Happenings at last week’s Meeting
(Starting the year off with a mistake is a new one. For those eagle-eyed Members who notice such things, you will have seen that the date on the last Bulletin was wrong. It was titled the “15th January” when it should have been “22nd January”. Mea Culpa, your Ed.)
This week we were, once again, at the Yacht Club for our regular Dinner Meeting. Acting Seargent Merv called the Meeting to order (a little like herding cats. Ed) and handed over to President Charles. Charles called for the Toast and Invocation and then announced our Guest Speaker, Joan Rotherham who is the President of the Dromana and District Historical Society. He then called on Merv as this week’s Chair, who read out the list of apologies and then invited Joan to address the Meeting.
Joans subject was the Paddle Steamers that used to ply the Bay and bring day-trippers to the Peninsular, especially Dromana, Rosebud and Sorrento. They began in the mid to late 1800’s and continued right through to the 1940’s. Their heyday was in the late 1800’s and the early 20th century.
The first Paddle Steamers were Paddle Tugboats, but they soon became more sophisticated and provided facilities not dissimilar to those found on today’s cruise ships, but of a smaller nature.
They all seem to have been built on the UK and travelled out to Victoria, usually carrying immigrants and gold prospectors. They had colourful histories and some served in either, or both of the World Wars.
They ran from Station Pier and Flinders Street across the Bay to the Peninsular with Dromana’s Pier being the second longest on the Bay. At one stage there were three large Ships servicing the demand, but patronage began to decline, and passenger numbers decline from an high of 100,000 down to around 40,000 by the 1930’s.
They had colourful names like:
- Black Eagle – which ended its days at Pt. Ormond;
- Edina – built on Glasgow, served in the Crimea and U.S. Civil War and was broken up in 1957;
- The Weeroona, The Hygeia and The Ozone – all large ships providing “health and pleasure trips”. The Weeroona ended up as a troop carrier in the Philippines in WWII and was scuttled in NSW; and
- Courier – which was screw steamer and lasted until 1928.
After some brief questions Merv thanked Joan for a most interesting talk and presented her with an historical thing called a pen.
Now was time for the Presidents Report and Charles was brief. Australia Day volunteers were confirmed, and he announced that the Australia Day Committee require everyone to fill out a form which will be at the event for your signature.
Next was an even briefer Secretary’s Report which was to remind all Members to respond to the Dinner Invitation that Tony sends out, so that catering can be prepared.
The Chair now called for Directors Reports.
Chris asked if any final totals were available for the takings at the two BBQ’s? Tony will provide them. Chris also asked for volunteers for the Market on the Saturday. The Market is getting bigger, and more stalls means more organisation, both in the leadup and on the day.
Geoff announced that Murray is in the Rosebud Rehab Hospital in room number 26. He would appreciate some contact from Members.
Harry would like some help with his role as Club Almoner. He does need information on Members welfare.
The next Board Meeting is on the 3rd February.
The Chair now became the Seargent and conducted the Fines session. (I didn’t record who got the Lotto because I’m still miffed at not getting a prize last week. Ed. Or I forgot to write it down)
Fines for;
- Lateness;
- Missing last week;
- Wild outfit – looking at you Mike; and
- Marions birthday.
The Chair handed over to the President.
Charles reminded everyone that there is no Meeting next week (29th) as it is the fifth Wednesday of the month. A notice of where the Social Night is will be sent out.
With that, Charles thanked all attendees and closed the Meeting at 7:55.
Happenings at Weekend
A busy weekend with the Market on the Saturday and the Wooden Cutouts Tent at the Australia Day Event on the Sunday.
At the time of publication, the Bulletin had no photos of the Market. (It was big. Ed)
Ann did a presentation.
And we got busy.
