Page 51 - Friendships Through the Years

CHAPTER SEVEN

PRESIDENT: BERT WALKER 1988 - 1989

resident Bert Walker was asked, as were all the other Presidents, to ‘…drop me a
note – short or long – outlining your thoughts of your year in office, with the
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outstanding memories, impressions and conclusions. I may not be including your
information in full as, probably, some of your thoughts will be repetitive of my already
completed History for your particular year, and I may find it necessary to précis it.’
This author did not consider it necessary to précis Bert’s letter in reply. Apart
from the personal commencement and ending, here is the complete quote from the
essential section of that letter.
‘I would like to mention a couple of constructive highlights during my year as
President. Calling a special management meeting, including all Past Presidents
and Harry Box, to discuss a ceiling membership to our Club. It was resolved that
the membership of the Club shall be limited to 55 members. This
recommendation was put to the members at the November 1988 meeting, after it
was moved and seconded, it was discussed and carried by a majority. Yes Keith,
after many years of you suggesting a car trip, we got away. “Wangaratta, here we
come.” - Yes, a success then and ever since. I enclose a photo of BrianWalsh and
myself “cutting the cake” 1989. Keith in conclusion, let me say my year as
President was made easy by the full support of officers and members. I HAD A
BALL. ! ! !’

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Brian Walsh handed over to Bert Walker at the annual general meeting on 14
July 1988. It was a day for handovers, because Maurie Barnes, who had been secretary
for the previous two years, decided to stand down and Rex Wyatt took over as Secretary.
Cedric Hordern also passed the treasurer’s job to Jack Mackay.
At this meeting a letter of resignation was received from Cedric Hordern, a
foundation member and Treasurer from 1987 to 1988. This was received with regret and
thanks were tendered for his work as Treasurer for the past year. Two other foundation
members resigned in this year too. Vladimir Georgiev (2-6-1983 to 8-6-1998) and Bill
Scudds, who was a foundation committee member (2-6-1983 to 8-9-1989)
At the September meeting, our guest speaker, Don Maguire (M.B.E.), spoke on
the C.F.A. and Fire Prevention. Noel Dight, well known motor trader and member of the
Rotary Club of Lilydale, visited briefly and spoke on a forthcoming Fashion Parade to
raise funds for a Rotary project of “Life Education Against Drug Abuse”.
Other interesting speakers in President Bert’s year were the Reverend Jim
Reynolds whose topic was “Royal Marines experiences”. Phil McDonald spoke about
“Around Australia on a Penny -Farthing cycle”. He was a very amusing speaker with a
practical demonstration: he brought his Penny-Farthing with him to the meeting. Jim
Plowman, MLA for Evelyn’s topic was: “The Westminster system and the role of the
Speaker.” Wally Ashton spoke about “Watches”. Again, this was a practical
demonstration from the speaker. Finally Mrs. Frances Henke – Journalist and Poet talked
on “The Role of the Media in the Future” and “The Eucalyptus Tree”.