By all accounts, those who attended the Convention had a great time. We thank you all for coming!
The organisation by the hard-working committee was excellent and from the committee’s viewpoint, the program ran smoothly.
All the talks across a wide range of subjects were of a high standard and seemed to be much appreciated by their audiences.
Forty-seven Tasmanian Fellows participated over the three days (5 – 7 April 2019) giving presentations, taking tours and assisting with the organisation of the Convention. A fantastic effort from all those involved! The variety of presentations showed just how diverse Fellows and topics are – the true reason Fellowships are awarded. To listen to our Governor’s husband, Richard Warner (CF 1999) share his Fellowship journey and to be welcomed by Her Excellency to Government House was a privilege.
One of the highlights was the Saturday morning keynote presentations from David Trebeck (CF 1974), National Chair WCMT AU, Dr Bronwyn Smits, National Chair WCMT NZ and the Hon Jeremy Soames, National Chair WCMT UK. Each gave enlightening accounts of the different ways the Fellowship is administered in those three countries.
The concert on Saturday afternoon was very much enjoyed by the audience, such musical talent from such a youthful orchestra. Both the music directed by Gwyn Roberts (CF 1974) and the interviews of Fellows, including the inimitable Peter Cundall (CF 1974) who responded to questions from Ryk Goddard (CF 2005), were great.
The dinner on Saturday night was fabulous. We had four excellent speakers; Natasha Nieuwolf (CF 2011) talking about Goaty Hill Wines, Niall Doran (CF 2016) about his movie ‘Sixteen Legs‘, Jeremy Soames who talked about his grandfather Winston Churchill and Steve Biddulph (CF 1980) who gave a superb humorous talk demonstrating his counselling and teaching skills.
The Sunday morning sessions both at our convention venue and five external venues were varied, well attended and very well received. These were followed by a delicious and convivial farewell lunch with ‘Passing of the Cigar‘ ceremony to the Queensland CFA President Ken Horrigan (CF 2009) and thank you recognition of the main 6 members of the organising committee.
Planning for this convention had commenced straight after Canberra in 2017 and along the way numerous ideas were tested for marketability, venue suitability and participant interest before the final program was produced. The fantastic support by TAS Fellows, some now living interstate, was gratifying and encourages optimism for future Churchill Fellows. The committee would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the success of this convention.
Convention Organising Committee: Philip Thomson, Patricia Corby, Annette Rohrer, Hazel MacTavish-West, Robert Parker, Jill Bannon