Happenings at last week’s Meeting
After Sergeant Pete had called the Meeting to order, President Peter thanked all attendees and welcomed our Guest Speaker, Stephen Braim who is the President of the Peninsular Aero Club. After the Toast and Invocation, Peter handed the Meeting over to the nights Chair, Tony. (Very appropriate. Ed)
After a brief introduction, Tony welcomed Stephen to speak to the Meeting.
Stephen started by pointing out that the Club, situated at Tyabb, was begun in 1964 and is a not-for-profit organisation that has 600 members and up to 200 students.
He then went on the entertain the Members with some fascinating facts:
- Pilot ages range from 15 up to 94;
- They have modern training facilities;
- They employ 120 people;
- There is a Aviation History Museum nearby which he highly recommended for a visit.
- It seems that our Club had done a tour of the facilities in years gone by. (A very long time ago. Ed);
- There has recently been a $100K investment in infrastructure upgrades;
- All the aircraft are privately owned;
- They have recovered and restored the first ever air ambulance helicopter which is now on display;
- They run many charity events to give back to the community;
- There Airshows have been able to donate $600K to charities;
- They provide support to the emergency services; and
- Over the years have taken over three other flying schools.
Stephen went on the talk about the types of plans that they have and the type of charity events they conduct.
After a very enthusiastic crowd chimed in for the Q&A session, Tony thanked Stephen for taking the time to come over and give such an interesting talk.
After dinner we proceeded with the Meeting and Tony called for the Presidents Report.
Peter reminded those who had volunteered that the mock interviews at Balcombe College are on the 31st of July. He also rectified a missing piece of the Changeover Dinner with the presentation of the David Jarmin Award to Geoff Fitzgerald. (Applause. Ed.)
Next was the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne covered:
- Congratulations to Anne on 5 years of service;
- Reminded the Members that next week is a “bye” as it’s the 5th Wednesday in the month;
- There is a need for a property cleanout;
- The date and time for the rearrangement of the Market numbers to be decided; and
- The special Board Meeting on funding for the Brave Bags was conducted because the cost of registering as a charity has risen because of the engagement of a professional organisation. The obtaining of non-profit status is essential, and the Club will finance this with a combination of dation and loan.
Joseph warned that the Halloween event will require more volunteers than last year.
Chris explained the at Ray Barnard-Brown had created quite a few good paintings by the time he died and, with Elaine having moved out and the house being prepared for sale there is a need to dispose of these paintings. Therefore, and Art Show if being planned for November with the proceeds going to Rotary.
Bob, as per his role as the Club Almer, reported that Harry has had a melanoma removed and is having test on his pancreas. Also, Adrian is not yet mobile.
Lotto was run and won by your Ed. It was then followed by a short, sharp and controversial Fines session. (There, it got a mention. Ed)
Tony handed back to Peter and the Meeting closed at 7:50.
