Thanks - again - from our Strathewen friends Last Monday, 26 March, dawned grey, miserable and windy; the first time in nine years Torquay has put on less than perfect weather for our annual day at the beach for Strathewen Primary School. After consultation with Torquay Surf Academy (TSA), the event was moved to Cosy Corner due to the strong winds and big waves at our usual venue, Torquay Surf Beach. Huge thanks to the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, especially Phil Brown, and to our own Mal Slater for helping to facilitate this. More than 50 people from the school community, which experienced significant trauma and loss from the 2009 Black Saturday wildfires, made the trip down; 29 young students and almost as many adults, including parents and grandparents. Judging by the lovely message below from Principal Jane Hayward, everyone had a ball. Thank you for a wonderful day in the surf, as always. There were a few sleepy heads on the bus on the way home, but everyone enjoyed a fabulous day. The kids didn't even mention the weather! They loved being in the 'warm sea'. Thanks to all the fabulous Rotarians for looking after us - you did a terrific job. Thanks again for being such special people and a big part of life at SPS. We're very lucky that you found us all those years ago! Huge thanks to Mal, John Mc, Lois and Graham, and Chris Sim for ensuring everyone was well fed throughout the day, to Gally, Brad and the crew from TSA, to Amanda for being there to lend support (especially during the keys locked in car incident) and to Karen for helping out in the surf despite a shoulder injury - she wouldn't have missed it for the world. Gail Chrisfield ______________________ |