which the Rotary Club of Billericay sponsored again this year.
detailsKids Out 2015
We take disadvantaged children from Thriftwood School for a day out to Tropical Wings in South Woodham Ferrers
detailsKnow Your Blood Pressure 2015
Rotary Club of Billericay and three volunteer nurses, Juliet, Faith and Cepta, returned to the Billericay Waitrose store on Saturday 18th April for the 4th year running, to offer free Blood Pressure tests to the public, and provide information and advice
detailsBig Dinner Big Donation
Members met on March 30th to participate in the international Big Dinner, and raise money for the "500 Miles" charity.
detailsChristmas Market 2014
Rotary Club of Billericay participated fully in the annual Christmas Market organized so well by our sister club Billericay Rotary Club Mayflower. Our Grand Raffle and other fundraising raised over £1500.
detailsMale Cancer Awareness 2014
Billericay Rotary's Cancer Awareness Day returned on November 15th. 2014.
detailsGreat Music in the Round - 2014
This Year's concert in aid of charity featured the very popular top essex Band "Re-Public" www.re-public-band.co.uk/). Tickets were £15 only.
detailsBillericay in Bloom 2014
President Mike awards the prizes in the "Best Kept Large Garden" category which the Rotary Club of Billericay sponsored again this year.
detailsSummerfest 2014
Club Members supported a major event for Billericay, organized by the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower.
detailsKids Out 2014
We supported Rotary International’s Kids Out Day on June 11, by giving some disadvantaged children from Thriftwood School, Galleywood a sunny day out with lots of fun at Marsh Farm at South Woodham Ferrers.
detailsKnow Your Blood Pressure Event 2014
The Know Your Blood Pressure day aims to encourage the public to have their blood pressure tested for free.
detailsChristmas Market 2013
Rotary Club of Billericay participated fully in the annual Christmas Market organized so well by our sister club Billericay Rotary Club Mayflower. Our Grand Raffle and other fundraising has allowed us to buy 4 more Shelter Boxes for the Philippines Appeal
detailsFighting the Fight vs. Male Cancer
The forbidden subject - men's health! Don't hide your heads in the sand - beat the silence - men should come along to learn about this subject!
detailsGuy Fawkes 2013
Billericay Rotary supports the Round Table's 44th Annual Fireworks display in lake Meadows Park.
detailsSummer Blues Concert June 2013
Grand Charity Summer Concert - after its very successful "Blues at Burstead" concert in summer 2012, the Grapevine Blues Band performed an evening charity concert at Emmanuel's Church Billericay on June 29, 2013 in aid of the End Polio Now campaign.
detailsBillericay in Bloom 2013
We sponsored the "Best Kept Large Back Garden" Award for the Billericay in Bloom competition, and awarded the prizes to the winners and 2 Runners-up.
detailsOctober Musicfest 2013
In response to last year's success, we staged an Autumn Charity Concert featuring the Harmony Brass Band and violinist Joanne Davies in aid of St Luke's Hospice & the Salvation Army, and other charities supported by Rotary.
detailsPolice & Crime Commissioner Visit 2013
Nick Alston CBE, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, spoke to our club. His father was Deputy Chief Constable in Essex. He was at KEGS & Cambridge University. He has been involved in "shaping major changes in policing" in the UK for many years.
detailsKnow Your Blood Pressure 2013
Over 40% of strokes could be prevented if high blood pressure was controlled. The Know Your Blood Pressure day aims to tackle this statistic. The public were encouraged to come along on the day and have their blood pressure tested for free.
detailsA Walk on the Blind Side
Our Club supported the charity ORBIS and its fund-raiser Orbithon, with a "Blind" walk for a mile by President Elect Keith Woods. This walk as also supported by other clubs in our District. Keith's walk was a front page feature in the Billericay Gazette
detailsChristmas Celebration 2012
A Christmas Celebration with Carols, Verse, Festive Food and drinks. And .... Santa Claus
detailsChristmas Market 2012
Following the success of the 2011 Christmas Market, with over 25,000 visitors, The Rotary Club of Billericay gave wholehearted support to the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower who organized the event again this year, raising over £30,000 for charity.
detailsFireworks Display 2012
Rotary Club of Billericay supported this very successful event, organised as in previous years, by the Billericay Round Table.
detailsAutumn Musicfest
A wonderful evening of music by the popular Harmony Brass. Music for all tastes - Big Band, Show-time & Pop with guest violinist Joanne Davies. In aid of St Luke’s Hospice, Remus Horse Sanctuary and other Rotary Charities.
detailsBlues at Burstead - June 2012
This open-air music event featuring the Grapevine Blues Band was held at Ivy Cottage, Little Burstead in aid of Little Havens Childrens Hospice.
detailsChristmas Market 2011
The highlight was our excellent value-for-money Gluwein Bar supplemented by the best Live Band on the High Street. Our exhibits included an "Aquabox" demonstration and a full Shelterbox display. Over £2000 was raised for our charitable causes.
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