"The friendly club in the heart of the Bay."
Back on 27th March, 1993, the club hosted a "Silver Jubilee Dinner" to mark the occasion of the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of foundation. The professionally catered event was attended by some 120 members and invited dignitaries. Dress was more formal than today, most men wore ties and black blazers and the ladies were suitably ladylike. Present were foundation members Dal & Darcy Knuckey and Val Body, the Knuckeys presenting the recently played-for Founder's Day trophy.
Fifteen years later it became appropriate on this, the Club's Fortieth Anniversary to also hold a celebration. This event was held - again at the Club rooms - on Friday, 4th April, 2008. Not the grand and formal affair as was held for the Silver Jubilee (as you will see from the Menu and Guest List reproduced below) but a finger-food luncheon, perhaps more befitting a mere 'fortieth'.
The celebrations started at 11.00 am as people started to arrive and many conversations between old friends ensued. Participants were encouraged to sign the ceremonial table cloth, organised and donated by Josephine and Ray Connolly, an item that will be treasured by the club into the future. About 110 folk were in attendance of whom around one quarter were former members. Missing were Darcy Knuckey, recently 100 years old and unable to make the journey from New Plymouth, and his late wife Dallas who passed away just 2 weeks ago. There was much interest in the 'bowling attire through the years' stand, and the several books of photographs and clippings on view. Also on show was the club computer playing a slide show of photos, mainly taken over the past five years. Pre lunch snacks were available washed down with a glass of wine or beer from the bar.
Shortly after noon, the formal part commenced with Acting President Mary Hingston addressing the gathering. She specially welcomed those who had travelled considerable distances to be present. A minutes silence was held for those former members who had passed away. Mary was greatly appreciative of the work put in by a number of people in organising the occasion. Jim Pratt acted as Master of Ceremonies, giving a resumé of the Club's achievements since the Twenty Fifth Anniversary 15 years before. He expressed his appreciation to those members who acted as Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers over those years, and to all those who had helped the club in other capacities. Jim ceremoniously removed his jacket and tie to illustrate some of the changes that have happened over time.
The lunch provided by members was equally as varied and attractive as that at the '25th'. There was a surfeit of curried eggs, quiches, asparagus rolls and sandwiches, all supplemented by ham, corned beef and savouries provided by the club. This, together with a vast assortment of cakes and slices all proved too much and many of the plates taken away after the event contained an assortment of left-overs! After the repast, founder member Val Body talked of the Club's early days before cutting the cake together with Mary and Jim. All the while, the chatter continued and old friendships were rekindled - everyone agreed that the event was a roaring success. Thanks go to Margaret Dalley and Joan Owen, to Teresa Bones in the kitchen, and all their helpers, also the many other 'unsung heroes' who contributed to this delightful occasion.
MENU & PROGRAMME - TWENTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY - 27 March, 1993 |