The Incoming President of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Bryan Griffiths, was kindly collected from Bendigo Health for his own changeover - and then returned afterwards - by two members of Bendigo South Rotary.

 

Rotary kindness in action!

Mark has compiled a history of the Rising Sun Hotel to celebrate the 70th anniversary of his family's involvement in the hotel. Those seventy years have seen many changes in the hotel industry which in many ways reflect changes in society. 1953 saw the visit of the Queen and the naming of the QEO in her honour. This occasion was celebrated in style at the Rising Sun. The Sheehan family has seen the transition from the need to provide accommodation, the end of six o'clock closing and the equal access now enjoyed by women. It was noted that in the early days women could only be in a public bar if they were serving.

 

The original Rising Sun was built by Joseph Bacon in 1865. Bacon was skilled in the growing of grapes and in the early days the Rising Sun had a grand garden including vines and fruit trees. John Reed was another notable owner for a period of forty years. Reed was represented by Sir John Quick in support of his application to the Licences Reduction Board. Kathleen Raymond, one of the ten women licensees, took over ownership of the Hotel in 1934. The leadlight windows depicting RAYMOND"S HOTEL and PARLOR remained until a major refurbishment was undertaken in 1996.

 

Vin Sheehan after strong mentoring from George and Molly Taylor at the Durham Ox Hotel took over the Rising Sun in 1953. Mark outlined some significant milestones in the evolution of the Hotel. Over the seventy years adjoining blocks have been purchased to make way for the Bottleshop, Dining Room and additional parking. Meals and gaming facilities are now features of the services offered. A Saturday Night Disco which started with two audio tapes was a feature in the seventies. Some members remembered it fondly as a meeting place in some cases with their lifelong partner.

 

Successfully running a small business for seventy years is an amazing achievement and a great tribute to the family. The family, especially Pat and Paul have faithfully carried on the legacy of Vin and Irene. The family has provided regular employment and generously contributed to many community causes and projects over a long period of time. As a Rotary Club we see that first hand with the involvement of Pat, our highly regarded fellow member. We congratulate Mark on his work with the book and we extend our thanks for his generous sharing of a copy for each member. The Rising Sun is a very important part of the fabric of our Club and indeed the whole Bendigo Community.

 

- Jim Rolfe