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At our 7 September meeting, Rob Wilton gave an overview of the history of the OYAT Milton Rotary Tramping Club. The origins of the club were formed in the Milton Rotary club when the Club organised a Milford Track trip in 1986, for members and families. Pater Mallon, with Mary Rose, Tiff & Molly and Rob Wilton are still current members! The trip was led by Peter Vollweiler ,whose enthusiasm and energy in promoting his love of the NZ Wilderness to others, was amazing. Peter has received the Service above Self Award from Rotary International and 3 Paul Harris Sapphires, the last one only three weeks before he died in November 2018 at the age of 93. Peter walked the Milford Track 59.5 times, his last trip was when he was 84! The current Tramping Club was formed about 1990 to help raise funds for OYAT and our Rotary Club. We had been involved in helping both Tautuku and Berwick Youth Adventure camps. Some members of OYAT were leaders on our trips and it was agreed that funds would be split 50/50 with OYAT and Rotary. We have had a very close association with OYAT - President Stephen is currently Chairman of OYAT and Colin Calteaux is a board member. The 2019/2020 season has had more than it's share of difficulties. Floods wiping out the Routeburn and Milford tracks and then Covid-19! Despite that we were able to grant $50K to both OYAT and Milton Rotary. We have a part-time paid assistant coordinator, Emma Lister, who does a great job. For the 2020/21 season, 23 trips are planned with over 90 leaders. Trips include Cycle Trails - A2O and Clutha Gold Trail; Tramps - Milford Track, Kepler, Stewart Island (Rakiura), and the Humpridge. Residential trips include Mt Aspiring Lodge, Tautuku and Borland Lodge. As of last month, we have raised over $2m, with over $1m going to Milton Rotary, and 19,000 walkers have joined us. I want to acknowledge the huge contribution made by current members of Rotary serving on the Tramping Club. Steve McLay, Janine Dunlop and Stephen Woodhead, who is on the committee. And a special thanks to David Vollweiler and Suzie Bearman for their roles over the years, along with many other club members who have led camps. If our season goes as planned, each organisation should receive $70 next year. |
