Book a labour of love for Roy
By Davyd Reid If it hadn’t been for Roy Robins, Yarragon Lions Club’s recent 40th birthday celebration may have just been another changeover dinner.
The dedicated Lion has spent countless hours preparing a book, which was launched on the 40th anniversary of the club’s foundation on June 22.
Roy said he took on the task of producing the book following discussion at a board meeting last August.
“Three books have been written, with the last book back in 2003,” he said.
“Quite a few of us are in our eighties and we may not be around for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
“No one put their hand up, so I said I would do a book.”
Roy said he began researching almost immediately and had underestimated the time it would take to complete the book.
“I didn’t realise what I’d let myself in for,” he said.
When I look back, I didn’t know where to start or what to do.
“I got stuck into what I thought was right prior to Christmas and I’m glad I did.
“The older records were challenging, but I got there.
“It was hard to decide what to include and what not to include.” “There’s a lot to go through. “About $340,000 has been donated over the years.”
The book was printed at Roy’s home, with a printer failing in the process.
“The printer broke down with about three weeks left,” he said. “We had it finalised by the end of May.” Roy said he started from scratch, with just a minute sheet to go off for the first three years. There’s a lot of pictures,” he said. “As the old saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words.
“Our theme started off as down the road and I tried to keep that theme.
“We’re pausing to celebrate 40 years of our journey, and I hope someone in future can do the same.”
While the book includes recent major projects including installing cemetery gates and a donation of mannequins to the hospital, Roy took particular interest in a story from the club’s Days.
“The club attended its first field days in 1984,” he said.
“They borrowed an old bus from Warragul Bus Lines for the catering and made nearly $3000.
“They sold nearly 9000 donuts, but I think maybe a zero was added to that.
“But it’s in the minutes so that’s all I can go by.”
Roy’s book is available to purchase through the club for $40. first foray into the Gippsland Field