Hello readers and welcome to this month’s column and what a year 2020 is going to be, really exceptional so far.
Finished January with a huge farewell party (“Hiawatha Style”) for local icon Richard Glasson who passed away last year after a long illness, 180 people dressed “Hamptons Style” for a night of music, full dinner and dancing. It was a wonderful catch up with lots of old Canowindra people and visitors coming from Canberra, Forster, Victoria, Orange, Bathurst and Cowra. Finished up at around 5am so good time was had by all and a fitting send off to a good bloke!
Most of you know by now I received an OAM in the Governors Honours List on Australia Day which I was thrilled and humbled to receive for 50 years of community work, raising just over $1.2M for associated charities from Cowra to Port Macquarie, Canowindra, Gooloogong and Orange. I’ve always loved doing what I do, making people happy and helping out wherever I can to make life a little bit better for those in need.
My mum raised 13 of us by herself and she always encouraged us all to be community based and minded, that’s why Australia is such an excellent country as we aussies all pull together in bad times as well as good. It is wonderful for my family especially, as we grew up poor and did it hard so I’m really proud and I’m sure my Mum is looking down with pride.
It is great for Canowindra also and it might help me get a little more pull for my projects to beautify the railway precinct so watch this space, my second Mum Melva Grant is very happy with me too.
February has been quiet at Montrose, did a fabulous “Pink and Rabbit” themed high tea for local girl Hillary Townsend, daughter of best mates Dom and Mandy Townsend, all the girls and Mums loved the pink décor and beautiful cakes.
Off to Sydney and Port Macquarie for some speaking engagements for Rotary and Lions Club now, one in Port Macquarie will have 600 people so it will be a nice challenge.
Be good to each other!
Love Tommy xxx