The major project of the Rotary Club of Essendon during this period was the football hall of fame at the Royal Melbourne Show. Begun in 1973, Maurice Hawken’s year, it was an initiative of former Essendon Footballer and member Alec Epis. Graeme Allison & Alec Epis were in charge of collecting football memorabilia from footballers, football clubs and associations.
A stall was hired at the show and the memorabilia was displayed. The public was charged 20 cents entrance fee and so popular was it that the club took over $5000 and netted nearly $2000 after expenses.
The stall was staffed by wives and retired Rotarians during the day and then those that worked would come in of an evening. Rotaractors were hired to sleep in the hall overnight to protect the valuable memorabilia. As well as running this very successful stall the club still found time to invite Rotarians working at the show to one our luncheon meetings.
During this time the club also assisted in the building of a scout hall for the 14th Essendon Scout group. The hall was officially opened by president bill Early on the 30th June 1972. The club also continued to support the Essendon District Hospital with an insulcot purchased in Maurice Hawken’s Year and $2000 set aside in Don Rhodes year towards a ward at the hospital. During Stewart Strack’s year a van was purchased to be used for Meals on Wheels deliveries.
As Rotary celebrated its 70th birthday the Rotary Club of Essendon celebrated its 40th Anniversary of charter. During the year a theme of “inform and perform” was adopted. Regular “fireside meetings” were held throughout the year to instruct newer members on the workings of Rotary. Display boards about Rotary were placed in prominent meeting places such as the Essendon library and the Moonee Ponds post office to better inform the public. As well a 12 page supplement was published in the Essendon Gazette highlighting the many projects of the club such as the pioneer’s retreats, the Rowallan Scout Camp, the Royal District Nursing Service Centre, (by now making over 60,000 visits a year), help for the handicapped and strong involvement in the Essendon District Memorial Hospital by both the club and individual members.
In 1975 a 40th Anniversary club photo was taken in the grounds of Ascot House and there are a number of current members who can be identified in it, that is 30 years of service for them.
Some unusual things occurred during this period. In Maurice Hawken’s year, on the 20th of November, the Presidents of Essendon & Broadmeadows swapped clubs for a day. Also when Frank South, (the dancing instructor) did his job talk he bought along some dancing girls. The club held a clay pigeon shoot at the Metropolitan Gun Club under the attention of Norm & Maurie Mollica. The day raised $1300 after provisions of prizes including a colour TV set. The history suggests that it was a trade in on a set of retreads.
Presidents 1970 – 1975
1970 – 71 President Stewart Strack
1971 – 72 President Bill Early
1972 – 73 President Jim Lamers
1973 – 74 President Maurice Hawken
1974 – 75 President Don Rhode