Past Ramblers President John Bell (1929-2025)
Prior to coming to the Ramblers in 1991, John, as described in his “abbreviated autobiography”, had led a very busy life. Early career pursuits from school age, included conjuring at kids magic show parties, then delivering telegrams by push bike, processing photos in a darkroom for friends and neighbours, working with a Chartered accountant, working as a concrete contractor, driving bulldozers and acting as a Worker’s Union representative. This was mostly in regional NSW but the heavy equipment driving was also in New Guinea. Arising from this he took up welding and taught in the NSW TAFE system. Along the way came marriage, fatherhood, financial windfalls, separation, loss of a child, and the Ramblers.
From an early stint as membership secretary John had other committee roles and after 2 years as president handed over to Peter Bique. His fond Ramblers memories included paddling trips on the Myall Lakes, the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray and especially taking 70 walkers on the 6 foot track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves over 3 days. Ill-health took its toll, especially with failing eyesight, leading to loss of a driving licence soon after. That led to John letting his Ramblers membership lapse around 20 years ago.
A funeral service will take place for John at PARSONS, 4 Princes Highway Dapto on Tuesday 5 August at 9:30 am
Prepared from information provided by Jennifer & Col Meharg, Peter Bique and John himself.
Deborah Redwood
Several club members have picked up on the widely distributed Sydney and Illawarra media release concerning very recent past Ramblers member Debbie Redwood. Debbie is still in a hospital near Detroit following a serious road accident involving the bicycle she was riding and a pick-up truck on June 10.
In her Ramblers time Debbie rode on regular cycle rides and led a couple of Mountain Bike rides. She is better known as a winner of the 2023 Sculpture in the Garden prize for her, made from nails, Banksia in the Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
Prepared from information supplied by Phil Prentice, Col Meharg and Penny Howes