New member Talk: Meet Denise

At our meeting held on Tuesday May 21st, we were very impressed by the interesting new member talk given by Denise HORAN. Denise has been attending a number of events and functions over the past few months, and was delighted to join the club and tell us a short account of her life.

Denise was born in a small town in the Hunter Valley and spent her childhood years there. She loved riding horses, camping and excursions around the beautiful open countryside and the lifestyle. Several generations had lived in these parts, and she recounted that her a family member was granted 90 acres on the Broke Road and was one of the first European winemakers and had planted grapes; but unfortunately, he died young and didn’t make the wine. 30 acres of the land was later acquired by Tyrells wines.

 

After finishing school, Denise when to business college giving her a variety of office-based jobs.  She also played several sports including netball & tennis and was a member of the local theatre group – where she met her husband.

 

They then moved to Manly and enjoyed having a family with four children. During that busy time in the eighties, Denise joined the public service and worked for the Attorney Generals Dept, Manly Court, then joined the Police force and worked in the detectives’ departments in Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale and North Sydney. Subsequently returning to the AG department in Downing Centre Supreme Court then back to Manly.

 

Once the children had moved out of the home, they downsized to a house in Balgowlah and went travelling often visiting the children and grandchildren in Queensland, Melbourne, Wollongong, New Zealand the visiting a son based in Boeing based in Seattle and went travelling in Canada. Subsequently he was transferred to Europe, and they visited him in Austria and then Russia.

 

Four years ago, they were planning further travels and Denise’s husband suddenly died. Denise said it has been a long four years and she is glad to have found Balgowlah Rotary and hoped that she can add to the club whenever she can.

 

Denise at a function at Shelley Beach in Feb 2024. Cheers!

All members present warmly congratulated Denise on her speech and fascinating life and hoped that they can give back to Denise in return.

 

It was also suggested that new members also know very little about many of existing serving members and that a short talk by existing members would help here

 

ACTION: Roster of 5-minute member talks to be scheduled by the secretary.

Coming Events:

Book now for our 50th Birthday and Changeover:

This will be a great night where the club and its amazing record will be highlighted. Often the words "Balgowlah really punches above it weight" are said and you will find out why.

President Roger will pass the Presidential chain to incoming President Diana Hart who has extensive experience in so many avenues of Rotary service.

Please book using Tribooking website or just use your phone for the QR code.

And: 

Yes it back again and great fun for all ages. Note younger children are no charge; so families will have a great time and not break the budget.

The finish will have a BBQ with children's activities so make sure to book and join in the fun!

Lindy also needs volunteers at the start and the finish - please let her know if you can help. ( you can still be in the rally).

Planner:

Finally: