Wednesday, March 7 .....

We seem to have been waiting forever for last night. It was the Rotary Club’s 55th birthday and it had been decided that we would all attend dressed in Fifties gear. Dressing-up is not necessarily my thing but Marilyn was excited and statted putting her outfit together weeks ago. I decided the best I could come up with was to be Fonzie from Happy Days. The hair was just a bit too hard so I just had to depend on the goodwill of the other members to see me as a credible Fonz.

Sadly, when we arrived, there was only one other couple who had taken the trouble to dress up. They’re well into their eighties but she came as a St Trinian’s schoolgirl, with black stockings, short tunic and hair in pigtails. He was dressed as an Oxford University rowing cox – scarf, boater and megaphone. At least we made the effort.

It was quite a long meeting but very productive. The crowd was bigger than usual with spouses and special guests filling it out. The main item of business was the presenting of Paul Harris Fellowships to two members. This award was set up in 1957 to acknowledge donations to Rotary Foundation of $1000 US. Many individuals still ‘buy’ their award but clubs now use it to reward outstanding community service of its members and other community members. We give several thousands each year to the Foundation so can call on that credit when we have an award to make.

Last night a married couple who have been stalwarts of the Club and very involved in the Community were acknowledged. It was a nice ceremony and quite emotional. I had to do the presentation to Geoff, the husband, and another Rotarian presented to Pat, the wife.

There are four of the foundation members of our Club still alive and one of them cut the birthday cake. John Loone was the local member of the state Legislative Council and heavily involved in the establishment of Giant Steps, but he is now retired.