Billericay Rotary Club has marked its 44th birthday in style with a celebratory lunch.

Club members piled into the Ivy Hill Hotel and Restaurant, in Margaretting, to mark the big occasion.

Formed in November 1959, the Billericay Rotary branch became the 898th club in the British Isles, and it has worked tirelessly in the town bringing local business leaders together to raise money for good causes.

The group has been behind a string of major events, including the Billericay Festival of Music.

Along with the birthday celebrations, club member Peter Strong was presented with the Paul Harris award for exceptional services to Rotary by club president Roger Kettle.

In presenting the award, Mr Kettle said: "This is for someone who has shown commitment to the Rotary principles within both his Rotary and private life, and has successfully undertaken positions of authority and provided benefit to the community."

Mr Strong joined the Billericay Rotary Club in 1972 and has worked his way through all the positions of responsibility within the club, including president twice, in the past 31 years.

Published Wednesday November 19, 2003

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