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Essex County Councils new initiative
United in Kind heralds Bicknacre Friendship Club.
lunch, have a friendly chat with other like minded locals, who were
in the same time of life as themselves. All in the welcoming
atmosphere of The Brewers Arms Pub.
It was Peter Brown, the then Pub Landlord, that played a major
role in the launch and the continued growth, supporting the Club
with his wonderful, community spirit, for 7 years, until retiring last
July.
The Club went on to start up ‘Learn to Play Bridge’ club, initially
at the pub until its success meant it outgrew this venue and had
to move to the village hall.
Also, in those years BFC ran brilliant ‘Murder Mystery’ nights,
along with the new village tradition of ‘ The Spirit of Christmas’.
All with Peters undying support.
So it was particularly wonderful when BFC and all its members,
were able to return his friendship and welcome Peter and Karen
as new members, at The Rettendon Bell for Christmas lunch.
Committee Members all worked hard both, to prepare for and on
the day itself, to ensure “ A great time was had by all”.
Photo left / right: Molly Cooper, Martin Brandon, Dennis Smith &
Shirley Wood toasting Bicknacre Friendship Club and Xmas
Essex County Council has recognised there are many, many
isolated, lonely or alone people in Essex, so they launched a
campaign to reach out to try to help combat it.
The campaign, United in Kind, is being rolled out throughout
Essex and ECC was so impressed by the successful activity already
established at Bicknacre Friendship Club ( BFC ), they asked them
if they could join them for the Christmas lunch, so they could
witness for themselves the friendship members already enjoy and
give to others.
Our unending thanks go to...
Martin ( Our Bridge Master) who set and delivered a great Xmas
Quiz, giving a lovely bottle of wine in a fab wine cooler, to the
winner Angelina Robinson
Molly who runs the lovely ‘Afternoon Tea” monthly at Woodham
Ferrers School Room Tea Rooms.
Angelina, who comes up with all the wonderful ideas and
manages ‘Events and Trips’.
Sandy, Chair & ‘Lunch Club’ organise & management.
Not forgetting our own Parish Council who’s support meant, most
of the ‘Free’ raffle prizes and table gifts could be purchased in
addition to donations from Committee Members themselves.
“ What an amazing day”.
That just leaves one thing to say. “Thank You Essex County
Council for making us your ‘stars’ and for using BFC as an example
of the friendship and happiness available, if you it’s wanted.
For further information or to enjoy the club for yourself, ring Sandy
01245 225351
Bicknacre Friendship Club..... Your Young Active over 55
Community.
Photo left / right: Shirley, Dennis, Sandy, Martin & Molly
Front: UiK coaches Stella Scrivner and Donna Reilly
United in Kind bought with them BBC TV, ITV, BBC Radio Essex
as well as ECC own photographer, all with the intention of using
BFC story as inspiration to others throughout Essex.
The atmosphere was bonkers, diners had double the usual fun
watching cameras roll, interviews and photos being taken.
Roy, the Manager at The Bell Pub at Rettenden was wonderful,
making sure lunch wasn’t spoilt and everything went smoothly.
“Thanks Roy for being a great host”. You can see from the photos,
everybody “had a hoot” Shirley said.
BFC started in 2013 with the launch of its Lunch Club. This gave
locals the opportunity to wander down to their local pub and over
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Photo left / right: Dennis and Shirley both 86 years old