I was very disturbed to read the article in Monday's Border Mail (‘Show us some support’, The Border Mail, October 9) regarding the possibility of the Rutherglen Show folding unless more support is forthcoming.
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This disturbing news follows on from an article in the local “Neighbourhood Watch” newsletter some time ago warning that unless more young people were to join and assist with the running of this Rutherglen icon – established in 1880 – the fate of the Society would be the same.
A number of local residents aired their views on this article and were dismayed to find that a number of young enthusiasts had left the Society or were not prepared to join because their young ideas and views were not accepted by the old brigade.
Regardless of these statements there is not one organisation anywhere that can continue unless there is a regular turnover of personnel with differing views. Perhaps I could be bold enough to suggest to members of the present committee that some of you have been there for many years and have contributed to the success and longevity of the Society. It is your duty to enlist and encourage more people to assist, it should not be left to the Secretary to continue writing articles almost begging for more help.
To present committee members, I cite a quote from Shakespeare: “The old order changeth yielding place to new”.
I spent 36 years with the Society beginning in conditions that were not exactly ideal, however, it was a revelation to put forward ideas for change, generally they were accepted and the result is that the Society have equipment and buildings that they can be proud of. These facilities are also available to the general public all year round.
Obviously, secretary Diane O'Dwyer has a very sincere passion for Rutherglen and is doing everything possible to keep this "icon" afloat, but she cannot do it alone.
So I say to her fellow society members, particularly the present committee, get out and do your duty, accept the views of others, just as you were accepted when you joined and give Mrs O'Dwyer the necessary help she so richly deserves.
Ewart Henderson, Rutherglen
Just right-wing rubbish
Can we change David Everist column from ‘On The Wallaby’ to ‘On The Turps’? But seriously, why does David remain hidden and uncontactable? Why does he continue to get column space allocated despite ongoing complaints? And why does The Border Mail continue to pay him to make unfounded and ill-informed comments?
Long-term climate projections are used by institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations and Australian Bureau of Statistics to inform planning around a range of issues.
In terms of climate change, we need such long-term projections because it is insidious, all pervading, and there is no easy solution. So why does The Border Mail continue to resource this syndicated, reactionary, right-wing rubbish?
Wouldn’t an opinion column involving the border community be more inclusive, transparent, be better informed and lead to more robust conversation?