Bexhill Club of Past Rotarians

Less than a month ago he was moving cheerfully among us with no indication of ill health. His sudden death from a heart attack shocked us all.

Colin joined us in 1997 after a spell in the Isle of Wight. He was formerly a Man of Kent - or should it be 'a Kentish Man?'

Whichever, he settled down in East Sussex and became a valuable and efficient officer of the club and a pleasing and comfortable companion.

President Alan Gowans paid tribute to him at the family's reception after the funeral.

The speaker at the February meeting was Ray Dixon, of Bexhill Rotary Club. Ray had led a group study exchange visit to Australia.

His team consisted of three young men and a woman, who had different professional backgrounds, social and cultural interests.

Each was sponsored by a Rotary Club in the South East and they aimed to see how their vocations operate in the other country.

Ray said that their personal development could be seen to happen and they became ambassadors from the UK. They gave a presentation to a combined audience of the 30 clubs in the huge Rotary district.

They learned a lot too. V8 cars (dreaded gas guzzlers over here) are essential for Australian distances - road lengths are measured in the number of bends rather than miles!

The country is in a period of drought that has lasted seven years. They recycle water from showers, washing machines etc, and use it for other purposes.

The Murray Darling river system has had no flow for seven years yet they adapt and remain optimistic. It puts our very occasional hosepipe bans into perspective.

There were many highlights, including the performance of the team itself. It was good for us to hear of this Rotary Exchange scheme and to acknowledge the benefits that accrue to both sides.