Some attendees at the Yarrawonga Ladies Rowing Club’s 50th Anniversary dinner.
It was a great night had by all as the Yarrawonga Ladies Rowing Club celebrated their 50 year anniversary at Burkes Hotel a few weekends ago.
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The Yarrawonga Ladies Rowing Club was started by Mary Mansfield and Glenyse Davis way back in 1969.
Patricia Seccull, Mary’s young sister was the clubs first coxswain. In this era, men’s and women's sporting clubs acted independently of each other.
They even had to host separate regattas from the men because of some draconian thought process thought up by someone who believed that only male competition was worth doing. This was even written about in a state-wide newspaper at the time by a prominent journalist on the reasons why women shouldn’t compete in sport.
The article however had lots of wind but hardly any substance or proof to support this outdated view.
These ladies travelled all across the state of Victoria and southern NSW competing against other like-minded ladies showing that their skills in this and other sports. Proving that they were just as competitive and athletic as the men.
Former members came from far and wide to catch up and reminisce about the good times that they all enjoyed all those years ago.
Notable attendees were Graeme Stephens who was great supporter in the early setup of the club. Graeme was a very successful rower himself competing at state level for the Yarrawonga Rowing club.
Kath Bennett came up from Melbourne. Kath was a member of the Victorian Ladies Rowing Association and assisted Mary and Glenyse in the setup of the club.
Kath, like Mary is still involved in rowing with the YWCA club in Melbourne as well as Rowing Victoria. Great to see her make the journey up for the celebrations.
Others in attendance were Anne O‘Bryan, Judy Ramsdale, Sandra Patterson another founding member of the YLRC, Erin Yorke, a schoolgirl rower coached by Mary, and some current members of the Yarrawonga Rowing Club.
One of those being Deidre Poll, the clubs Secretary.
Anne O’ Bryan, Sheryl Connel and Mary Mansfield having a row down at the Yarrawonga Rowing Club the day after the celebrations.
Deidre brought with her the surprise of the night, presenting Mary with a Life membership of the Yarrawonga Rowing Club for her hard work and contribution over the years.
This was an unexpected but delightful shock and Mary was very grateful for the award. A truly deserved achievement.
On the Sunday, several ex-members attended the invitations to the current Yarrawonga Rowing Club, to have a look through the current facility. It was a great morning for a workout and some former rowers that couldn’t attend the previous night’s festivities, turned up to have a look through the club and for the opportunity to jump back in a boat.
All in all, a good weekend with some great memories and stories told and lots and lots of laughs.
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