A busy weekend incoming as we prep for the Easter Perth Makers Market.
It feels like the community is desperately in need of a long weekend, with cost and time pressures being felt across all walks of life. This feeling is acutely relevant to Rotary's purpose in the local community, bringing hope and support to those in need. This presents an excellent opportunity to promote our values and impact.
If you are catching up with friends or family over the long weekend, don't forget to mention Rotary and an invite to breakfast next week!
Tom has spoken to us before, about Stained Glass. He came back to talk to us because our Speaker Coordinator Barry saw a copy of the booklet about Tom's art collection, in a dentist’s waiting room, and invited him to come and speak about it.
Tom shows off some of his art collection in his historic home “Fairview” in Subiaco
It was “Stunning" in so many ways - Tom’s focus in his Fairview Art Collection is Western Australian and South Australian women artists, and covers landscapes, seascapes, still life’s and nudes. A serial collector of pretty much anything since the age of 4, his first artwork was the gift of an unsigned original watercolour of St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, from his uncle and Godfather, when he was in his mid-20’s. Tom said he was drawn to extremely talented women artists from WA and SA because they were/are underrated, unrecognised and virtually invisible.
A contemporary local example of this is May O’Neill (nee Courtney), who began painting watercolours while bedridden for 8 weeks, recuperating from a car accident in 1973 Her work has been highly acclaimed throughout Perth yet she is virtually invisible and unknown elsewhere, and still painting in her early 90’s.
May O'Neill with her painting Edgewater 1975
What was also “stunning” was Tom’s presentation, which was very carefully crafted and beautifully expressed. He is a thoroughly professional communicator, and was probably wasted for years, delivering the weather forecast on ABCTV after the nightly news every weekday evening.
While his presentation on Stained Glass was excellent, the Fairview Art Collection is very clearly his passion.
(l-r) Mal Taylor Kenn Williams Tom Murrell Tony Haeusler
Tom signing Ian's book purchases. Tom offered two of his publications, 'The Fairview Art Collection' and 'Media Fundamentals - 8M's Essential Media Kit', at a special Applecross Rotary member price.
Our most recent social gathering dates back to late February, marked by the joint celebration of Paul Harris's Birthday with Melville and local Rotary Clubs. Can we discuss to arrange our next gathering? The upcoming weeks are filled with Easter and Anzac Day, adding to the busyness. We're open to hosting at our place, and Murray has kindly offered his as well.
Regarding the Rotary Western Australia Action Day on April 13th:
We're seeking donations for the Silent Auction. Can our club or any member interested contribute an item or items to support this event at the International Dinner? All proceeds will benefit The Rotary Foundation, a cause that Applecross Rotary has certainly both supported and benefitted from over many years. Whether it's a bottle of wine, a movie ticket, or a restaurant voucher, your contribution will make a meaningful difference.
Additionally, there's an exciting opportunity to win a dozen international wines by booking in for the International Dinner before the end of the month. The club with the highest attendance will also receive another eight bottles. Interested? This event promises to be a day of vibrant activity, showcasing Rotary Western Australia, with Applecross Rotary playing a pivotal role.
Melville Rotary today had a wonderful presentation from Santa Maria College students on research that they had undertaken on recent tree planting at Point Walter in conjunction with Melville Rotary.
A really good engagement piece and well received by politicians as well!
Dr Mark Meekan is an adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia. He was awarded a PhD in marine science in 1993 and is a fish ecologist with more than 30 years of experience working in tropical marine ecosystems. His interests range from the early life history of reef fishes to the ecosystem role and function of elasmobranchs.
