Rotary turns 50

MEMBERS of the Berwick Rotary Club celebrated the club’s 50th birthday with a big bash on Saturday 7 May.
Members gathered at the Berwick Springs Hotel to celebrate the milestone as well as recognise the 50-year contribution of charter member, past president and current member Bill Minns.
Mr Minns received a Paul Harris Fellow ruby pin for his continued dedication to the club and the community since 1961.
According to Berwick Rotary President Sjaak Kusters, Mr Minns is only the second recipient of the rare ruby pin in the district which extends throughout Gippsland, the South East and the Peninsula.
Mr Minns also received a letter from the Rotary International President, a gold 50 years certificate from Rotary International and four other sapphire pins that he skipped on his way to the ruby. Technically members are presented with five sapphires before the ruby, but Bill’s effort was seen as unique.
About 200 members attended the ’60s themed party which took about six months to organise.
Chairman of the party organising committee Laurens Gordyn tracked down about 20 past members, including other charter members like Mr Minns. The birthday cake was cut, prizes were awarded for the best dancers and best dressed and past presidents were invited to speak for one minute about their time at the helm of the club. Mr Kusters said it was a very significant event in the club’s history and he was proud to have been a part of it.
“For me personally it was a great honour. It is something that only happens once in your lifetime.”