General News
6 July, 2023
RHSV honours Bob’s work
CAMPERDOWN and District Historical Society (CDHS) vice president and life member Bob Lambell was honoured with an Award of Merit by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV) during the Robert Burns Scottish Festival.
CAMPERDOWN and District Historical Society (CDHS) vice president and life member Bob Lambell was honoured with an Award of Merit by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV) during the Robert Burns Scottish Festival.
The award was presented to Mr Lambell on Saturday between the morning and afternoon lectures at the Killara Centre.
Mr Lambell said Dr Rosalie Triolo, who is the president of the RHSV, presented him with the award immediately after the lecture series lunch break.
“She read out the citation of what it was being awarded for, and then presented the certificate,” he said.
“I gave a short thank-you speech, and that was about it.
“It’s an honour to get that sort of thing, but you don’t really look for accolades when you’re doing all the things you do.
“It’s nice to be recognized for it.”
Mr Lambell joined the CDHS in 1988, shortly after he moved to the town of Camperdown.
He soon joined the committee and has been serving the society for 35 years; this includes 12 years as president between 1991 and 2017.
Mr Lambell was responsible for the instigation of the CDHS’ quarterly newsletter, Past Matters, in 1990.
He has since been a frequent contributor to the newsletter and contributes biographies to society publications.
Mr Lambell’s other works with the society include:
• Conversion of the society’s main point from a museum into the heritage centre;
• Representing the CDHS on various shire committees;
• Organiser of the Robert Burns Scottish Festival lecture series for six years;
• Representative and co-organiser of various two-day history events;
• Hosting school groups, Probus and other historical societies, as well as being a regular speaker for the University of the Third Age and hosting bus tours; and
• Continual improvement of the CDHS facilities and technology through obtaining grants.
Mr Lambell said receiving the Award for Merit was humbling.
“I’ve been a member since 1988, and it’s very humbling and unexpected,” he said.
“I want to thank my colleagues for the recognition they’ve given me; that’s much appreciated.
“It’s pretty rare; this is only the second time it’s been awarded to someone from the Camperdown and District Historical Society since the award was first instigated in 1989.
“It’s quite an honour, and it’s not something they give out very often.”
To qualify for the award, someone must have given significant service to a member society of, or to, the RHSV; the service needs to go beyond typical office service.
Nominees are nominated by their societies, and only 10 awards are given out per year.