Happenings at last week’s Meeting
Back at the Sailing Club this week with Sergeant Murray issuing a “3-minute warning” prior to the start. (which seemed to be about 10 minutes long. Ed) President Mick then called the Meeting to order and conducted the Toast and Invocation.
Mick now announced that Wayne has volunteered to take on the role of Secretary for next year. (many cheers. Ed) Unfortunately, there was a late cancellation of the Guest Speaker so Mick proceeded with the Apologies and then congratulated Elaine for 25 years membership and Murray for 13 years. (applause. Ed)
Lastly, he commended Joseph for the organising of a successful function last week expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend.
Due to the lack of a Guest Speaker, Wayne had offered to give a brief talk about a recent outstanding effort of fundraising for the End Polio Now campaign.
The fundraisers are Phil and Joyce Ogden from the Rotary Club of South Launceston who are, among other things, quite fanatical tandem cyclists. They estimate that they have ridden over 100,000 km and decided to turn their passion into a means of raising money for the End Polio Now campaign.
The first stage of their effort involved a low-key, unsupported crossing of the Nullarbor from Perth to Adelaide.
They had no support crew and had to carry all their supplies and equipment for each stage with only small “depots” set up along the way with small camping stoves so they could cook each night. It was quite a feat of stamina and logistics so that, when it was completed they took a break before stage 2.
Stage 2 involved cycling from Adelaide to Sydney, stopping a Rotary Clubs along the way when their arrival coincided with a club’s meeting. Unfortunately, Dromana missed them as they passed through.
The stage 2 fundraising is very near the target of $40,000 so many congratulations to Phil and Joyce.
After thanking Wayne, Mick (standing in as Chair again. Ed) called for the Secretary/Treasurer Report.
Mark started as the Secretary and announced:
- Next week’s meeting (19th) is a Special General Meeting to vote on the by-laws changes;
- Replies to the invitation to the Handover Dinner on the 26th are required now; and
- The Board met on the 11th and decided that next year’s subscriptions would only be $200.
Next, Mark the Treasurer Reported (I’m sure this dual role stuff is exhausting. Ed.):
- The last Merket made a profit of $2,000;
- The Movie Night was a success with $295 going to PolioPlus; and
- The McCrae BBQ made a $50 profit.
Mark announced that this was his last Sec/Treas Report and received applause from the Meeting and a special thanks from Mick for all his help. (Mark didn’t seem to be too sad that it’s the end?? Ed)
Directors Reports were called for.
Harry reported that $500 had been allocated to DIK and a further $500 to Interplast. The Club has also received a email from Southern RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) thanking is for our efforts and donations.
Charles gave an update from Chris (an apology) regarding the McCrae BBQ. Currently there are issues with the position and signage, but a new coffee shop is opening in the centre and the Dromana Rotary BBQ will be the only additional food vendor allowed. It is recommended that we perceiver until after 1st July and then see if there is any improvement.
Rob gave an update on the spinners and asked the Meeting to keep our eyes open for any future placement opportunities.
Lotto was drawn (Won by Greg) and Murray conducted a lightning-fast Fines session, confined to those with anniversaries and those who were late.
Mick now called on Greg for his Person Behind the Badge talk:
- He was one of 6 boys, born in Coburg;
- His Grandfather work in Pentridge and in those days Coburg was in the “sticks”;
- He went to St. Pauls Catholic School – all tarmac playing fields;
- His brothers all went to Christian Brothers and Greg went to the Tech, which he loved. He got into the trades and had tours of the factories;
- Looked into jobs as a fitter and turner;
- He was put off about apprenticeships but work with his Dad making tins out of tin plate. It was repetitive work, but it appealed to him;
- He worked at McPhersons, which was a great company to work for. They were a major manufacturing company and also great philanthropists;
- Eventually he was involved in setting up a training centre at Ajax Fasteners;
- After two years he went travelling;
- He married Wanda in Athens and they did the full overland trip back to Australia. Unfortunately, he got sick in Indonesia; and
- They flew home and he went straight into hospital. (I may have missed some of the finer points in Greg story. My apologies. Ed)
Mick thanked Greg for his entertaining talk on full life and closed the Meeting at 8:00.
