I wish I had said this on the night. My congratulations to you Paul, and my thanks, in writing.
Recently I wrote a profile of a storyteller for a local magazine I contribute to and it began,
"Economies may run on oil but stories are the lubricant of culture and society."
Those words have never seemed more accurate to me than tonight as I listen to the stories told by the speakers and around the table in between. Beekeepers are great storytellers. I would say this is because they spend much time working by themselves, they are in the bush a lot exposed to inspiration from the natural world, they spend a lot of time on the road driving long distances, and the nature of their business is challenging, with problems of many kinds, some confronting them suddenly and unexpectedly, others of gravity are constant and affect the industry generally. Beekeepers are thinkers, and they have a build up thoughts and tales to tell, just waiting for the opportunity.
(I would hope that the story of the NEAA can be written up, starting with recorded interviews with people such as those who have spoken tonight. Social history can be easily lost with time passing.)
The first time I met Paul Griffiths was in May 1976. I met Laurie Braybrook and Linton Briggs who have both spoken so well tonight, for the first time on that same day. Laurie picked me up at the Apicultural Research Unit at Scoresby in Melbourne where I had spent a week in orientation before moving to Wangaratta to take up my position as apiary inspector for northeast Victoria. My second week was to be on the road with Laurie learning the ropes. We had lunch at Len Cumming's at Alexandra and Laurie said we should call in on Linton Briggs at Glenrowan on the way through. Linton was president of the VAA and Laurie said it would be courteous as we were going past that he should introduce the new inspector to him first, before the NEAA function that evening.
"Linton is an absolute rock." Laurie said. "If you have anything you want to talk over, or any problem, you can rely on him for help, no matter what it is, and if it's something that should remain confidential you can be sure it will."
Linton, queen cell producer and farmer was down on the creek cutting a large tree limb into firewood late in the afternoon and repairing a fence that the tree limb had broken, with his father Jack, an ex policeman at Glenrowan.
At the function in the evening at the Council Club Hotel to introduce me to the beekeepers, some of whom had come long distance to meet me, I first met Paul. Most of the beekepers were twice my age or older and I was more than a little daunted at my future prospects. I was just turned 24 years old and had scantly more than two years in beekeeping, one year at QAC and one working for Ron Tonkin and Norm Redpath.
Paul, younger than most of the other commercial beekeepers, was assuring in his welcome. As time went by we related well as our outlook on many things was similar. Always encouraging and supportive, Paul told me the whereabouts of numerous neglected beehives around the district and was invaluable to me for his amazing knowledge of every nook and cranny, and some of the idiosyncrasies of local beekeepers, which I must say, with benevolence, were considerable.
I reiterate all that the other speakers have said about Paul's beekeeping expertise and his generosity to share his knowledge and assist you in any way that he could. He was not pushy or self opinionated, the reverse in fact. He was just there if you needed him, reliable, rock solid.
So here I am after an abscence of 32 years from NEAA business, to honour Paul's wonderful contribution and qualities, elaborated so clearly by Laurie, Linton, John McMonigle, Helen Briggs, Mick Leahy, Ron Rich, Donald Whitehead and Elwynne Papworth.
Five days ago, before any knowledge of this dinner, I wrote a piece on integrity in which I said that most of us had only a small number of occasions in our lives where our integrity was really tested, when we had a real choice between the right which may be costly and difficult, and the alternative which may be easier and less costly, or even profitable. It is how we respond at these times that measures us as people.
Tonight's testimony demonstrates that Paul Griffiths came through with flying colours on every occasion when his turn came. It was my good fortune on that day in 1976 to meet three rocks in the foundations of the beekeeping industry, and it is my good fortune and great pleasure to have been invited tonight.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Banquet to Honour Paul Griffiths
It was a helluva busy week for me, starting with Garth Jenkinson's funeral last Monday at 10.am in Brighton. Tuesday afternoon I had a PAG meeting at 3.30. I chair these meetings and report on them, this time the report will wait, maybe Monday night. I'd double booked myself Tuesday arvo, so had to reschedule my Signpost interview to 10am the next day. My computer classes resumed Wednesday evening, I arrived home about 10.00pm and did a draft of my Signpost article over a couple of cups of black coffee, finishing well after midnight.
After the PAG meeting Tuesday there was a message at the farm when I picked up Gord, to ring Linton Briggs before 4pm or in the morning. As it was 6pm already, I rang Linton Wednesday am to learn the Nth Est Vic Apiarist's Ass had a dinner to honour Paul Griffiths' 56 years continuous service on the executive of the Association from 1956 to 2012. Paul was an inauguaral member at age 18. Linton extended me an invitation to the dinner which took place last night starting at 6pm at the Gateway Motel in Wangaratta.
The weather all week was hot and dry and in between the funeral, meeting, interview and class I was busy watering and picking. I would hate every week to be so demanding, I would pull the pin pronto. But I wanted to go to the dinner, to acknowledge Paul's remarkable achievement and to see again my friends / colleagues from that period 1976 -1981 when I was employed by the Victorian Dep't of Agriculture as the Apiary inspector for northeast Vic based in Wangaratta.
I managed to get away a little after 2pm Friday after watering, picking and popping in on my writing class briefly to give teacher Maria some beans I had picked for her and pick up the week's worksheet in the hope I will have time to do the homework by the next week's class. I also needed a phone number she was going to have for me but in my haste forgot to ask her for it. Gord came with me to Wang to help with the driving as I get very sleepy at the wheel after an hour or so, and he drove from Bonnie Doon while I had a little day dreaming and shuteye.
I was not late for the dinner which I enjoyed thoroughly and the camaraderie. Many of those present I had not seen for 32 years. The only regret I have is that towards the end of the evening with the guest speaker, my ex Senior Apiary inspector Laurie Braybrook now 86, having made a memorable speech, the proposer of the toast Linton Briggs now 82 likewise, and the MC John McMonigle regaling the audience with many humourous anecdotes, I did not take the floor as a few others did to say some words to express my admiration for Paul and his wonderful record. I was unprepared, very tired and a little overwhelmed by the occasion myself, meeting so many people I had not seen for so long
On the way home this troubled me a little and I mind mapped what I would have liked to have said, had I the clarity and confidence last night. I will post this first half now - I have to go and water things now - and return to edit this post this evening or tomorrow. My plan is to send my words to Linton and Paul in the hope they will have some significance for them. They would not know of my blog and probably they don't use computers.
After the PAG meeting Tuesday there was a message at the farm when I picked up Gord, to ring Linton Briggs before 4pm or in the morning. As it was 6pm already, I rang Linton Wednesday am to learn the Nth Est Vic Apiarist's Ass had a dinner to honour Paul Griffiths' 56 years continuous service on the executive of the Association from 1956 to 2012. Paul was an inauguaral member at age 18. Linton extended me an invitation to the dinner which took place last night starting at 6pm at the Gateway Motel in Wangaratta.
The weather all week was hot and dry and in between the funeral, meeting, interview and class I was busy watering and picking. I would hate every week to be so demanding, I would pull the pin pronto. But I wanted to go to the dinner, to acknowledge Paul's remarkable achievement and to see again my friends / colleagues from that period 1976 -1981 when I was employed by the Victorian Dep't of Agriculture as the Apiary inspector for northeast Vic based in Wangaratta.
I managed to get away a little after 2pm Friday after watering, picking and popping in on my writing class briefly to give teacher Maria some beans I had picked for her and pick up the week's worksheet in the hope I will have time to do the homework by the next week's class. I also needed a phone number she was going to have for me but in my haste forgot to ask her for it. Gord came with me to Wang to help with the driving as I get very sleepy at the wheel after an hour or so, and he drove from Bonnie Doon while I had a little day dreaming and shuteye.
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| Paul |
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| Linton, John Mac, Laurie |
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| Laurie |
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| Paul and Linton |
I was not late for the dinner which I enjoyed thoroughly and the camaraderie. Many of those present I had not seen for 32 years. The only regret I have is that towards the end of the evening with the guest speaker, my ex Senior Apiary inspector Laurie Braybrook now 86, having made a memorable speech, the proposer of the toast Linton Briggs now 82 likewise, and the MC John McMonigle regaling the audience with many humourous anecdotes, I did not take the floor as a few others did to say some words to express my admiration for Paul and his wonderful record. I was unprepared, very tired and a little overwhelmed by the occasion myself, meeting so many people I had not seen for so long
On the way home this troubled me a little and I mind mapped what I would have liked to have said, had I the clarity and confidence last night. I will post this first half now - I have to go and water things now - and return to edit this post this evening or tomorrow. My plan is to send my words to Linton and Paul in the hope they will have some significance for them. They would not know of my blog and probably they don't use computers.
Monday, February 04, 2013
Nice Surprise
These photos came today from Lib's sister. The first one must be Xmas 1980 at Lib's auntie Nell's in Melbourne. Lib and I married Jan 31 1981, and I had a beard at that time, only because Lib wanted me to grow one. Back Left to Right- AKath 100 now, ANell died aged 98 not long ago, Roger then married to Janet front row middle (now divorced), Bill and Moll(Lib's M+D), Uncle Tom died maybe 20years ago. Centre L to R- Phil sister Marg's hubby, sister Pat, AMarg Canada about 92 now, Lib, me. Front L to R- Andrew ANell and UTom's son died maybe 20 years ago heart attack, Michael Pat's hubby, Janet ANell and Tom's daughter, sis Marg, UGordon Canada died long ago. It would seem two of the children are Marg's Liz and Alex, and Janet's Freya, and Felix?(with Roger)
Receiving this has been a real tonic to me. I married into a great family.
Receiving this has been a real tonic to me. I married into a great family.
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| The Browne Clan (some) and spouses and offspring - Xmas 1980 |
This was in Wangaratta, Bill and Moll's back yard. I'm sitting on the edge of the pool, under the lemon tree where many happy times were spent, 1992 I'm told. |
| Back when I smiled a lot- 1992 |
Integrity, a Key Word
My writing class has started again, and homework was to look out the window and write about whatever comes to mind. I did this today, starting this arvo and coming back to it before retiring. Here we go.
We do the best we can, most of us, most of the time, to be righteous, to do the right thing by our loved ones, neighbours and our community, to be fair, honest and truthful in all our dealings. I do, and most people I know do. There are obvious exceptions that come to mind lately, notably Lance Armstrong, and that mongrel charged with raping and murdering Jill Meagher last year, whom I notice on the news has now been charged on several more counts of rape that occurred in 2000 after being identified by some sort of distinguishing body marks.
I've always felt that most of the time it's not difficult to be good person. Opportunities of personal gain or gratification at the expense of someone else do not come along all that often unless they are actively sought, and most of us are busily bumbling along trying fulfill our committments and organize ourselves to reap our fair share for our daily toil, enjoying some simple pleasures that incidentally come our way. Some are luckier than others in this.
Probably it's only two or three times in a person's life where the word integrity really means something. When you have to act out of decency and honesty against what might otherwise be the easier path, to go along with injustice, when to actively resist would cause inconvenience and loss to us personally in some way, perhaps financially or emotionally.
But it is these few times that mark our worth as human beings. It is these few times that if we make the wrong choice, the standard is set for us and possibly our family, and if enough of us collectively choose not to stand with integrity, our nation as well.
These few times that I refer to are not the minor breeches that we all trip on at some point in our lives, like taking a 'sickie' or picking up and pocketing the fiver or tenner floating down the street and not handing it in. I found a $50 note once in the pub car park and didn't hand it in, and yes, when I was in the public service I took a 'sickie', and I found once there were two wine casks in my ute at the drive in bottlo that I hadn't paid for with the stuff I had paid for, and I didn't go back. Not that I condone such breeches, they are niaive and relatively incidental and universal, but they are bad habits that compromise honesty and integrity and make it easier for the wrong path to be taken when a serious choice does come.
Once integrity is compromised the door to serious corruption is ajar, and I see compromise everywhere. It seems the more fame or power a person has the more risk there is of it. The Lance Armstrong thing is an extreme example, but it reflects the gap between good old fashioned shake the hand sportsmanship that was prevalent on the cricket and football fields, the athletic track, the tennis court in my youth and the avaricious nature of elite level sport today by the administration and the participants. Win at all costs, sponsorship, gate receipts, TV rights, rigged draws, the word sport is hardly appropriate at all, it's all hard nosed business, for profit.
And as for the raping murdering mongrel, I'm sure his deviations started in small innocous ways that gave him an increasing resistance and immunity to decency, ultimately leading to a total void of it, with no conscience when then one of the few times comes when a serious choice between right and wrong presents.
Evil lurks waiting it's chance. From little things big things grow.
We do the best we can, most of us, most of the time, to be righteous, to do the right thing by our loved ones, neighbours and our community, to be fair, honest and truthful in all our dealings. I do, and most people I know do. There are obvious exceptions that come to mind lately, notably Lance Armstrong, and that mongrel charged with raping and murdering Jill Meagher last year, whom I notice on the news has now been charged on several more counts of rape that occurred in 2000 after being identified by some sort of distinguishing body marks.
I've always felt that most of the time it's not difficult to be good person. Opportunities of personal gain or gratification at the expense of someone else do not come along all that often unless they are actively sought, and most of us are busily bumbling along trying fulfill our committments and organize ourselves to reap our fair share for our daily toil, enjoying some simple pleasures that incidentally come our way. Some are luckier than others in this.
Probably it's only two or three times in a person's life where the word integrity really means something. When you have to act out of decency and honesty against what might otherwise be the easier path, to go along with injustice, when to actively resist would cause inconvenience and loss to us personally in some way, perhaps financially or emotionally.
But it is these few times that mark our worth as human beings. It is these few times that if we make the wrong choice, the standard is set for us and possibly our family, and if enough of us collectively choose not to stand with integrity, our nation as well.
These few times that I refer to are not the minor breeches that we all trip on at some point in our lives, like taking a 'sickie' or picking up and pocketing the fiver or tenner floating down the street and not handing it in. I found a $50 note once in the pub car park and didn't hand it in, and yes, when I was in the public service I took a 'sickie', and I found once there were two wine casks in my ute at the drive in bottlo that I hadn't paid for with the stuff I had paid for, and I didn't go back. Not that I condone such breeches, they are niaive and relatively incidental and universal, but they are bad habits that compromise honesty and integrity and make it easier for the wrong path to be taken when a serious choice does come.
Once integrity is compromised the door to serious corruption is ajar, and I see compromise everywhere. It seems the more fame or power a person has the more risk there is of it. The Lance Armstrong thing is an extreme example, but it reflects the gap between good old fashioned shake the hand sportsmanship that was prevalent on the cricket and football fields, the athletic track, the tennis court in my youth and the avaricious nature of elite level sport today by the administration and the participants. Win at all costs, sponsorship, gate receipts, TV rights, rigged draws, the word sport is hardly appropriate at all, it's all hard nosed business, for profit.
And as for the raping murdering mongrel, I'm sure his deviations started in small innocous ways that gave him an increasing resistance and immunity to decency, ultimately leading to a total void of it, with no conscience when then one of the few times comes when a serious choice between right and wrong presents.
Evil lurks waiting it's chance. From little things big things grow.
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