PRESIDENT John Alderidge 1984 – 1985 Inducted 1972
District Governor: Charles Morrison Club Service: David Nicol
Secretary: Goolam Ganey Community Service: Ron Pederson
Treasurer: Peter Davis International Service: Jim Henry
Sergeant: Ted Ainsworth Youth Service: Joe Phelan
A Word About the President
John was a dedicated hard working Rotarian who was Club Secretary for four consecutive years, Vocational Service Director, International Service Director and served in Youth Service. Programme, Bulletin and attendance committees by these commitments to Rotary he can be proud of his efforts in “Service above Self”. John had an excellent year as President who enjoyed, his year at the helm.
Club Service
New ventures, documented elsewhere in the Director’s Reports for this year, include participation in the Red Shield Doorknock appeal, provision of a roundabout for the opening of the Westfield Branch of the St. George Building Society, sponsorship and participation in the City of Wollongong Australia Day Naturalisation Ceremony, assistance with the Leisure Coast Cycle-thon and Tri-athlon events, and some initial work with the Combined Service Clubs Safety Campaign. In all of these, a conscious effort was made to indicate the involvement of Rotary and the W
The Club is grateful for the generosity of Frank Issa and his company that enabled us to conduct another Midford Clothing Sale. The fact that it was not as successful as previously was in no way due to lack of support from the Club. It was, I think, more a reflection of the general economic tightness of the community.
Another relatively new member deserving of recognition is Ray Ward. Ray has done a first class job as this year’s Bulletin Editor but, in particular, it was due to his personal drive that for the first time we have become involved in the Australia/New Zealand Youth Exchange Scheme, with Nicky Hulse from Auckland and Nikki McCarthy from Wollongong spending a term in each other’s Country, Home and School.
Turning to personal matters, the past year saw the retirement from business of our Renown Court proprietors John and Wilga Crittenden. We thank them and all their staff for the way they have looked after us for the past few years and take this opportunity to welcome the new proprietors Spencer and Cynthia Walton.
On a sadder note, we have to record the deaths during the year of two good friends of this Club; Bessie Foskett and Laurie Avery, Bessie, through her Secretarial Service was responsible for the printing of our weekly Bulletin and Laurie, with his lapidary stand at Hillview and annual Opal Bracelet raffle, was responsible for many hundreds of dollars going to local charities.
Several fellowship events took place during the year:
Show – “Brideshead Revisited” at the Coniston Hotel with plenty of audience participation.
A Fred Tressider organised “Fashion Parade” much to the delight of the ladies, March 13th
Community Service
In 1962-63 Interact, a Rotary-sponsored service Club for youth at the secondary school level, was initiated. The first Interact Club was chartered in Melbourne, Florida, U.S.A. The World Community Service program was initiated. The West African nation of Sierra Leone, entered the Rotary family with the chartering of a club in Freetown.
The Club again supported the Red Shield Appeal Door-knock, 7 July.
Sponsorship and participation in the City of Wollongong Australia Day Naturalisation Ceremony.
Provided Marshals for the Leisure Coast Cycle-thon and Tri-athlon events.
The Club assisted in the combined services Clubs Safety Campaign.
President John took the opportunity to thank every Club member who assisted in the Hillview effort and especially Alan Reid and George Burns. George said that in his view the hardest working person at Hillview was Joan Lamerton who did not stop on either day for lunch. He said he had his usual battle in trying to convince her that the Club was going to pay for her accommodation on the Saturday night. He said that she gave the Club a cheque by way of a donation to Hillview project and he expressed his personal thanks for her contribution. Hilton King confirmed that the helicopter pilot had arranged for two passengers back to Sydney at $40 per head and had donated $80 to the Club.
The Wollongong “Pioneer hall” working bee continued during June but was poorly attended.
International Service
The Club provided 450 meals at the District Conference held in Wollongong. Brian Hedley, George Burns and Cec Fahey and helpers were dubbed “The Team from West Wollongong”.
$500 was donated to Streehitakarini, a medical and support care scheme for the Bombay poor. The Club received a report on work carried out by this organisation.
Youth Service.
Our sponsored student for 1985, Mirjana (Mimi) Trifunovic, returned from Denmark in January 1985, and is now in her first year at the University of Sydney, hopefully, she will be able to tell us of her exchange experience during the August University break. Currently we are hosting that irrepressible guy from Germany who goes under the various names of “Motor Mouth” or “Dirk the Kraut”, however we have been treated to a unique experience with the hosting of young Dirk Thomas who has made friends wherever he has been in Australia. Thank you Dirk for your contribution to this Programme. Sponsored student for 1985, Sara Cocksedge who is in Helsinki, hosted by the Rotary Club of Herttoniemi, reports that all is well with her as she masters her new language and witnesses the great changes in the seasons of her temporary Finnish homeland.
We look forward to our exchange student from France, Delphine Duret, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tourcoing. A first for District 975 – an exchange with France! The Club’s nominee for 1986 is Elisa Bellino, who, at this writing has yet to undergo the District Selection process.
Again, thanks to Ian Chapman for his contribution to the Programme, and to the Ganeys, Phelans and Mitchells for their hosting of Dirk during this year.
The Club received several nominations for participation in the Overseas Youth Exchange Programme. As usual, the extremely high standard of the nominees made selection very difficult and after much deliberation the Committee finally decided to put forward Elisa Bellino for consideration by the District Committee.
RYLA.Response to RYLA was good and the club finally sponsored three awardees, Tania Heffernan, John Reed and Peter Jones. Feedback indicates that they were enthusiastic about their experience and gained much from their week in camp
Guest Speaker – Samantha Kelly (Exchange Student – South Africa) Our Guest Speaker last week was Samantha Kelly (who liked to be known as Sam) and she was introduced by Kevin McGregor from the Corrimal Rotary Club. Sam has been staying as an exchange student in Australia since January 1984 and is a guest of the Corrimal Club. Kevin introduced her by saying that in his experience, all South African exchange students are prepared to do more PR work than other exchange students do and he has found Sam in particular to be more than willing to speak to as many Clubs as possible with the object being to convince those Clubs to become involved in Youth Exchange.
Sam commenced her speech by saying that she was no politician. She felt that she should endeavour to explain to us the new concept in South Africa of the Homelands System of Government.
This is a new system devised by the present Government and is an attempt to solve the extensive racial problems in that country. She said that superficially the proposal appears to be fair, however, the overall effect is that only the black tribes-people have some say in the Government of the country and accordingly the Government of themselves. What the system overlooks is that the urban black, which is the bulk of the black population, has no say in Government at all. He has no tribe and has left this style of life many generations ago. The system dictates that as he is not a member of the tribe and living in a tribal region, then he is unable to vote.
This is a new system devised by the present Government and is an attempt to solve the extensive racial problems in that country. She said that superficially the proposal appears to be fair, however, the overall effect is that only the black tribes-people have some say in the Government of the country and accordingly the Government of themselves. What the system overlooks is that the urban black, which is the bulk of the black population, has no say in Government at all. He has no tribe and has left this style of life many generations ago. The system dictates that as he is not a member of the tribe and living in a tribal region, then he is unable to vote.
Sam said that she is very much in love with the country but was outspoken in her dislike of the politics. She did stress that answer to the racial problems is not as simple as we might think. She said that the economic situation and the culture diversity within the country indicate that a one-man one system simply would not work. She used as an example the political situation in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). Sam said that she did not wish to appear to critical of the Homeland System as it did have some advantages. She said in the various homelands areas, as a direct result of this system, there were new industries created as the people of those areas had more say in Government. The largest contribution system was that the education system has improved in the homelands and that the blacks generally were becoming much better educated. She said that one must look to the future and of course, improved education of these people would be of great assistance for them when or if they eventually take over the Government of the country.
Sam comes from the Homelands area called Bophuthatswana. In 1977, a Bureau of Language and Culture was set up in this area to preserve the language and the traditional culture. The main industry is the mining of coal, uranium, asbestos and many natural resources. Sam said there is a very good and liberal President and as a result of this, there have been many foreign investments of late. There are many incentives to foreign investment, one of which is that the first two years income is tax free. Another large industry is tourism and the attractions in the game reserve and a casino at which both gambling and pornography are available. (Both of these “entertainments” are illegal in Africa).
Sam showed us some interesting slides including those of the President and the regional authorities sitting under trees discussing presumably matters of major importance to the area. Apparently, palm tree justice is a reality. She also showed interesting slides of industrial areas and the differences in houses of both black and white people in these industrial areas. She highlighted differences in the clothing of the black and white people and general wealth. She stressed through another slide that in her Homelands areas things were not as bad as in other areas and showed us a photograph of many black people in shopping complexes.
Vocational Service
Mr Mick Best, co-ordinator for the work experience throughout the Wollongong area involving Secondary students addressed the Club on difficulties experience by school leavers. Guest Speaker – Lt. Col Peter Reid (U Peace Keeping 1985). Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Reid who was introduced by Alan Reid
Peter reminded us that he had spoken to us 16 years ago when he returned from Vietnam. This was to be a very different talk from that one. On a map of the Indian cub-continent, Peter pointed out the relevant areas over which he, as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, was involved in for 12 months. The basic friction has historically been centred around the Kashmir area. Traditionally, Peter informed us Kashmir has always been a violently independent area and a thorn in the side of the British administration for many, many years.
In 1948 the Moslems elected to live under their own ruling and Pakistan was mutually agreed upon. However, the border to the Kashmir area could not be agreed upon because of the independent nature of the Kashmir Moslems. It was to police this area that the United Nations put in a force. Peter joined this Force approximately 38 years later and was told his role was to supervise the cease-fire and to prevent the build up of arms. The Force, over its period of time in the areas, consisted of, at various times, all of the United Nations countries with the exception of USSR, the USA and Great Britain.
The reasons for these exclusions appear to be reasonably obvious. Peter said his task was not difficult as the Force did not take an active role, but would have to wait until there was a formal complaint from one nation before his Commander in Chief could go to the opposing Government and ask for an explanation to the matters complained about. This is obviously a cumbersome procedure and Peter said that it had not changed at all.
The Commander in Chief of the United Nations Force is usually a two-star General and is a permanent employee of the United Nations. The position is a very powerful one and for this and other reasons, he is normally not a member of any other army during his appointment. At any one time there are 50 officers and whilst Peter was there, they came from nine different countries. On the administrative side of the operation whilst Peter was there, there were 55 permanent employees of the United Nations, these came from many different countries. The headquarters were in two places throughout the year, they have a summer residence in Shriniga where, as foreigners cannot own land, the employees live on boats on the lakes, and in winter they move to Pindi in Pakistan.
The Commander in Chief of the United Nations Force is usually a two-star General and is a permanent employee of the United Nations. The position is a very powerful one and for this and other reasons, he is normally not a member of any other army during his appointment. At any one time there are 50 officers and whilst Peter was there, they came from nine different countries. On the administrative side of the operation whilst Peter was there, there were 55 permanent employees of the United Nations, these came from many different countries. The headquarters were in two places throughout the year, they have a summer residence in Shriniga where, as foreigners cannot own land, the employees live on boats on the lakes, and in winter they move to Pindi in Pakistan.
Peter said that he was not allowed a great deal of freedom to look over the area whilst he was there as indeed there were general restrictions on the United Nations Forces at large, which came from their supervisory role.
Whilst he was there, there were a number of breaches of the cease-fire both minor and major. One further problem that Peter perceived was that the attitude of the Indian Government is that the Kashmir problem is to be sorted out by Pakistan and India alone and the United Nations should not be there, whilst the Pakistani Government has the opposite opinion.
The Indian Government, however, acknowledges the presence of the United Nations and gives some administrative support. The Indian Government’s attitude is no doubt a result of having a vastly superior army than that of the Pakistan Government. Peter pointed out that there was another area of land that was a potential trouble spot and this was the buffer area between China and Kashmir. This area is not controlled by the United Nations and it would appear it is lucky that it is generally closed during the winter because of weather conditions. He sees this as an area to watch in the future.
In summing up, Peter said that the role of the Australian Army in the Force is more important than we realise. We are presently the only English speaking country on the mission and if we for some reason did not contribute our resources, the contact with the western world would be lost.
In summing up, Peter said that the role of the Australian Army in the Force is more important than we realise. We are presently the only English speaking country on the mission and if we for some reason did not contribute our resources, the contact with the western world would be lost.
PRESIDENT Brian Hedley 1985 – 1986 Inducted 1975
District Governor John Hall Club Service: Barry Blundell
Secretary: Ian Bowmaker Community Service: Col Koenig
Treasurer: Barry Perkins International Service: David Fairlie
Sergeant: Goolam Ganey Vocational Service: Ray Ward
Secretary: Ian Bowmaker Community Service: Col Koenig
Treasurer: Barry Perkins International Service: David Fairlie
Sergeant: Goolam Ganey Vocational Service: Ray Ward
A Word About the President
Brian joined the Club in 1975 and to his credit he has been a director of the Club nine times and served on most committees over the years. He has always been most proactive and a leader within the Club. He is without doubt one of the most obliging and hard working Rotarians the Club has had the pleasure of having as a member. Brian’s year as president had to make the decision to “cut” Hillview from the Club’s project list after it became apparent that outlay, returns, the health of Edwin Klein had deteriorated, the state of “Hillview” was beyond the Club’s capacity to “dress up” for the public and, in fact, the event had had it’s day after 17 years of work, fun, tradition and fellowship. Everyone was very sad! Despite the loss of “Hillview” Brian had a bright and eventful year as president.
Club Service
A great fundraising event held at the home of Sharad Tamhane was combined with the club’s Christmas party. Good food, wine and fun was had by all. President Brian turned out to be Father Christmas much to the delight of all.
Guest Speaker – George Burns. Our Guest Speaker was imported at great cost all the way from down town Mangerton. No it was not Superman, it was our one and only George Burns, better known as “Chicken Burns” in the bowling circles.
George and Ailsa Burns are going west where all the young men go. The ‘bulldust’ of the Nullarbor Plains should be a change for the Burns family after the Cyclonic rains of the north.
George informed us of his recent trip to West Australia by car and caravan. Some statistics:-Cheapest petrol 51.5/litre – dearest petrol 72.9/litre.
The highlight of the 10-week trip was a visit to a sheep station called Kuranda. The property is located 450 miles N.E. of Kalgoorlie. Directions to find Kuranda were explained to George on a mud map, go east for 400 miles, keep the railway line on your left and when you come to a railway siding called Nareetha turn left and go north for 50 miles. Kuranda station covers an area 102 x 95 miles.
The homestead “paddock” is 60 x 40 miles. The Manager and his wife Ruth have been at the property for 23 years.
More statistics:-
40 windmills to pump bore water
45,000 sheep, 5,500 Murray Greys
1 sheep to 20 acres
20 kangaroos to 20 acres
25 airstrips
Some of the problems were dingoes, wild camels and feral cats. The Manager’s wife Ruth is Chairperson of the C.W.A. of the air and keeps in touch with members by radio.
George and Ailsa Burns are going west where all the young men go. The ‘bulldust’ of the Nullarbor Plains should be a change for the Burns family after the Cyclonic rains of the north.
George informed us of his recent trip to West Australia by car and caravan. Some statistics:-Cheapest petrol 51.5/litre – dearest petrol 72.9/litre.
The highlight of the 10-week trip was a visit to a sheep station called Kuranda. The property is located 450 miles N.E. of Kalgoorlie. Directions to find Kuranda were explained to George on a mud map, go east for 400 miles, keep the railway line on your left and when you come to a railway siding called Nareetha turn left and go north for 50 miles. Kuranda station covers an area 102 x 95 miles.
The homestead “paddock” is 60 x 40 miles. The Manager and his wife Ruth have been at the property for 23 years.
More statistics:-
40 windmills to pump bore water
45,000 sheep, 5,500 Murray Greys
1 sheep to 20 acres
20 kangaroos to 20 acres
25 airstrips
Some of the problems were dingoes, wild camels and feral cats. The Manager’s wife Ruth is Chairperson of the C.W.A. of the air and keeps in touch with members by radio.
Winter Exodus: Alan and Elsie Reid are travelling north for six or seven weeks. A well-deserved trip as Alan is exhausted from playing too much golf.
A Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to George Burns on behalf of the Club as recognition for his efforts over the years and for being a working example of our motto “Service above Self”.
The presentation was made by President Brian supported by P.P John Aldridge and P.P. Hilton King. Negotiations for this award have spanned over a period of three years and each President must be congratulated for his participation. Judging by the stunned look on George’s face, proved the point that 50 Rotarians can keep a secret. ‘She who must be obeyed’, Rotaryanne Ailsa was presented with a gift from the Club as a token of esteem for her support as the major partner in the Burns team. Every person present acknowledged the merit of this award and the worthiness of the recipient.
Members Misdemeanours
•Tim Browning’s boat is not called “Cirrhosis of the River.”
• Cec Fahey’s Garage is not called “Tyred and Exhausted.”
•Our ICC members Marcel Benson and Neil Preston do not participate in a light lunch.
•Col Koenig did not make the following statement about the Triathlon “The runners were broken down by age and sex”.
•The question that stumped schoolmaster Ian Chapman, “Please Sir, what’s this years Nativity Play about?”
•The Demise of “Hillview”
After 17 years of holding the “Hillview” Festival, President Brian and the Board were most unhappy to have to advise the club members that it was not tenable to run it any more. This was due to the failing health of Edwin Klein and rundown condition of the mansion. President Brian said that he mourns with all past and previous members and will partake in some appropriate “medicine” to toast Edwin and “Hillview” which now passes into history ‘VALE Hillview’
•“Hillview Awards and Medals” Richard the Lion Heart Medal to all members, wives, family and friends who assisted to fight the battle of Hillview.
• Cec Fahey’s Garage is not called “Tyred and Exhausted.”
•Our ICC members Marcel Benson and Neil Preston do not participate in a light lunch.
•Col Koenig did not make the following statement about the Triathlon “The runners were broken down by age and sex”.
•The question that stumped schoolmaster Ian Chapman, “Please Sir, what’s this years Nativity Play about?”
•The Demise of “Hillview”
After 17 years of holding the “Hillview” Festival, President Brian and the Board were most unhappy to have to advise the club members that it was not tenable to run it any more. This was due to the failing health of Edwin Klein and rundown condition of the mansion. President Brian said that he mourns with all past and previous members and will partake in some appropriate “medicine” to toast Edwin and “Hillview” which now passes into history ‘VALE Hillview’
•“Hillview Awards and Medals” Richard the Lion Heart Medal to all members, wives, family and friends who assisted to fight the battle of Hillview.
No. 1 Hit Song Award - Where’s George Burns.
Road Runner Medal - Cec Fahey
Balloon Assistants - Tim Browning, Neil Iceton and Brian Davis.
Ranleigh Door Banging Cup- P.P. Bill Fancourt
Army Cookhouse Gong - Our cooks.
Naggers Cup - To all the females who gave the Editor an ear bashing. Pawnbrokers Cup P.P Brian Hedley and staff
Most Improved Sales Person- Wee Maggie Young.
Edison Medal - Neil Preston for his light work.
Jazz Medal - Ian Bowmaker who got dark eyes from playing on the black keys.
Davey Crockett Medal to all the young people from TIGS who did such a great job guiding on Sunday.
Dining Club Award - Joan Lamerton.
Road Runner Medal - Cec Fahey
Balloon Assistants - Tim Browning, Neil Iceton and Brian Davis.
Ranleigh Door Banging Cup- P.P. Bill Fancourt
Army Cookhouse Gong - Our cooks.
Naggers Cup - To all the females who gave the Editor an ear bashing. Pawnbrokers Cup P.P Brian Hedley and staff
Most Improved Sales Person- Wee Maggie Young.
Edison Medal - Neil Preston for his light work.
Jazz Medal - Ian Bowmaker who got dark eyes from playing on the black keys.
Davey Crockett Medal to all the young people from TIGS who did such a great job guiding on Sunday.
Dining Club Award - Joan Lamerton.
Community Service
• The Club carried out a tree planting working bee in conjunction with pupils of the West Wollongong Primary School on 16 and 17 November 1985.
• The club again provided Marshall’s for the “National Bank Leisure Cost Triathlon”.
• Club members were again on duty at the Mount Keira Scout Camp rebuilding the access roadway.
• “Night 2000” Variety evening was held at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club where the club and friends were entertained by members of the Arcadians headed by John Wiseman. The evening was a great success with $2,000 raised.
• The “Olunda” Nursing Home received much painting by club members however; Bill Fancourt decided to speed things up by kicking over a gallon of paint in the hallway.
• The club again provided Marshall’s for the “National Bank Leisure Cost Triathlon”.
• Club members were again on duty at the Mount Keira Scout Camp rebuilding the access roadway.
• “Night 2000” Variety evening was held at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club where the club and friends were entertained by members of the Arcadians headed by John Wiseman. The evening was a great success with $2,000 raised.
• The “Olunda” Nursing Home received much painting by club members however; Bill Fancourt decided to speed things up by kicking over a gallon of paint in the hallway.
International Service
• How does one choose a worthwhile overseas aid project?
Perhaps a project that fulfils such criterion as community involvement and teaching of skills would interest our Rotary Club in preference to say a donation to one of the many aid programs for famine relief.
Our choice of project was aided by correspondence from Mr. Graham Chalker, who this past year has worked in Indonesia as a missionary.
We were told of the Beth Shan Foundation which co-ordinates the Beth Shan Children’s Home and is presently running a community development program. The program takes the form of a training school for disadvantaged children teaching such skills as sewing, typing and mechanics. The program provides instructors facilities and equipment free of charge to the pupils.
A donation of $1,000 has been allocated for the Beth Shan Foundation. Further application has been made to the Australian Development Assistance Bureau (ADAB) for a subsidy on a one to one basis through Mr. Bill Thorton Overseas Aid Co-ordinator for Rotary.
Further information on the Beth Shan Foundation is available.
Perhaps a project that fulfils such criterion as community involvement and teaching of skills would interest our Rotary Club in preference to say a donation to one of the many aid programs for famine relief.
Our choice of project was aided by correspondence from Mr. Graham Chalker, who this past year has worked in Indonesia as a missionary.
We were told of the Beth Shan Foundation which co-ordinates the Beth Shan Children’s Home and is presently running a community development program. The program takes the form of a training school for disadvantaged children teaching such skills as sewing, typing and mechanics. The program provides instructors facilities and equipment free of charge to the pupils.
A donation of $1,000 has been allocated for the Beth Shan Foundation. Further application has been made to the Australian Development Assistance Bureau (ADAB) for a subsidy on a one to one basis through Mr. Bill Thorton Overseas Aid Co-ordinator for Rotary.
Further information on the Beth Shan Foundation is available.
Youth Service
• Club exchange student Dirk Thomas returned home to Germany after a great year in Australia. Dirk’s parents Rolf and Liza donated $50.00 to the Club’s International Service Fund for looking after Dirk so well.
• Guest Speaker: -Delphine Dupret Exchange Student - Tourcoing, North France
Do you remember the quiet shy little girl PP Tudor MacKay introduced to the Club in August 1985? Delphine had just arrived from France and must have been very confused and overcome by culture shock at her first introduction to life in Australia. It was a confident and assured Delphine who presented such a delightful speech to the members and guests this evening. Her father, Philipe, mother Claude, two brothers and sister would have been very proud of Delphine for a job well done.Delphine’s home city of Tourcoing located in the north of France, population 118,000.Tourcoing is 290kms from Paris and 116 km from Brussels. It is an industrial rural centre producing cotton goods, clothing and food. Tourcoing is the hub of an extensive railway network and is services by its own airport.
Do you remember the quiet shy little girl PP Tudor MacKay introduced to the Club in August 1985? Delphine had just arrived from France and must have been very confused and overcome by culture shock at her first introduction to life in Australia. It was a confident and assured Delphine who presented such a delightful speech to the members and guests this evening. Her father, Philipe, mother Claude, two brothers and sister would have been very proud of Delphine for a job well done.Delphine’s home city of Tourcoing located in the north of France, population 118,000.Tourcoing is 290kms from Paris and 116 km from Brussels. It is an industrial rural centre producing cotton goods, clothing and food. Tourcoing is the hub of an extensive railway network and is services by its own airport.
Delphine has enjoyed her stay in Australia and has seen more of the country than most Australians have. She has visited the following areas: Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Victoria, NSW Country, Sydney and some place called Boongoonia Gorge. Delphine was in Australia nine months before she saw kangaroos in the wild. One of her impressions of Australia was the lack of people in some of the areas she visited. After living in a smaller town with a population of 55,000 this was understandable. Another comparison was the long history of France and the short history of Australia.
Delphine concluded her maiden speech by thanking the Club members and specifically her host families for her stay in ‘wonderful, wonderful’ Wollongong.
Delphine concluded her maiden speech by thanking the Club members and specifically her host families for her stay in ‘wonderful, wonderful’ Wollongong.
• The Vocational Service Committee has had a reasonably busy year. The Committee’s major fund raising task for the year was the bottling of in excess of 1,000 bottles of wine. The wines were a dry white and a Cabernet Shiraz from the vineyards of Brown Brothers at Milawa and a Riesling and Cabernet Shiraz from the Mitchelton vineyard near Seymour in Northern Victoria. After a considerable amount of organisation of wine, bottles, etc. the precious liquid was finally placed into the bottles at Joe Phelan’s residence on the 29th September. The day was most successful from a fellowship and monetary point of view, the total profit amounting to $849.
Vocational Service
• During the year the Committee re-introduced “Job Talks”. We caught up on the newer members who had previously escaped having given a “Job Talk” and also a series of talks on “What is new in my business” from some of the older Rotarians. These talks proved to be most popular during the year.
For the first time in many years the Vocational Service Committee has given a Vocational Service Award. The recipient of the award is Wal Sloan, a pharmacist and proprietor of the Hospital Hill Pharmacy. The award is in recognition of his contribution to the community through his vocation and in particular in his voluntary work with the patients at Cram House, Diment Towers and the Wollongong Hospital. This award was presented at the Change-over night.
For the first time in many years the Vocational Service Committee has given a Vocational Service Award. The recipient of the award is Wal Sloan, a pharmacist and proprietor of the Hospital Hill Pharmacy. The award is in recognition of his contribution to the community through his vocation and in particular in his voluntary work with the patients at Cram House, Diment Towers and the Wollongong Hospital. This award was presented at the Change-over night.
Debonair PP Brian Hedley at a muck Up” weekend at Leura, in the Blue Mountains.
PRESIDENT Ronald Pedersen 1986 - 1987 Inducted 1981
District Governor: Sig Sjoquist Club Service: Kevin Orrell
Secretary: Ian Bowmaker Community Service: Col Koenig
Treasurer: Peter Davies International Service: Goolam Ganey
Sergeant: Joe Phelan Vocational Service: John Aldridge
Youth Service: Barry Blundell
A Word About the President
Ron was always a popular fellow and before and after his Presidential year he never knocked back any request to help. He was an excellent President who maintained the club’s esteem and was a great secretary. He was also highly regarded within the District and local community and will be remembered as a person from the top drawer.
Club Service
The membership category provided the disappointments with the resignation of two charter members in Alan Reid and Tom Ward.
Fortunately, four new members have been inducted, all of whom represent classifications of practical use to the club, particularly in the public relations and fundraising areas.
Fortunately, four new members have been inducted, all of whom represent classifications of practical use to the club, particularly in the public relations and fundraising areas.
Our membership now stands as: Active members 33, Senior Active 14, Honorary members three.
Our first fellowship event on 1st November 1986 took form with a most entertaining evening held at Western Suburbs Leagues Club, with the aim of raising $2000 for the Salvation Army Family Welfare Centre in Auburn St. Wollongong. John Wiseman, a member of “The Arcadians Theatre Group”, was the instigator of this event and a prime organiser and performer. Our thanks go to John for the very successful event.
A Theatre party was organised at Coniston’s Bridge Theatre with 29 people attending the presentation of “Same Time Next Year”. From all reports everyone enjoyed the evening.
Several successful ladies nights have been held this year with the new food format presentation by Renown Court proprietor, Spencer Walton and his team. The smorgasbord being widely accepted with new and not so new faces coming out of the woodwork to attend these evenings with our Christmas function on December 10, being no exception.
A coach trip to the Footbridge Theatre in Sydney on May 23rd has been fully booked out with 40 people travelling to a restaurant on the north shore, for a Chinese banquet proceeding the ‘Fats Waller’ musical “Ain’t Misbehavin” at the Footbridge Theatre.
A further fellowship event is planned for a fun golf day and barbecue at Maddens Plains Country Club.
•The 1986/87 calendar was adequately filled thanks to the combined 27 years experience of Marcel Benson and John Chaplin. Recently inducted member, Phillip Clifford, has joined the committee
•Public relations has been a difficult exercise, however, lines of communication are being established to finish this year well and to achieve a high profile in 1987/88. We are well aware that a higher profile will assist with future fund raising endeavours.
Extract from President’s Report
It is with a mixture of both pleasure and sadness that I become the 24th Past President of the Rotary Club of West Wollongong
This Rotary year has been very satisfying for me personally and has given me a far better in