"In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below."
—John McCrae
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below."
—John McCrae
November 14, 2019: Ysni Semsedini, “Festival Hydro”, Charlene Gordon will introduce, and Gerry Culliton will thank our speaker.
Head Table: Our President Brent Shackleton, invites Charlene Gordon, Colleen Devine, Carolyn Drummond, Ed Dujlovic, Ryan Erb, Patrick Feryn and Ian Fisher , to join him at the head table.
Rotarian Rheo Thompson giving opening prayer for our Remembrance Day service.
Today at Rotary: An excellent turnout of Rotarians was present to celebrate our annual Remembrance Day Program. One could refer to the meeting as a “family affair” as our speaker Charles Ryde was introduced by his daughter Sue Wakelin thanked by his son~in~law Al Wakelin and the presentation involved the war career of Charles’ first cousin—Gordon Dick.
Program Speaker Charles Ryde speaking on relative Gordon Dick who died in WW2. Introduced by Rotarian daughter Sue and thanked by son in law Alan.
Gordon was a pilot with the RCAF during WW11. He flew some 79 missions before meeting his death on April 15,1945 just days before the ending of the European war. Charles incorporated a number of slides depicting the planes that Gordon flew— design wise, a far cry from our modern military aircraft. The pilots were trained to perform “ dive bombing “ even though the planes were not designed for such manoeuvres. However the bombings, even though they were not popular with the pilots, were very successful as they destroyed German supplies considerably. Before flying missions, Gordon and other pilots trained for a period of three years flying Spitfires, Harvards, Mustangs, and others. Gordon managed to destroy one enemy plane, and damaged another before his demise. We are often heard to say—“what a small world “. Well-- Charles has learned recently that his neighbour Len Wilson was a member of the same squadron as his cousin Gordon Dick for a period of five months during the war. A small world indeed!! Gordon’s death, like thousands of others, has preserved our freedom. We need to continue to honour their efforts LEST WE FORGET.
Charles ended his presentation with two points to think about:
- The Nazi Party came to power in a democratic election. Despite Mein Kampf being published that vowed to “purify” the German nation, Hitler was elected. Charles reflected on how fragile democracy can be.
- What would the last 75 years have been like if Britain, Canada, Europe, US, etc. had not answered the call to arms.
Scribe: Wilhelm Zitrone
Guests: We welcomed, Colleen Fizzed and Ken Malvern.
WELCOME TO ROTARY!!!!
New re-joined member Ken Malvern introduced by son Shawn and welcomed by president Brent.
Ken originally joined Rotary in 1985 in St Mary’s. He wanted to join because he wanted to be part of the community in which he worked, he was the vice-principal at St. Marys DCVI. He eventually became the president of the club. He transferred to the Rotary Club of Stratford at the start of his retirement, 1999. He was involved with many committees including the initial Aquabox committee. As well he served a term as a very engaging and humourous Sargeant at Arms. He returns to the club after an absence in order to provide care for his wife, Sharon. And is looking forward to the fellowship and continuing service or which he has a long track record.
Also new member Colleen Frizzell classification “purchasing” introduced by Katherine Hahn.
Colleen has been a lifelong resident of the Stratford area having been raised by a single mom until the age of 10 then moving to the farm when Carol & Elwood Meadows became a thing. She attended Hamlet & Sprucedale Public Schools and then Northwestern Secondary.
During her time on the family farm Colleen was involved in various 4H clubs which lead her to being nominated by the Athlone Womens Institute to run for Fall Fair Queen (now called Ambassadors) in her final year of High School.
Fast forward to adulthood, Colleen has held various rolls in Manufacturing Administration and is currently the Materials Manager at Magest Building Systems in Stratford.
She resides in Perth east with her partner and dogs, enjoys Crossfit, Yoga & Volleyball in her spare time.
Rotarian Bill Lemmon reminding us of the value of the Foundation during Rotary Foundation month of November.
Rotarians at work at Arts and Craft Show
Foundation Draw: The prize today was donated by John Hood Tidman and won by David Scott.
Make-ups: John Hood Tidman, Guy Bellehumeur, Sarah Hamza, Dan Vito, Ollie Henry on October 31, 2019 9Respite House meeting) and Kevin Silver at the FCRC.
Please, if you do a make-up, please send me an email at naroutzidis@naeng.com.
November’s Attendance Committee: Paul Siberry (I/C), Dave Skinner, Gerry Thuss, Sue Wakelin, Clark Mitchell, Jim Young, Lana Burchett, Dave Hunt, Nick Aroutzidis.
