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thorn : helensburgh-stanwell slsc, 1983 |
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OF STANWELL PARK.
Stanwell Park
also became the mecca for influential visitors from Sydney and surrounding
areas.
As a result many
fine week-end homes were erected, many of which still are in occupation.
Among the notable
people with week-end homes at Stanwell Park were Dr. J. J. r.. Bradfield
of Sydney Harbour Bridge fame, Mr. William White of Gartrell-White,
Mr. Lockett, a noted dentist, and many other identities of that era.
With the advent of the railway, and the station being so close to the recreation grounds and surf beach (the station being on the Lawrence Hargrave Drive, just south of the local Post Office) Stanwell Park attracted many families who picknicked on the green areas adjacent to the beach, took advantage of the many shady spots, from the summer heat and above all ventured into the surf.
Page 8
THE FORMATION OF THE SURF CLUB
Page 9
CLUB DEVELOPMENT
Within ten days
of the inaugural meeting, two delegates, the club captain, Mr. J. Stewart,
and the Secretary, Mr. H. Ogden, were elected to represent the newly formed
club at the N.S. W. Surf Bathers Association, at which rules were framed
for the regulation of the Association.
...
The club colours
of navy blue with light blue borders were decided upon at the meeting held
on the 3rd March, 1908, changed in 1917 to navy blue, with red edging and
again changed in 1950 to royal blue, cerise and white.
In April of 1908,
the club gave a display at the Stanwell Park beach before a large crowd.
This was followed
on the 2nd May of that year by a display at the loce! beach by twellve
members of the Bondi Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club, witnessed by some
three hundred spectators.
The train and
coach fares of the Bondi members were paid by the Helensburgh-Stanwell
Park Club. Refreshments were provided at the beach, and later that evening,
the Bondi personnel were entertained at a dinner and concert at Helensburgh.
...
At this stage
the newly formed club had no accommodation at Stanwell Park and on 7th
October, 1908, the club Patron Mr. H. F. Halloran, who had built a kiosk
on the beach, allowed the club use of one room at no cost.
This building
was of wooden construction and was situated on the western edge of the
beach about one hundred yards north of the present club building.
It had a flat
roof, which provided a type of shark and watch tower.
Page 10
Anniversary Day
(now Australia Day) the 26th January, 1909 saw the Club hold an exhibition
and collect the sum of ten shillings and four pence from collection boxes
at the beach.
The club was
gradually gaining strength and at 20th February, 1909, had a membership
of one hundred.
About this time,
the club visited Thirroul beach and participated in a carnival there.
Page 11
The Bulli Shire Council provided the club with a reel, life line and belt for use on the Stanwell Park beach in August, 1910, and at this time Messrs. A. Williams, R. E. Ballantyne, W. Snedden, J. Stewart, C. Nixson, J. Phillips, E. Pearson and J. Smith were submitted to and subsequently approved by the Bulli Shire Council to act as Bathing Inspectors.
Page 13
At a Special General
Meeting on the 17th November, 1911 it was decided to purchase a surf life
boat, the cost of which was to be limited to fifty pounds.
Also a shelter
shed for the boat to be constructed, and a set of parallel bars.
A lookout was
to be acquired, to cost no more than two pounds.
A momentous day
in the life of the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club and
most certainly in the Illawarra Branch and the S. L.S.A. itself, occurred
on Saturday, 17th February, 1912. This was the occasion of the official
launching of the club's first surf boat, the first in the Illawarra Branch
and one of the few then in existence in the whole of the Surf Life Saving
movement.
Local Council
Officers, two representatives from the Illawarra Branch, two each from
the Coogee and Manly surf clubs attended the launching.
The boat was
christened the "Grace Darling", (described later in this history).
The crew of the
boat was Messrs. C. Hillier (Captain), W. Johnstone, D. Duncombe, J. C.
Smith and J. Stewart.
It was intended to lay down tram lines from the clubhouse to the waters edge for the conveniance of the boat to the water, supported at that end by concrete slabs, but this idea was abandoned when the obvious difficulties became apparent.
At the Committee Meeting on 28th February, 1912, a young person, later to become widely known and respected throughout the Surf Life Saving Association, and particularIy the Illawarra Branch and this club, for his complete dedication and interest, was nominated and elected as a member of this club - Master John William Mawson, aged thirteen years.
In 1912, a team
of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Club members competed in a display at
Manly, each member being obliged to pay his own expenses of rail and ferry
fares, plus carnival entry fees.
...
1914 saw the
outbreak of World War 1 and the many enlistments of club members in the
years of that war.
Application was
made to the local Council for the appointment of a permanent life saver
because of the depletion of active members, but this was refused on the
grounds of lack of funds.
...
The activities
of the club were spreading gradually and at the Committee Meeting on Monday,
19th April, 1915, correspondence was received and dealt with from the Cottesloe
Life Saving and Athletic Club, Western Australia, seeking information on
surfing organisation and activities.
This correspondence
was suitably attended to and a reply despatched to the Cottesloe Club.
The club was
represented on the 17th November, 1917, at the initial meeting of the South
Coast Bathing Association by member, Mr. C. Warren.
The club colours
were then registered as navy blue with red edging.
Page 14
At the Annual
General Meeting on 28th September, 1921, John William ("Daki") Mawson was
elected club captain, which was the commencement of a very long period
in that capacity.
..
During the 1920's,
many members from Sydney and Helensburgh lodged in the club house at week
ends.
At the northern
end of the building in the boatshed lockers kept by individual members
were located, each mainly with a nickname painted thereon, such as "Sheik,
Spike, Daki, Grumpy, The Polar Bear, Soapy, Yuk, Lardy" and many others.
Page 15
The outbreak of
World War 11 on the 3rd September, 1939, was followed by a large number
of enlistments in the Armed Services, seriously depleting the club in membership.
World War 11
saw the occupancy of the club building by army personnel, and the meshing
of the beach front with barbed wire.
Page 11
Page 22
| H. Bennett | C. Lee | A. Brown | T. Bennett | J. Mawson
(Captain) |
I. Melville |
"Rastus the Great"
Page 46
Jack Mawson took
part in the rescue of a competitor, Jim King, at the Wollongong Surf Club's
carnival in 1924.
A very meritorious
rescue took place in the early 1940's, when a young member of the club,
George Kinnell junior, was doing his belt swim for his bronze medallion
examination.
The line became
entangled in some object apparently on the seabed, quite some distance
from the shore, which prevented Kinnell from swimming further and prevented
the linesmen from pulling him back to the beach.
The young man
was being held under water by the submerged object, so Kinnell was in the
process of drowning.
Club member,
Bob Malcolm, swam to the assistance of Kinnell without belt and endeavoured
to release the belt, which in those days had no safety release.
However, a person
on the beach showed considerable foresight and swam out with a knife and
severed the line, freeing Kinnell, who was brought to the shore in an unconscious
state.
Jack Mawson applied
the Schaeffer method of resuscitation, and almost immediately released
a quantity of water from the lad's lungs.
He was taken
to the Coledale Hospital and recovered, and to his credit, had the courage
to undergo his bronze medallion examination at the Austinmer Beach, about
a month later and was successful.
An entry in the
local newspaper circulating in the Illawarra area was headed "Gallant Rescue
of a Boat".
" The bravery
of Stanwell Park lifesavers who saved three men in a 16ft. open launch
from being swept onto dangerous rocks in mountainous seas yesterday should
be recognised by awards, police said today.
The launch with
Bertram Cheetham (50), Arthur Bowler (21) of Coledale, and Ron Wall (21)
of Woonona broke down two miles off the Pinnacles, a rocky promontory a
mile out from Stanwell Beach, about noon.
Page 47
It had drifted to within about 100 yards of the rocks when lifesaver, Clyde Budd of Stanwell Park reached it on a surf ski, after battling his way through a pounding surf, which several times overturned his ski.
Clyde tied a rope
from the launch around his waist and paddled with all his strength for
twenty minutes to keep the launch from being dashed to pieces onthe rocks
until a surfboat, manned by lifesavers from the Helensburgh Stanwell Park
Club, reached them.
It took two hours
to tow the launch close to the beach, where the occupants were transferred
to the surf boat and brought safely ashore."
Surely a feat
of great courage and stamina by Clyde.
The first boat
was launched on Saturday, 17th February, 1912, four years after the formation
of the club, and that in itself was a creditable achievment (sic), being
the first surf boat in the Illawarra Branch and among the foremost in the
State.
It was called
the "Grace Darling", named after the heroine of that name who was responsible
for the rescue of a number of persons ship wrecked off the treacherous
Farne Islands, a rocky outcrop a mile or two from the shore of Northumberland
on the north coast of England, on 7th September, 1838.
The craft was
not a sleek speedy design like the present day boats, however it did serve
the club well for many years.
Page 53
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|
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launched September 1935. |
A damaged boat
was received from the Maroubra Club, formerly used by them and known as
the "Arthur Rodman", named after Arthur Rodman a most respected President
of that club for many years.
It was given
to Stanwell Park Club on the condition that the name be retained.
During the winter
months of 1934 and 1935, much hard work was carried out repairing the boat
by members of the club under the skill and guidance of Jack Mawson.
It was of heavy
construction and required quite a number of helpers to carry it up the
beach after use.
This craft was
launched on the 1st September, 1935 by J. S. G. (Gordon) Worland, President
of the Illawarra Branch.
It might also
be mentioned that Gordon Worland served in the capacity as Branch President
from 1933 to 1945. Gordon had shown a keen interest in the reconstruction
of the boat, visiting our club on a number of occasions and it was a fitting
tribute that he should officially launch the craft.
The boat was
eventually sold for £1 to club member, Jim McMahon, for fishing.
Page 55
The "Jack Mawson"
was named after the illustrious Captain.
When it was suggested
that a plywood surf boat be built there were many who had doubts about
the likely durability of such a craft in the sea conditions experienced
at Stanwell Park.
However, these
doubts did not deter the wily Jack Mawson and he soon got permission to
build such a boat.
Thus Jack 'Daki'
Mawson with some assistance from other volunteers was to spend many hundreds
of hours in Fletchers boat shed on the Georges River building the boat,
which when completed presented a wonderful appearance.
Boat rules and
the boat name were decided six months before the craft was completed and
so all was in readiness for that launching day - 17th June, 1945.
The launching
ceremony was performed by Mrs. Moseley and the launching crew was Bill
Jardine, Geoff Russell, IJack Standen, , Harry Bennett and Ken Redshaw.
...
Crews trained
very diligently, as there were always others wanting to get into the boat
crew.
The club was
successful in winning the Illawarra Branch Championships in 1946-7 and
in 1948-9. The first winning crew consisted of Bruce Russell, Jack Brandwood,
Bob Malcolm, Jim McMahon and Con Asmussen, and the 1948-9 crew was the
same except that Norm Trevithick had replaced Con Asmussen.
The Jack Mawson
was in service right up to 1954 either as a fi rst or second boatland in
that year it was given to Fairymeadow Club providing it was used for lifesaving
purposes and that it was housed under cover.
"The Jack Mawson
2"
In 1948 discussions
were taking place with the Council with a view to them assuming ownership
of the surf clubhouse.
Some members
felt that club funds may also be sought by the Council so it was decided
to utilise the available funds to invest in a new surf boat.
The order was
placed within N. & E. Bowns of Newcastle at a cost of ~1/.
Initially the
boat was to be "double rigged" as crews felt that it was better for the
bow rower to pull rounding the buoys rather than be "back watering" to
effect a quick turn around.
However, the
boat builder dissuaded the club from pursuing this idea.
On 9th October,
1949 the craft was launched by His Honour Judge Adrian Curlewis (later
to become Sir Adrian)
It is felt opportune
to register the deep respect and esteem that the members of Helensburgh-
Stanwell Park Club have for Sir Adrian and Lady Betty Curlewis and to record
the happy association that existed and still exists between them and a
number of members of this Club.
Page 56
As with the previous
boat there were ample members making themselves available for racing crews
and it was no surprise that another Illawarra Branch Championship was won.
On this occasion
the crew consisted of Dick Cavanagh, Jack Brandwood, Jim Joy, Eddie Piggot
and Norm Trevithick.
Thus Jack Brandwood
had won his third boat title in the Illawarra Branch.
Though a new
craft was launched in 1954, the Jack Mawson 2 remained in service until
1962 when it was donated to the Yowie Bay Sea Scouts.
"The District
News 1"
As boat builders
were holding many orders for boats which they could not supply speedily,
consideration was given as early as 1951 to placing an order for a boat,
but it was decided to defer for a while.
A further move
in November, 1953 met with the same result.
However, a Special
General Meeting in February, 1954 decided to order a tuck stern boat from
Phillips, Boat Builders.
Mr. Sam Frew,
the editor of the "District News" circulating in the district, offered
to conduct a newspaper appeal to raise funds to purchase the boat and this
offer was readily accepted.
The craft was
completed and delivered in time to be launched on Boxing Day, 1954.
The official
function was performed by Jack Mawson and to his credit Mr. Frew honoured
his stated intention by going for a trip through the surf in the boat straight
after the official launcing.
Whilst no titles were won in this craft it did perform very creditably and was finally donated to the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club.
"The Hal Williamson"
In the early
1960's there were continual differences of opinion between club and Council
as to how the club's share of parking fees collected at Stanwell Park could
be spent and requests were made to council to permit the fees to be utilised
in purchasing a new boat. However, when permission could not be obtained
to spend the funds in this manner it was resolved in March, 1962 to place
an order for a new boat named after the long serving Club President, Hal
Williamson.
Page 57
Fund raising for
the craft was lagging somewhat and Phil Anger took it upon himself to seek
donations and he was most successful as sufficient had been raised to meet
the cost of the craft before it was launched by Mrs. Jean Anger on 4th
November, 1962.
Like its namesake
the craft has given yeoman service and is still a piece of club equipment.
Page 58
"The Clicka"
As no phenonemal
success had been achieved in competition with the previous boat it was
felt that a new craft may bring the required results and add another new
piece of life saving equipment to the club's gear.
About this time
(1966) aluminium surf boats had made their appearance in surf life saving
circles and a small committee was set up to look into the desirability
of this type of craft.
When the club
meeting was held to formalise the ordering of a boat, Dick Cavanagh said
"We don't want a tin can - let us buy a regulation plywood craft from Clymer's
Boat Builders".
His oratory carried
the day and the plywood tuck stern boat was procured and launched in the
1967-68 season.
The official
launching ceremony was performed by Mrs. Pat Asmussen.
Again, like its namesake this craft gave invaluable service until it was finally given to Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club.
"The Alex McKenz
ie"
By 1972 Inshore
Rescue Boats had made their appearance on the life saving scene, it was
decided to set up a study group to consider the advisability of acquiring
such a craft.
When the report
was tabled it was resolved not to buy one.
Two more studies
were under- taken before it was resolved in 1977 to invest in such a motorised
craft.
Funnily enough,
the person to move the first motion negating the proposed acquisition was
the member who moved to buy the craft five years later.
Application was
correctly made to have half of the cost borne by a Federal Government Assistance
Scheme, but unfortunately the application got fouled up in the Illawarra
Branch, leading to much conflict between the club and Branch.
The problem was
finally resolved by State Centre of the Surf Life Saving Association meeting
half the cost from options not taken up from the original allocation of
funds.
Named after Alex
McKenzie, then mine host of the I mperial Hotel, Clifton and a great club
supporter, it was launched on the 4th December, 1977 by Mrs. Fitzgerald,
wife of popular member Alan Fitzgerald, who was President of the Seagulls
section of the club for some years.
For a number
of years the running costs of the craft were sponsored by Liverpool Chrysler
(through Mr. Max Doyle of that Company).
Unquestionably the craft has proved its work as a rescue unit, as a surveillance unit, as a work boat and still continues to give service in these fields.
"The Con Asmussen"
In January, 1978,
the decision was made to purchase another tuck stern boat to be named after
long time Secretary-Treasurer, Con Asmussen.
The launching took place before a very notable and enthusiastic gathering in June, 1979, and the official ceremony was performed by Mrs. Sandra McGraw, wife of the club's very hard working President at that time.
59
Again competitive
interest flared and the crew of Graham Cook, Phil Doran, Dave O'Grady,
Geoff Wood and Chris Emmett were rewarded by the capturing of the Illawarra
Open Boat Championship in the 1980-81 season.
Unfortunately
while competing in the N.S.W. Championships at North Curl Curl at the 1982
titles, the craft nose dived into the shallow sand bar, when in a good
position to qualify for later rounds, and the boat was severely damaged.
Page 60
Page 61
Jack joined the
club on the 28th February, 1912, at the age of thirteen years and enlisted
in World War I at the age of eighteen years.
On discharge
from the army he eventually took employment at the Naval Dockyard, Garden
Island. Jack became foreman boat builder and was able to use this knowledge
in the various craft he constructed voluntarily for this club.
He was also able
to repair many of our craft when necessary.
The year 1921
saw the appointment of Jack Mawson as Club Captain, a position he fulfilled
with distinction for the next twenty-four years continuously.
As Captain, Jack
took a personal interest in all members, giving them encouragement and
tuition where ever possible in their surfing activities and most importantly
sound advice on the necessity to improve their position in life.
As leader, he
extended tolerance and sympathy, but was also able to exert discipline
and drive. "Daki" became a household name, not only in our club but to
the surfing world in his era.
Jack was a strong
surf swimmer and board rider, instructor of March Past and R. & R.
teams.
He was an Illawarra
Branch Delegate to the S.L.S.A. for a period of twenty years and was made
a Life Member of the Illawarra Branch and this club.
Page 64
The Bennetts -
when delving into the history of this club, it is important to record the
valuable assistance rendered by the late Bill Bennett who was a Cartage
Contractor at Helensburgh.
Bill provided
his truck free of charge to the club for the conveyance of members and
their gear to and from the various carnivals.
This service
was continued by his son, Harry.
During the depression
the generosity of the Bennett's enabled many members to attend carnivals,
which their financial position would not otherwise permit.
Harry will be
remembered for the rescue he took part in at the south end of the beach,
whilst clad in his birthday suit.
Also, many older
members recall the cry of "sour plums" that went up, whilst passing the
fruit shop on the Lower Coast Road, near Flanagans Creek, Thirroul when
going to and from carnivals.
This was in response
to an alleged sale of sour plums to one of the members.
Page 65
Tom Bennett
- "Red", cousin of Harry Bennett, an outstanding surfer of the 1930's,
teamed with notable swimmers Owen and Charlie Griffith, Lance Cutcliffe,
Harry Mc- Donald, Toby Barton, Oscar Cook and Ian Melville to provide possibly
the strongest swimming competitors the club has experienced and a force
to be reckoned with by any other club.
Tom's son, Charles
of the Bulli Club proved a top belt swimmer winning many Branch Championships.
...
"Red" enlisted
in World War II, was captured in Greece and made a P.O.W. in Germany for
a number of years.
...
Ian "Snow"
Melville -outstanding junior surfer particularly strong in belt races
not only in club events but in the Illawarra carnivals.
Still maintains
a keen interest in club matters and a worthy contributor to the financial
needs.
Page 67
..
Keith Chapman
- prominent in board, ski and boat events.
Was Vice Captain
for 3 years, assisted greatly in the staging of the State Titles at Stanwell
Park in 1958 and as a Social Committee Secretary was involved in many fund
raising ventures.
Ron Chapman - an above average all round competitor in swimming, board and beach events. Ron was involved in a unique 'First' one day in March, 1963, when he obliged in scattering the ashes of Mrs. May Anger, late wife of Harold. Ron did this from his surf ski after the boat crew had encountered problems in negotiating the dumping surf.
Bill Prestage
- progressed from the Seagulls to become a keen surf ski competitor.
Was selected
in several State Teams and won two State Championships.
Was a member
of the Illawarra v South Africa Team, represented in the State Team at
the National Champion- ships, City of Perth in 1971 and the Melbourne Cup
Surf Carnival team in the same
season.
Clyde Budd - a
very keen competitor in ski events, showed outstanding talent at designing
and manufacturing surf skis and could also turn his hand at club dances
as a musician.
Hopefully, Clyde
is the first and last person who will have experienced a shark bite at
Stanwell Park. One day, a fishing crew was returning to the beach in ther
canoe and they noticed a small shark following.
Shortly after
the canoe was beached, Clyde who had been surfing about 80 yards out, had
a shark clamp onto his ankle.
Clyde forced
it off and got himslef back to the beach for first aid treatment for numerous
teeth punctures.
He was further
treated by a Doctor at Helensburgh.
Page 69
| 1954 -1955 | North Steyne | Double Ski | R. & C. Budd | 2nd |
| 1969 -1970 | Ocean Grove (Vic.) | Single Ski | L. Morton | 3rd |
N.S.W. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
| 1956 -1957 | Coffs Harbour | Open Double Ski | W. Piggott & C. Budd | 3rd |
| 1969 -1970 | Wanda | Double Ski | W. Prestage & W. Phillips | 3rd |
| Single Ski Teams | L. Morton, W. Prestage & J. Bowler | 1st | ||
| 1970 -1971 | Swansea Caves | Open Single Ski | W. Prestage | 1st |
| 1971 -1972 | South Curl Curl | Single Ski Relay | Helensburgh-Stanwell Park | 2nd |
| 1981 -1982 | North Curl Curl | Junior Single Ski | Kevin Morton | 3rd |
|
The First 75 Years, 1908-1983. A History of the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf life Saving Club. Surf life Saving Association of Australia - National Council. "Surf House", 62 Buckingham Street, Sydney 2010, 1983. Telephone (STD02) 699 6088. |
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