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Life Members
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Volunteers do not expect, or even wish to be singled out for the efforts they put in to help the community, organization or club. They do it because they love the work, and the company, and are only too willing to help. However, when an Association finds it has members of such extra-ordinary calibre as has the Original Open Market Inc. over the years, it is only natural to bestow a Life Membership to those members.
Margaret Pass, and her husband Ernest (now deceased), were the first to receive Original Open Market Life Membership. Margaret joined the committee in 1983 and only retired when her husband became too ill for her to continue. It was at the 1992 Annual General Meeting that members agreed that she deserved a Life Membership for her unselfish commitment to the market. Margaret struggled on, trying to fit in her market commitments, with caring for her husband. Eventually, in 1993, she had to retire from the committee after committing herself to the market for almost ten consecutive years . Sadly Margaret passed away July 2008
John and Gwen Bytheway joined the committee at the same time as Margaret. John's dedication to the market ideals made him stand out from his peers as a stalwart protector of the market. Gwen applied herself diligently to whatever tasks she attended. Both members served on the committee until their resignations in 1998. Although both John and Gwen had resigned, they continued to show an intense interest in the market and its welfare until they retired to Queensland in 2003. Their Life Memberships were awarded in 1992.
Bob and Joan Bickford were also stanch committee members and only resigned because ill-health forced them to do so in 1999. Bob joined the committee in 1985 and was immediately elected Chairman. He chaired the meetings in a firm but friendly manner and saw the market through many hardships before it settled into its present, popular, credible position. His leadership saw the market flourish. Donations increased as did the popularity of the market. In 2000 Mr Bickford was inveigled upon to rejoin the committee to help fill an unexpected vacancy. He willingly rejoined but only on a temporary basis. Finally, in 2001, Mr. Bickford felt his health would no longer permit him to continue as a committee member and submitted his resignation to take effect at the 2001 Annual General Meeting. Mr. & Mrs. Bickford's Life Memberships were bestowed in 1992.
Lyn Mayne joined the committee in 1985, at the same time as Bob Bickford. She became the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer immediately and continues to hold those positions.. The committee granted her a Life Membership in 1995.
Fay and Ricki joined the committee in 1992. For the first year Fay was assistant Flusherette, then in 1993, she took over the Ticket Officer's position, a job she held until the end of 2001, when she transferred to Assistant Controller. From the beginning, Ricki competently held the positions of Assistant Control Officer and Inspector until his chronic back condition made it impossible for him to walk about the market. He then became general advisor cum helper, helping out in any situation. Life Membership was bestowed upon them both in 2001, in recognition of their years of service. Both Fay and Ricki resigned from the committee at the AGM in 2002. Our Patron, Councillor Artie Ferguson, presented Fay and Ricki a letter of appreciation on their retirement. After a short break, Fay rejoined the committee in 2003 for a short while, filling her original Ticket officer's position.
Frank has been one of the market's most enthusiastic and passionate members since he was invited to join the committee in 1999. His devotion and loyalty were rewarded in 2009 when he was presented with his Life Membership
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| Copyright © 2004 by The
Original Open Market Inc. The free to the public market. All Rights
Reserved Updated 01 January 2010 |
Bob & Joan Bickford.
Fay & Ricki 
Frank Romero