In February 1923 a meeting was held in the School of Arts at Top Town to discuss the formation of a second club. This was followed by another meeting on March 1, at which officers were elected, and a further meeting on March 15 to consolidate the formation of the new club. This was the genesis of the Coffs Harbour SLSC.
Some members of the Jetty Club joined the new club, but according to one of the new original members, Ernie Eeley, “it was not a breakaway move”, and members of the new club had no affiliation with the Jetty Club.
The original President was Horrie Riding and the Secretary was Reg Shanahan. The original motion to commence the new club was moved by Life Member E.A.Gailer.
The first Bronze Squad in 1924 consisted of Horrie Riding, Reg Shanahan, Walt Hoschke, Ern Hoschke, Ern Eeley, Vic Williams, Percy Russell, Hilton Thompson, Roy Blanchard, Bill Anderson, Dick Gailer and Eddy Smiles.
Things were very difficult in the early days and white ants made a quick meal of the original amenities constructed by the Surf Club at Park Beach and in 1926 it was decided to “go the whole hog” and build in brick. The bricks were transported, via the Park Beach track, to the clubhouse site by a horse team, driven by Jim Keener. The transport cost was more than the 3000 bricks.
All the other building materials were carried over the B.A.T. bridge by club members at weekends. The bricks were laid by Dan Rogeburg and the building was officially opened on Sunday October 3, 1926. The ceremony was notable for the people, who didn’t come, including the town band.
A name that keeps popping up in club records is Mr H.M.Henderson, member of the Park Beach Trust. He gave of his best to ensure that the new surf club prospered. The rent for the new clubhouse site was fixed at one shilling a year.
Owing to the popularity of the railway excursions trains from Grafton and Kempsey, a station platform was constructed just north of Coffs Creek and named Park Beach, on Horrie Riding’s suggestion.
april, 2024
Event Type
All
Lifesaving
Nippers
Surf Sports
The Club
Event Location
All
Airforce Beach
Bennets Beach
Bennetts Beach
C.ex Group Coffs
Club House
Coffs Aquatic Centre.
Coffs Harbour SLSC
Elizabeth Beach
Elouera Beach
Evans Head SLSC
Forster (Main) Beach
Minnie Water Beach
One Mile Beach
Park Beach
Park Beach Bowling Club
Perth
Queenscliff/North Steyne SLSC
Sawtell Beach
Surf Club Restaurant & Bar
The Beach
Woolgoolga Beach
Yamba Main Beach