At last week’s meeting we had the pleasure of new member Les Stratford sharing his life in a “the Rotarian behind the badge” speech.
He shared many stories of his life growing up in Williamstown, his apprenticeship as an electrician.
He told of his plans for a trip around Australia (he worked at the Melbourne Hospital for 18 months to get some money, then got as far as Box Hill where he stopped for his next job driving heating oil trucks for Shell). He met his wife, married and bought a house in Nunawading (never did make it around Australia).
He shared the moving story of his wife and his role as a carer.
He continued to work as an electrician for the Box Hill Council and in the medical area (which he found particularly rewarding.
Since retiring he has enjoyed building radio control models, firstly boats, and more recently truck.
It was a moving insight into the person that is Les Stratford.
We also heard from Kiel Egging, the President elect of the NewGen satellite club outlined why he joined Rotary. He sketched this hopes and plans for the NewGen club over the next year. He expressed his gratitude for our support to the satellite club, in particular Judith. He put out a plea for any of us who might know potential new members for NewGen.