4. The Presidential Year's 1974 – 1983
 

HUBERT BURROWS (1974 – 1975) Inducted 1965

IRON & STEEL INDUSTRY • PROJECT ENGINEER

 

District Governor Allan Geddes     Club Service: George Burns

Secretary:     Marcel Benson       Community Service: Mike Calway

Treasurer:     Doug Gorrell       International Service: Reg. Bird

Sergeant:      George Reynolds   Vocational Service: Bill Upfold

 

Hubert joined the club in 1965 and immediately made his mark by being voted onto the Board in 1966/67, he also worked on the programme that year. He continued to serve on Board and Committees until President 1974/75, then in 1976 he moved to Sydney and joined the Manly Club. Hubert worked at John Lysaghts Springhill Works as a Project Engineer. During his time at the club, unfortunately nothing is left of Hubert’s history within the club to provide information for this document.  Discussions with George Reynolds, Harvey Chesterfield-Evans and Ron King did not reveal any further details.  Hubert was very popular and a good quality President.

 

Ron King was very busy during the year as District Governor’s representative

 

Charter member Arthur Cratchley a member of our club was a great photographer, and in 1974 Rotary Club of Wollongong asked Arthur to photograph the “Belmore Basin” area for their bulleting cover - shown below is that bulletin cover.

 

District Governor Ron Coleman (MBE)  Club Service:   John Aldridge

Secretary:   Tom Robertson   Community Service: George Burns

Treasurer:   George Reynolds International Service: Col. Campbell

Sergeant:   John Woods   Vocational Service:  Ken Barnes

 

Bill has been one of the long time stalwarts of the club, always there to put a shoulder to the wheel, and his contribution to club Rotary year after year is a model for all Rotarians to aspire to. Bill’s witticisms and retorts at meetings are legend and brought much mirth to those present. His support to many outside agencies such as the Illawarra Crippled Children’s Society, Salvation Army and International House etc., makes him well known and esteemed throughout the Illawarra. Detailed below are many excerpts from Bill’s Bulletin.

 

John Chaplin inducted by President Bill on 31st July 1975. George announced that the Club has been committed to raise $3000 to complete the Therapeutic Pool at Para Meadows School. Olympic swimmers will take part in a Swim-a-Thon to be held on 18th September. A Committee has been formed and members will be approached to support this project.

 

Forward Programme

6August 1975 –

August 13   Alderman Frank Arkell, Lord Mayor of Wollongong, will talk on a subject of his own choosing

August 20  Short Night, followed by Board Meeting

August 27  Ron Black, Public Relations Officer of Royal Blind Society

September 3  George Wood, Club Member, will talk on his trip to Indonesia

September 10    Geoff Kemp of Kemp’s Caravans – talk and slides on  caravanning trends

A fellowship weekend was held at Bundanoon, 1st weekend of November 1975.

President Bill reported on the District Governor’s Institute meeting. Theme “Bringing back to members the basis of Rotary”. The working bees at Mangerton Park and O’Brien’s Road, planted 76 trees.

Ken Barnes did some quick flashbacks into Club History for October 1967 – first Hillview raised $360. 1969 – Harvey Chesterfield-Evans spoke on Road Safety with disastrous results. 1971 saw the induction of Tom Robertson. Ed Klein was made an honorary member in 1972.

This week: Brian Aggio of the Volunteer Coast Guard will be our Guest Speaker

November 12    King Bond, Chairman of World Community Service for      District 275.

November 19    Short Meeting and Board Meeting

November 26    Ian Pike, local Stipendiary Magistrate

November 22    Bus trip to “Gypsy”. Four seats left – please contact Arthur Booth.

December 5      Bus trip to “Messiah” at Sydney Opera House. Tickets  including fare$5.00. Contact Arthur Cratchley.

April 7             Club Assembly. Several matters needed urgent attention. Give some consideration to the questions of new memberships, new finance projects and new service projects.

April 14           Bert Wilson SM, spoke on a summary of the “Family Law      Bill”

April 21           Short Meeting and Board Meeting

April 28           Ian McPhail, President of the Real Estate Institute spoke on the “Need for High Rise to spread to Suburbs”

The Spike Milligan Show - Saturday April 3rd. There may be a seat or two left. Enquire from Arthur Booth. It would be a shame to miss out in both ways, both you and the Club, if you wanted to go, could go but did not know.

Brian Hedley precluded all club members from taking part in the forthcoming car rally by suggesting that it was to be an intelligence test not a rally test. Seriously fellows, Brian indicated that there would be no rough roads and travel would proceed at a leisurely pace. Remember the date – May 2nd – Family Outing finishing at Cordeaux Dam where a barbecue will be held

George Burns reminded the fellows of the Wollongong Rotaract change-over night to be held at the Grange Golf Club on Friday 21st May. The evening starts at 7.30 and the cost is $6.50 per head. George would like an indication of members wishing to attend.

May 5  Family Night - Mike Con will show a film and speak on      Underwater Photography

May 12  A Road Safety Film, “You Just Don’t Realise” will be shown.     Members are invited to bring guests to this meeting

May 19  Owing to School Holidays the proposed Parameadows visit has     been postponed. The venue for this meeting will be announced     soon. John McKenzie is hoping for a speaker from within the     club for this meeting.

May 26  Short night followed by Board Meeting.

An epitaph upon last weeks Job Talk by Dr. Harvey indicates he was born in Korea educated a failure and is currently in a rut: The following lines occurred to the editor as he listened to the strict  three minutes –

“Up gets thrice blessed Harvey with economy of words

He told a life long legend and everybody heard.

He received influence oriental, perhaps withheld a while,

Machine guns interested shortly, now he is back to real ‘Knife’  style”

 

 

The Scout Camp working bee organised by George Burns was carried out on 13 and 14 September.

It was reported that the project to provide two wheel chairs, one for the Crippled Children’s Association and the second for Handicapped children, was finalised and duly handed over to the delight of those two organisations.

Rotary Information - Darwin Cyclone Relief. - Australian Rotarians contributed over $275,000 to this appeal. On 5th June 1975 when a cheque for $250,000 was presented to the Chairman of the Darwin Rotary Trust, John McGregor, there was a standing ovation in recognition of Rotary’s solidarity and concern. From this fund, units for the aged will be constructed and youth group facilities will be restored.

Aid to Wollongong Branch of Crippled Children:  A special committee has been formed to produce a film to aid this special cause. Rob Champion was spear headed the gift of the necessary film materials.

Another successful Hillview was held in February 1976 – much fellowship ensued.

Guest Speaker – Bill Jones. Bill outlined the growth of Clay Pigeon Shooting as a sport in Australia. Young people are encouraged to join to learn safety rules for firearms. Newer Olympic type ranges will assist Australian reps in future Olympic Games. Bob Webb displayed sporting guns and demonstrated a cartridge re-loading machine.

A glimpse at “The Ecology” by Rotarian Thor Heyerdahl:
An intense interest in South Seas anthropology led the Norwegian-born explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, to sail those seas himself in primitive rafts designed to duplicate earlier voyages along the same routes. Thor Heyerdahl is an honorary Rotarian in Larvik, the town of his birth. In the following, extracted from the Rotarian for May 1975, he compares two voyages - one in 1947, the other in 1969.

“The kind of ocean I had hoped to see again in 1969 was the crystal clear, unpolluted world of salt water I had experienced in 1947. Then not a single trace of human activity was seen for 101 days. Throughout the Kon-Tiki voyage, we tugged a fine-meshed net behind the raft to collect pelagic plankton for food and scientific research. A seabird’s feather was once found in the net, but no refuse or discharge of human origin.

In 1969 we had no sooner seen the African coast sink behind the skyline before we found ourselves in water thickly polluted by floating oil and small asphalt-like oil clots. I myself climbed the mast to scout for ships, as I was convinced we were near an oil tanker that has just cleaned its bilges before we arrived. There was not a vessel to be seen. Later we were to sail into similarly thickly polluted areas and although we passed through seemingly clean water for days and weeks in between, there was hardly a day we didn’t notice the gummy clots of black tar-like oil which ranged in size from an average potato down to that of a pea or smaller”.

Closer to Home - It is alleged that the River Derwent is the most polluted river in the world in terms of mercury level in the silt bed. It is further alleged that natural recovery would take 500 years if no further pollution takes place.  T.D.T. 5-8-75.

Guest Speaker - Kath Hanson, Secretary of International Women’s Year Committee. Kath gave an outstanding talk on her work. If you missed this one, you were the loser. The main theme was that though most women are happy there is a significant number of oppressed women in the community who need help. Kath spoke of the difficulties in promoting enthusiasm for this much needed work.

Judy Calway, Rotaryanne’s President, announced that the Christmas Party for Rotaryannes will be held at her home, 18 Acacia Street Gwynneville, on Tuesday, 18th November. Tickets are $3 each.

A duplicator has been received by a school on St Lucia Island in the West Indies. The club is negotiating the gift of paper through an American club because of high freight costs from Australia. March 1976.

Italian Earthquake Appeal - A resolution from the floor of the meeting to the effect that final action be deferred was carried. The resolution called for a report from the Board on the state collection to be made. The resolution resulted from a letter on the subject from D.G. Ron Coleman

Meeting of Board of Directors of RI was held in January 19-25, 1976 at Evanston Illinois, made the following suggestions about membership.

Club Membership evaluation principles:

What is your club’s image in the community?

Is your club membership truly representative of business and professional activity in your community?

Is your club striving to bring in the leading representative of these occupations?

Tonight at our Club, there are four inductions. This shows promise after some losses.

Tight International Control - This above meeting also reaffirmed that “Current policies with respect to organisation and administration are sound”. Nevertheless Alex Darling has a point for Club vitality when he speaks of the place of the floor membership as being important in decision making.

While Club Assembly does provide the important place for opinion expressions and is generally fairly satisfactory (unless through membership apathy) there are times when it doesn’t.

Vocational Service

 

Vocational Service Awards -  31 March 1976

These have now been announced by the Board. The Junior Awardees are Christine Carrick and Susan (surname next week), and the Senior Awardees, Father Michael Bach and Miss Musgrove from Legacy House. Their personal gifts will be a suitably inscribed pen and a letter of confirmation and credential. The Club award will be $150 each for donation to a charity of their choice. Congratulations to all.

Presentation of above awards to be made at the Family night on May 5th. There will be other special guests including the parents of the junior awardees.

 

 

 

District Governor     Jack Oxham      Club Service:     Arthur Booth
Secretary:   John Guy/Lloyd Thomas       Community Service:     Brian Hedley
Treasurer:                 Col Campbell    International Service    John Aldridge
Sergeant:      Arthur Crathley             Vocational Service:        George Burns

 

Mike Calway was a most gregarious fellow who presided over a very successful year ably supported by a very active Board.  His meetings were lively and a pleasure to attend.  One of the major events held during the year was “The Great Swimathon” held at Arthur Booths home and was a rip roaring success.  Mike managed to uphold all avenues of service despite a very busy year which resulted in one of the best fellowship years produced by any President.

 

A man struck a match to see if his petrol tank was empty – it wasn’t.  Another man patted a strange dog to see if it was affectionate – it wasn’t.  Still another man speeded up the beat a train to the crossing – he didn’t.  Then there was the fellow who looked into the muzzle of a gun to see if it was loaded – it was.  But the prize idiot was the fellow who thought he could be a Rotarian by simply joining the club and paying his dues.  He could not!

The fellows welcomed their new sergeant-at-arms photographer, Arthur Cratchley, who complained of being unaware of events as a natural consequence of hiding under black in dark rooms.  Anyway, the session was held and the charge of 20c per fellow was positive and not negative. The fellows can be sure of further exposure.

The editor’s shorthand failed to keep pace with events of the club assembly, but in retrospect, the following may be a reasonable synopsis:

The inaugural act of President Mike’s first meeting was the unfurling of the heraldry depicting the first class club and its third class members.  Naturally there ensured a class debate on the merits and demerits of the format of the bulletin.  First class status was regained however when Len Arthur rose to his feet with a prayer for law and order, which was immediately answered.
Quite clear nevertheless was the fellows’ interest in the several projects outlined for further development by the committees concerned, with a view to their later adoption by the Board.
Prominent among these were the Swimathon and the evergreen “Hillview” as fundraising ventures further involvement in the four avenues of service, particularly where fellowship might be enhanced, and the collective potential of the fellows brought to bear on community needs.

Rotary Beatitudes:

1 September 1976Blessed is the Rotarian who changes his eating-place each meeting, for he shall make more friends.  Blessed is the Rotarian who creates wholesome conversation at the table, for people will desire to sit with him.  Blessed is the Rotarian who does not blow smoke in his neighbour’s face, for his seatmate may not smoke.  Blessed is the Rotarian who can take a little kidding, for he is a good sport.  Blessed is the Rotarian who has more than
just business or professional interest in the Club, for he will last longer.  Blessed is the Rotarian who carries his enthusiasm and friendship away from the dinner table to use it in the ways of life, for he will not be called a hypocrite.  Blessed is the Rotarian who knows how to stop when he makes a speech for his is an unusual man.

A bus trip to see Winifred Attwell and Barry Crocker occurred on 24 October 1976 was enjoyed by all.
Das Balgi inducted by President Mike 15 September.

Change-over Night: 30th June 1977

We saw Skipper Mike bring his ship to safe anchorage to an accompaniment of excellent fellowship and a most pleasant dinner, all in keeping with the best traditions of our Club and Renown Court.  Among our visitors and guests were Past President Hugh Burrows and Shirley and our honorary member Edward Klein.

Highlight of the evening, prior to Mike’s handing over of office to incoming President Ken Barnes was the presentation of plaques to our local media representatives, Mr. John Martin of WIN 4, Mr. .John Richardson of “The Mercury” and to Mr Leon Bailey in absentia for 2WL.

President Mike ably expressed on behalf of the fellows the club’s indebtedness and appreciation for the co-operation and services rendered by our local media, a fact most instrumental in the success of our two major projects, namely the “Swimathon” and “Hillview”. Speaking of “Hillview” it was gratifying to see Edward Klein able to visit us following his earlier disablement in the year.  The further endorsement of Edward’s honorary membership was popularly acclaimed.  Edward again presented the proceeds of the “Hillview” tower through the hands of President Mike to the Illawarra Crippled Children’s Society.  Our Club Guest for the evening, Mr. Chalmers, President of the Society, received this cheque plus a further thousand dollars from our own project fund.  In addition, our Rotaryannes manifested their interest and support with a donation for the supply of curtains for one of the children’s wards.  Gracious acknowledgement for the continued assistance was made both by Mr. Chalmers and by our own Bob Henderson.

The Treasurer and Directors’ reports were tabled disclosing in detail the activities and an achievement of Mike’s most successful year.  Someone said there was a tear in Mike’ Irish eyes as he handed over his regalia to Ken after voicing his appreciation to his office bearers and in particular to Judy for her understanding and support.
(An additional $500.00 has been set aside for special requirements at the Crippled Children’s Hospital Community Service).
The Big Parameadows Deal: $5000 – for weekend.  In an attempt to raise $5,000 to finalise the building of the Therapeutic Pool at Parameadows School for handicapped, there are big things afoot.
Mr. George Burns, President Mike Calway, Principal of Parameadows School and Bill Fancourt looking over the plans for the Therapeutic pool

Friday 17 September – Fashion Parade and Dinner Dance 7.30 p.m. – Whitehall  Tickets $9.00 a single. This gives us a full fashion parade by Pat Franks and Blacks the tailors, a four-course dinner and dancing as well to excellent music.

Guest Speaker:  Mr. Justice Kirby.  The joint meeting last week 23 March 1976  with our three sister Rotary Clubs produced an aggregate of fellows united in their appreciation of the talk by our Guest Speaker.
The excellence of his rendition, illuminated many facets of the work of the Law Reform Commission, dealing particularly with proposed amendments relating to right and privacy of the individual.
Our speaker’s warmth and precision of expression revealed the high degree of intellect and dedication he has brought to bear in his office as Chairman of the Commission.
The “grass roots” nature of the reforms being studied and evaluated for possible enactment undoubtedly impressed his listeners.  It is certain that a consensus of opinions of the fellows present, would have acknowledged an address too good to miss, plus the conviction that the taskforce headed by Kirby J. renders the likelihood of timely and appropriate reforms most auspicious.

 

A progressive dinner was held  on March 19
“Hillview” Report:  It was sad to hear that Honorary Member Edwin Klein has battled near crippling injury to both knees due partly to building an imposing archway at the entrance to Hillview, so once again through his stirling effort acknowledged by President Mike was also evidence by the sunburnt field workers and the untiring guides, caterers, stall holders who combined their efforts for yet another success.
“Hillview” itself was a little brown in appearance due to lack of rain, and there is perhaps some danger that a succession of “Hillviews” may be producing similar symptoms among the stalwarts who have annually contributed mightily to its success. However, many of this week’s visitors, canvassed for an opinion, still expressed delight and satisfaction with the interest and spectacle of “Hillview”, and the queues waiting for the busy guides plus a net of some $4,000 give a very tangible assurance of the sustained public interest.

Our thanks and deep appreciation must again be expressed to Edwin Klein for the continued availability of this fine venue for our fundraising, and to the members of the Historical Society, who strove to prepare “Hillview” for this inspection in Edwin Klein’s absence.  In lighter vein, Edwin’s temporary absence has prompted the following:

Achievement: 22 September 1976. The word best sums up the unqualified success that was the Swimathon and the entertainment of the Disco Night and Dinner Dance.
The financial gain figures reached the.  What can be certain however, is that the fellows of West Wollongong Club have again, through imagination and initiative, brought a most worthy project to fruition and accomplishment, not only through the involvement of the fellows, but also by co-opting support from a considerable cross section of the community.
The coming into being of the Para Meadows Therapeutic Pool will bring not only immediate but also long lasting benefits of which the fellows may be proud.
Strange that the only short coming reported was the effort of President Mike (him being a Sea Captain too,) who although decked out like King Neptune the 2nd, disgraced the club by swimming last in a field of two.  The temptation to work on him will be hard to resist, and he shouldn’t venture within pushing distance of a pool for some time.

Perhaps there should be no bouquets in a club effort such as this, but two stalwarts who must be listed as outstanding organisers of the venture are of course Arthur Booth, without whom the project would not eventuated, and the precision of George Burns who has  the knack of thinking of everything  or so it seems.

Mention must surely be made of our efficient lap recorder who not only kept the pulse but charmed the female competitors with his poolside manner, - Dr John of course.
With the Swimathon 1976 now history, the temptation to enumerate other approaching club challenges will be resisted for the time being until the fellows have showered and gained second wind so to speak.

Change of District Number 1 September 1976. Board of R.I. have adopted a plan to rationalise District identification due to the increased number of clubs in various districts. As from July 1st 1977 District 275 (ours) becomes District 975). We didn’t change much.  Information last week Districts 270 and 275 have been regrouped to form three districts 270-271-275.  Ours is much the same with Kiama as the cut off point.
Olympian Mark Kerry addressed a ladies night at the Club on 9 September and spoke about the Montreal Olympics and was looking forward to competing at the Moscow 1980 events.

Vocational Service

Vocational Service awards were presented to Gail Dean and Mavis Tobin and Steven Dein for “Service above Self” (8 June 1977).  Tom Robertson and George Burns carried out the presentation.
Editorial (quotation) – Maybe mildly controversial but I am sure Roger Kee would have approved.
“Business Morality”

“Businessmen should develop practices in advance and conduct business in an ethical manner. Businessmen who do otherwise are themselves undermining the whole enterprise system. They are giving the interventionists the very excuse they are looking for to advocate ever in