Minutes.

Attendance: Les reported that he thought there was about fifteen members present, but he was concentrating on trying to balance the books.  Members simply wondered ‘why?’ Our guests were Mick Ryan and our guest speaker Doug Hazelwood.

Meal:  Burgers and chips.  Unfortunately, the Bowls Club only prepared 14 burgers on the basis that we had told them only 14 members would be attending.  This caused a rather awkward moment when members consulted the Stack app to see which fourteen members would get a burger.  Remember friends, to avoid embarrassment just register your attendance on the Stack app by noon on the Tuesday before the meeting.

Sgt Bob introduced our illustrious President and we were underway for another week.  In reports;

·       James reminded members we are due to vote for the Rotary regionalization trial.  If members have any strong feelings about this trial, please make them welcome to James.

·       Your correspondent reminded members of the Tooram Memorial Park working bee on Sunday.

·       Matt was able to report that the RSL working bee was a success and the RSL were very happy with our efforts.  Well done Matt and all those who contributed.

·       Matt advised members that the plan is to meet at Loved and Shared, 12 Cooper Street Warrnambool, on Friday 26^th of August to assist them and Rowan in lining and eventually painting their space.  More details to come.

·       Matt also advised us that we are on a long waiting list for a Bunnings Barbeque, but we are on the list. 

·       Matt further informed us that the Merri School is now ready to plant some trees.  Given how much we have on at the moment, we will probably defer this until September some time.

·       Boré reminded members of the film night to support End Polio.  More details to come, but we hope to see you there.

·       Boré also brought us the news that Moses will be joining us soon to discuss his various PNG projects.

·       Greg thanked members for making Millie Barling feel welcome last week.  Her NYSF application is progressing.

·       Bob gave us an update on the tandem bike project.  The gentlemen involved will be our guest speakers next week.

·       Bob has gone into silent mode for the last week or two of the footy tipping.  He was able to report that Rob, Ron and Nooka each tipped nine winners and so should pick up a handy prize pool.  Rob and Ron will pick up a handy prize, Nooka’s prize fell victim to a motion my members to donate the prize to the club.  Not even Nooka spoke against the motion.

·       Bob completed the reports with an update on the evangelical efforts of a range of clergymen amongst native bears.  Interesting.

Our President then presented Matt with his Paul Harris Fellowship with sapphire.  Well done Matt.

Adam introduced our guest speaker Doug Hazelwood.  Doug was a junior officer in charge of a section of the 103^rd Field Battery artillery at the battle of Long Tan.  A day before Vietnam Veteran’s day commemorating the battle and a week after assisting the RSL prepare for the event, we could not have chosen a better guest speaker.  Doug presented a fascinating and moving insight into the battle.  He particularly highlighted how victory was only just clutched from the jaws of defeat.  Doug also spoke about the important contribution of indigenous Australians in this battle and in the Australian Defense Force.  We thank Doug for his truly wonderful presentation.

Unfortunately, your correspondent had to return to work before the meeting was would up.  The barrel may have been drawn and someone may have won.

Congratulations Matt on your PHF with a sapphire.

Bob and Boré shaking hands on dodgy deals at the recent board meeting - well not exactly- but it was agreed that Rob Harris has the firmest handshake of all the Board Members.

Rotary Horse Racing report.

It is August and, after a long winter, spring is just around the corner.  Our friends at Wilde Racing have been hard at work preparing our steeds for the new season of racing ahead.  This week we give you a rundown of the Warrnambool Central Racing stables and ask the big questions that are occupying the minds of racing fans everywhere.

1.     Sirileo Miss.  Our great horse had a terrific year last year, winning two really big races.  However, she finished with some uncharacteristically bad runs.  This might be her last season of racing before she is sold as a brood mare.  Can she recapture some form and give us a few more thrills before retirement? 

2.     Power of Song.  A bit like Sirileo, Power of Song had some good runs last season but finished her campaign disappointingly.  Can she recapture some form and become a ‘good ordinary horse’?

3.     Dirty Angel.  The DA should make her debut this season.  With her racing name she should become a cult figure in Warrnambool racing circles even if she turns out to be the worst race horse in human history.  Hopefully she won’t be the worst.  Can the Dirty Angel give herself and us some pleasure?  Can your correspondent resist the urge to make smutty references to the horse’s name?  Can Warrnambool’s war memorial statue resist the urge to embarrass herself and the whole town in public?  The smart money would be on no, no and no, but hope remains.

4.     Pride of Dubai x Miss Chaparral (a.k.a. Sirileo’s Sister).  This is the horse that the cashed up Sirileo Miss owners bought in a rush of blood in more affluent times.  Since then Sirileo’s form has produced more effluent times.  Can this horse replicate some of her famous sister’s success or will she stand as a lasting testament to our folly?

5.     Impending x Grisaille.  This is the horse that members recently purchased at Hutto’s Thoroughbred Club luncheon.  The purchase of the horse helped fund Myeloma Australia, so the syndicate members are already winners.  However, could this horse reward her owner’s generosity with some extra thrills on the track?

These are the important questions that can only be answered on the race courses of Victoria.  Stay tuned and rest assured that we will bring you all the exciting news as it comes to hand.

Ten Years Ago.

Ten years ago, John Hutson was recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship.  John is a charter member of our club and has been a big contributor for its entire history.  Well done John!