MOUNT Gambier resident Charlie Miller OAM has been honoured with a specially struck 55-year membership medal for his involvement in the Mount Gambier Beefsteak and Burgundy Club.
The medal was presented to Mr Miller at the club’s recent annual general meeting.
Fellow member Bob Jenkin was also thrown into the spotlight and was presented with a specially struck 50-year medal.
The Mount Gambier club is the only one in Australia to celebrate two people who have been members for more than 50 years.
At the meeting, life member Colin Martin paid tribute to Mr Miller, who had been an inextricable part of the club.
Describing Charlie as “one in a million”, he said members were all the richer for his years of wine knowledge and participation and education of younger members.
Charlie shared stories about the early days when he spent time with regional founders of the wine industry, in particular long-term friend Eric Brand.
Meanwhile, Bob was described as a fantastic character who was lovingly renowned in the club for his now famous first encounter with a large dose of Wasabi sauce at one of the club’s dinners.
The club will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year with membership continuing to be strong.
“With members like Charlie and Bob and a good many long-serving members not far behind in years service, we look forward to continuing to set membership records,” club secretary Bill Russon said.
