Increased member participation in diverse ways has been a feature of the last quarter. 2 new walking leaders Ursula Lischer and Mel Turner have graced the programme. The number of Accredited (for quality & insurance purposes) Ride Leaders has grown to 11. Peter Aubourg came forward to create a map library of our rides, a process which can be adopted for walking and paddling. Committee vacancies were filled by Heather Yeatman stepping into the shoes of interim secretary Jim Cowling (see following profile) while Michael Feltham took over Caroline Hudson’s very professional activity record keeping. Charlie Yeatman has organised a February first-aid seminar to which 18 paddlers have signed up for. This will lead to similar combined event for walkers and riders, also in 2025. Sam Garrett-Jones starred at the NSW Upper House Committee of Inquiry into e-mobility, representing our club at Parliament House. A brief outline of the Inquiry follows. Finally, a cast bigger than Ben-Hur has nearly overwhelmed organiser Phil Prentice to entertain us at the Xmas Party. Mercifully for attendees even the President’s oration is minimised to fit in more fun.
Sadly we have lost one of our most experienced walkers, Life Member Pam Robinson, at the age of 91. I’ve been searching for a suitable way for Pam’s walking to be remembered. The shelter at The Illawarra Grevillea Park is a tribute to her association with the Park and her love of plants. Finding an appropriate site for, and co-funding with NPA and the Bulli Walkie Talkies, (the 3 groups who lately counted her as a member), a park bench for walkers is proving more complicated than expected. If any of you can offer advice on how to approach this, please contact me.
The upcoming programme is a bit water based. A ride with swims, a walk with swims and a trip staying at a Park sandwiched between Lake and Sea. No doubt more normal activities will soon appear.
Our AGM is on at 5pm on Friday the 13th December, just prior to the Xmas Party at Warilla Bowling Club. Please come and see how our club works for you, especially if you have already registered for the Party. Pre-advise Anne Murdoch of your attendance.
An email from Wollongong Council, requesting feedback, has just appeared on my screen about the Lake Illawarra Entrance. You can contribute to the online surveys at either Wollongong or Shellharbour Council’s Website or attend drop-in information sessions at Warilla Surf Club Friday 29th 1-3pm, or Windang Seniors Citizens Centre Saturday 30th 10:30-12:30. At this stage I’m not able to tell how much the paddlers could be affected.
Summer is nigh. Enjoy the season. Stay cool. Stay safe.
John