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Chairman Gerry Cantwell also introduced the second speaker and new member David Bradshaw.   We heard that David was a local North Balwyn kid who explored all the creeks and paths in the days when the housing estates were less dense.  School was at Carey from grade 1 on, ( to ensure close post school supervision from nearby grandparents) and continued until venturing in to the stock broking game as a "Chalkie".   Stated to be a great job in boom times but boring when the recession hit, David left and entered the family  Service Station -distributorship business in Mailing Road.   

He received no favours and learnt all aspects of the business bottom up ( took 20 minutes to learn how to open the bonnet of one car) ultimately owning in partnership  and managing a similar operation on Wattle Valley Road.    Listening to his experiences in that business took us back in time with mention of "COR" sites, Austin and Morris distributorships, and the real hands-on approach to mechanical repairs and inspection.    David's joining of Rotary in Ashburton in the 1980's was in part, he explained, for fellowship reasons to establish peer relationships outside of work.   

Not all work, he has two daughters, the family holidayed mostly on the Mornington Peninsula, but belatedly passports were sought (well after the daughters) and he embarked on the standard UK driving trips and the Trafalgar Bus Tours.  The story of the surly fellow tourist ( he was a "narcotics cop") was a reminder to all to be wary of first appearances.  

One wonders about David's perception of the accountants in our member numbers.  His 2 son-in-laws are both accountants (but" nice accountants" ).   Now retired David is back in Rotary rejecting full time existence on the golf course.   As a past Paul Harris Fellow and club president at Ashburton the club has gained an experienced Rotarian.