Eight-six Easter eggs and £53.50 – enough for another 53 eggs – were donated at our March breakfast meeting to the appeal to bring Easter joy to Newham children in family difficulties. In the 2017 inaugural year, 72 eggs and no money were donated. Kevin Jenkins, OBE, founder of appeal organisers Ambition, Aspire, Achieve, says in a letter: “Overall, the appeal raised 1,725 eggs, which we distributed to the disadvantaged, vulnerable and at risk children referred to the appeal. Everyone’s efforts are truly appreciated and you have helped to make a real difference  this Easter for the area’s most needy children.”

Member-to-member discounts on services have been boosted with Holiday Inn Express London – Excel, Dockside Road, E16 offering 10% off hotel bookings and meeting/function rooms. Other member discounts available: Aardra Systems water-saving device – 25% discount; Holiday Inn London – Stratford City – 20% discount on food and drinks; Alan Patient & Co. chartered accountants  – free untimed initial consultation and 10% off first year’s fee; Chigwell Tours – 5% off coach tour bookings; Good Hotel London, Royal Victoria Dock – 5% off any event booking; There are also some special offers: A free 45-minute financial consultation with chartered accountants Lall Ondhia, A free 45-minute legal consultation with solicitors Wiseman Lee and, A free legal consultation on party wall disputes with surveyors Charles G Hibbs & Co. Each member attending a Chamber event receives a card to show to obtain the discounts.