Rotary Club of Leeton Bulletin (Apr. 07, 2024)

Rotary Club of Leeton Bulletin

Volume: 84 Edition: 37 Date: 04 April 2024

A Poet and His Mates - Tony Reneker

In The Chair: President Peter Draper

Members: 15

Guests: Mayor Tony Reneker; Mel Ifield

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A Poet and his Mates – Tony Reneker

Have you ever wondered who was the Graham that Graham Park was named for? It was actually named after Jim Grahame – the pen name of Jim Gordon, poet and close friend of Henry Lawson. He was born at Mt. Wilson and wanted to be a jockey but probably outgrew that profession. He moved to W NSW where he farmed at Bourke and some other locations. Henry Lawson came to Bourke 3 days after Jim and they became good mates when they traded stories and poetry for 9 months. Jim Grahame’s first verse was published in the Sydney Worker and ‘The Boundary Rider’ in the Bulletin in 1903. He also published in other publications.

Jim Gordon

He moved from Walgett to Leeton in August 1912, where he farmed and was also an Inspector with the Irrigation Commission. He met Henry Lawson again in Leeton in 1916 and they lived together for a time. Henry Lawson later wrote to Jim, praising his work and encouraging him to keep his works for publication. In a letter, he said ‘Your stuff is all good, some splendid, it throws all mine on similar lines on to the mess hut rubbish heap altogether’.

Jim’s next mate was Leigh Marchant (Mel’s grandfather). Leigh was an actor, producer and director who toured Shakespeare’s plays. Leigh suffered from asthma and was advised to move ‘out west’ and came to Leeton in 1922 where he became a champion of Jim’s work. He took Jim to parliament house in Canberra where they met with Jim Scullin, Bob Menzies and other illustrious parliamentarians who encouraged him to publish his work and even provided him with a pension.

Leigh Marchant

Leigh Marchant also promoted Jim’s poems through the Leeton Rotary Club and encouraged the members to support the publication of a book. They raised 58 guineas in one night in 1947, (now equivalent to $4755). As a result, a book of Jim Grahame’s work was published ('Under Wide Skies') and is available in the Library.

Leigh also organized a tribute concert for Jim at the Roxy in November, 1947 under the patronage of Prime Minister Ben Chifley.

Jim died just before Graham park was established in 1949.

We were then treated to a recitation of an excerpt of his work by Mel. Ifield.

Tony and Mel were thanked on behalf of the club by President Peter.

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The Brain Teaser

Source: factrepublic.com (editor. I take no responsibility for the tense mistake)

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Director’s Roundup

Peter
- Javian’s Safari has been disrupted by rain and the bus has returned to sites in Victoria instead of the planned Northern trip.
Brian
- Board Meeting is on 16^th April at the Wade’s.
- Reminded members about the Wollundry Photo competition / exhibition
Barry
- Thanked the members for their support on Easter Saturday – profit for the day was $967
Jennifer
- Pointed out the Rotary Against Domestic violence shirt worn by Geoff and noted that there will be a big campaign next Rotary year against Domestic Violence with the NSW Police.
Eric
- The arrangements for the Golf day on 23 June are progressing well under the guidance of Eric and John Martin. JumpStart will be the beneficiaries of the proceeds for the next two years.

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Sergeants Session – Carmel

Carmel started her session by fining the Bulletin Editor for nominating her for Serge. She then proceeded to fine all members in a very systematic way for our numerous misdemeanours. While not actually part of the session, she described some rather unusual meals that Graeme Kruger ate in Vietnam (I cannot bring myself to describe the worst one).

Following this ruthless session, she initiated an Easter quiz that had most members getting the answers wrong.

Great session, Carmel we will be happy to exclude you from the Sergeant’s list next Rotary Year.

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Answer: INFATUATION

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Stories

1. "If there are any idiots in the room, will they please stand up", said the 5^th Grade teacher.
After a long silence little Johnny rose to his feet.
"Now then Johnny, why do you consider yourself an idiot?", inquired the concerned teacher.
"Well, actually I don't," said the student, "but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself."

2. Four men are in the hospital waiting room because their wives are having babies. A nurse goes up to the first guy and says, "Congratulations! You're the father of twins."
"That's odd," answers the man. "I work for the Minnesota Twins!"
A nurse says to the second guy, "Congratulations! You're the father of triplets!"
"That's weird," answers the second man. "I work for the 3M company!"
A nurse tells the third man, "Congratulations! You're the father of quadruplets!"
"That's strange," he answers. "I work for the Four Seasons hotel!"
The last man is groaning and banging his head against the wall. "What's wrong?", the others ask.
"I work for 7 Up!"

ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGY BOOKINGS

The Rotary Club of Leeton meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Hydro, Chelmsford Place, Leeton.

Apologies must be given before 11:00 am on the day of the meeting to:

Weston & Weston

Ph: 02 – 6953 3199

Fax: 02 – 6953 3551

Email: admin@westonandweston.com.au

Members please note that the Club will charge you for your meal if you do not put in an apology.

Notices

ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGY BOOKINGS