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A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MALVERNDALE GOLF CLUB
As recalled by Nance Miller on the occasion of our 50th birthday celebrations.
In 1942, fifty years ago this year, a group of ladies formed a club to play golf on Thursday mornings. They were friends of members of the Uncle Bob’s Club, the idea being to raise funds for the war effort. (Incidentally the Uncle Bob’s club also celebrated its 50th birthday earlier this year).
Yearly subscriptions were fixed at two shillings and sixpence and competition fees were one shilling. On the first Thursday of each month, sixpence of this was used to buy War Savings Stamps to assist the war effort. This practice ceased in 1945, to be replaced with the collection of tinned goods for the “Food For Britain Appeal”, which resulted in 53 tins and 7 packages of foodstuffs being sent to the Appeal.
Initially only one medal was awarded each year, and play commenced at 10.30 am. However in 1947 it was decided to award a monthly medal and extend the membership to 80 players (with a waiting list). Subscriptions were raised to five shillings per year and play could commence at 9.30 am if a Committee Member was present. Members with a handicap of 36 were allowed to play at the end of the field, for a monthly trophy. The Summer competition continued with a 9.30 start and only 11 holes to be played.
Until 1959 half yearly luncheons were held, as well as picnic days twice a year. The picnics took place at various courses, including Wattle Park, Forest Hills, Park Orchards, Ivanhoe and Long Island. Party days were catered for at a cost of two shillings per head.
1948 saw the inauguration of the Veteran’s Cup for members who had belonged to the club for four or more years.
In 1952 the Club joined the VGLA as “Malvern Ladies Golf Club”. At the request of the league the name was changed to “Malverndale Ladies Golf Club”.
It was not until 1972 that the Committee voted in favour of members wearing slacks for golf! Picnic days continued to be held.
Even back in those days, slow play was being mentioned by the Captain of the day and members were being requested to read and digest :The Rules of Golf”.
We were advised in 1984 that the construction of the South Eastern Arterial road would commence in 1985, and as a result we would only have 9 holes available for our golf. The course was finally closed on 6th October. We were very fortunate to have been offered facilities at Oakleigh Golf Course, which we gratefully accepted.
1987 brought forth re-location to our new home, “Malvern Valley”. What luxury to have a choice of six toilets (instead of the one and only, complete with a hole in the side wall!), hand basins(plural) and even showers!.... all much appreciated.
The course is gradually maturing and we are all very happy and enjoy playing our golf here. We have recently become incorporated and are now also covered by Insurance on all courses in Australia.
Our fees are now $50 per year which not only covers our Incorporation and Insurance but also our Competition Fees. So cost wise we have come a long way since 1942 when the yearly subscription was two and sixpence.
Another big change since the “good old days” is that our Captain now draws the cards 8.15 am on Thursday mornings. We have once again closed our membership at 70 players and have a waiting list for new members.
Much water has passed under the bridge over the last 50 years, and many members have put their efforts into making Malverndale such a happy and successful Golf Club. Quite a few of you are here today and we take this opportunity to thank you for the past and wish future members similar success.
Nance Miller, who presented this “potted history” of our Club at our 50th birthday celebrations, was a long standing member of Malverndale who served on the Committee in many positions over the years. She was Captain of the club in 1985 and was made a Life Member in 1995. She also served on the Committee of the VWGL as Secretary for a number of years.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MALVERNDALE GOLF CLUB
As recalled by Nance Miller on the occasion of our 50th birthday celebrations.
In 1942, fifty years ago this year, a group of ladies formed a club to play golf on Thursday mornings. They were friends of members of the Uncle Bob’s Club, the idea being to raise funds for the war effort. (Incidentally the Uncle Bob’s club also celebrated its 50th birthday earlier this year).
Yearly subscriptions were fixed at two shillings and sixpence and competition fees were one shilling. On the first Thursday of each month, sixpence of this was used to buy War Savings Stamps to assist the war effort. This practice ceased in 1945, to be replaced with the collection of tinned goods for the “Food For Britain Appeal”, which resulted in 53 tins and 7 packages of foodstuffs being sent to the Appeal.
Initially only one medal was awarded each year, and play commenced at 10.30 am. However in 1947 it was decided to award a monthly medal and extend the membership to 80 players (with a waiting list). Subscriptions were raised to five shillings per year and play could commence at 9.30 am if a Committee Member was present. Members with a handicap of 36 were allowed to play at the end of the field, for a monthly trophy. The Summer competition continued with a 9.30 start and only 11 holes to be played.
Until 1959 half yearly luncheons were held, as well as picnic days twice a year. The picnics took place at various courses, including Wattle Park, Forest Hills, Park Orchards, Ivanhoe and Long Island. Party days were catered for at a cost of two shillings per head.
1948 saw the inauguration of the Veteran’s Cup for members who had belonged to the club for four or more years.
In 1952 the Club joined the VGLA as “Malvern Ladies Golf Club”. At the request of the league the name was changed to “Malverndale Ladies Golf Club”.
It was not until 1972 that the Committee voted in favour of members wearing slacks for golf! Picnic days continued to be held.
Even back in those days, slow play was being mentioned by the Captain of the day and members were being requested to read and digest :The Rules of Golf”.
We were advised in 1984 that the construction of the South Eastern Arterial road would commence in 1985, and as a result we would only have 9 holes available for our golf. The course was finally closed on 6th October. We were very fortunate to have been offered facilities at Oakleigh Golf Course, which we gratefully accepted.
1987 brought forth re-location to our new home, “Malvern Valley”. What luxury to have a choice of six toilets (instead of the one and only, complete with a hole in the side wall!), hand basins(plural) and even showers!.... all much appreciated.
The course is gradually maturing and we are all very happy and enjoy playing our golf here. We have recently become incorporated and are now also covered by Insurance on all courses in Australia.
Our fees are now $50 per year which not only covers our Incorporation and Insurance but also our Competition Fees. So cost wise we have come a long way since 1942 when the yearly subscription was two and sixpence.
Another big change since the “good old days” is that our Captain now draws the cards 8.15 am on Thursday mornings. We have once again closed our membership at 70 players and have a waiting list for new members.
Much water has passed under the bridge over the last 50 years, and many members have put their efforts into making Malverndale such a happy and successful Golf Club. Quite a few of you are here today and we take this opportunity to thank you for the past and wish future members similar success.
Nance Miller, who presented this “potted history” of our Club at our 50th birthday celebrations, was a long standing member of Malverndale who served on the Committee in many positions over the years. She was Captain of the club in 1985 and was made a Life Member in 1995. She also served on the Committee of the VWGL as Secretary for a number of years.
