Not only was the DROC Christmas party a great opportunity to celebrate the festive season with a mouthwatering array of food, on a perfect summer evening. Prez Pete handed out a record 19 Orienteering Australia Gold, Silver and Bronze merit badges, in recognition of a strong year for club members in National and State bush competition.
Gold: Peter Hobbs, Simon Rouse, Martin Steer, Peter Dalwood, Asha Steer, Lanita Steer
Silver: Ian Davies, Ian Dodd, Debbie Dodd, Peter Yeates, Sarah Davies, Janine Steer
Bronze: Merv Bendle, Mark Besley, Peter Grover, Christine Palmer, Pam King, Denise Pike, Ilze Yeates
On top of that, it was the Committee’s pleasure to announce three new Life Members. Life membership is awarded to a very select group of people who have at least 15 years membership, and who have shown outstanding commitment to the club during that time. The three people concerned all fit those criteria to a “tee”. They are:
Petr Grover – current Secretary, active mapper and competitor since the early 1980s. Peter is a quiet achiever who has held a number of committee positions, and provided us with many great maps over the years.
Pam King – joined in the 1990s, Pam has also held various Committee positions and is currently our map librarian – which involves making sure our maps are all up to date before each event, which is a massive job. Pam is also involved in junior and schools orienteering programs.
Carl Stemp – while Carl doesn’t get along to too may events these days, he always supports the club in all its endeavours, and works enthusiastically at any task he’s given – from updating maps beforehand to collecting controls afterwards. Carl has been heavily involved in junior and schools orienteering programs for many years.
Check out the March 2016 issue of Punchline for more about our Life Members.