Lynn’s Lines
Last week our very own Gordon Bentley spoke to us about being a Vet, and I feel like we all got to know Gordon in a new way. It’s really great to get to know our members better; I also learned so much more about being a vet.
This week we have our business breakfast on Thursday with guest speaker Carrie Taylor the General Manager of Narooma Rocks talking about the 2023 and 2024 Narooma Oyster Festivals. We also have the Market this Sunday. Please let John know if you can help out if you did not get to put your name down on the roster last Thursday night.
The great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge against Moruya Rotary is on Tuesday 26th. We need all the help we can get to reclaim the trophy, so please invite your friends, particularly those who champion trivia! Please let John Rungen know if you plan to attend and how many you are bringing so he can let Moruya know.
THIS WEEK
This Thursday 21st is our Business Networking Breakfast, the first since our winter break. Guest speaker is Narooma Rocks General Manager Carrie Taylor. She will present the outcomes of the 2023 Narooma Oyster Festival and discuss plans for the 2024 Festival and its ongoing challenges.
The Business Breakfast is at Narooma Surf Club 7am sharp. Bookings are essential by please emailing Laurelle on pacey@paceymedia.com.au by Monday 18th September. Should you want breakfast, it’s $10. PLEASE contact Laurelle if you book but then can’t make it.
This Sunday 24th is our Rotary Market – Hopefully all available hands on deck
The Week that Was
Gordon’s talk last week impressed many members. He grew up on the northern beaches, but a Year 9 Careers Night, cattle farm experience as a third year vet student, and finally meeting Dianne in Dubbo resulted in a career as a vet in Dubbo spanning about 40 years.
Gordon started in Dubbo as a new graduate then became the owner of Dubbo Vet Hospital. Initially it was 60% cattle work with four vets and operating out of half a garage, but changed to 60% small animals, horses, sheep, pigs and 10% cattle. That change was largely caused by a huge drop in cattle prices due to the collapse of the US market. The practice went from eight vets to only three.
He said the reality of high overheads and self-funded equipment make a mockery of the public perception of vets being well off. His career as a vet was one of long hours, stress from patients and clients, few holidays, and the western heat, all of which took their toll on him and family life until he retired. Their purchase of initially a holiday house in Narooma was obviously a great move.
Gordon mentored many students and started a vet student weekend for Charles Sturt and Sydney University students to highlight Dubbo vet practices. That continues with great success.
Gordon had many funny stories from his time as a vet, like using their beagle as a blood donor that saved another dog, run-ins with problem horses including one which took revenge by backing up to his car and depositing manure on his car seat.
Even with all that, Gordon really enjoyed his career as a Dubbo vet,
Out and About
Vale two great Rotary ladies
Pam Rayner, widow of the Club’s great wordsmith and Beacon editor in the 1990s PP Paul Rayner, died at Dalmeny Estia in early September, a few days after turning 98. Pam was the Charter President of Narooma Inner Wheel Club in 1994 and was an enthusiastic host of Christmas in July lunches on the Club’s behalf after Paul died. Sadly Pam suffered from dementia in her final years.
Anne Barker, widow of the late PP George Barker who was a foundation member of our Club, died at Dalmeny Estia on 2 August, aged 87.
NEXT WEEK
Tuesday 26 September 6.30 for 7pm at Moruya Golf Club: Moruya Rotary hosts this year’s Cinders Challenge on all things trivial with Moruya Quizmaster Phil Smith. Please invite partners and friends. Moruya President Derek hopes our Club “brings carloads”, as does our President Lynn. Let’s not disappoint. Dinner is $20 pp.
Thursday 28th September 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club: Special General Meeting of all members to approve the Club’s new Constitution and By-Laws, followed by casual dining in the Bistro for those who choose to stay on.