Twas the Rotary Christmas Party and over 100 Rotarians, partners and guests were

entertained by “Master” of ceremonies Paul McDonald. Paul put together a pantomime

involving wise men (and women) and their love of Royce Abbey. With the help of his willing

wardrobe assistants, Grant and Margie Sheldon and his voice over man, Jack Honson,

(who extolled the wonderful new lotions, complete with applicators from Peter Halaseh),

Paul took us through the lives of Essendon Rotarians and their love of Royce Abbey. There

was not a dry eye in sight as the members and even our assistant governor Mark Schirmer,

laughed so hard they cried. We had some good old fashioned “Aussie” carolling from

“Richard Clayderman” & “Henry Como” who came back for an encore of “In a rusty

Holden ute”. Judy Steele and Carmel Lamers were inducted as honorary members by

President Steve and both ladies were delighted. Our good friends John Steele and Jimmy

Lamers served our Club for a combined total of 112 years, a wonderful achievement which

would not have been possible without the support of their equally dedicated partners.

Volume 77 Issue 23 Tuesday 13 December 2011

A wonderful time was had by all with plenty of

time for members and partners to catch on gossip

and even some dancing with ladies shimmering

up a storm. Congratulations to Roger Leask and

the Fellowship committee for putting on a well-

balanced night.

The Rotary Club of Essendon

P.O Box 161

Essendon, VIC 3040

Club President: Steve Roe

Club Secretary: Rob Thomas

www.rcessendon.com.au

Weekly

Raffle Finished

for the year. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!

CONTACT To facilitate its widest distribution, please forward any email

address to which you would like Contact sent – partners, other

family members? Spread the good word!

The Four Way Test:

Of the things we think,

say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all

concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL

and BETTER

FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to

all concerned?

Help yourself and help the Club by banking with Strathmore Community

Bank. Take out a home loan and the club will received up to $500,

take out a 3 month fixed term deposit and the club will receive up to

$50 etc. For more details drop into the branch at 337 Napier St or call

branch Manager Philip Stewart on 9374-2607.

St Chloe eclipses the “Great” Rotari - Report from Grant Sheldon

St Chloe, the filly that was auctioned at recent RCE fund raiser, had her

first start on Monday 12/12/11. She travelled over to Terang to race in a

1000m maiden race. The Terang track is a nice one for young horses as

they only need to navigate one slight dog leg bend over the 1000m course,

which is just as well because she raced very greenly with the jockey doing

everything he could to keep her running in a straight line. She tailed

out to last then got pushed 6 wide as she tried to go round them as they

went around the bend. She then continued to run greenly and basically had

no idea what she was doing. Finally with about 70m to go she worked out

what she was there for and made up about 5 lengths on the leader and

missed winning by a half neck. She came second and if they went another

5m she wins. We were very pleased. She pulled up a bit shin sore the

next morning so we need to monitor that over next week. If she gets

better then she will go to Ballarat on Dec 28. If she gets worse or it

does not clear up she will go to paddock for a spell. Either way, the

dream is still alive!

Upcoming meetings:

Christmas Raffle The Christmas raffle is drawn next week so please return your sold

tickets and money to Alistair Fraser or Michael Cariss before next

Tuesday’s breakfast meeting.

Next week: our last meeting of the

year, Tuesday 20/12/2011

Breakfast at Fredricks with guests

from RC of Moonee Valley (Board

meets at 7am, breakfast at 7.30

followed by Christmas raffle draw).

First meeting of the New Year:

Tuesday 17/1/2012 at 5.30pm

BBQ at Donations in Kind, rear of shed 40, 400

Somerville Rd, West Footscray. A great

opportunity to see the vast array of goods

available for local and international projects.

RSVP to President Steve by 13/1/12. Partners most welcome!

For the diary …

DATE EVENT VENUE

Tuesday 20/12/2011 Breakfast

Breakfast meeting with guests from RC of Moonee Valley

Fredricks (Board meets at 7am, breakfast at 7.30)

Tues 27/12/11, Tues 3/1/12, Tues 10/1/12

No meetings Christmas/New Year break

Tues 17/1/12 5.30pm Meeting and BBQ at DIK, 5.30pm DIK, Rear of shed 40, 400 Somerville Rd, West Footscray

Thursday 26/1/12 Australia Day BBQ Home of Rob & Jan Thomas

10/2/12-12/2/12 Beach weekend Surf coast

Friday 17/2/12 Relay for life Aberfeldie Athletics Track

3/3/12 – 12/3/12 Myanmar Delegation Myanmar

9/3/12 – 12/3/12 80th D9800 Conference www.2012melbourne.com.au

Melbourne Convention Centre

10/4/12-17/4/12 Philippines Delegation Philippines

Friday 20/4/12 Rotary Presents MVRC - luncheon

Tues 22/5/12 Charter Night (no lunch time mtg) Ascot House

Tues 3/7/12, 1pm President Changeover Fredricks