Dr Andrew Lemon, a Melbourne Cup Ambassador and Historian, shared some fascinating facts about the Melbourne Cup, both the actual cup trophy as well as the race itself. Being an Eltham resident, Andrew is also an active local historian who helps to protect our local history. As Chairperson, Gary Williams created a spontaneous ‘best dressed’ competition so our congratulations to the winners, PE John Skinner whose fancy braces got him over the line, and Margot Kilcullen for looking elegantly race ready. It was a good fun night!
Another two members were also welcomed back to the flock last week, Ron Manison (who has been recuperating following surgery), and Trevor Smith (holidaying in Sth Africa). We hadn’t seen Ian Kiddle for a few weeks either so it was great to see Ian again too.
RC Eltham was represented at Nillumbik’s Volunteers’ Expo last week. Our thanks to Jules for organising this and to other RCE members who went along to help out: Dale, Les, Irene, Diana, Chris, Kevin and Ken.
Thanks also to Denese Billings who does a super job in managing the weekly dinner invitations and bookings for RCE and then confirming attendees with HGC. Denese has made some recent changes to the weekly invitation letter in the hope of making it clearer for members to understand their responsibilities and follow the RSVP instructions. Please make sure you read the invitation’s instructions including hitting the SAVE button so that your acceptance or decline is recorded.
The sudden appearance of Rotary Eltham Festival signs all around the neighbourhood reminds us of the two BIG weeks, and one BIG weekend, ahead. The Festival Committee is in final planning mode for the festival on November 10 & 11. The next two club meeting nights will focus on festival organisation and volunteer roles. Whilst most of us have been involved with the festival before, it is still extremely important for all of us to be ‘up to speed’ with what has been planned for the 2018 festival, safety arrangements in place, park layout, entertainment and stages etc. along with the jobs we’ve all been allocated to do. On festival weekend, all club members and partners who are assisting, will be recognised in our club t-shirts and high-vis vests as festival organisers/helpers. Hence it is important to attend the festival briefings to become more familiar with the multitude of organisational requirements and responsibilities that we will all share on festival weekend, including being well-informed festival ambassadors who are able to assist with any inquiries from members of the public.
Tuesday 13 November 2018
