Page 165 - Friendships Through the Years

for funds had to have the permission of the Department and an application had to be
received by them at least 28 days before the appeal day. Time did not permit so it was
hoped that something similar would be conducted later in the year.
President Bert announced achievements of two Club members at the February
meeting. Lex Lillie, foundation member and past president, was awarded one of the Shire
th
of Yarra Ranges “Community Achievement Awards” on Australia Day 26 January 2000
at the Warburton Arts and Entertainment Centre. For some years, Lex was a Councillor
of the (then) Shire of Lillydale, including a term as Shire President. He has also been very
involved in Legacy in the Lilydale area for many years.
Keith McLennan, also a foundation member, past president and Life member, was
the recipient of good news. President Bert announced that Keith had been selected to be
an Olympic Torch Bearer on its journey through the Lilydale area on its way to Sydney
for the Olympic Games in September 2000. Keith was to carry the torch on Thursday,
th
10 August 2000, which is, coincidentally, the same day as the Club’s regular August
meeting.
Martin Taylor provided some excellent speakers during the year. The May
newsletter best describes our speaker at the May 2000 meeting.

“A senior Customs Inspector, Jeffrey Roberts was most interesting. Some of the
items confiscated were very dangerous and frightening. The extent some drug
dealers will go to in an attempt to earn the ‘mighty dollar’ was enlightening to say
the least. Jeffrey received thanks from Jack Cockcroft on behalf of the members
along with some therapeutic tipple to light up his eyes!”

Four Club members combined at the June meeting with ‘A Tale to Tell’. Denis Lawson
on “S peaking to a class of children about life at sea”. Bert Hanson’s subject was
“Forestry, often asked questions”. Ray Christie spoke on “My trip to Cape York in 1933 -
1934”, whilst Ray Galloway not only spoke about “On the Buses” but he also brought to
the meeting the subject of his story – a Bus.
The newsletter - this time the August edition had the following:

“Following the morning tea break, Bert Pratt was introduced by Martin Taylor.
Bert spoke on HomelessYouth. He is currently teaching young people to be youth
workers at Ridley College, Parkville. His qualifications for this are exceptional,
having been actively engaged in the past with actually helping homeless youth.
Bert gave a very interesting talk, which, at times, was very amusing, but, at the
same time, quite tragic. Obviously a man of many talents, Bert gave a short
impromptu recital on his 1751 violin”.

In September there was a “Show and Tell’ session. 13 members and ladies speaking
about the items they brought along – memorabilia, objet d’art or some family treasure.
Carl Adamson, Harry Brennan, Rene Christie, Jack Cockcroft, Jack Coffey, Cath Hill,
Joyce Jeffries, Henri Lausberg, Lex Lillie, Keith McLennan, Vera Pickersgill, Helen
Taylor and Les Wanstall all spoke for 2 to 3 minutes, the maximum time allowed by
Martin, who promised a similar event in the future.