Last Sunday 14 June Rotary Club of Tamworth West celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Club's inception along with our annual Changeover Dinner at Tamworth Jockey Club. The Function Room was appropriately decorated by a team of Ladies who wish to remain anonymous and the members and guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal.
The occasional cake was cut by four of our longest serving members (Gordon Austin, Jim Hombsch, Bob Donoghoe and Bill Forrest) who have a combined membership of in excess of 230 years.
We also remembered those honorary members who had passed during the last 12 months Norm Hill, Peter George and George Hombsch with Sue Hombsch lighting three remembrance candles in Memoriam.
Rotary dignitaries in attendance were DG Di Hall with her husband PDG Ken, President of Tamworth Rotary Club, Kay McCorkell. PDG John Barwick and Dorothy Barwick, and Neville and Gemma Evans who travelled from Queensland to attend. Mark Coulton, former MP for Parkes, gave an entertaining speech about his life and being tested for Group Study Exchange by David McDonald and Tony Windsor.
#Pictured above: MC Phil Lyne, attending guests with Rotarian Col Quast, DG Di Hall and PDG Ken Hall and Kay McCorkell with Mark and Robyn Coulton
The Rotary Club of Tamworth West was chartered in 1956 by the Rotary Club of Tamworth and so it was fitting and greatly appreciated that Kay McCorkell was able to attend on behalf of the founding Club. Some amazing research had been undertaken by certain members of the Club who managed to provide copies of the original correspondence confirming the Provisional Charter of the Club along with the Clubs first Bulletin and Changeover programs for 1958 and 1959. Quite a remarkable feat.
Congratulations to the following members who received recognition on the day:
. Jim Bannigan who received the John Rodgers Trophy for Clubman of the Year; and
. Chris Lang and James Hindmarsh who received Paul Harris Fellows for their service during the year.
Pictured above: Chris Lang receiving a Paul Harris Fellow and James Hindmarsh receiving a Paul Harris Fellow.
Due to unfortunate circumstances our President Elect has been unable to take on the presidency and hence it is to be shared for the next term by past Presidents of the Club on the Board. Gavin Homsch has generously volunteered to run the Club for the First Quarter to then be relieved by other members of the Board.
In celebration of our 70th Year Anniversary this year the Club with assistance of fellow Rotarian Brian Cox of Rentfast, created a slide show with history and memorabilia for the Rotary Club of Tamworth West over the past 70 years since the Club's Charter. Follow the YouTube link below for a trip down memory lane. Thanks Coxy!!
Thanks to all involved in organising our Changeover and making it a very enjoyable event. Special thanks to the key organiser and MC Phillip Lyne.