2020 Illawarra Chapter Annual Awards
07 December 2020 / Words by: Jeff and Pam Rowe. Photos: Brendan Barr
2020 Illawarra Chapter Annual Awards and Gifts Presentations.
Nothing stops the Annual Illawarra Chapter Member of the Year, New Member of the Year and Motorsport Member of the year Award Presentations, not even COVID - 19.
The awards may usually be presented at a Chapter Christmas Party where we could expect to have a large number of members attend, 70 + in 2019. This year the newly elected Chapter Convenor, James Mate, decided that, due to the limit on numbers that could attend any event, we would use the last Chapter Monthly Dinner Meeting as the time when the Awards would be presented. There was at least the opportunity to have 30 members at the meeting, in our usual venue the Figtree RSL Bowling Club.
The numbers were tallied by the Club Membership Database Secretary, Bryan Shedden, James had the Award Trophies organised, so everyone sat ready waiting for the announcements.
They were as follows:
Illawarra Chapter Member of the Year: Senia Gaunson.
Illawarra Chapter New Member of the Year: Janice Short.
Illawarra Chapter Motorsport Member of the Year: Phil Reid.
With the Chapter Convenor, James, presenting the awards to the surprised and happy recipients there was much hand clapping and congratulations being expressed from all members around the room.
Before this important part of the evening happened, last year’s Convenors, Jeff and Pam Rowe, took the opportunity to thank those members who had helped them during the year 1st November 2019 to 31st October 2020.
While no awards were presented ‘Gifts of Appreciation’ were given in keeping with the Chapters practice of thanking members who helped during the year in many different roles and to encourage new members to take on a helping role.
Gifts were organised for the following members:
Regalia Officer: Phil Reid.
Web Site and Media Co-ordinator: Brendan Barr.
Run Co-ordinator: Jan Gibson.
Run Organisers and Leaders: Mark and Hella Underwood, Wesley and Lena Hill, Bryan Shedden,
Brendan Barr, Tony and Jenny Underwood, Peter and Kim Ranger,
Phil Belcher, Garry and Jan Gibson, Robert and Robyn Simms.
Keeper of the Chapter Tear Drop Flag: Wally Wojewski.
Other members to be thanked for their contribution are:
Stories Tellers: John and Chrissie Zaremba, Adele Weatherall, Senia Gaunson, Bill Short, Tony Heathwood,
Kim Ranger, Jennifer Keenahan, Brendan Barr, Jan Gibson, Robert Simms.
Photos Takers: Senia Gaunson, Bill Short, Brendan Barr, Keith Monaghan, Tony Heathwood, Kim Ranger, Lena Hill,
Jan Gibson, Phil Belcher, Bryan Shedden, John Molden (RPM), Robert Simms, John Zaremba.
Other Helpers: Kim Williams, Greg Tunks,Tanya Badovinac.
Again lots of hand clapping and congratulations with many comments of encouragement for a job well done and hope to see more during 2021.
Just when Jeff and Pam thought their speech’s had ended Brendan Barr very diplomatically thanked them for the work they had given him during their time as Convenors and how they had got to know each other over the time. Not to be outdone Adele Weatherall then got up and spoke and thanked Jeff and Pam, especially for being such sticklers to the rules during COVID - 19. Adele presented Jeff and Pam with a gift on behalf of Chapter Members. From Jeff and Pam - “Thank you” all for your kind words and generosity.
Last year was different for all of us, but going by the list of names of members who happily put their hand up to help us with their time and experience during the year, the Chapter has a bright future with lots of activities to come.
Throughout all this excitement dinner was eaten and beverage consumed which all added to making a great Annual Awards and Gift Presentation Night.
