Page 11 - BOL July 21 Edition

Ken Hatchman classroom teaching, and the ability to teach a variety of
subjects. However, looking back, teaching has changed over
the decades. Once the Teacher’s primary role was focused “on
the 3 Rs” (Reading, writing and arithmetic). Now a teacher must
also focus more on the social values in a changing society as
teachers take on more and more roles of a parent”. Teachers
were once seen as valued members in a community, where as
today, they appear to be more and more a small cog in the big
education wheel”. But I loved it!”

COMMUNITY WORK: Back in 1976, Ken had joined the local
Pine Rivers Apex Club. Apex is an internationally renowned
organisation which played a significant role in raising funds
for community projects. Ken served in various roles, including
President before retiring at age 40 (mandatory age for
Apexians) in 1984/1985. “To be able to visit other Apex clubs
in South East Queensland and help them in their community
efforts was a highlight of my time as President” stated Ken.

MANGO HILL BECKONS.

As “every Newcastle Boy knows, when there is an opportunity, you take
it”. That opportunity came in 1984 when Ken and Pat left suburbia to take
up residence over the highway (The Bruce) in a small village community
that remains their home today. It was an opportunity for 2 teenage boys
(Col and Doug) to open their wings and enjoy the bushland, semi-rural
lifestyle the Village offered as they grew into manhood. It was in seeking
to protect the Village lifestyle that Ken was one of 195 Village residents
who drove over to Petrie on the night of 15 July 1986, to help defeat the
Tip proposal by the then Redcliffe Council.

35 Years later, Ken Hatchman with great support from wife Pat, remains
a committed volunteer in our community. Each Christmas for the past
two decades, Ken (left) and his team of volunteers have “travelled” village
streets collecting and sorting residents’ donations of food and drink items
for the much sort after annual Christmas Hamper Raffle.

With a cheery smile and quick wit, Ken has served up burgers and snags
at numerous Christmas Carols and Skate night events over the decades.
However, never one to miss an opportunity, he is passing on the BBQ
baton to a new generation of volunteers and is pictured here with new
BBQ Chef, Helen Wright at the 2020 Christmas Skate night.

As a Committee Member and Vice President for the past decade, Ken
has been a wonderful advocate for the Mango Hill community and
in 2017, was awarded Life Membership of the Mango Hill Progress
Association. Ken continues to serve the community and subject to
Covid restrictions, you may well see the Christmas Hamper Collection
trailer in your streets come December.

Looking forward, Ken & Pat Hatchaman will go on serving the Mango
Hill community.

Looking back over a teaching career of 45 years, Ken Hatchman has
fullfilled his dream and played a significant role in “helping Kids get a
start in Life”.

Well Done Mate!

July 2021 www.bestoflocal.com.au 11