Summary of Community Fayre 2017

Showcasing local causes and local support for a second year

Our second annual Community Fayre  at Nazareth House Westcliff-on-Sea took place on Saturday 21st October and as well as some familiar faces, we were also able to host a few new local charities and groups who brought their unique talents and services for all to see.

The ethos of the day was once again to present to the local community a range of local charities, local support groups, and local businesses who both serve and work in Southend. This was to give each exhibitor present some exposure to the public but also a chance to network and see what others are up to.

This year we did not have Sainsburys as an exhibitor mainly due to a lack of time but they did help with some of the items for the main prize which again was a #fairtrade hamper which when finished, contained almost £35 worth of #fairtrade items in a sturdy cardboard box that I was able to recycle and decorate to make an attractive hamper to use. All the other prizes in the raffle were #fairtrade too from a bottle of wine, bunch of roses, large box of maltesers, green and black chocolate selection and a #fairtrade tote bag from CAFOD to carry two jars of jam and a jar of marmalade; all #fairtrade of course along with much of the refreshments served!

The fairtrade raffle prizes

We were delighted this year to welcome the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Fay Evans to officially open the Fayre and to meet and speak to all of the exhibitors which was a very worthwhile exercise for all involved.

We also had a visit from Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West who was pivotal in asking for the help of the Mayor when we presented a cheque for £840 to our hosts the Sisters of Nazareth to support the work they do in the community. This money was raised over the year through different activities we have run.

Mayor of Southend Councillor Fay helping to present a cheque to the Sisters of Nazareth

In the promotional work in the run up to the big day, I was invited to speak briefly on the Tony Fisher show on BBC Essex two days before the Fayre to outline what was involved. It was interesting to receive a call whilst at work to have a chat not knowing what I was going to be asked and with work colleagues close by curious about what was going on, it felt a little bizarre.

In conclusion it was an opportunity for Southend-on-Sea to come together as a community made possible by the wonderful exhibitors who put their names forward to support the days activity

The Exhibitors:

Essex Savers
Southend Soup
SVP - Sacred Heart branch
CAFOD Brentwood
The Hub Southend
Storehouse Direct
Alzheimer's Society
Havens Hospices
Catholic Clothing Guild
Brentwood Catholic Children's Society
Sisters of Nazareth House
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Serving the Homeless
Southend Older People's Assembly
Ace Lifestyle Southend
The Terrence Higgins Trust - Southend
Friends and Places Together
Southend in Transition
Knights of Saint Columba - Southend

Photo Gallery:

Supporting Tools With A Mission

Our Efforts to support the charity - Tools With A Mission

Some 21 months ago, we decided to help collect tools and equipment for Tools With A Mission or TWAM based in Ipswich. We had performed a similar exercise in years past through the efforts of Brother Brian, based at Saint John Fishers in Prittlewell. 

Last October, TWAM were present at our very first Community Fayre in 2016 when the public met them, took leaflets and even donated items on the day; a very nice sewing machine was one of the items handed over from memory.

TWAM at our Community Fayre in 2016

To hold an appeal that did not involve asking people for money was a refreshing change for once but not without its challenges. We lobbied several parishes of several denominations and individuals to come forward with items that they no longer required but for some people it was a task for when they got around to it. The logistics of organising a collection within parishes proved challenging also, with clashes with other appeals, clashes with similar projects already in progress and concerns about logistics and where would all items be stored before being collected.

We did receive support from across the Southend Borough though and in particular we had tremendous support from the parish of Saint Saviour's in Westcliff-on-Sea. They are a forward thinking parish brimming with ideas for recycling, helping others and bringing the community together all under the guidance of Revd Lee, so to have their support was both fantastic and reassuring.

Collected tools from Saint Saviours Westcliff-on-Sea

We put a very large sturdy cardboard box into Saint Saviours with a TWAM sign on the side which was overflowing with donations on collection and with other personal collections we simply stored items in our houses in readiness for the removal day. We also had donations of two sewing machines with materials and sewing accessories also from two very generous families from the parish of Saint George and the English Martyrs in Shoeburyness too which filled up an estate car with the seats down.

For our second Community Fayre last month, we made a table display with a sewing machine in the middle and several TWAM leaflets and newsletters to remind people of how they can help, and with the generous help from the parish of Sacred Heart, Southchurch, we were able to store every item collected in the parish garage for TWAM to send a van down from Ipswich to collect.

Tools in the garage waiting to go to TWAM

We hope the items help others less fortunate to grow and manage crops, make a living and support their families and community, and we are hoping to be able to give an idea of where exactly in the world the bulk of the tools collected end up.

Colin the driver in sunny Southend having loaded up at Sacred Heart, Southchurch

To find out more about TWAM visit their website at http://www.twam.uk/ or
follow them on twitter @TWAMGB or
via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toolswithamission

Standing room only in the van back to Ipswich

Community Fayre 2017

Community Fayre in Southend-on-Sea

Saturday 21st October 2017

Nazareth House, 111 London Road, Westcliff, SS1 1PP

For a second year, the Knights have organised our Community Fayre at Nazareth House in Westcliff for the people of the area and we have several local charities, local groups and local businesses that have something to offer both locally and globally.

This is to happen on Saturday October 21st between 10.30pm to 1pm, half an hour later than last year.

The whole ethos of this event is to gather and offer many local groups, local charities, and local businesses working in the Southend area all under one roof for the benefit of the people of the area, with Fair Trade and supporting others being a part of the thinking too. Originally this was meant to be a one off event but several people asked us to do it again hence this second year running. There is also a second community event in Southend called Active Ageing run by the Southend Older People's Assembly (of whom some of our members are also members there too) and this runs from 9.30am to 2pm and some of the exhibitors at our event last year will be available there so a great opportunity for people to get some good support and advice across both events.

The bullet list below contains those confirmed in attendance and will be updated regularly. There will be around 20 exhibitors in the hall and the exhibitors confirmed as at 10th September are:

• Essex Savers Credit Union will be there to share their services and to help stop people using loan sharks by offering local ethical banking protected by the FCA. The credit union is there to help those on low incomes and help is also needed from people who have income to save which can be used back in the community
  For more information visit http://www.essexsavers.co.uk/
• We have Southend Soup coming who are a community micro finance project group working and helping small groups in Southend to make a difference within our community.
  For more information visit http://southendsoup.co.uk/
• We have Storehouse Direct who provides support, food, clothing and inspiration to those in need in the local Southend community http://www.storehouse.org.uk
• We have CAFOD Brentwood who work with the Catholic community in the diocese to raise both funds and awareness of global poverty and injustice through parishes, schools, and networks https://cafodbrentwood.wordpress.com/
• We have Southend In Transition who through their Community Allotment bring people together to build friendship, learn skills for growing food and maintaining plants, and so much more - https://sitcommunityallotment.wordpress.com
• We have the BCCS or Brentwood Catholic Children's Society who will be in attendance and they provide social workers for counselling and support to children and young adults up to the age of 18 in schools of all denominations - http://www.bccs.org.uk/
• We have the The Hub Southend which is a community space where residents can get support with using computers, putting CVs together, help with finances through Essex Savers and whole range of other areas of support locally - https://thehubsouthend.net/
• We have CAP or Christians against Poverty are passionate about releasing people from a life sentence of poverty, debt, unemployment and addiction. https://capuk.org/
• We also have Serving the Homeless, an interdenominational community project supporting young homeless people locally - http://servingthehomeless.org.uk/
• There will be our own members manning a table for the Southend Older People's Assembly for those aged over 55 and they supply a voice, support and advice for this age group in Southend and membership is free - http://olderpeoplesassemblysouthend.co.uk/
•  We have the Catholic Clothing Guild in attendance who provide clothing for the needy and have been doing so since 1924 - http://www.catholicclothingguild.org.uk/brentwood.html
• There will be a table for the Alzheimer's Society with support information concerning dementia issues - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
• Ace Lifestyle Southend will be there and they are a service for residents of Southend who wish to make positive changes to their lifestyle to improve their health and wellbeing - http://acelifestyle.org/southend-lifestyle

There will be boxes for people to donate used spectacles/glasses for VisionAid Overseas, as well as old stamps, old mobile phones and old foreign coins for charities also. We will also be having a raffle of fantastic Fair Trade items and we will have a second hand book table too.

It will be open from 10.30am to 1pm and is free to enter.

There will be light refreshments such as Fair Trade Tea and Fair Trade Coffee and home made cakes.

Come and meet some great local people and get some help and ideas whilst having a decent cup of tea.

Diamond Membership Anniversaries

60 Years of service marked for two of our members

We gathered on Sunday 25th June 2017 at the Parish of Saint Peter in Eastwood to celebrate sixty years of active membership for two distinguished members of our Council here in Southend; Brother Noel and Brother Brian.

Mass was concelebrated by Members of Honour Father Michael with our Chaplain Father Jeff, and Deacon Richard, and our Provincial Grand Knight Brother George and his wife were also in attendance with a large gathering of Brothers and their families to make this a wonderful celebration. At the end of Mass, both Noel and Brian were presented each with a certificate of thanks and recognition signed by our Supreme Knight Brother Charlie having already been presented with their Golden Jubilarian awards ten years earlier. Both gentleman are active members quietly supporting everything we do not just at our events, but in their own parishes and in the community too.

Brian (left) with Noel (right)

Also, for the first time in many years, the tradition of giving a religious statue to immediate sons and daughters of members who had recently had their First Holy Communions' took place with a blessing from Father Jeff to three children at the end of Mass too.

Afterwards, we headed for lunch at a Toby Carvery and took over a large section of the seating when we sat down for a fun social gathering and a feast to close the days' festivities.

Here is an extract of the speech delivered by our Grand Knight and Chairman Liam that was read to parishioners in recognition of the dedication of the two diamond jubilarians:-

Brother Noel Browne joined the Knights on 6^th January 1957. Noel spent countless years with Barking Council serving tirelessly as Treasurer for many, many, years, as well as Warden and Chancellor. For a two-year period Noel also served Province as auditor… Although only having transferred to Southend Council a few years ago he instantly became a valued member of the team bringing warmth, kindness and wisdom to debate, always willing to get stuck in and assist. We are truly blessed and thank Noel for his remarkable contribution now, and during the past 60 years.

And now, last but by no means forgotten. Brother Brian Dillon… In truth it would be almost impossible to forget Brother Brian, for all the right reasons of course, diminutive in stature but a giant amongst Knights. Brother Brian joined the Knights on 7^th April 1957, the son of a Knight, Brother Brian has held most official positions within council, including being Grand Knight, just like his father before him and his son since – However, Brian went on to serve province for many years, achieving the position of Provincial Grand Knight. I believe Brian thinks I’m joking when I call him the Oracle, but I’m deadly serious, what Brian doesn’t know about the Knights isn’t worth knowing. He has been an inspirational figure to me and I know many other Knights over the years. Brian is quick to praise and slow to criticise and patient to a fault with those who are willing to work hard and invest time. Our Council is the richer for having Brian around, I’m the richer for his words of wisdom and I’m sure many others would say the same. 

BCCS Walk 2017

Sponsored Seafront Walk 2017 for the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society

This year we walked much later than normal; Saturday 1st July to be exact and we had the most beautiful weather to accompany us.

We also had people walking from ages 8 up to 81 years of age and everyone who took part completed the walk which was fantastic.

The day started by dropping a car to the finishing point for lifts back at the walks completion and on picking both Joan and Margaret up from St George's we travelled the route almost in reverse as we headed to the starting point.

Father Joseph said Mass at 10am and then got ready to walk also and at the time of leaving the sun had burnt away the clouds and a light breeze accompanied the full sunshine.

As in previous years we had different people setting off from different start points with Hilary and John walking from Westcliff train station having arrived from Stratford by train, and Brian walking from his parish in Prittlewell. Our main party included parishioners from Benfleet, Westcliff, Leigh-on-Sea and Prittlewell and we were all eager to do our bit and finish too.

Just over halfway we paused for respite and Father Joseph lead us in prayer before the final stretch towards the parish hall of Saint George where we were warmly met by Frank and Val for a hot drink and biscuits and Julie from the BCCS greeted us too and gave out the certificates to the walkers.

Thank you to all who gave support for this event.

The wonderful Val and Frank serving refreshments

Our Walkers - 

Aylesford Priory 2017

Our Day Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory Sunday 11th June 2017

Having just celebrated the feast day of our Patron Saint Columba on Friday 9th, it was fitting that our Council once again journeyed to the Knights Southern Area Pilgrimage at Aylesford Priory where we are always made to feel at home.

Just like last year, we took a coach of Knights and parishioners from across the Southend parishes, and we were delighted that two of the nuns from Nazareth House were able to join us.

With the Southend sunshine in tow, we arrived with plenty of time to settle in for the 51st Annual pilgrimage and Mass was said by Monsignor Matthew Dickens (Vicar General for Southwark) with Reverend Father Innocent Obonyi concelebrating on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Monsignor Matthew recognised and thanks the Knights across the country for the work we do for our clergy, for our parishes and for the community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our clergy in working in our communities.

During Mass, three of our members amongst thirty three were elevated to full Knighthood with our Supreme Knight Brother Charlie, and Deputy Supreme Knight Brother Bertie leading the short ceremony.

Brothers Duncan, Charles and Jerry (front to back) ready to become full Knights

After Mass, and then lunch, we had time to wander around the peaceful grounds that the Carmelites care for so well, and the day finished with a Rosary Procession and Benediction before boarding the coach back to Southend. All in all a brilliant day with a chance to reflect, to give thanks, and to be together with our families and friends.