Bathurst East Rotary Club ends on a high with 50th anniversary function

The club announced last week that they would close at the end of the month, citing COVID-19 and struggles to attract new members as key reasons.

But Saturday's event served as a great opportunity to honour clubs positive contributions to Bathurst over the past five decades.

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Club president Tony Pollard said event provided a fitting combination of joy and sadness.

"We had both our district and area governors there, and our area governor, Doug Kinlyside drove all the way from Canberra to attend," Mr Pollard said.

"There was a lot of reminiscing among past and present members, and it was heartwarming to hear how the club has had such a positive effect on so many lives."

Mr Pollard said the evening was also an opportunity to honour the club's longest serving members, including nonagenarian Alan Petersen, who helped found Bathurst East Rotary as a 41-year-old in 1971.

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"We presented Alan with his 'clock', as well as a printed-out email message honouring his 50 years of dedication to the club," he said.

"The funny part is Alan, being the age he is, doesn't have a computer or an email address, so we set up a fake email address to send his congratulatory message to with the statement 'unfortunately, here's the printout, the email bounced'."

Mr Pollard said the appearance of former members, some dating back numerous decades, allowed word of some of the club's historic achievements to re-enter the fore.

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"As the current president, it makes me feel proud that the club achieved so much for the Bathurst community over 50 years," he said.

"It's just a shame we won't have another 50 years to achieve more for the community."

Mr Pollard said the club's existing assets, including a barbecue, food van and a drinks trailer, will be donated to Bathurst Rotary and Bathurst Daybreak Rotary.

"These assets together are worth around $70,000, and we feel they will greatly assist the remaining Rotary clubs with fundraising initiatives," he said.

"We'll also gladly assist both clubs as volunteers when required."

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