Bill Forrest gave a heartfelt and entertaining reflection on his long association with Rotary, particularly the Rotary Club of Tamworth West, which he joined in December 1962. Now aged 97, Bill spoke with humour, humility and a strong sense of gratitude for the role Rotary has played in his life.
Bill explained that before joining Rotary, he had been a policeman and was on track for promotion. He recalled a tragic accident that had a lasting impact on him, involving a young girl named Helen Bruce, who died in his arms. Deeply affected by the experience, Bill later spoke with George Hombsch, who encouraged him to come along and join the Rotary Club. That invitation marked the beginning of more than six decades of service and fellowship.
Within four years of joining Tamworth West, Bill became club president. He later went on to serve as District Governor, a role that reflected the respect he had earned within Rotary. However, Bill made it clear that the work he found most rewarding was his involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
Bill said the exchange program had been one of the most beneficial and meaningful activities he was involved in. Since his time helping establish and grow the program, around 1,000 students from the district have been sent overseas as exchange students. He spoke fondly of the many young people and families connected through the program, including students from countries such as America, France, Germany and other parts of the world.
He also shared memories of his own international Rotary experience, including time spent in Japan, where a local Rotary club looked after him and his wife for several months. Bill said they were treated exceptionally well and taken to schools and community events, even though he jokingly admitted he knew very little Japanese.
Bill’s talk was filled with humour, including a few classic one-liners and reflections on writing, mistakes, and life. But beneath the humour was a clear message: Rotary had given him lifelong friendships, opportunities to serve, and the chance to make a real difference, particularly through youth exchange.
His contribution to Tamworth West Rotary and the wider Rotary movement has been substantial, and his talk was a reminder of the long-term impact one committed Rotarian can have across generations.
Thanks to Pete Dillon for the notes.
