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2003 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

Rotary honours long-serving pianist

Long-serving Bells Musical Group pianist Dorothy Harvey has been recognised for her contribution to the community.

The Rotary Club of Umina Beach has presented her with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award at a special presentation in Woy Woy Community Aged Care Hostel on Wednesday, October 30.

Club president Mr Glen Scorer made the presentation in front a gathering of about 30 of her friends.

Dorothy was nominated for the award by past club president Mr Rod Radford, who is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

Dorothy was born over 100 years ago in Sydney, the eldest daughter of a Mr Dunlop, the long-time headmaster of Croydon Park Primary School.

She was one of a large family and grew up in Croydon Park.

She became a teacher and married a young agricultural teacher.

Their schooling experience took them to Bathurst and then to Taree.

They had two sons and a daughter.

It was at Cundeltown near Taree that Dorothy first took part in social activities as a capable pianist.

She retired to Booker Bay with her husband in the early 60s.

Dorothy developed her support for the Save the Children organisation in the Woy Woy area.

She also became active in the Presbyterian Church.

In her younger years, Dorothy played bowls and said that she loved the challenge of croquet.

She also gathered a band of Ladies for afternoon mah-jong.

Dorothy lost her husband and both sons to cancer, but managed to survive her own battle with the same disease.

The Bells Musical Group, a band of retirees, made her their pianist for over 20 years.

She organised groups to sing at retirement homes in the area.

For many years, she was available to any amateur singer and she helped accompany saxophonist or harmonica players not only in practice but also at their appearances.

The local singing teacher Des Taylor often used Dorothy to polish up his pupils for eisteddfod experience.

Dorothy Harvey also has interests in painting and copper work.

She has prepared wedding cakes and other baked goods.

Her interests include knitting and needle work of various styles and she has made many fancy coat hangers for stalls for the church or "Save the Children".

She has also had a keen interest in gardening, particularly orchids.

Dorothy says that she most enjoys those periods when her daughter returns from America.

Geoff Melville, October 30