From the Evening Echo:
'The Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay has been raising money for different appeals in Southend and elsewhere in Essex for many years. A lot of work goes without recognition and praise. Many members are full-time professionals in Southend who give their free time to ensure the less fortunate are assisted. One novel way to do this is by attending the site after a major concert, to collect all the tents left. These are then cleaned and sent around the world. The Rotary Club is also the first to set up the RYLA scheme - an activity weekend and ongoing project for disadvantaged people in Essex. This month they have raised funds by holding a sponsored abseiling weekend down the side of the Civic Centre building in Southend. The main theme for the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay is changing the life of people in a positive way, which is achieved with great success. '