Colchester Centurion News

Well - we've sorted out the nominations for officers for next year, finalised the takings from this year's Walk & Hog Roast, got well on the way to organising a similar event next year, NEARLY filled the rota for collecting outside the Mercury on Dec 21st, started booking tickets for the last night at the Panto, booked the hall and arrange a curry evening for the end of January, debated the level of commitment required by club members and eaten a hearty breakfast - all by 8.30am. Then we have to go to work.

We were honoured with a visit from RIBI President, Tony de St Dalmas and his wife, Peggy. Rotarians from 8 other clubs in the district also visited us, namely Colchester, Colchester Forum, Colchester Trinity, Frinton, Witham, Kelvedon, Manningtree and Stour Valley and Manningtree as well as members from Rotaract and inner Wheel.

Good Food Show - Sunday 1st December

Sue Pipe organised a trip to the Good Food Show at the NEC, Birmingham. We managed the 6.15am start - not muc worse the the normal Wednesday breakfast really - and reached the venue in time to be entertained by Jamie Oliver and two of his students. The rest of the day was spent sampling every culinary delight that we could find.
It was an excellent day - thanks to Sue for organising it - sorry but you might have to do it again next year.

1st Anniversary Charter Night - Friday 22nd November

On Friday evening we celebrated our first anniversary at the Scout Venture Centre in Lawford. To pay homage to the rotary slogan for the year 'Sew the Seeds of Love', our evening had a 60's theme.

Most of the 70 people present were suitably dressed for the occasion; John Buchannan and Clare Coker won the fancy dress prizes. and we all joined in a quiz based around the 60's (we thought it was a little tough - Lawrence thought it was too easy). Then we all went mad dancing to sixties music. You should have seen Robert - will we ever look at him in the same light again?

Well done to Kate and Rachel for their efforts both before and on the night - and didn't Vicky do a good job of the tie dying.

Breakfast Meeting - Wednesday 20th November

Welcome to Tim Venn, Stuart Francis and John Hutton from the Rotary Club of Colchester.

Ken spoke about his and Una's recent trip to Sri Lanka; about their visit to a Rotary Club and donations which they made to a new school.

The Europeans at the Mercury - Monday 18th November

Christine organised a group visit to the Mercury - some of us admitted that Howard Baker's The Europeans was a little beyond us - it was thought provoking and superbly performed. Lets go again - oh yes - the panto...

We visited Wilkins Jam at Tiptree. After our breakfast in the tea room at Wilkins we enjoyed a talk about the history of the company and then looked round the museum. This was a very interesting visit - giving us all an insite into the way the company has moved with the ages but still holds onto many traditions.

1st Anniversary Charter Night - Friday 22nd November - A plea has been made for props and material for our Charter night. We need anything which could (even remotely) be connected to the the 60's - lots of brightly coloured fabric - 60's clothes - lots of records and ideas (two of the younger members of the organising committee won't have a very clear recollection of the sixties so any suggestions from the more aged will be welcome). Ideas can go to Kate - material contributions please to Mary - and make sure that you make it clear if you want the things back - otherwise they'll end up in Kate's dressing up box.

Last Night at the Panto - Sat 18th Jan 2003 - Plans are also going ahead for the last Night at the Panto - f you want anything back make sure we know that when you give it to us.

This was our 'Out of Care' meeting - we have come of age and presumably are now expected to behave like adults. We were helped on our way by some of our most loyal supporters.

Well - we have a nice new president and what happens - off he goes on holiday - President Elect has cried off with CHICKEN POX (grand children can be such a liability) - so we dragged Christine back to the chair. It was just like old times.

Several members went to Brian Piccolo's fashion show last week - (and one member modelled).

As last week was the fifth Wednesday of the month members visited Mersea, Clacton Jubilee, Ramsey (Isle of Man) and Colchester Rotary Clubs while others enjoyed a meal at the Barn Brasserie.

A BIG THANK YOU to Christine for the lovely meal at the Whalebone in Fingringhoe.

Christine handed over the presidency to Kim, amidst support from several clubs. Wow Kim - what an act to follow - good luck - we'll be there behind you!