January - Edmund Rice

Betty Finch
Our sympathy to Rod Shoebridge at the death of his sister, BETTY FINCH, just before
Christmas. On receiving the news, Rod travelled to Victoria and stayed there with his
brother, Kevin, and sister-in-law, Edna, at Sunbury. May Betty rest in peace.
Joan Dent
JOAN DENT, a lady fondly remembered as ‘librarian and friend’ at St Dominic’s
College, Penrith, died on Christmas Eve. She was aged 88 according to John Corbett.
While it seems she may not have had great health of recent times, the sad timing of her
death cannot be denied. Kevin McDonnell related that one of her sons visited her
residence on Christmas morning to tragically discover that she had died overnight. We
can only imagine the distress that this would cause to the family on Christmas Day.
Joan’s funeral was held at Our Lady of the Way Church, Emu Plains, on Wednesday, 2 nd
January 2013. May she rest in peace. Dave Curtin, Friday 28 th January 2013
EDMUND RICE CAMPS
2013 January Camps
During the first three weeks of January we had five camps
running out at Winbourne Mulgoa. These consisted of ninety
children who were from western Sydney and from Bowraville
on the mid-north coast NSW. The connection with Bowraville
has existed for over ten years and is a significant link with the
community which has given great support for the program.
One of the main strengths of Edmund Rice Camps is the
ability of young adult volunteers who engage, entertain and
show genuine care for all participants. This January was no
exception as we were again blessed with ninety quality and
energetic young adult volunteers. We could not discuss 2013 January Camps without
mention of the heat. With multiple days in temperatures of 30 degrees, including a few in
the 40 and up to 47 degrees, children and leaders alike survived with minimal waterfights
but maximum water-intake.
This month saw MATTHEW HERRO (picture) take on a three-month position
in the role vacated by Sam Belo. As a dedicated volunteer of three years and an
old boy of St Pat’s Strathfield, Matt did a fine job of supporting the volunteers
and ensuring good care for the participants, while also being a capable busdriver.
Thanks to St Dom’s and St Pat’s Colleges for lending us their buses.
Thanks, also, to Br Gary Ferguson, all Winbourne staff and caterers for their
supportive service; to the bus-drivers: Dave Curtin, Bill Cooper, Michael Flanagan and
Sam Belo. We are grateful to you, our readers, for your support as we speed into 2013.
Regards, Steve.
Sam Belo Resigns
After five years dedicated service to Edmund Rice Camps NSW, in
December 2012 SAM BELO (pictured) resigned from his position as
Programs Officer. In this time Sam was influential in developing a more
efficient and professional organisation, while maintaining an energetic and
welcoming environment. Some of his key initiatives were: expanding the
rural programs to Gulargambone and Goodooga, working with Year 12
students as leaders and the Edmund Rice Camps database and website. We wish him
well on his recent engagement, and all future endeavours.
Steve Cooper, article and photos, Tuesday 29 th January 2013
Editor: Cluster Leaders (e-mail: dm_curtin@yahoo.com / 2 Thames St, (Private Box 154), Balmain, NSW, 2041
/ brianmurphy2002@yahoo.com.au) T: +61 2 9810 3922; F: +61 2 9810 3033
Publication & Distribution:
John Roberts
Proof Reading:
Margaret Bourke & David Curtin
www.edmundrice.org
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