Local community clubs celebrate milestones

PAST Rotary Club of Torquay president Greg Plumridge said the club’s 30-year celebration at Bellbrae Estate on Saturday reflected its ability to adapt and stay with the times.

“We had our newest member and people who were involved originally and still active there too. We had 20 of our past president’s present,” Mr Plumridge said.

“It was a good opportunity for new members to see the history of the club, the most important thing has been our ability to stay current and relevant in a changing world.”

Mr Plumridge said Torquay Rotary was presented with their charter on May 6, 1988 after being sponsored by Grovedale Waurn Ponds (sponsored by Belmont), and representatives from both clubs were present at the celebrations.

Meanwhile at the Anglesea Hotel the Anglesea Lions and Lioness Club commemorated 50 years and 39 years of service respectively.

The Anglesea Lions Club was formed in May 1968 on the initiative of Ernie Lloyd and Brian Butterworth, long time Anglesea residents.

Close to a decade later the Lionesses Club of Anglesea was formed, and it continues to this day as a separate club with its own office bearers and finances.

The Lions support a wide range of charities and sporting clubs in the town, as well as national and international Lions Projects.

Betty Butterworth, 90, wife of Brian Butterworth “Lion Brian” one of the founding members of the Anglesea Lions, was the evening’s guest speaker and recounted the club’s history. Mrs Butterworth is still an active member of the Anglesea Lionesses and has completed 50 years of service.