Page 78 - Friendships Through the Years

but also singling out those mentioned above for assisting in launching their Club and
putting it on a sound footing.
An unusual aspect of the annual general meeting day on which the above took
place was that there were six speakers after all the official ‘red tape’ was over. Thus Carl
Adamson spoke on “scouting”; John Coffe y talked of seeing a bullfight; Keith
McLennan’s subject was “shopping in the Old Days”; Alf Morgan spoke on his ‘school
days”; Frank Pollock talked on his Army Career as a military policeman” and Laurie
Rogerson covered “50 years at Mitchell’s quarry”. Al l of the speakers had a very
interesting story to tell on such a wide range of topics.
There were five other members who spoke at general meetings during Les’s term.
Les himself spoke on his career, Carl Adamson, Jack Mackay and Ron Hand also spoke
of their careers too. Russell Johnson again brought along his concert performers.
The August newsletter mentioned that a review of the Club Insurance cover was
recommended and suggested that the Legal Liability be increased to $1.5m. The same
newsletter also highlighted the fact that Bert Walker, who was one of the ten apologists
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for the meeting on 8 August 1991, missed his first meeting since he joined the Club in
November 1985.
A notice board was to be obtained and set up at each monthly general meeting for
future candidates’ applications, Club’s Rules and Bi-Laws, and other notices.
Here are three snippets from the September newsletter.

“Jack Coffey presented a sketch on “for all those born before 1945”. It was very
humorous to recall all the things that were acceptable in those days. Very
enjoyable, more please, Jack.”

“Russell Johnson, Laurie and Bertha Rogerson were thanked by President Les for
providing a delightful Devonshire Tea (or Coffee) during the coffee break instead
of the usual biscuits”.

“Gues t Speaker, Speakers & Absent Speaker; it became obvious at the last
meeting that our Guest Speaker, Mr. Manning, may not arrive, however the
breach was adequately filled in a very entertaining manner by President Les and
Carl Adamson, both presenting a review of their careers throughout their lives.
However our Guest Speaker did turn up, unfortunately a little late, in fact he
arrived at the Club rooms at 9.30 p.m.., thinking he was to speak at an ‘after
dinner meeting.’ Never mind, he agreed to come again (at the correct time) at a
future meeting to be arranged.”

(Author’s note – After a deal of research it seems Mr. Manning has never been invited
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back. However there was a guest speaker on 13 May 1993 who spoke on the subject:
“Return flight to England in a plane constructed by himself” – a Mr. Clive Canning, and
it is possible the Editor of the newsletter got the first letter of the two surnames mixed?)
A suggestion was made at the October 1991 meeting that the Club should
consider printing a small brochure setting out the aims and purposes of the Club for
distribution. There was also a letter of resignation from Stuart McGlashan, who had been
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a member since 10 July 1986. This was accepted with regret. It was then moved by Lex