By the end of August 1975 about 90 prospective members had been identified, either from Jack Cathie's survey and direct approach or by recommendation from other Hawthorn members. A team of club members carried out interviews with the prospects, leading to 22 people indicating their interest. An introductory meeting came next, held in the home of Bib Stillwell, Hawthorn past president, at which 19 prospective members and eight Hawthorn members were present. A preliminary meeting of the proposed Rotary Club of Glenferrie was held at "Tay Creggan", in Yarra Street Hawthorn, on 7 October for those who accepted membership. A week later an organizational meeting was held at Angelucci's Restaurant in Walpole Street, Kew, at which board members and office bearers were chosen. Jack Balloch, a member of the Rotary Club of Kew since 1968, was asked by Jack Cathie to become the inaugural president. Others selected were Rick Alson, vice-president; Roy Jackson, secretary; Don Moore, treasurer; and John Cochrane, Llewellyn Jones, Ron Langford, Garry McIntyre, Barry Preston and Barrie Young, directors. Sponsorship documentation was completed the next day and given to District Governor Frank Newman (1975-76) for forwarding to Rotary International and The Rotary Club of Glenferrie was granted a charter on 22 October. Formal presentation of the charter and induction of 30 members was carried out at a dinner in the Hawthorn Town Hall on Monday 24 November 1975 before a gathering of 280 friends, partners and fellow Rotarians representing 34 clubs, most of them in the then District 280 (later 980 and now 9800) but also from Districts 279 and 282. District Governor Frank Newman first inducted the charter president, Jack Balloch, who in turn inducted the other 29 charter members. In his speech that evening, titled: What makes Rotary so special? Frank Newman identified two key factors for the future life of the club. 'The very first thing', he said, 'is the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service'. The second factor he noted was the opportunity to show leadership in the community, particularly in the area of youth. Rotarians were well placed to accept this responsibility. Glenferrie was fortunate to receive commemorative gifts from several other Rotary clubs in honour of its new beginning. Club vice-president, Rick Alson, announced receipt of a gong and striker from the parent club, the Rotary Club of Hawthorn, a lectern from the Rotary Club of Collingwood, the president's collar from the Rotary Club of Kew, the guest speaker's badge from the Rotary Club of Toorak and cheques from the Rotary clubs of Bentleigh, Brighton, Camberwell, Caulfield, Chadstone, Collingwood, Forest Hill, Ringwood and St.Kilda. |