Robert (Bob) JOHNSTON—LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD

The members and partners attending the Club Christmas Party on 3rd December were delighted to witness the presentation of a Life Membership Award to our member No.33, Bob Johnston.    Bob joined the Guild in October 1996 and now has 10 years of continuous and involved membership.

He was President in 1999/2000 when membership was in the 50-60 number and the Guild was still developing and finding avenues of financial stability and growthDuring Bob’s Presidency the Guild held its first Woodcraft EXPO in Montville which has become an annual event.   He slept on the floor of St Mary’s Hall for security purposes on both nights of the first EXPO. He also became our BBQ expert, unselfishly catering, transporting and providing BBQ gear, materials, and cooking skills whenever required.   During the early years, he initiated the construction of outdoor furniture items for various community organisations, gathered heaps of logs as our main timber source, and video recorded quite a number of skills sessions for subsequent use by new members.

He has continued in that vein.

Bob has been Recruitment Officer since his term as President—a tough task when members are spread over 5 days.    He has introduced scores of new members to our shed, its equipment, and its people and their practices and policies.   Throughout his 10 years with the Guild, Bob has seldom been unable to attend our various functions, working bees, and community events.   He was close to first to volunteer for these and many other tasks that were needed to be done and was one of our most unselfish and enthusiastic members right through.

Of particular assistance to the Guild and all of its members was Bob’s constant willingness to offer his truck for a huge variety of tasks, including snigging and carrying many logs, transport of all items of furniture and equipment to and from various functions and events, and wherever else we needed something more than a station wagon.

It was to Bob’s financial disadvantage when his truck was damaged or needed special servicing (which was fairly regular) and he never asked for, or accepted our offers of, any financial assistance.

At our meetings he was always physically involved in projects, though not having a woodcraft background.   His forte was rough bush furniture which adorns his residence and he gathered various skills through this experience.    He also specialised in making wall clocks, and was always ready to donate one of his Irish Clocks towards our fund raising ventures.

His personal attributes of honesty, open-ness, and good humour have made Bob one of our most popular members.   In considering Bob’s history and activities within the Guild and on researching his involvement there are not too many people in our club that can claim to have achieved and contributed to the extent he has.

From all our members, congratulations Bob on a very well deserved honour.

Shed Phone  number during club hours
0409 050 418