Shirley is an extraordinary person in so many ways, not the least of which is her contribution and commitment to DBSC.
DBSC became like a second home to Shirley during its period of reformative and progressive leadership under her late husband, Don. And this has continued with tireless dedication since Don's premature passing in 2011.
Shirley is central to the essence of our club.
At a most visible level, she volunteers in the canteen (alongside Paul Adam) on Saturday and Sunday, week in week out. She is the engine room of the toastie line, turning them out one after the other with love and care.
That is only the start. Her vivacious personality, sprightly enthusiasm, and engaging humour breathe so much life into the club. She makes members and visitors feel welcome and included and creates a sense of "home".
And she is the life of any party. Our social functions would not be the same without her. There is nothing better than a chat (or a dance) with Shirley. She is just downright fun!
She is a permanent fixture at our awards presentation each year, risking life and limb to hand out the prizes, including the coveted Don Roach trophies, with a hug and a kiss to at-times-over-exuberant recipients.
Then there's so much we do not all see. Who is it that peels the potatoes and shells the eggs for that to-die-for potato salad? Who is it that cleans and tidies when almost everyone else has gone? Those are the unseen and thankless tasks that she so generously does with her inimitable good grace.
Our club is truly blessed to have Shirley at its heart. She is one-of-a-kind. For everything you do, and the so-much-more that you bring, we thank you, Shirley!
Thank you to Andrew Cox for this submission.
The club is full of people making wonderful contributions around the place, and sometimes behind the scenes. Let us know who deserves a mention!
