'Service Above Self' O
n the 7th. July 2011 new President George Larkey presided
over his first official' meeting at our weekly lunch at The Lodge in Upminster. One of
his first duties as President was to present the insignia to SVP Gerry Harrington and JVP Ray Needham and to wish them good luck as they take up their new posts.
Kids out 2011 –Wednesday 8 June The Southend Event
W T
ednesday the 8 June dawned a bright sunny day, Ray, Peter, Norman and Brian met a
class, with their teacher/helpers from Corbets Tey Special School in the car park of the “Talk Night Club” set back from the Southend sea front.
he Children and adults having donned their Tee Shirts and caps joined the several hundred
other disadvantaged children in the Club at the start of the annual Kids Out Day arranged by the Southend Club on behalf of District 1240. The Children all enjoyed the music, dance and drinks for an hour or so when lunch was provided, sandwiches, crisps and cakes, all the things children like. It was decided as last year to take our lunch down to the sea front rather than sit in the Club but unfortunately just as we arrived on the front a heavy shower swept the promenade. The promenade has recently been revamp and all those covered seats where one could hide in wet weather have been removed and we were forced to crowd under a shop canopy.
T
he rain passed over and after twenty minutes we were able to make our way to “Adventure Island” adjoining the pier were we were all provided
with wrist bands allowing access to the rides in the park. We found a covered area under the pier for the children to have lunch and then moved to the main area for the real fun. The teacher and her helper together with many of the children soon took advantage of the rides, some of the children however clearly wanted to go on the rides but insisted on being accompanied. One young lady was clearly dying to go on the (small) big dipper and persuaded me to join her. From the moment the ride started she screamed at the top of her voice and kept up till we finally stopped to the extent that I was becoming a little concerned and asked if she was alright the reply “wicked” can we go again ! For the most part we followed around carrying coats, bags and hats and trying to keep everyone together, the occasional cup of coffee or ice cream helped us to keep going.
A
ll too soon for the children we had to make our way back to the car park and load into the
coach for the return to school, the children must be back for the end of the school day to ensure they have transport home. Everyone, including us Rotarians had a great day, it’s always very rewarding to see the pleasure gained by the children from this event. The children’s gratitude was seen recently with their pictures and notes presented to the Club.
Story provided by Brian Taffs 35
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