We'll it's all over for another year but the 2012 ORSA AGM in Perth with The Goalie and Amo was simply the best! The lads were great ambassadors, approachable, talkative and yes both were off the drink all weekend (plus in Dubai and Hong Kong). A short round up of events follows and thanks to the various lads who've posted on facebook or sent me pics and videos.
Whilst the special guests were staying dry for some at the unofficial meet n greet on the Thursday at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow it was a different story. The author of this fine article was allegedly “the drunkest man in Perth" ©Gary Bellingham however I'm sure I wasn't the only one with a sore heid come friday morning. The pub was full of bluenoses from all over Australia and set the scene for the rest of the events that followed over the weekend. It was just a 'quiet' night with our special guests and everyone was getting into the swing of things early doors (or too early as I am testament too). Thanks to Robert and the staff at E&W for making us feel so welcome. Great hosts, Great location and great tap beers!
Golf on Friday was awesome although my wake-up call at 6.45 from Amo asking why I wasn't at reception to pick them up was very sobering. After the later than planned drop off of the special guests (we arrived at 7.30 for 7.00am registrations), the golf was super competitive with a sudden death putting play-off between two teams for top honours. The pics below of the special guests on arrival plus the winning team.
We also celebrated the birth of a new baby bear with Andy McMurdo & Sharon Stewart of Perth RSC welcoming baby Euan into the world in early hours of Friday morning. Mum and bub are both excellent and at 8lb 9oz he's a wee smasher....we're not sure if his middle name is Lorenzo!
At the golf we did have a minor distraction with the local dhims hiring the same plane guy who did Perth RSC's 3IAR banner at the Perth Glory - Dhims pre-season game. They tailed a banner over the golf course stating 'there's only one toothpaste denier!". Needless to say originality isn't their strong point.
Friday night was a low-key event at the Trots but I'm told Mr Goram was very happy at the end of the night according to all who stayed to the last race (I'd learned my lesson from Thursday night). It may have been a case of all in at the death....
The ORSA AGM kicked off at 10.15 on Saturday morning after some strong hot tea and delicious square sausage and black pudding doublers to cure a few sore heids. On the business side we opened the door for new clubs to join the ORSA fold with the following existing, reformed or new RSC's providing an expression of interest in joining us for season 2012-13 - Gold Coast Loyal RSC, Sydney RSC, Sydney True Blues RSC and Western Sydney Loyal RSC. On the committee front we had a few constitution changes and motions that will assist with future governance arrangements and put the Association on stronger footing in terms of the relevant authorities. The AGM was overshadowed by events from home yet we had our own (friendly) takeover business to complete. Andy McKnight of Brisbane RSC stepped down from ORSA secretary and Greig Maitland of Perth RSC was voted in. Additionally, Scott Semple of Hong Kong RSC was re-elected as ORSA Vice-President. Fellow committee members Chris Thorburn (Melbourne City Loyal) and Ian Gray (Northern Beaches RSC Sydney) are not up for re-election till next AGM (it alternates 2 from 4 each AGM).
The Rangers Family as usual always throws us up a few wee surprises with both Andy and Greig being born in the same street in Garrowhill, Glasgow. They lived across the road from each other until Greig's family moving to Perth in 1981, where they've been all these years. Although Andy and Greig had been in correspondence for over a year about ORSA business, neither was aware of the connection until just a few days before the AGM when Andy asked Greig if he knew an 'Alan Maitland" and the inevitable reply by Greig of "you mean my older brother...LOL!. It’s a small world indeed.
The 'Save Rangers' campaign wrapped up our meeting with ORSA delegates in support of the campaign and with the ORSA committee doing some advocacy on how and what the fans money should be spent once we have more clarity from the administrators on the overall situation. More details in this article. On speaking with the Goalie and Amo earlier on the Friday both were blown away by the funds pledged so far and Amo stated his admiration "Amazing...nobody can doubt that this club is massive throughout the world. We really are the people!"
The Goalie and Amo arrived after our AGM business was completed and both took part in the 'Beat the Goalie' comp which was a good bit of fun for all the family. Amo set everyone up for a crack at the Goalie and whilst many tried, few succeeded. The kids were in awe (as were some of the adults) of our guests and the Goalie must only have let in a handful of goals from over a hundred attempts. A true professional and born winner!
A few videos of the lads in actions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqZejr5CU9M&feature=related
After the comp everyone relaxed with a BBQ which included a small gold coin donation to the Leukaemia Foundation's 'World's Greatest Shave' in memory of the late wife of one Perth RSC Member's. Around $400 was quickly whipped up in exchange for some tasty BBQ snags. The World's Greatest Shave isn't until 15 to 17th March so watch this space for more details but we're expecting a red, white and blue hair-raising event from Peta McLean!
Saturday evening kicked off at the Floreat Athena Soccer Club with ORSA President Chris Thorburn piping in our special guests to the sounds of among other things, Penny Arcade. Over 270 local, interstate and international guests were treated to some fabulous MC-ing (no name's mentioned as his heid's big enough), a great meal and a night of Rangers stories from the legends including a hilarious Q&A. There were also some presentations to our special guests and to Perth RSC's life members. We even had time for Cathy the token C****c fan to make a speech thanking everyone for her making her feel so welcome! A successful raffle and then the tunes were on from the bear friendly DJ with the party kicking on into the wee small hours. Thanks to Nigel and all at Floreat Athena Football Club for their efforts which were rewarded by the biggest bar takings ever at the club. We hope you enjoyed our company and we look forward to seeing the monies reinvested in your club.
A wee video of Penny Arcade - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=361438270557340
Sunday's recovery session back at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow in Northbridge was just the tonic and whilst some had flights to catch other's continued to set a cracking pace which culminated in a great turnout to see the Teddy Bears ease past Terry Butcher's ICT 4-1. The Goalie & Amo then said their final farewells before enjoying a couple of days relax time in Perth before the long flight home.
Thanks to our special guests, Andy Goram and Lorenzo Amoruso for being great company and approachable to everyone not just in Oz but also on their pit-stops in Dubai and Hong Kong. Again massive thanks to all the ORSA clubs, members and guests for supporting ORSA throughout the year and for attending the weekend events. It was a truly great occasion and one we'll cherish for years to come. A huge thanks to the committee and members of Perth RSC who'll now be looking forward to their next big bash with plans for their 25th anniversary next year now at an advanced stage. We thank them for their generous hospitality and look forward to hearing more about their plans for 2013 in due course.
A fine selection of photos have been uploaded by Ally McMurdo of Perth RSC – Cheers for the link Ally!
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110554539526811698719/albums/5713802679538659969
In the way of all good men, we head East to Hong Kong around 23rd to 26th May 2013 (exact dates to be confirmed) for the next ORSA AGM and Convention. This event will be hosted by Hong Kong RSC and will hopefully tie-in nicely with the annual HK Soccer 7's to which the Rangers Youth and Masters teams are no strangers. More details to follow in May/June once this year’s HK7’s have been played. We can't wait!
On a personal note, It's been a real privilege and honour to be the ORSA Secretary these past few years however after 7 years of being involved with Brisbane RSC and ORSA it's time now for me to spend some quality time with the family and look at options to go forward with my town planning business. My lovely wife Megan also deserves some quality time and Skye's now 8 months - the time really does fly and I don't want to miss a second. Unfortunately follow follow-ing Rangers FC from here requires a huge commitment and my batteries need recharging. It's been a huge pleasure to meet so many wonderful bluenoses and I've made some great friends along the way that I'll have for many years to come. All the best and if I don’t see you before, I’ll see you all in Hong Kong in 2013!
Cheers
Andy McKnight
ORSA Secretary (Outgoing)
WE ARE THE PEOPLE
PS. Not visited SaveRangers.com yet? It’s up to you to ensure Rangers future. Click here to step up and play
