THE BINGARA RADIANCE CLUB INCORPORATED

The Bingara Radiance Club was formed by Miss Helen Kingsley on the 14th of May 1938.

From what we understand, the object of the club was to initially knit socks and cook fruit cakes to send to the men serving overseas.

Later, from notes we were able to find, the Club raised funds from ‘Housie Competitions’, catering at the Bingara Agriculture Show and later through a shop near the Newsagency selling clothing and linen. The funds were accumulated and when the opportunity became available the Radiance Club, with the help of a loan from Mrs Vera King, were able to purchase what was once a guesthouse. This present building still exists in Cunningham Street and was initially part of the Roxy complex. It was then converted to self-contained flats for low income earners.

From reading previous Minutes which date back to the 6 February 1976, catering for the Bingara Agriculture Show brought in money to pay the rates and insurance for the home. The Radiance Club also owned the small Druid Hall in Maitland Street opposite the Medical Centre car park, and ‘Housie Parties’ paid the way at the Hall.

All catering and work at the shop was done by a very small band of volunteers. Each lady worked with her fellow volunteers to ensure the shop was kept open each day.

A very workable but flexible roster system was in place and anytime there was sickness or a reason someone not to man the shop, there was always someone willing to help to keep everything running smoothly, unfortunately this shop has since closed.

- Submitted by Judi Peterson

Some of the names found mentioned in the minute book included:

Vera King, M Wade, Ivy Forster, Nell Broadie, Joan Burns, Ruby Hogg, M Bilsborough, Mavis Peterson, Betty Hayes, A Fletcher, Pat McGowan, H Corcoran, June Hills , Kath Taylor, Eileen King, Dot Jeffries, Iris Cooper, Alf King, Stan Cleal, Mavis Brien, V Choice, Beryl Anderson, Phyllis Makepeace, Pat Connelly. Mrs Vera King was Secretary/Treasurer for over 30 years.

In June 1981 Mr Walter Galvin began work on building a cottage next to the Druid Hall which has been known as the craft shop in Maitland Street.

This extra housing for the aged was because the Club had raised enough money to fund this expense, the cost being $17,000 for this little cottage.

Miss Gwen Park was the first to rent the cottage. Since then, another house next to the Medical Centre has been purchased and renovated and is currently rented.

The Bingara Radiance Club Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization as all funds raised previously from the shop and rent from the residents is invested back into the flats and cottages. The committee is continually working to make life better for its residents.

The Radiance Club also donated $15,000 to Touriandi Lodge when it was fundraising.

As with most committees we struggle to exist with a limited number or workers and committee members.

Many times, we are asked what the Radiance Club is all about and I trust this will give you some insight into its purpose.