The plan to play resurfaced after I retired in February 2012. I was inspired to think of learning an instrument again after a conversation with Don Challen, who told me how he had taken up the clarinet after his retirement from the position of Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance. Like me, Don thought that learning an instrument would be a good way of maintaining the mind and body in later life.
Ron Cruickshank joined the Southern Tasmanian Community Orchestra (formerly Derwent Strings) in 2010 and plays Viola. Ron also contributes to the Management Team providing insight into the financial situations as Treasurer for both the Derwent Strings, and the parent orchestra, the Derwent Symphony Orchestra. Ron enjoyed the responsibility of doing the treasury for Derwent Strings and the Derwent Symphony Orchestra, although challenging at times, and somewhat time consuming, it carries a sense of pride to him to be able to conduct this role for a large organisation. Ron loves the atmosphere of STCO and the weekly connections as we all participate.