Page 29 - Friendships Through the Years

Lilydale Horticultural Society, there was a coach trip to the Ballarat Begonia Festival, in
March 1985. Also in that month there was a trip to the Carlton Brewery. A highlight
outing was the to the State Apartments of Victorian Government House, picnic lunch in
the Fitzroy Gardens, then to State Parliament House.
For this history, every President was asked for some of the highlights of their year
and this author asked President Keith for his! There were two. One was the last function
of his year. Attendance had been reasonable at our meetings and outings but nothing
outstanding. At this stage in the Club, each President, with the assistance of his
committee, arranged the speakers and outings and functions. Keith arranged with one of
the stallholders at the Lilydale Market: Ray De Marco and his wife Robbie, for a High
Tea in the Elderly Citizens rooms, commencing at 7pm. It featured a cheese, cold meat
and wine tasting. The cost was $10 per head. About 80 people

Port of Melbourne launch trip November 19, 1984 (L to R) launch hostess, Carl
Adamson, Maureen Scudds, Brian Walsh, Bill Scudds, Lex Lillie, Jack Coffey,Arthur
Coster.

attended, easily the largest function we had undertaken at this stage. Ray and Robbie De
Marco were experts in their trade and excellent and amusing raconteurs. This was
Highlight No.1 for the President.
The other highlight could possibly be considered as a lowlight! The Minutes from
th
the committee meeting of February 25 1985 probably explain it best: “President Keith
granted leave of absence for June, July and August 1985 to travel overseas. Lex Lillie
was appointed Public Officer in his absence. Carried”.
Keith had the opportunity to travel at that time to the United States of America,
Canada, the United Kingdom and also take a Eurail trip for a month around Europe. This
was too good to miss, but it meant that he missed the last two meetings of his presidential
year, handing over to Vice President Bob Shellard, who was by this time (the May
meeting) President Elect.
Whilst on this subject, two other Presidents did not served a full year of office.
Unfortunately Lex Lillie was in Hospital at the time of his annual general meeting. Bert
Walker chaired it for him. In Clive Winnett’s year, the Club decided to change the date of