Preparations are now well under way for the return of the Billericay Beer Festival; the 8th edition will take place on Friday June 22nd – Sunday June 24th 2018 at Hannakins Farm Community Centre in Billericay.
As well as trying to provide a fantastic community event it’s purpose is to raise as much as possible for the Billericay Lions Charity which help people in the local community as well as supporting Lions global projects. It all kicks off on Friday.

Friday 22nd June 5 pm – 11 pm Entry £3.00
Saturday 23rd June 11 am – 11 pm Entry £3.00
Sunday 24th June 12 noon – 6 pm Entry free
At all sessions – refundable souvenir glass deposit £2.00

It’s all happening at Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0SY.

I went to a great gig in Cambridge on Tuesday. Now you probably need to be of a certain age to remember The Rutles but hang on because this is good stuff.

Neil Innes and The Rutles

The Rutles are a rock band known for their pastiches and parodies of the Beatles. Originally fictional band, created by Eric Idle and Neil Innes for Idle’s UK television comedy series Rutland Weekend Television, The Rutles, became an actual group – whilst remaining a parody of the Beatles – which toured and recorded, releasing many songs and albums that included two UK chart hits.
The Rutles gained fame after being the focus of the 1978 television film All You Need Is Cash (also known as The Rutles). Former Beatle George Harrison appeared in the film and assisted in its creation. Encouraged by the positive public reaction to the sketch, featuring Beatles’ music pastiches, It had 20 songs written by Innes, which he performed with three musicians as the Rutles.
Well The Rutles are back with their Major Happy Tour and on Tuesday I was lucky enough to see them perform in Cambridge. It brought some great memories back of their songs, most of which I probably haven’t heard for 30 years or more.
The Rutles Tour continues until the end of next month, catch them if you can

Billericay Rugby Football Club has been nominated for the inaugural Saracens Community Awards. As one of only 40 clubs selected within North London, Herts Kent and Essex the nomination recognises outstanding achievements made in developing community rugby.

Joe Clarke

Club President Joe Clarke said, “For me, this not only reflects on the impact we as a club have made to our local community through our rugby initiatives like the Saracens summer camp and the Derby day at the London Stadium but also the hard work all of our coaches put in on a weekly basis through our age grades to deliver the best experience we can in a safe and friendly environment.  Indeed, the hard work that Andy Collings has put in throughout the local schools and especially, more recently, in developing girls’ rugby on a Saturday morning should get a special mention.

But even outside of rugby, our club’s involvement in supporting local charities this season has been tremendous – from Tom Warr & Elliott Palmer’s very brave white collar boxing for Cancer Research UK; Keith Young organising the Tony Bond memorial that raised an amazing amount of funds for Prostate Cancer; as well as donations to Basildon Hospital Children’s cancer ward in support of Jake Fisk’s family; the Royal British Legion and the U16’s laying a wreath and Tyne Cot as well as supporting Pancreatic Cancer and the Fight Against Bullying at our recent Beefest.

I would like to thank Paul Bolton personally for his hard work in managing the summer camps and the tremendous effort he has put into the Derby Day’s over the last few years.

This is a truly a tremendous effort and one we should all take huge pride in.

Well done Billericay Rugby Football Club.

Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards 2018

I recently received a nomination letter for the prestigious ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ as part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme which provides grassroots rugby clubs and the rugby community with opportunities to recognise and reward the volunteers who make up such an integral part of the game.  These awards are presented in conjunction with the RFU and specifically, in this case, Essex RFU.

Whilst I am both honoured and humbled by the nomination it is without doubt a true reflection and culmination of everyone’s efforts and sustained hard work within Billericay Rugby Football Club.

This committed and sustained effort continues to provide the very best environment for all members to enjoy their rugby whether at age grade or senior rugby and is immeasurable in every way.  As a club we have had an amazing season from our TV appearance through to our annual Beefest.

Personally and on behalf of the Club I would like to thank each and every one of you that have contributed to what has been an outstanding season both on and off the pitch as well as within our local community.

When my colleague, sports presenter Chris Hood told me he had a guest for my show I was unsure what to expect. Barry Galvin is a regular contributor to Chris’s show The Orient Hour on Sunday evenings, but Barry is also an accomplished singer/song writer, and it was in this guise that he joined me today.

Barry Galvin

I’m delighted to say that Barry was a fabulous guest who writes brilliant thoughtful songs and performs them flawlessly. My favourite was “Your Soulful Eyes” the final song he performed.

You can listen to the entire session and interview here –

Thanks Bash!

Billericay Rugby Football Club is holding its annual BeeFest on April 28th from 10am until late at their club in Stock Road. Traditionally a day set aside, in part to thank all the members of the club, but also to mark the end of the rugby season.

This year is no different and there will be the usual bouncy castles; coconut shy; ball games; and the sale of BRFC merchandise and goodies as well as the traditional family 7’s tournament and plenty of hot food with a hog roast and barbecue as well as other food and drink being available.
This year the club are showing their support for FAB – the Fight Against Bullying. Bringing Awareness to a new social media movement, to stamp out bullying in all forms. Get involved and follow @FABcampaign. With a large and diverse membership it is the club’s priority to ensure that they continue to provide a safe and secure environment for all to enjoy, learn and develop their rugby.
There will be a large marquee as well as the club house available should we be forced inside due to bad weather
In addition, the club will be awarding their annual age group prizes and medals to the minis and junior members in the marquee by their respective age group coaches in the morning.
Truly a fun family day out and supported by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band who will be performing during the day. So if your son or daughter is interested in rugby at any age then make sure you get along to Billericay Rugby Football Club, Stock Road, Billericay on 28th April.

The Streetlife Strollers are a Billericay walking and social group that meet in Lake Meadows in Billericay once a week.
Joining me in the studio today to tell us all about the group were Anne and Frank Woods,

Anne and Frank Woods

The Streetlife Strollers meet in Lake Meadows by the gates near the cafe every Tuesday morning at 10am. You don’t need to book, just turn up to take part in this friendly group.

You can listen to our chat here –

You can find out more information on The Streetlife Strollers by joining The Billericay Discussion Page on Facebook here

There is an enormous rise in the popularity of traditional board games. With Board Games Cafes opening across London and recently in Chelmsford it seems that many people are turning away from online gaming towards the more sociable side of gaming where your opponent is actually in the room with you.

I was pleased to discover that Billericay has it’s very own Board Games Club and joining me today to tell us all about it was Duncan Popham.

Duncan Popham

You can listen to our chat here –

If you would like to get involved or just find out more about the club their Facebook page is here