October 2003 Newsletter

Update from Reta Cox

Hello Folks

I have been asked to put pen to paper to let you know about this year's fund raising events. By invitation, I have given talks on Endeavour to numerous clubs and associations. Many thanks to the members of Cruse, Highlands Monday Club, Leigh Ladies Circle, Pall Mall, Circle 5-0 Group, Billericay, Ladies After Eight Club, Thundersley and Leigh Men’s Forum, for listening and making me so welcome.

In March, Southend Brass Band and the Trust held a combined concert at Clifftown Congregational Church which was a great success.

In May, at St.Clements Mayfair in Leigh Library Gardens, Norah, Sheila and Myself ran a successful Tombola Stall.

In June, the Trust was invited to hold a stall at the Pier Open Weekend. 'What great Fun!!' Saturday was very quiet and cold, Sunday, my friend Margaret and I nearly took off over the estuary, a gale of wind got up hitting the yachts in the Nore Race. Then turned its attention to the Pier and the marquee with us in it; what a frightful experience. I phoned my husband to tell him we were okay in case he was worried about us, all he said was, 'what wind?'

In July, we held a Poetry Evening, at the Book Inn, Broadway West. I have never arranged an event like this before, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Many thanks to the staff of the Book Inn and to everyone who gave us their support. We held a table sale at Manchester Drive Allotments Open Day. I only wish we had had a film camera to record us trying to put up a 'Gazebo', I’m thinking of selling tickets for next year.

In August, we had a New and Nearly New Sale at New Road Methodist Church. Thanks once again to Norah, Sheila, Margaret, Eve and Marilyn for all their help. Pity the newspaper that gave us such a good write up forgot to put the time it started in the article.

In September, Norah, Sheila and I again ran a Tombola Stall at the Fishing Festival.

Over the past year, I’ve had a mixed bag of events and I have met a lot of lovely people, had many laughs and a few tears.

Those who attended our AGM met six special gentlemen; 'Veterans of Dunkirk'. The seventh veteran couldn’t attend because at the age of 85 he was having a heart by-pass. They are the last members of the Southend Dunkirk Veterans Association and we wish them all well and a speedy recovery. I would also like to send our best wishes to another veteran who now lives in Chesterfield but used to live in Tudor Gardens, Leigh. He made a special journey to pay his respects to the young men who crewed the little ships, including Endeavour, who may have rescued him from the beaches. Pat, we do hope you will be feeling better soon. God bless you all.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Reta

November 29th

Leigh Town Council have invited the Trust to have a table at the Christmas Lights Evening. If you can, please come and give us your help and support. We hope to be in Elm Road near the Old Coliseum.

December 13th

St.Clements Christmas Fair - please put this date in your diary and come along to support our efforts at this event. It runs from 10 am till 3.30 pm, so there is plenty of time to get there, but most importantly, tell your relatives, friends and neighbours. Encourage them to come and support us at both events because that is how we will achieve our aim and restore Endeavour.