April 2nd 2024
Today was the big day, His Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia, The Honourable, General David Hurley, and his wife, Her Excellency Linda Hurley, came to morning-tea.
First they were greeted by Brian and John representing all members, and then by Lindsay and Val Dempsey, Val presenting Linda with a bunch pf flowers from her garden.
We then proceeded into the meeting room, where they were introduced to the members. His Excellency gave a short address of appreciation for the work we, and all, men’s shed do.
He then gave out some 10 Year Service Certificates to the ten original members of the WCMS from 2014 that are still current members. Those men are: Bramley Barton, Brian Blackburn, Allan Booth, Tony Burns, John Burrowes, Alan Castle, Ray Gulson, Bruce McKenzie, Peter Rowell, Duncan Souter.
Sadly, not all of them could be with us today, but we thank them all for their contribution to our Shed over those ten years.
Linda was then introduced and asked if she would join us in her favourite sing-song, You are my sunshine. After a short address regarding what that song means to her, we did her proud with our rendition. Thanks to Robin for having the forethought to provide us with the song-sheets! Linda then entertained us with a rendition of a song that she has written especially for us, The Weston Creek Men’s Shed. At its conclusion she presented the words, emblazoned on Government House paper, to the President. For this she received a resounding applause!
Linda then entertained us with a rendition of a song that she has written especially for us, The Weston Creek Men’s Shed. At its conclusion she presented the words, emblazoned on Government House paper, to the president. For this she received a resounding applause!
Brian then presented each of them with a special edition mug that we had made for the occasion. The mugs have our WCMS logo on one side and a suitable inscription for each on the other side. The presentation boxes were made by David and Lindsay. So thanks to them. Both of their Excellencies looked quite pleased with our efforts when they took a second closer look and discovered the wording and its heartfelt message.
We then conducted them on an extensive tour of the workshop where they enjoyed interacting with Bill, Dennis, John and David who chatted about their projects and gave short demonstrations of their skills.
Finally we returned to the meeting room where Mrs President, Judy, had prepared quite the morning-tea, worthy of The Hyatt, I’m sure.
For the remainder of the time, their Excellencies seemed to enjoy the informal chats they were having with many of the members present, sometimes in group, sometimes one-on-one. In fact they seemed a little reluctant to leave!
But finally they were escorted off the premises to their waiting car and whisked away to their next engagement.
I would like to say thank you to both of their Excellencies for visiting our shed and for being such gracious and friendly guests. They are welcome back anytime!
Report : Brian Black, Images : David Cornforth