6 NEWS
NOOSA TODAY
Locally owned and operated
OPENING HOURS MON-FRI 8.30-6PM John Ford, far right, played a crucial role in the growth of Noosa Heads Surf Club
SAT-SUN 9-5PM
A man of the community RON LANE At a recent service held at Drysdales Funerals in Tewantin, a large group of men and women from both the Noosa Heads SLSC and the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club sat side by side to show their respect and bid a sad farewell to their clubmate and friend John Ford.
Their attendance was a sign of respect for this great man who had given so many years of hard work and loyalty to both clubs, helping in the first instant to lift the Noosa Surf club into the world of business and sometime later organising the first unofficial meeting of what was to become the Noosa Dolphins. John’s involvement with Noosa Surf Club was not his first venture into the surf club world. In the mid-1950s he joined Nobbys Beach Qld and obtained his bronze medallion. Later on John shifted to North Queensland where he became involved in the Nipper movement, eventually serving time as North Queensland Superintendent. Then in 1973, having moved to Noosa, he continued his involvement when his sons Paul and Scott joined Noosa Nippers. In the years ahead John was to establish a reputation for management in the hospitality industry. Such was his reputation that when in 1984, the President of the senior club John Jenkins, decided it was time to appoint a full-time professional administrator, the man for the job was John Ford. This was to be the start of a long and highly respected association. For the club, a major plus
DO IT YOUR SELF DOG WASH $
5
SUPERCOAT VARIETIES 18kg
40
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COMFORTIS FLEA TREATMENT
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CREATIVE MOVES Do you love theatre and community arts? We require volunteers to join our new adventure: a theatre experience with a difference including people of various abilities. Workshops are in Tewantin on Wednesday mornings, a lot of fun and great experience for all. Please contact Florence on 0403 288 287 or email florence88@dodo.com.au
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MEMBERS WANTED The King of the Mountain Lions Club is seeking community-minded individuals to become members of the largest service organisation in the world. Contact David on 0414 833 509.
Available at Noosa Only | Offers valid 16th - 23rd January Wa lte r
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Noosa Noosa 10 Eenie 10 Eenie CreekCreek Rd. Rd. 07 5440 07 5440 51025102
was that his wife Mary came with him. Her hard work and loyalty in assisting John was something that earned much respect. In the 1987/88 season the Surf Club, under John’s management, made its first outstanding financial contribution to both the senior lifesaving and nipper clubs. The reputation of John Ford as an administrator was established. Another outstanding achievement was creating a small but very informative publication which he called Between the Flags. This caught the imagination of the members and the heading is still being used today when articles on club life are written. Then in the late 1970s, it happened. Over a few quite drinks with a group of mates the talk turned to the lack of a rugby union club in Noosa. Immediately John suggested they should do something about it and the rest is history. With men such as Trevor Luff, Max Gunthorpe, David Nicholson and Dr Charles Elliot being privy to the conversation, the wheels were set in motion. By 1985 the club became incorporated and the first game was held at the back of the Kin Kin pub. With John’s continued involvement, the relationship between the two clubs continued with the Surf Club assisting in fundraising, hosting meetings and organising the traditional Premiership Breakfast. Most important of all during the winter months, many lifesavers have also proudly worn the colours of the Noosa Dolphins. The outstanding contribution of John “Mario” Ford within our community should not go unrecognised. RIP old friend, RIP.
LOCAL HISTORY Cooroy-Noosa Family and Local History Group has reopened the Research Room
at 41 Miva St, Cooroy - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm - where friendly duty librarians are ready to help with your research and guide you through the Group’s extensive resources. The end of year raffle of a Bunnings voucher was won by ticket Blue E36 and the homemade Christmas cake by ticket Blue B80. DANCE CLASSES Dance for fun, fitness and friendship. Learn dances from around the world to joyful world music on Friday mornings at Noosa Bicentennial Hall Annex. Easy dances from 9-10am for $5; harder dances, 9-11am, $7. Wear cool comfortable clothing, bring water to drink. Dances to suit all levels of fitness from countries such as Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Israel. Phone Danni 5471 0409.