President's Notes on the Diamond Jubilee

		From top left to right:- Eugene, Table 1, Past DG's, Neil Roberts & Singing Along

Sixty years of service to the community was something to celebrate, and celebrate we did, on Saturday in the Cardinal Pavilion at Scotch College.

One hundred and twelve Rotarians and guests enjoyed a series of reminiscences and a History of Hawthorn Rotary Club, expertly produced by Past District Governors David Rosback, Bernie Walshe and Dennis Shore.  I hope the PowerPoint Presentation will be available for those who were unable to attend.

I had the pleasure of welcoming the  Mayor of Boroondara, Jack Wegman and Judy, DG Ross Butterworth and Annette, DG Elect Murray Verso and Irene, and DG Nominee Julie Mason. It was a delight  to welcome President Keith McNeil and Dawn of Melbourne Rotary Club, as this club had the good sense to Charter our Rotary  Club in 1953. Rotarians from clubs large and small, near and far, assisted us in celebrating this important anniversary.

Star of the show was Neil Roberts, whose musical talents once again enthralled us. We were delighted that he was well enough to accept our invitation to play in his usual fabulous style. Thanks a million, Neil!

Our MC for the evening was the indefatigable Eugene Fasallo, who had flown down from the Gold Coast for the event. Eugene ran a tight ship, ensuring speakers and meals arrived on time.

Former and current Sergeant-at-Arms Jonathan Sear and Trevor Jones introduced some interesting insights into the past, and of course some fines for current misdemeanours.

DG Ross Butterworth presented Certificates of Appreciation to those of several long-standing Rotarians who were present. As the club is sixty years old, we acknowledge Rotarians who have contributed for at least half that time:    

30 Years: Richard Bainbridge, Ian Hamilton, David Rosback, David Rush, Bruce Smith and Dennis Shore  all active members of Rotary for thirty years.

35 Years: Gordon Cheyne and David Corrigan

40 Years: Vic Burns, John Carre-Riddell, Ian Cathels, Charles Morrison and Neil Roberts

55 Years: Jim Earle

DG Ross also presented a Paul Harris Sapphire to Jim Earle with the Citation: “Jim Earle AM is a life fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture, and his Membership of the Order of Australia was awarded for his services to Architecture. Jim  already has a PHF, and the Sapphire Pin is an addition in recognition of his continued service to Rotary over the past 55 years.”

We recognise and thank the companies who sponsored the evening:  Stylemaster Panels, Hawthorn Travel and Cruise, MCA Insurance Brokers, Nexia Australia, First National Real Estate, and Star Business Solutions. Their contribution reduced costs and enabled printing of menus and invitations, production of giftware (a wine glass for every attendee, “Hits of 1953” CD, and souvenir placemats featuring the Charter Certificate) 

We hope members all support our sponsors: you will note that their logos now feature in our Bulletin and Website.

The club is grateful to those who did the planning and hard work behind the scenes: Henry Drury, PDG Dennis Shore, Anne Scott, Simon O’Donoghue, Ian Macfarlane, Andrew Donald, Noel Halford and John Christoffelsz.

David Pisterman’s photos of the evening can be seen at https://picasaweb.google.com/106224275621582639712/DiamondJubilee?authkey=Gv1sRgCOCP_rSWw8ya-QE

President Gordon Cheyne