Rotary parties

By Lia Bichel
NARRE Warren Rotary Club had more than one reason to celebrate last week.
Members not only commemorated the club’s 35th birthday, but also honoured President Roger Hall for his ongoing contribution, generosity and dedication to the Rotary Club and the local community.
Mr Hall, who is also known as “sausage king” because of all his continuous work preparing sausage sizzles, was presented with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin on Wednesday last week.
“He puts in enormous time behind the scenes,” Ian Pickering said.
“This is a way of saying thankyou.”
Mr Hall said he was thankful but shocked when he received the special honour.
“It caught me by surprise,” Mr Hall said.
“I enjoy what I do, so it’s nice to be rewarded for what you do. I am thankful and am a bit overwhelmed.”
Rotarian Tony Turpin was the guest speaker at the meeting, speaking to fellow members about his vocational career. He began as a bank teller and now works in IT Services.
He was joined at the meeting by his wife Jodie and son Loughlin, 17, who recently returned from meeting many successful scientists and exploring laboratories for the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra – a trip which the Rotary Club of Narre Warren helped fund.
Loughlin’s school, Hampton Park Secondary College, donated $500 to support his trip and the Rotary Club of Narre Warren sponsored him by donating $1000.
“They were such a big help,” Loughlin said.
“I want to be a scientist one day, and meeting some of the best scientists really inspired me.”
Loughlin said he was very thankful to the Rotary Club for all the work they did and encouraged all Year 11 students to apply.