Surprise celebration for Rod Radford

The Rotary Club of Umina Beach held a surprise celebration for member Mr Rod Radford to recognise his long community service record as a Rotarian and community member on Saturday, May 14.

Mr Radford has been a Rotarian and has lived and worked around the Peninsula for 64 years.

The event included a number of speeches and memories.

Mr Radford opened his Ettalong Pharmacy in 1945 with his wife Ms Pat Radford.

For 20 years in a row, Mr and Ms Radford attended the pharmacy from Monday to Saturday.

Once Mr Radford closed his pharmacy, he began delivering urgent medicines in a row boat.

Mr Radford joined Rotary in 1951 and spent years trying to import a motor vehicle that would go on land and water.

Mr Radford became president of his Rotary Club in 1965 and received his first amphicar from Germany.

The car, with propellers, allowed Mr Radford to drive down his boat ramp and motor to Ettalong.

Once he took Ms Radford home, Mr Radford would make deliveries of urgent medicines to Wagstaffe, Pretty Beach, Killcare and Empire Bay.

Mr Radford conducted this service for 10 years and wore out two amphicars.

At the age of 96, Mr Radford is an active member of the Rotary Club of Umina Beach.

He is currently the club's Bulletin editor and produces a 16 page booklet each week.

The celebration was held at the Lance Webb Reserve.

Media release, 29 Apr 2016

Geoff Melville, Rotary Club of Umina Beach