| Reports 2008 First Half Year |
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Report of AGM held on February 4, 2008. The very hot weather is the most likely cause of only 20 persons turning up for this, the first meeting of the year. It is also the most likely cause of our Patron not turning up despite him assuring me he would be there as he has done at every AGM for many years. The president in his yearly report thanked all the Committee members and the membership for their continued support. The Treasurer outlined the state of our finances before handing over to the new Treasurer as he was retiring from this position. The Secretary thanked the President for his continued support as he sources most of the speakers. The Secretary also summed up the state of our membership which is getting older to such an extend that almost halve of our present membership of 254 is over the age of 80 with 21 being over 90. The full Secretaries report can be read on the Secretaries Report Page and can be printed from this link Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, February 18, 2008. On an extremely hot day with a temperature of 38°, we still had 26 faithfuls turn up for our meeting. You cannot stop the oldies! Our speaker for the day, Rachael Yorston, from the Meals on Wheels Society gave an excellent description of the concept. Started here in South Australia in August 1954 as an independent not-for-profit group, it now operates in each Australian State and all around the world. Today, 10,000 volunteers in 100 branches across Australia deliver 5,000 3-course meals every weekday. For more information about volunteering or for eligibility ring 8271 8700 or visit their website at www.mealsonwheelssa.org.au Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, March 3, 2008 . It seems to get better all the time because, even as the weather stayed hot, we had the best turn-up since November 2002 with 40 persons turning up. On the other hand, perhaps it was the speaker’s popularity. Our member Ray Jaensch talked about his days in the Railways and in his usual easy-going style he talked about his subject “Railways, 1000 stories to tell” without ever stopping. In addition, as he has more stories to tell he agreed to come on a return visit next November. We are already looking forward to that. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, March 17, 2008 . With the weather still a scorching 38 degrees we had still 29 persons turn up for this meeting. And the speaker for the day, Dave Petterson from the SA Police, who was on a return visit, again kept us busy with his talk on the new laws regarding the driving capabilities of the aged. A subject dear to our hearts as it involves virtually all of us. We learned a lot about the changes that have occurred in the various laws regarding driving. Thank you Dave for a job very well done. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, March 31, 2008. Our speaker for the day, Ken Preiss, had an audience of 24 persons. He presented a most interesting talk including a PowerPoint display about “Steam Power”, its evolution and application to the traction engine. He also had a 1/8-scale model of an “Allchin” Traction Engine that he had build himself. It is build to such exacting measurements that it took him 4500 hours to make. In addition, it really steams as well. Back Report of Day-Tour held on Friday April 4, 2008. With 26 travellers on board, we left the Festival Theatre at 9.05am with two more to pick-up along the way making 28 persons in total. We stopped at Tarlee for our morning cuppa and then went to Leasinghams winery to taste some of their goodies. Then travelled to the Clare Hotel, or the middle Pub as it is locally known, and had a delicious 2-course meal. The choice of Roast beef or battered fish was ample for our needs. Homemade Fruit salad and cream was the dessert. After a wander around the township, we drove to the Morella Cottage nursery for a browse through their gardens. Then back to Adelaide’s Festival Theatre arriving there at 4.30pm. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, April 14, 2008. Our speaker for the day, John Evans, had an audience of 29 persons. He presented an extremely interesting talk, including a PowerPoint presentation, about the Peterborough 125 year Celebrations. It included photographs not seen before by many of our members. This speaker is as always very popular because of his extensive knowledge about the workings of our railways. He will be coming back again on September 22 with a different topic. Looking forward to it already. The death was recorded of Eric Noble, formerly engineman at Islington on April 2 at the age of 83. Rest in peace Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, April 28, 2008. Our speaker for the day, Glen Dix, had an audience of only 19 persons. Perhaps the cold and wet weather had something to do with that. He presented an extremely interesting talk, about his involvement in the Motor racing industry. He is the one who starts the race and who has developed this very popular style of waving the starters flag. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, May 12, 2008 . Our speaker for the day, Jeff Lang, talked about Kidney Health and Organ Donation. He had 34 persons present to listen to his interesting story. He himself is the recipient of a kidney lovingly donated to him 14 years ago by his sister who proved to be a compatible donor. He urges everyone to register for organ donation as more and more people are waiting for organs than there are organs available. For more information and possible donation go to www.organdonation.sa.gov.au or call 08 8207 7117. The death was recorded of Aubrey Bieg, formerly a Clerk, on Saturday May 10 at the age of 82. May he rest in peace. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, May 26, 2008 . Our member David Lee was the speaker for the day. He talked about his many experiences while serving as a JP on the bench of the judicial system. It has certainly been a service to be remembered. But regretfully as is with many occupations there comes a time when one must retire and in his case that is when you turn 70. The death was also discovered of Bill Walker, formerly a Clerk at the Islington Workshops on February 24 aged 79. Back Report of Day-Tour held on Friday, May 30, 2008 . After a troublesome start, having to go the Eureka depot to swap coaches because of some engine problems, we proceeded to Lyndoch for morning tea/coffee with 24 persons on board. The newly renovated park in Lyndoch opposite the Lyndoch bakery is certainly a delightful spot. We then went to the Nuriootpa keg factory to watch the making of wine kegs. Arriving at the Vine Inn in Nuriootpa by noon, we enjoyed a satisfying meal. Departing there at 2.00 pm, we visited the Dorien winery for some samples of their produce. Travelled home via Greenock and arrived back in Adelaide by 4.00 pm. Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, June 16, 2008. With an audience of 26 persons present, Angie, from the Adelaide Metropolitan Transport Division, gave us a well-presented overview of the various services of the STA. She also had a very happy smile while she was talking and that is always a very welcome sign of a speaker’s attitude to their job. A job well done Angie! Back Report of Meeting held on Monday, June 30, 2008 Despite the very inclement weather we still had 22 persons turn up to hear Rita Excell, Manager Traffic and Safety, from the R.A.A. talk about the many functions of the Association and the role they play in Road Safety. She lived up to her name by excelling in the knowledge of her topic and the very pleasant way of putting it across to her audience. An excellent job very well done and much appreciated. To find out more about their activities go to www.raa.net Back |
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