What a great talk last night by Jock Serong.  It’s obvious that Jock is an accomplished speaker, and he enthralled us last night with stories of the late Sir Fletcher Jones and about his research for the book.  I was particularly impressed with how Jock used the audience questions to fully engage them and how he was able to use those questions to expand his talk with further anecdotes.

With visiting Rotarians and guests there were almost 60 in attendance, and rarely have I seen an audience as quiet and engaged as last night’s talk.  Even the usual clatter of dinner dishes seemed subdued.

I was surprised by how many people came up to me afterwards full of praise and thanking me for the evening, but I was quick to point out that they should have been thanking Ann, Kayla and Svet who make up the program subcommittee, and Glenn for suggesting Jock in the first place.  Without members making suggestions and the program committee doing all the work to put things into place, evenings such as last night wouldn’t be possible, so kudos to them.

I’d also like to thank Rachel and Glenn for keeping track of the guest list and liaising with the venue.  I must admit I was a bit worried when the numbers were approaching 60, but the venue coped very well IMHO.

 

Book Sale this weekend

A reminder that the book sale is on this weekend, and setup will be happening 3pm Friday.  As the saying goes, many hands make lite work, and it usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes to setup.  We will advise when the teardown will happen in an email later this week.  We are checking with the council to see if we can leave the books setup Sat evening and do the teardown on Sunday morning.

Show Gates

A reminder that show season is fast approaching, and Tony will be knocking on everyone’s (virtual) door looking for volunteers to assist.  Warrnambool show is Saturday 31^st October, so put that date in your calendar and be ready to assist.

 

Multi District Conference 

As mentioned last nite, the multi district conference is happening Apr 16-18 here in Warrnambool.  Registrations are already open, so head along to the site and register early.

More importantly, there will be many jobs available for those looking to assist in the organisation of the event, so let Rachel know if you’re available to help.

Since I warned everyone recently not to click on any links in an email, to find the site, just enter “rotary 9780 home page” in your search engine of choice.  The conference banner is part way down the home page.

 

Yours in Rotary,
Chris.

 

 

I have been telling people that much of Fletcher's story in Warrnambool is a microcosm of what life was like here in the 30's through to the 60's.

 

When I got home I read some more of his book, and came across this particular passage.  It made me think about one of our past members, and also a connection between two rotarians.  I am sure Jock would allow this little snippet to be published. But  if you have not read the book please go and buy a copy.  A great read.

 

One of Fletcher's great sayings was a 6 word tagline -- NO MAN IS  HARD TO FIT. This saying persisted until recently on a shop only two blocks away from where his Man's Shop was located.  Rauerts Shoex traded all the way to 2025 under the slogan, 'NO FEET ARE HARD TO FIT.'  Alas, both slogans are now no more!

This message has been sent to all active members of District 9780 in Victoria.

 

Dear Rotarian
 

This is a reminder that nominations for District Governor for the 2028-2029 year close in one week's time on the 30^th of September 2026.

 

FYI the short deadline for nominations was brought about due to the timetable of the redistricting proposal and it is important that a DGN be appointed as soon as practicable.

 

Please contact PDG Kathy Rivett if you need any more information or help with the nomination process.

 

The notice as previously circulated is attached.

Yours in Rotary Service

Paul Barrett

Rotary Club of Ballarat South
District 9780 Secretary 2026-2027

Paul.Barrett@rotary9780.org       +61 477 151 887

 

 

 

 

 

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