ROTARY CLUB OF WEST PENNANT HILLS AND CHERRYBROOK
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    • Join Us
  • Club Hub
    • Our Club Details
    • Directors
    • Working With Children
    • Bulletin Archives
  • Our Projects
    • Recent Events
    • Community Service
    • International Service >
      • NTA Flores Donor Trip November 2022
      • Fundraising Dinner 9 May 2022
    • Youth
    • Vocational
    • Fund Raising >
      • 2023 Garage Sale
      • 2023 Trivia Night - Post
    • Social Events
  • Club Bulletin
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Club Bulletin

Volume 36 Issue No. 38 - 01 May 23
Photo: Cherrybrook ​metro station by Brendan Metcalfe 
 
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Welcome to our Bulletin

Upcoming Events

Sunday 30th April
Working Bee at RFS &Girl Guide Hall for Mothers' Day Market - 9am

Monday 1st May
Sponsors and Donors Night

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Saturday 6th May
Mothers' Day Market

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Monday 8th May 
Vocational Visit to Bob Whyms Facility

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Monday 15th May
Pride of Workmanship Awards
Speaker: David Firth

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Ros Hogan is the Attendance Officer for face-to-face meetings at Springfield.  If bringing a partner or not able to attend, please notify Ros via email by 12noon on the Thursday prior to a face-to-face meeting. Charges for non-attendance will be incurred unless previously advised.
Note: Meeting Times
Springfield House     6:30 for 7:00pm
 Zoom Meeting    7:15 for 7:30pm​
 

​Duty Roster

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  • If you are rostered and be unable to attend the meeting, please contact the person doing your role in the following week(s) and arrange a swap. It is strongly advised to inform Neville.
  • If you are aware of an absence beyond the time frame of the above then refer to the 26 Week Roster and arrange a swap with another doing your role. Again, please advise Neville of your swaps.
  • If you are aware of future absences, beyond the 26 Week Roster, please inform Neville so, he does not roster you during your absence.
  • Neville is not an information conduit; you must also message Ros Hogan.
Duty Roster Duties
Night Report Template

Vocational Tour of Bob Whyms' Workshop

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Edwina is collecting names, on a first come first served basis, for a Vocational Tour of Bob Whyms' facility.
When:         Monday 8th May
Where:       45 Prince Williams Dr, Seven Hills NSW 2147
Numbers:   Minimum 10, Maximum 20
Dinner:       Afterwards at Seven Hills Club
RSVP:        3rd May
Car Pooling:  Below is the Attendees list for those that want a lift, or can give a lift.

Attendees to date:
Anne Sharpe, Bob Davison, Carol Russell, Colin Baxter, Colin Sharpe, David Turnbull, Edwina Ruff, Janelle Craig, John Caruana, Lucy-Jade Folkard, Michael Moore, Neville Hansen, Keith Ball, Max Henderson, Peter Stanton, Robyn Hain, Tony Coote, Tony Makin, Sue Moore.
Pool A    Peter, Tony C & Bob D.
Pool B    Tony M & Edwina
Pool C    Max, Carol & Robyn
Pool D    John C & Lucy-Jade
Pool E    Colin S & Anne S
Pool F    Sue & Michael
Pool G    Colin B & David
 
President Report
I’m writing this column tonight having just returned home for the third ANZAC service our Cub has been involved in this  ...
Read More
 
Night Report
No Night  Report
Night Report
 
Photos ...
Lots of Photos. Contributors include Lucy- Jade, Alex, Kaye, Neville, Colin S & Self.
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Humour
Have used contributions from Jim, Neville and Tony C. Many Thanks.
​​
Humour Bank balance is​ six. I am always looking for more.
Humour
Calendar
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The Anzac on the Wall

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by Jim Brown

​I wandered thru a country town ‘cos I had time to spare,
And went into an antique shop to see what was in there.
Old Bikes and pumps and kero lamps, but hidden by it all,
A photo of a soldier boy – an Anzac on the Wall.

‘The Anzac have a name? ‘ I asked. The old man answered ‘No, .
The ones who could have told me mate, have passed on long ago.
The old man kept on talking and, according to his tale,
The photo was unwanted junk bought from a clearance sale.

‘I asked around, ‘ the old man said, ‘but no one knows his face,
He’s been on that wall twenty years, deserves a better place.
For someone must have loved him so, it seems a shame somehow.’
I nodded in agreement and then said, ‘I’ll take him now.’

My nameless digger’s photo, well it was a sorry sight
A cracked glass pane and a broken frame – I had to make it right
To prise the photo from its frame I took care just in case,
‘Cause only sticky paper held the cardboard back in place.

I peeled away the faded screed and much to my surprise,
Two letters and a telegram appeared before my eyes
The first reveals my Anzac’s name, and regiment of course
John Mathew Francis Stuart – of Australia’s own Light Horse.

This letter written from the front, my interest now was keen
This note was dated August seventh 1917
‘Dear Mum, I’m at Khalasa Springs not far from the Red Sea
They say it’s in the Bible – looks like Billabong to me.

‘My Kathy wrote I’m in her prayers she’s still my bride to be
I just cant wait to see you both you’re all the world to me
And Mum you’ll soon meet Bluey, last month they shipped him out
I told him to call on you when he’s up and about.’

‘That bluey is a larrikin, and we all thought it funny
He lobbed a Turkish hand grenade into the Co’s dunny.
I told you how he dragged me wounded in from no man’s land
He stopped the bleeding closed the wound with only his bare hand.’

‘Then he copped it at the front from some stray shrapnel blast
It was my turn to drag him in and I thought he wouldn’t last
He woke up in hospital, and nearly lost his mind
Cause out there on the battlefield he’d left one leg behind.’

‘He’s been in a bad way mum, he knows he’ll ride no more
Like me he loves a horse’s back he was a champ before.
So Please Mum can you take him in, he’s been like my brother
Raised in a Queensland orphanage he’ s never known a mother.’

But Struth, I miss Australia mum, and in my mind each day
I am a mountain cattleman on high plains far away
I’m mustering white-faced cattle, with no camel’s hump in sight
And I waltz my Matilda by a campfire every night

I wonder who rides Billy, I heard the pub burnt down
I’ll always love you and please say hooroo to all in town’.
The second letter I could see was in a lady’s hand
An answer to her soldier son there in a foreign land

Her copperplate was perfect, the pages neat and clean
It bore the date November 3rd 1917.
‘T’was hard enough to lose your Dad, without you at the war
I’d hoped you would be home by now – each day I miss you more’

‘Your Kathy calls around a lot since you have been away
To share with me her hopes and dreams about your wedding day
And Bluey has arrived – and what a godsend he has been
We talked and laughed for days about the things you’ve done and seen’

‘He really is a comfort, and works hard around the farm,
I read the same hope in his eyes that you won’t come to harm.
Mc Connell’s kids rode Billy, but suddenly that changed
We had a violent lightning storm, and it was really strange.’
‘Last Wednesday just on midnight, not a single cloud in sight
It raged for several minutes, it gave us all a fright
It really spooked your Billy – and he screamed and bucked and reared
And then he rushed the sliprail fence, which by a foot he cleared’

‘They brought him back next afternoon, but something’s changed I fear
It’s like the day you brought him home, for no one can get near
Remember when you caught him with his black and flowing mane?
Now Horse breakers fear the beast that only you can tame, ‘
‘That’s why we need you home son’ – then the flow of ink went dry-
This letter was unfinished, and I couldn’t work out why.
Until I started reading the letter number three
A yellow telegram delivered news of tragedy
Her son killed in action – oh – what pain that must have been
The Same date as her letter – 3rd November 17
This letter which was never sent, became then one of three
She sealed behind the photo’s face – the face she longed to see.

And John’s home town’s old timers -children when he went to war
Would say no greater cattleman had left the town before.
They knew his widowed mother well – and with respect did tell
How when she lost her only boy she lost her mind as well.
She could not face the awful truth, to strangers she would speak
‘My Johnny’s at the war you know, he’s coming home next week.’
They all remembered Bluey he stayed on to the end
A younger man with wooden leg became her closest friend

And he would go and find her when she wandered old and weak
And always softly say ‘yes dear – John will be home next week.’
Then when she died Bluey moved on, to Queensland some did say
I tried to find out where he went, but dont know to this day
And Kathy never wed – a lonely spinster some found odd
She wouldn’t set foot in a church – she’d turned her back on God
John’s mother left no will I learned on my detective trail
This explains my photo’s journey, that clearance sale
So I continued digging cause I wanted to know more
I found John’s name with thousands in the records of the war
His last ride proved his courage – a ride you will acclaim
The Light Horse Charge at Beersheba of everlasting fame

That last day in October back in 1917
At 4pm our brave boys fell – that sad fact I did glean
That’s when John’s life was sacrificed, the record’s crystal clear
But 4pm in Beersheba is midnight over here…….
So as John’s gallant sprit rose to cross the great divide
Were lightning bolts back home a signal from the other side?
Is that why Billy bolted and went racing as in pain?
Because he’d never feel his master on his back again?

Was it coincidental? same time – same day – same date?
Some proof of numerology, or just a quirk of fate?
I think it’s more than that, you know, as I’ve heard wiser men,
Acknowledge there are many things that go beyond our ken

Where craggy peaks guard secrets neath dark skies torn asunder
Where hoofbeats are companions to the rolling waves of thunder
Where lightning cracks like 303’s and ricochets again
Where howling moaning gusts of wind sound just like dying men
Some Mountain cattlemen have sworn on lonely alpine track
They’ve glimpsed a huge black stallion – Light Horseman on his back.

Yes Sceptics say, it’s swirling clouds just forming apparitions
Oh no, my friend you can’t dismiss all this as superstition
The desert of Beersheba – or windswept Aussie range
John Stuart rides forever there – Now I don’t find that strange.
Now some gaze at this photo, and they often question me
And I tell them a small white lie, and say he’s family.
‘You must be proud of him.’ they say – I tell them, one and all,
That’s why he takes the pride of place – my Anzac on the Wall.
Many Thanks to Jim for this article
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If you are looking for a new group to join/volunteer with, come check out a showcase of the wide variety of community groups in the Hills!
A welcoming environment to showcase the wide variety of community groups that are active in The Hills. If you are looking for a new group to join or volunteer with, join us at Community Connect - and visit the stalls of local groups, chat to their members and learn more about them.
Thanks to a Community Grant supported of The Hills Shire Council, we are able to run this event free-of-charge.

Sunday 30 April
Open to the public 11AM - 3PM
Harvey Lowe Pavillion, Castle Hill Showground
A sausage sizzle and coffee will be available for purchase.
A COVID-safe plan will be in place, with social distancing, hand sanitiser, etc.
​Join us and reconnect with your community!
For Full details see:
​Community Connect 2023 Tickets, Sun 30/04/2023 at 11:00 am | Eventbrite

The Hills Domestic Violence Fundraiser
May4 6:00pm to 8:30pm @ Rydges Hotel Norwest

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This is a really important night for Kenthurst Rotary as Dennis has been working over the past few years with various agencies to provide transitional housing for older homeless women (i.e., a safe place to sleep while they are waiting for social housing accommodation).
We have been offered a property in the Hills as a pilot program in partnership with Wesley Mission Housing and Uniting – of course, we need funding and this is what the meeting at Rydges is all about. 
Terese Wilson and Michelle Byrne have been the front runners in getting funding for the project, so I urge everyone to support the evening. If you are unable to attend on the night perhaps you could think about donating the money instead. 
 
Please support the project by clicking on the link below. 
 The Hills Domestic Violence Fundraiser - Hills Community Aid

Flyer for Mother's Day Market

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eFun Run starting 30th April

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​Hello from the Rotary Club of North Ryde,
Just a reminder of our eFun Run starting on the 30th April. We would love you to support us by joining in or sponsoring one of our members. Youth Mental Health is an ongoing issue but COVID has certainly made things worse. It's a challenge in so many ways and, in a situation very dear to my heart, it manifests itself particularly in schools. 

 
Best regards
​Bob Selinger
Secretary
The Rotary Club of North Ryde

Wine & Cheese Night

Friday May 12

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dis/CONNECTing with your TEEN

May 10

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The Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network is proud to present a thought provoking forum for parents of high school aged young people.
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You will need to book, however there is no cost. The link is:
dis/CONNECTing with your TEEN Tickets, Wed 10/05/2023 at 6:00 pm | Eventbrite
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​Go to the Melbourne Convention Website
Japanese Gardens, Cowra courtesy Dave MAY 2021
 
 

Are You a Centurion?

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Please consider renewing your Centurion membership, or if not already a member, why not make this the year to become a Centurion!!!

How to Be a Centurion

To read a digital version of our favourite magazine, click below

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Please contact Alex Jugueta if you know of any prospective guest speakers of interest to the club.
This BBQ Trailer needs to be employed!
See Flyer
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What it takes to be a Rotarian

There are members of the community who may have some misunderstandings about what it takes to be a Rotarian.
We are always looking for new members and, in fact, it is new people joining that keeps us alive as a Service club.  From time to time I hear people say things that make me think they don't consider joining or even visiting Rotary for all the wrong reasons.
​This article is about the things you don't need to join Rotary, and the things you do, just in case you are not sure.  The other thing you should know is that we are a very friendly bunch of men and women and we have a lot of fun, as well as achieving some pretty good things in the community.
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Don't need:
  • ​to be invited
  • to be of a certain age
  • to be male
  • to be a business person
  • to be retired
  • to attend meetings every week
  • to be available on weekends.

Must have:
  • ​a sense of humour
  • a willingness to give back to your community
  • a willingness to pitch in when required
  • some time available to help out on the occasional weekend event
  • an interest in the life of the West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook communities
  • a desire to contribute in some way to the running of the Club.

​If you would like to come along as a guest to see what it is all about just call either: -
Carol Russell (0418 431 157) or President Janelle (0412 064 336)
Club Details:
Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook meets every other Monday for Dinner at Springfield House
Arrive 6:30pm  Start  7:00pm  End  9:00pm
245 New Line Rd
Dural NSW 2128 Australia

Welcome to call Carol or Janelle to get log on details and join us on Zoom instead

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Meetings

The Club alternates meetings:
Generally, one "Face to Face" one Monday and a Zoom meeting the next Monday.
Face to Face
Meet at The Vicar
Arrive 6:30pm, Start 7:00pm, End 9:00pm
271 New Line Rd
Dural NSW 2128 Australia
​Zoom
Arrive 7:15pm Start 7:30pm End 8:30pm
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Cherrybrook Pharmacy Visit Website
The Dental Touch Visit Website
Hills Storage Galston Visit Website
Mitchell Hann Visit Website
Martelli's Fruit Market Visit Website
Carmen Drive Pharmacy Visit Website
Westleigh Pharmacy Visit Website
Event Services International Visit Website
Michele's Landfill Rescue
Hills Motor Repairs Visit Website
Best's Pharmacy Visit Website
Alfresco Shade Visit Website
Community Bank Galston & District