Gordon and Roy tell me that Timaru Norths first 'Home' was at the Ashbury Lounge in Evans Street (Formally Cassidy’s Tearooms). At the time 1969 called Piccadilly Tea rooms and owned by Margaret Fenton. They also catered for our Charter Presentation night at St. Pat’s Hall on 04 October 1969. Roy was of course the First President.
Gordon joined in Jan 1972 and has included some photos he took at the changeover in June/July 1972 .
At the beginning we had 27 Members and it provided a suitable meeting place. Also Merv Williamson (Charter Member, President 1972/73} had his Veterinary Surgery opposite where he invited some of us to meet for a little fellowship before the meetings
. WE could also use his premises to park cars.
During the first couple of years the Club growth was considerable with the result we out grew the venue. At that time Trailways was being built, Merv Williamson & George Clough
(Pres. 1971/72) knew the owner of Trailways hence, led the charge to shift our venue. This happened sometime in 1972.
I (the editor) looked through Gordons photos and was surprised how few members were still members in 1986 when I joined.
However here are two couples we knew and three of whom are still with us. Happy memories for you Roy.
Just take a look at the suits and Ties. Rotary was quite a different beast in those days. If you missed three meetings in a row you would be asked some serious questions. Remember the big old round Badges!
