“THE STAR”, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - PAGE 67
Venus Bay SLSC celebrates 50 years MORE than 170 past and present members got together to celebrate the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s 50th anniversary on Saturday night at the clubhouse. Friends were reunited after more than 30 years, with members from the 1960s through to the current era represented, including current actives and parents of the current nippers. Mike Martin, president of Lifesaving Victoria, presented the club with a Certificate of Commendation for 50 years of service, while a speech by club president Ken Schell highlighted the dedication of the club’s activities had resulted in over 1000 rescues, over 20,000 preventative actions, and over 100,000 patrol hours
over the 50 years. He also highlighted the achievement of the club in growing from its humble beginnings when the initial bronze squad patrolled the beach every weekend for five years to the club in its present state with over 300 members and over 150 nippers Highlights of the night included speeches by Geoff Clarke MBE, a life member of the club and president from 1968-1977, Bas de Bondt; member first bronze squad and second life member of Venus Bay SLSC, Gwen Bowers; founder of the nippers program and life member of Venus Bay SLSC and Ric Mitchell life member, as well as life member of Lifesaving Victoria, Surf Lifesaving Australia and recipient of a World Lifesaving citation.
Stalwarts: members of the VBSLSC original bronze squad from 1961. Ian Inglis, Eddie Aarts, president Ken Schell, Bas de Bondt and Len Sutherland.
Proud moment: Mike Martin (president of Lifesaving Victoria) presents Ken Schell (president of Venus Bay SLSC) with a Certificate of Commendation to Venus Bay SLSC for 50 years of service. Listen here: former president and MBE recipient Geoff Clarke shared a story or two with the crowd. Right: VIP: Gwen Bowers was a star of the night.
Happy times: Heather Roper, Allison Wilton and Linda Latto.
Catching up: Jenni Dowling, Elliot Amalos, David Gee, Brooke Gee and Sally Fuller.
Older generation: June Thwaites, Geoff Clarke MBE and Joan Clarke.
Younger generation: Tim Waddell, Kristie Clappison and Mitch Steunenberg.
Big night: Kimberley Gee, Ken Schell and Simon Gee.
Remember when: Paul Marshall and Fiona Hall.