Welcome home Stan and Paul, and what a lovely photo of Judy in that Bendigo Health scene.

Yes, I’m back from the ‘flu’ … Still bit wheezy, but, talking.

 

From the floor:

 

Stan stood in as Chair at one minute’s notice.

 

Doug reminded us of Heathcote Wine and Food October 7^th and, Australian Rotary Health the evening of October 12^th, at White Hills.

 

Ray and Patti have Open Day at The Shed under control October 26^th.

 

Cathie has good turn-out for Four F’s tomorrow night at The Belmont.

 

Graeme filled us in on members’ renovating and gardening expertise at the working bees to bring Barb’s home back to life.

 

Paul reminded us of Bendigo Victory Thank You “do” today.

 

October 18^th Rob will be leading the catering team at Ride to Work morning in the Mall, as our usual meeting, and plugged for October 29^th Cycling Classic.

 

Swap Meet roster is filling nicely.

 

And October beckons:

 

Child Safety issue is settling down.

Our club had a very prominent presence at the David Whiting evening.

 

Guest Speaker

 

We had the pleasure of not only Ian Ross Chair of Bendigo Thunder Womens’ Football, but also Leah French the vibrant Bendigo Thunder Firsts Captain.

 

Ian led us through the modern history of Bendigo Thunder, from inception in 2011, as they exploded onto the scene, winning premierships in 2012, and 2013.

 

2016 was a big year for Ian after his daughter Erin committed to The Thunder.

 

In a flimsical or whimsical moment of gay abandon he agreed to be on the committee and walked into appointment as chair.

 

2017 was the year of review, build and surge forth, into teams in two leagues.

 

65 players, many volunteers, player and club sponsors and now into an alliance with Richmond Football Club.

 

Ian the business man has achieved enough sponsorship to at least defray each player’s mandatory costs of affiliations and insurance.

 

Leah, a natural leader, then took us into the family of Bendigo Thunder:

Where girls of the social media era are finding safe comfort, and an arena to chase their unique personal goals, within that family.

 

Bendigo Thunder have established a pathway for girls, from the wide eyed under 12 supporters to the 6 girls selected to AFLW level.

 

They are on fire !!!

 

And, they meet my “Youth and Local” president’s theme for 2017/18.

---

May you enjoy the long weekend.

K9 Schnauzer is off to pooch heaven at Tooleen, and we two to a 60^th at Wagga Wagga.

---

See you next week at The Bridge.

George