On Thursday evening we celebrated seventy years of Rotary, at Auburn Bowls Club.
Terry Kitchen and her Social Committee had decorated the venue with balloons and streamers: they greeted members and guests with a welcoming beverage.
District Governor Ron and Deb Payne, Mayor of Boroondara, Federal Member for Kooyong, descedants of Charter members, Assistant Governor Ann Frueh and Past District Governor Peter, fourteen Past Presidents, friends and partners attended the happy event.
MC Dennis Shore and President Doug McLean kept the show moving along, introducing the guests (right) and observing traditional Rotary customs: District Governor Ron was invited to offer a toast to Rotary International.
We then watched a movie that really impressed us: a history of the club, assembled by Club Historian Dennis Shore, with a topical musical background compiled by Noel McInnes. When introducing the movie, Noel noted that Hawthorn Rotary Club was charted in 1953, a time of simplicity and innocence exemplified by a hit song of that year: “How much is that doggie in the window?” He reminded us that it was a time before television, personal computers, smart phones or social media.
Noel added to our confusion by asking us to name the thirty background songs and singers as we watched the movie. The prize for most correct answers went to DG Ron’s table, and no, of course it wasn’t “fixed”. (Photo, left)
If you would like to watch the movie at leisure, you can see it HERE.
In between chatting with members and guests, and having a lovely meal and a celebratory drink or two, President Doug invited members to add some of their own thoughts. Four Past Presidents added some happy reminiscences. Auburn Bowls produced a volunteer to take a group photo, and we even had a shot of President Doug with fourteen Past Presidents in attendance.
To crown this happy birthday party, we were each given a copy of “Reflections of 70 Years: Rotary Hawthorn 1953-2023”. This book was compiled and edited by Dorothy Gilmour: it is sure to bring back more happy memories.
Photos of the evening can he seen HERE.