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Local Hero Luncheon - 2011 Spring Carnival Celebration It is at this time of the year that Dennis Malcolm gets a spring in his step and it can only mean one thing – the spring racing carnival is upon us. The final instalment in the Local Hero events was the Spring Racing Luncheon held at Woodlands Golf Club on the Friday prior to the Cox Plate. Now into its second year, these events continue to grow in popularity and we thank everyone who attended for their continued support. Drew Morphett was our Master of Ceremonies and he continues to add polish to the event and this year we signed up Simon Marshall, Bryan Martin, Sheila Laxon and Colin Madden. Our local hero was Jill Walsh of ARM Group – which consists of 6 long established manufacturing companies in the South East of Melbourne. Jill’s story was spell binding and certainly very entertaining and could have gone on for the afternoon how the group became involved in the VLocity trains, their involvement in the new tram project and how they have worked for many of Australia’s largest companies. Jill’s story was truly inspiring and she proved to be the ideal local hero to end our second series. Thank you Jill and may your success continue. After a hearty meal and refreshments, it was time to be entertained. Due to radio commitments, Simon Marshall was the first cab off the rank and what a way to start the afternoon – his commentating of the equestrian event at the Beijing Olympic Games was but one story told by this likeable larrikin. The lads in the audience were keen for some Francesca Cumani tales but they are for another time…. From jockey to race calling legend, Bryan Martin, and a story of a love of the sport of kings and it was easy to see why. He talked about his ownership of Fields of Omagh and how she won her first Cox Plate, well you had to be in the room to hear his race call – it took us all back to that day, when the old girl got up and we saw a race caller ride her home first, then bolt from the calling tower, knocking all and sundry on the way down to walk Fields in. Bryan, you are a true star! Sheila Laxon holds a very special place in history as she was the first female trainer to train a winner of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups double with Ethereal. Her story is one of great pride in her achievements in a male dominated industry, from barrier trials and riding the horses at track work, to training the horses and to winning "the race that stops the nation". The audience was captivated by Sheila and her impromptu book signing afterwards confirmed her as a crowd favourite. Colin Madden was our last guest for the day and his claim to fame is that he is a part owner in a horse called Black Caviar - a horse that has now won 16 straight races and has captured the hearts of the nation. Colin provided us all with an insight into owning a superstar and how much fun they have had with her and also the pride that they have when she runs with the expectations of the nation on her. May she win many more and take on the world! To round off the day, Bryan Martin performed a phantom race call for the 2011 Cox Plate where each table had a horse. Well, Bryan had Jimmy Choux winning the race and Pinker Pinker may have just missed the placings, but the big winner was Irabina Childhood Autism Services, as we raised $2575.50 through the generosity of all those who attended. On behalf of the team at Aston Ryan Malcolm we would like to thank all of our guest speakers and attendees at this year’s Local Hero events and also the wonderful team at Woodlands for their contribution to what have been very successful and enjoyable functions. Our next event will be on Thursday 22 March 2012, where we shall open the AFL season with a breakfast before the Blues and Tigers Clash. David Coutts |
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