Town Talk | Shepparton Club: behind the brickwork

This week, with the help of some nice people, I’ve been tip-toeing through our past.

At my first reading of the ‘History of the Shepparton Club’, it occurred to me that the growth, goals and changing values of the club mirror closely the growth, goals and changing values of our society.

In fact, the book details who we were and who we have become.

In 2008 Tom Carey, a former journalist at this newspaper, was engaged to write the history of the first 50 years.

Unfortunately, for Tom and his family, a fire raced through their home and garage, and Tom’s work was destroyed.

In 2009, Ken Jackson compiled a history – consisting largely of annual reports (some more informative than others).

I have worked from these.

The beginning

The idea for a Business Men’s Club came from the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Ed McKeon.

He spoke to a meeting of around 100 men, about his suggestion and why he was making it.

Ed outlined the need for a community centre in Shepparton to act as a meeting place and social centre for town and country businessmen.

Other centres of similar size to Shepparton had such clubs.

He said that the reputation of our district would be enhanced and that a membership of 400 would cater for the needs of the city and district.

After some six months of investigating other sites, he recommended the purchase of Ken Watkins’ home, for £15,000 – and suggested financing the club by raising £20,000 in interest-free debentures, for a minimum of three years.

Of this, £11,000 was received within three weeks.

It was stressed that, although the club would likely apply for a liquor licence, beer would be an amenity and not an incentive for membership.

Considerable discussion took place at this meeting and the following facts emerged:

Having decided that a club, named the ‘Shepparton Club’, be formed, the first committee was elected:

The first committee also included L. Baglin, J. Slee, P. Deane, W. Hanlon, S. Leon, J. Gill, H. S. Smith, H. Pickworth and P. Nethersole.

Some milestones

Mr Watkins’ home, at 399 Wyndham St, was purchased.

(Today, Primary Care Connect is on this site.)

In April 1959, the finance committee was authorised to purchase 22,000 bricks for alterations to the club, which were completed in February 1960.

Colonial Mutual Life Insurance Company offered a £10,000 loan to the club, which was accepted.

In June of that year, the committee decided to apply for a liquor licence and was successful in September — thanks to Pat Deane and his many hours of negotiation with Judge Fraser.

(As a matter of interest, the judge was father to Neale Fraser, our tennis great.)

A former police officer, Mr George Wilson, accepted the position of secretary/manager – June 1960.

The following was added to the rules of the club.

‘Ladies will be admitted to the club premises by invitation of the committee only on occasions designated by the committee.’

In 1963, Peter Ross-Edwards suggested the purchase of the vacant land next door to the club.

However, it was decided that land purchase was unaffordable, at this time.

It was decided that a Christmas Social would be held and members could bring a partner and another couple.

On my third reading of the history, I realised that the late 60s were, in a sense, a turning point.

The maximum membership number remained low (500) but there was a quandary.

Some members still wanted the elite, peaceful club for businessmen.

Initially, visitors had been welcome to enjoy 12 visits – with a member - and that had been reduced to three visits.

To quote, ‘Was not that alteration made to make what we wanted in our ideal of a club’.

In other words, a ‘gentlemen’s club’.

Others, aware that turnover had dropped, were looking at ways to grow.

Decimal currency had come in, and our world was changing in other ways.

In Shepparton, although many of us were unaware, we were seeing the beginning of the end of a class system which had existed for a very long time.

By the early 70s, business had picked up.

However, it was in 1985 that I read of serious discussions regarding female members.

An extraordinary meeting was called for March 7, 1985.

Search, as I have, I cannot find any mention of the outcome and am assuming that ladies were welcomed from this time onward.

The pokies

1990 brought the first financial loss I have seen in the annual reports – due to a drop in catering because of renovations.

The Shepparton Club had, some years ago, registered its interest in poker machines.

Another round of renovations had taken place in 1990 – but, it appears, there was more building work required for the gaming room, in 1993.

The pokies arrived, bringing with them a changed financial environment.

In 1994, the very popular manager John Ryan raised the topic of a shortage of space — and parking problems remained.

(John was secretary/manager from 1982–2001).

The club won ‘Country Club of the Year’ in 1996, and in 1997 a Business Achievement Award.

The community

The Shepparton Club has always supported community activity; however, they were now committing to donating $50,000, over five years, to the GV Base Hospital.

This was followed with the same arrangement for GV Hospice.

And, working with local media, established a Shepparton Club Sports Star of the Year award.

Important to note: Heather Halsall became the first female board member in 1999.

The relocation

Over the years, discussions had taken place regarding renovations or relocation.

On May 24, 1999, a special meeting of the board of directors was held to discuss relocating the club to 455 Wyndham St/290–292 Maude St.

The new location was, at that time, occupied by Jewell Supermarket and car park.

This was followed by a meeting of members, at which Noel Hussey moved ‘That the board of directors of the Shepparton Club be given the power to proceed and finalise the relocation of the club – subject to the club obtaining suitable finance’.

It was seconded and all members attending (Except 1) voted in favour.

The complicated financial arrangements were finally agreed, and the new premises was officially opened by Major General Digger James A.C. MBE MC – deputising for his friend Richard Pratt, who was a last-minute apology.

The challenging years

The club was growing, membership was increasing, but the financial situation was difficult.

As buildings have a tendency to do, the new Shepparton Club cost more than anticipated.

Further negotiations with the bank, and everyone involved, were necessary.

The board members, with Heather Halsall now president, and many others, gave up their expertise and time to ensure the club’s future.

It was not easy!

However, with passion and dedication, the club moved into a much better time; a time of celebration, in 2008, for 50 years of progress.

Today

With more than 10,000 members, a thriving and successful bistro and more renovations on the way, the Shepparton Club is under the care of General Manager Wayne Sutton.

The bistro is open seven days for lunch and dinner.

A dedicated staff of 55 takes care of members and visitors, and offers ongoing support for the local community.

The 67-year-old club is well-placed to make it to 100.

Every month, on the third Friday, a charity raffle is held.

This next Friday, July 18, GV Hospice will gain from the club members and supporters.

You can help out by buying tickets online or, better still, visiting the club.

The raffle will be drawn from 7pm.

Although perhaps not as Ed McKeon originally intended, the Shepparton Club is our community club.

You can join and enjoy all the benefits, for just $5 per year.

Everyone is welcome.

That’s all for this week – except, I bought myself a bunch of yellow roses; love yellow roses.

Looking like sunshine, they have been smiling at me for eight days now; making the hours at my desk, brighter.

May it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. The News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Text or call 0409 317187