Rotary clubs from across the Borough of Bentwood joined forces for a special street collection on Saturday, January 8 2006 to raise funds to help the victims of the Asian Tsunami disaster.

Spokesman, President of Shenfield and Hutton Rotary Club, Mr Adrian Coolbergen, said: “The Indian Ocean earthquake and its after effects has moved the hearts of many local people who have already given to the disaster appeal but we know that much more will be needed to help the reconstruction of the towns and villages that were swept away by these tidal waves.

“Even the basic essential of cleaning fresh water wells that have been contaminated by sea water is a major task but one which is essential to prevent further deaths from illness and disease.

“That is why we held this special collection on Saturday, January 8 – we managed to have teams of volunteers in Brentwood Town Centre as well as in Shenfield Shopping Centre.

“We know that people gave generously and that we added significant sum to the money being administered to bring much needed relief to the thousands of people left without clean water, homes and jobs.”

The Rotary Clubs involved in the collection on Saturday, January 8 were:

·        Brentwood Rotary Club

·        Brentwood Breakfast Rotary Club

·        Brentwood a Becket Rotary Club and

ROTARY RECEIVE VIP TREATMENT DURING WESTMINSTER VISIT

Members of Rotary Clubs from across Brentwood received the red carpet treatment from Brentwood and Ongar Member of Parliament, Mr Eric Pickles, during a visit to the Palace of Westminster this week.

The visit was organised by the Rotary Club of Shenfield and Hutton whose President, Mr Adrian Coolbergen said: “As part of our centenary year celebrations we held a dinner at the House of Commons which was hosted by Brentwood and Ongar Member of Parliament, Mr Eric Pickles, who is not only an Honorary Member of our Rotary Club but is also a strong supporter of our activities.

“The visit included not just an excellent meal in the historic surroundings of the Palace of Westminster but Eric then took us on a personal guided tour of the building where his knowledge of the history and events which have shaped our democracy was very impressive.

“This was an excellent way of celebrating our centenary and we were pleased that so many local Rotarians were able to join us for this event and our thanks go to Eric for his support.”

To celebrate the centenary of the foundation of Rotary Club International four Brentwood based Rotary Clubs and Brentwood Rotaract Club have joined forces to raise a total of £30,000 during the year for the charity SNAP (Special Needs and Parents) to finance new facilities being built in Warley.

The four Rotary Clubs are:

·        Brentwood Rotary Club

·        Brentwood Breakfast Rotary Club

·        Brentwood a Becket Rotary Club and

·        Shenfield and Hutton Rotary Club.

More information is available on www.brentwoodarearotary100.org.uk.

The latest news from Brentwood and Ongar Member of Parliament, Mr Eric Pickles, can be found on his web page which can be accessed at www.ericpickles.com and people can respond to the latest electronic poll through that site.

SUMMER EVENING OF JAZZ IS MUSIC TO THE EARS OF CHELMSFORD HOSPICE 

Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford has been chosen to receive a cheque from the profits of a special promenade concert with the presentation taking place on Monday, October 04.

1000 people flocked to enjoy A Summer Evening of Jazz in the beautiful grounds of Ingatestone Hall in mid July and helped raise funds which are being divided between two Essex Hospices.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Shenfield and featured two top bands playing classic New Orleans Jazz.

Spokesman for the Rotary Club of Shenfield, Mr Adrian Coolbergen, said: “This Promenade Concert in the grounds of Ingatestone Hall was held by kind permission of Lord Petre and featured THE FROG ISLAND JAZZ BAND and BOB DWYER’S HOT SEVEN .

“These are two of the top Classic New Orleans Jazz Bands and an audience of 1000 people  enjoyed a great musical programme in the beautiful grounds of this historic country home.

“Not only was this a great evening out for all the family but all profits from the event are to go to two very worthwhile causes – Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford and St Francis Hospice at Havering-atte-Bower – to help them maintain and expand their work with the terminally ill and their families.

“The final profits will be announced on Monday, October 04 when the cheques will be presented to representatives of the charities at  the Rotary Club.

“Our thanks go to Lord Petre for his support and to all the people who came along and helped make this evening such a  great success.”