We expected to hear Loretta Smith, telling us the tale of  “A Spanner in the Works”, the extraordinary story of Alice Anderson and her all female garage on the corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street in Kew. Opening 100 years ago in 1919, Alice was the first woman to own and manage her own garage in Australia, employing female mechanics and drivers who also provided a chauffeur service.
Nevertheless members welcomed the chance for informal chatter, interspersed with club announcements.
President Ian Bentley started the ball rolling by telling us about his discussions with Dr Jill Bamforth at Swinburne Business School on the subject of “Work Integrated learning”.  Fortunately he was able to expand on how fundraising activities could be generated and evaluated, before too many eyes glazed over, and how the club could possibly have an award for the best idea.  As a digital marketing project, students could compose a new website and link it through social media to our existing site. 
 
Noel McInnes reminded members about the visit to the Australian jazz Museum on 14th May, and that registrations would close on 7th May.  Contact him if you’d like a lift, or for car pooling arrangements.
 
Lawrence Reddaway reminded us of the Salvo Hawks match on Wednesday, and Geoff Wright nudged our memories about the mock interviews at Suburn High School on 8th May. He will send out details soon.
 
Anne Scott demonstrated some fine purple beanies, knitted by Prue Logan as part of the bullying prevention program being run by the Allanah and Madeline Foundation.
 
Finally, there is a Working Bee at DIK on Saturday, 3rd May from 9.30 omwards.  No heavy lifting, just sorting stuff into baskets.  Come and have fun, guessing what they do with those pointy instruments.
 
Guest speaker? Who has time for a guest speaker?  Our program was pretty full, despite everything.