It was George Berkley who said “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
That came to mind when I saw that our regular scribe, author, editor and collator of the Spoke was not in attendance at last week’s meeting – that is, did the meeting actually happen? Well fortunately Robbo was on hand with trusty pen and paper to take notes. I haven’t read Robbo’s take on it, but I’m sure if he is his typically verbose self, like a lawyer in front of a hostile judge, he may spin it that the first meeting held by Reilly/Ritchie was a success!
Jon brought a guest for lunch – Dean Pickering, Warrnambool Police Inspector – and Dean ended up being a very informative guest speaker. The police force is certainly an interesting gig – and by all accounts one that is becoming increasingly difficult to attract members. Dean’s transition from Melbourne to Warrnambool sounds like a very positive one for both Dean, and the area. I’m sure we’ll see him back – in a social sense I mean.
If anyone has an suggestion for a guest speaker, please let Jon or me know.
I’m very pleased to announce that I wrapped up the treasurer’s books for a handover to Sam – thanks Sam. One less job…. Oh, and also a big thank you to Lindsay who made sure I was invited to the Rotary House AGM….thanks mate.
This week’s bridge will be familiar to many – Glenfinnan Viaduct, which of course is enroute to Hogwarts. Narelle and I were fortunate to see the “express” cross the viaduct in 2023. A mass concrete structure of 380m in length, comprising 21 arches, each spanning 15m, with a maximum height of 30m. Construction commenced in 1890 and it was opened in 1901.
Sláinte Mhaith
Paul
Upcoming Events
Rotten Returns.
Ron writes,
We've all heard of the Life of Riley, but what about the life of Paul Reilly on his last visit to Ireland
Paul was on the side of the road hitch-hiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm.
The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong that he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him.
Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. Paul, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door ... Only to realise that there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't running.
The car started moving slowly.
Paul looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of nowhere through the window, and turned the wheel. Paul, paralysed with terror, watched as the hand came through the window, but never touched or harmed him.
Shortly thereafter, he saw the lights of a pub appear down the road, so, gathering strength, he jumped out of the car and ran to it... Wet and out of breath , he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had.
A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realised he wasn't drunk.
Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the dark and stormy night. They, like Paul, were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around, and seeing Paul at the bar, one said to the other..
‘Look Paddy ... there's that fooking idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it!'
Great start to a new Rotary Year! By all accounts the Editor performed a fabulous fines session at what was a most enjoyable Changeover Dinner, one I was disappointed to miss. But not every year you have a retirement farewell dinner on the same night….43 very happy years in a quite marvelous city.
Still, Tony’s effort on the night must have taken it out of him and he succumbed to a cold, so this correspondent took a few notes on her back of his footy tipping sheet (on which, incidentally, I picked the Dees to flog Hawthorn).
Our new sergeant Pip decided to go with an interesting fact rather than the ritual joke. Fascinating really….where a lot of common names in the country are colloquially abbreviated,…and sometimes further distinguished by being added to the relevant town in the same area (eg Cooma Dick, Tumut Dick etc,)…what are the chances of an accountant named Richard hanging up his shingle in Adalong? Thankyou Phillip for your untiring research.
New President Paul has had a lot of practice up front this past year, and slipped seamlessly into the role, announcing to President Elect LB that he was off to a son’s wedding in Scotland in September. An ashen faced Bullivant enquired whether her might go instead, only to be put out of his misery when Paul checked and found it was Sept NEXT year. Has he learned nothing from the well-travelled Bono?
Nooka, sunning himself in the window, surprised everyone by opening his eyes when called upon for the door report, announcing 24 attendees, a “record for President Paul”… plus one guest of Verto, Chief Inspector Dean Pickering.
In the absence of a guest speaker Marlo was brought on for an early and lucrative fines session based largely on the movie Jaws, and Clint Eastwood films. Had he been allowed to continue we might have cancelled all further fund raising activities for the year, but the roast arrived so we happily tucked in.
During the meal it was revealed a mystery guest speaker had been secured, and we welcomed guest Dean to sing for his supper. Now in charge of our entire police region, he provided an interesting insight into issues confronting the force at present. Thankyou to Dean who we hope to see again soon.
A thoroughly enjoyable meeting came to a close with Verto advising he’s undertaking Dry July, and that he’ll send us all a sponsorship link. I forget who his sponsorship favours.
I reckon maybe Dr Gerald won the free meal?
In closing, the Affleck’s, Ritchie’s, Chris and I attended Anita Hoekstra’s musical recital at Bishop Scott’s Christchurch 2.30 Sunday afternoon. What a delightful hour on a Sunday afternoon.
The Plank 1.
This week our illustrious President sent me these photos with a reference about a movie. To be honest, I didn't know what he was talking about until I googled it. It turns out 'The Plank' was an apparently famous British movie that was released before your humble correspondent was born. Good work there Paul.
The Plank 2.
When Paul sent me the above pictures I thought he was making some sort of reference to planking, the Facebook craze of about 15 years ago. Remember, back when young people used Facebook. For those who are sentimental about those simpler days fifteen years ago, we have included this snap.
Dry July English Grammer with Lew.
Lew writes,
Success depends where the full stop is positioned.
I’m giving up drinking for a month.
Or
I’m giving up. Drinking for a month
Rotary Horse Racing Report.
It was a big afternoon of sport for Essendon and Matrooshi fans last Sunday. At a little after three Matrooshi took on a mediocre field in Casterton and Essendon took on St Kilda at Marvel.
Twenty-seven seconds into the game the Saints kicked their first goal. Essendon fans knew all hope was lost. By the twenty-seven second mark of the race in Casterton Matrooshi had drifted well back in the field and it was apparent she couldn’t win from there. They had been twenty-six glorious seconds of hope for Matrooshi and Essendon fans.
St Kilda kicked ten unanswered goals in a row before half time while Matrooshi casually jogged twenty meters behind her opponents, much like an Essendon football player.
We have now lost all hope of Essendon or Matrooshi ever being any good. The only thing left to do is to put our troubles behind us, accept Lew’s advice, and try to live a better life. I have given up drinking for a month. Actually, stuff that. I have given up. Drinking for a month
The finish at Casterton. Matrooshi is not captured in this image.
More exciting updates as they come to hand.
Ten Years Ago.
Fifteen years ago, our changeover dinner was ruined by a couple of clowns doing the fines session.
