Lunch+with+a+Local+Legend-Ron+Finneran


 * [[image:Ron & Ian_2079.jpg width="342" height="256" caption="Ron Finneran and Ian Campbell"]] || [[image:Audience _2081.jpg width="342" height="256" caption="Part of the large group who attended the luncheon"]] ||


 * __Lunch With a Local Legend__**

Around 40 people attended the first "Lunch with A Local Legend" event held on Thursday 7th August at Club Sapphire, Merimbula, a collaboration between U3A Sapphire Coast and ABC South East Radio.

This event's "Local Legend" was Ron Finneran, the face on the cover of the current local phone book. Ron contracted polio as a toddler, and has had impaired mobility ever since. Despite this, Ron became Australia's first paralympian skier, and has been instrumental in developing winter sports for those with disabilities since the 1970's. He is also passionate about promoting awareness of public space access issues in the Bega Valley.

Ian Campbell, the voice of the local ABC's Breakfast program, interviewed Ron in front of the captivated audience, who were treated to a humorous and at times controversial trip through Ron's personal life and career, with all its pitfalls and triumphs.

The next "Lunch With a Local Legend" will be held in November.

Report Submitted by Ian Robertson Course Committee Member