We had a good turn-up for the September meeting which was very pleasing.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a Life Membership Award to Norma Cornish.  Norma has been a credit to the Rye Historical Society over many years.  She has been very involved with the Society since it’s inception in 2000 and has performed many tasks on behalf of the Society.  Not only has she always been willing and able to provide wonderful baked goods for afternoon teas and street stalls but she has spent many hours “on duty” at the stalls as well and she has always been on the roster to be on duty at the Museum on Sunday afternoons.  A big job for Norma over the years has been the collection of clippings from the local newspaper pertaining to Rye.  Norma has worked long and hard over the years to gather these press clippings with the aim of providing a number of scrap books about Rye for the Society.  Most importantly, Norma provided a vital service as a committee member for a great number of years.  Her contributions to the Committee and her input on a variety of matters was invaluable.  This award is so very well deserved. 

As well as being an author, Will found time to be involved as principal race officer at the Mornington Yacht Club for several years and more recently has served in the same role at the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.  He has had a lifetime on the water of Port Phillip.   Will spoke about the exciting activity on and around Port Phillip in earlier times. and also spoke about his book “Death on the Ferry Hygeia” – a vessel that most members were very familiar with.  The book is a novel, but contains real characters.  Will’s talk was very informative and entertaining and certainly made us want to read his book!