William (Bill) joined the Association on 30th November 1966. Since then, Bill has served a continuous 27 years as manager of the Victorian sales department known as "Willsland".
Bill was elected to the Victorian branch committee of management in 1970 and along with vice-president Howard Armstrong was instrumental in locating the Glen Iris RSL hall that subsequently became the Victorian branch clubrooms in 1971. Bill was elected vice president in 1972, a position that Bill held until 1974 when he was elected branch president. On becoming past president in 1975, Bill continued on the committee until 1985. In all Bill served a continuous 15 years on the Victorian branch committee.
Bill became manager of the sales department known as "Willsland" in 1973, a position that he ably fills to this day. Bill has also organized the second hand stand at the Camberwell exhibitions and this year's exhibition at Box Hill. At home Bill has recorded on his personal computer every item received for sale. This has taken the hard work out of the sales reconciliation and allows prompt payment to vendors.
Bill is a keen modeller with scratchbuilding skills and besides making pointwork for some of the Victorian branch layouts has also made most of the scratchbuilt VR buildings seen on the multi award wining "Kyneton" layout.
The Association has benefitted from Bill's enthusiasm and willingness to give freely of his time and abilities to further the aims and growth of our Association. Bill received a Meritorious award in 1978.
Bill has demonstrated that advancement of the Association is one of the aims of productive membership. He never looks for recognition and over the years the branch has relied on him to get things done and has never been let down.
