In spite of last minute threats from an outbreak of COVID-19, it was wonderful for the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza to celebrate our 50th Anniversary at the Ranelagh Club on Tuesday 25 May.
Approximately 100 Rotarians, Friends, Family and others gathered to celebrate the passing of 50 years since the charter of our Club in May 1971. It was particularly pleasing that Graham Reid, a Charter Member of the Club fifty years ago with history of continuous membership was in attendance at the celebration. President Sue Voss presented Graham with a present recognising his magnificent service to our Club (see story elsewhere in this Bulletin).
Current members of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza at the 50 Anniversary Celebration (Photo Ross Schweitzer)
Everyone in attendance is a part of the extended family of the Rotary club of Mt Eliza. It was particularly pleasing to welcome Jan Berg, Sue Constantine, Robyn Stretch and Jane Vandeth widows of four dedicated members of our Club who have passed away in recent times (Ric Berg, David Constantine, Roger Stretch and Sander Vandeth).
Joining us to celebrate the anniversary it was wonderful to see Paul & Pat Harvey and Guenter & Innes Steinbrecher in attendance. Rotarians Paul and Guenter are greatly missed at our Club.
Among the many distinguished guests on the evening we had our current District Governor, and Club Member, Mark Humphries, PDG James Webb (another foundation member of our Club), David Morris MP, District Governor elect Bill Degnan, PDG Janet McCahon, PDG Don Ripper, Assistant Governor Peter Rawlings, Ross Kilborn, President of the Rotary Club of Mornington and Peter Harris, President of the Rotary Club of Seaford/ Carrum Downs.
In 1971 the RC Mornington sponsored the establishment of the Mt Eliza and Seaford Rotary Clubs. There were a number of members from the RC Seaford/ Carrum Downs in attendance with President Peter Harris. Mornington President Ross Kilborn recapped the lead up to the establishment of our Club in 1970 culminating in our Charter in May 1971.
Apologies and best wishes were received from Past District Governor Merv Williams, Honorary Member Jim Simpson (who joined our Club in 1973 and Friend of the Club, Past Rotarian Tim Acton.
Best wishes were received from Honorary Rotarian Len Christie on behalf of the Probis Club of Mt Eliza. It is hoped to include the Probis message in next week's Bulletin.
In an inspirational speech President Sue traced the history of the Club including a large number of our many achievements over the last fifty years.
President Sue Voss with David Morris MP who proposed a toast to the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza (Photo Ross Schweitzer)
President Sue also had the pleasure of inducting five new members - inaugural Satellite Club Members Steve Holland, Gill Holden, Jacqueline Sherlock and Rebecca Orchard together with the Club's latest member James (Jim) Voss.
District Governor Mark Humphries reflected upon the Club's many successes and outlined the successes of Rotary as this year we celebrate 100 years of the organisation in Australia. Mark noted that Rotarians from our Club have contributed approximately $150,000 to the Rotary Foundation.
Toward's the end of the formal proceedings a photograph was taken of all current members of the Club.
Thank you and warm congratulations to the organising Committee - Secretary Pauline McFarlane, Bernie Edwards, Maurie Sleth and Ross Schweitzer for organising a highly successful evening.
Charter Members of the RC Mt Eliza James Webb & Graham Reid
In next week's Bulletin PP Ross Schweitzer will share some of the 88 photos that he took at the celebration dinner.