30th Anniversary Dinner

 

A huge thank you to the organizing committee of; Patrick & Katrina Bell, John Cornaga, Robyn Ingram and Michele Mann and also to Simon Jones for his MCing!  A great night enjoyed by all, who now wait anxiously to celebrate the 40th anniversary in 2029!

 

Below is a brief review of the evenings formalities, along with several pictures to view by clicking on "Read More" at the end of this story.  (Many thanks to Aubrey for all the photos).

 

Following a welcome from Gonza and Lachlan, and a very enjoyable cocktail hour on the deck, the attendees were welcomed by President Robyn and called to dinner as we listened to a band, ("Black, White & Brindle"), consisting of four Year 11 students from Sacred Heart College.  The group's repertoire was perfect for the audience and they continued to play, much to the delight of those gathered.

 

 

 

As the only Founding Club members present, Murray H. and Colin B. were then asked to the podium by MC Simon, to share some insights from the last 30 years.  Murray, recalled the "Formality" of Rotary in the early days when men wore a suit and tie, make-ups were expected and some clubs even sang the National Anthem at the beginning of each meeting.  He also recalled  the club holding Christmas Parties for members' children, when Santa arrived by helicopter!

 

With only 27 members the first year, Colin recalled the focus that the club placed on attracting business people from the area, which successfully attracted 8 more members in year two and 13 more in year three.  Colin also reminded us of some of the projects and events that the club has been involved with over the last 30 years, of which we should all be very proud.

 

Gary K. was also invited to share some memories and one that he remembers fondly, was the "Mystery Bus Tour", which included the bus being stopped by the Police who then went on to breathalyse all on board.  It was, of course, a set-up, but a good example of the fun that members have enjoyed over the years.

 

DG Gary Langford:
We were delighted that our DG and his wife Jan were able to join the evening and all members felt a touch of pride when Gary advised us that he has already visited 47 of the 52 Clubs in the District and each club has its own character, but the Rotary Club of St. Johns is outstanding in the way in which they embrace Rotary and get involved in the community. If anyone ever asks Gary about Rotary, he will always encourage them to come and visit our club to get a taste of what Rotary, comradeship and fun is all about.

 

Over the years, 10 members have passed away and MC Simon acknowledged all 10 individually, as we each reflected on their contribution to the club during their membership.

 

 

 

 

 

It is a tribute to the club, that no fewer than 15 Presidents, from the last 30 years, were present to participate in the celebrations, and each of the 15 were asked to be upstanding as they were acknowledged for their leadership, commitment and guidance over the years.  Starting with 1993 - 1994 President Aubrey Richardson-Jones, followed by Gain Zohrab, Beryl Robinson, John Cornaga, Toni Miller, Patrick Bell, Colin Robinson, Andy McCarrison, Miles Cain, Mary Anne Davison, David Hartstone, Ainie Kwok, Peter Buchanan, Allan Smith and to our current President Robyn Ingram.

 

Fitting for the occasion, President Robyn announced two special awards.  The first was a Paul Harris Fellowship to founding member Murray Hutchinson, who was recognised for his contribution over the last 30 years, specifically with Trees for Survival, the Dove Hospice Garage Sales and countless other projects.  Murray has been the go to man to support numerous projects and events.  Congratulations Murray.

 

The second award, a "Special Service Award", was made to Grant Nichols from the Remuera Golf Club, for his 19 years of exemplary service to the RCSJ.  We are proud to call the Remuera Golf  Club our home and Grant has made this possible by providing service and support above and beyond.  Every year we provide Grant with a new team to deal with, but with patience and good humour he works with the Club and the Board to ensure our experiences are positive.

 

This past year the club has had the pleasure of hosting RYE exchange student, Gonzalo Pratto from Argentina and we were delighted that he was able to spend the evening with us.  This was the last club activity for Gonza before he departs New Zealand on January 17th to return home.  Gonza spoke to the club reiterating how appreciative he was for all that the RCSJ and its members had done for him.  He finished his talk, (in perfect English), with the quote of the night - "I leave here as a person with Argentinian blood, but with a Kiwi Heart".  We've loved having you for the past year Gonza and thank you for all you have brought to our Club.

 

We were also very fortunate to have Lachlan Kerr with us.  Lachlan is our club sponsored outbound RYE student who will be off to Chile next year, and as a special treat, Gonza and Lachlan sang two Christmas Carols for us, one in English and the other in Spanish.

 

 

Not to be outdone on the Awards front, our esteemed MC presented his own awards to 11 members who Simon had deemed to be eligible.  Each recipient received a Certificate, a Trophy and a new, very original "Twitter HashTag Handle".  The list of Simon's awardees are:

 

1.      Type A Personality Award, (recipient Gary Key);  #Viagra
 
2.  Pre-loved Clothing / Hospice Shop & Garage Sale Champion Award, (recipient Murray Hutchinson);  #givememyshirtback
 
3.      Nigel Robinson Memorial Shorts & Sandals Award, (recipient David Hartstone); #thatjokewasinappropriate
 
4.      RCSJ First women President, (recipient Beryl Robinson); #metoo
 
5.      Tour de France Champion, (recipient John Cornaga);  #performanceenhancingdrugs 
 
6.      Bay Audiology Hearing Award, (recipient Tony Millar);  #speakupplease
 
7.      Open All Hours – Arkwright Award, (recipient Graham Fabian)  #shitimRich
 
8.      Most Irreverent red wine connoisseur combo, (recipient Kevin Kevany);  #wordsmith
 
9.      Eco Warrior, (recipient Peter Buchanan);  #rangeanxiety
 
10.   Youngest Member Award, (recipient Claire Lucas);  #howthehelldidienduphere
 
11.   Oldest Living Member, (recipient Christie Rutherford);  #ancient

 

Pictured below are the awardees with Graham and Claire absent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has become a feature of special celebrations at the Rotary Club of St. Johns, has been the recital of one of Banjo Patterson's Poems, by Senior Member Christie Rutherford, (now known as "#ancient"), and this occasion was no exception.  To end the evenings formalities and much to the delight of the audience, Christie recited the poem, "Magee's Shanty".  Thanks Christie - an excellent choice.