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The Birth, The Growth P7 The Presidential Years
1983 Val Odell holed the 9th. Three weeks later his wife, June, not to be outdone, repeated the performance.
1983 Harry Stoyles on Ian Mackies Eclectic Win.
With a swing that is not apoplectic Ian won the September Eclectic, Which just goes to prove That your style should be smooth, And not like the rest of us - hectic.
1984 Jack Jones, groundstaff, was presented with a gold watch in appreciation of his thirty four years of service to the club.
1984 The Tyro Trophy was renamed the Vic Kendall Trophy. This is a trophy for players in "C" grade who have never won an event. Clyde Henricks was one such player. Reg Wilkins is the present donor.
1984 A four ball aggregate record was made on the 17th hole. 15 points were scored. Bob Wickens Alan McMurchie Bill Scott Bill Astridge 5 points 4 points 3 points 3 points
1984 John Roy and Geoff Tweedale scored 53 points in the Wednesday 4 ball event.
1984 Wick Beeston donated the print of the St Andrews Golf Club at present hanging in the dining room.
1985 John Heffernan, from a handicap of 13, played a par round off the stick.
1985 Edwina Kennedy and Gerard Power won the N.S.W. Mixed foursomes. 1985 Bunkers have been added to the 3rd fairway.
1986 Members over the age of 75 years and on a handicap of 26 and over have been granted permission to hit from the yellow markers.
1986 A push button alarm system for emergency medical use was installed at the left of the 2nd green, left of the 4th tee, right of the 7th tee, left front of the 8th tee, in the rough between the 14th and 15th fairways.
1986 The cost of watering the course during current dry conditions is over $1000 per week.
1986 Father ahd Son event. Son breaks "Par" off the stick. Alan Frew with an unfortunate freak accident when his son Ric powered a ball into his Dad's leg, breaking it. Alan will always remember the 14th June 1986, and the 5th hole.
1987 The entrance to the 4th tee was upgraded with sleepers to form walkways. This improvement did away with the loose bark paths which stuck to the sprigs and were carried up the fairway.
THE PRESIDENTIAL YEARS
The fact that they had the highest honour bestowed upon them, placed them on a plane higher than their fellow members, but, this honour was the reward for countless time spent in labour for the Club they loved so well. It is to men like these that the Club owes a debt, which cannot be repaid in kind and cannot be penned in praiseworthy word. In appreciation of their efforts, their biographies have been recorded for posterity. The continued success of any venture is dependent on its leadership. May we salute our presidents.
THOMAS BAILEY NOSSITER ERNEST JOHN HYDE HARRY CAMPBELL SMALL MERVYN WILLIAM NORTHEY WILLIAM LEICESTER SHORTLAND JOHN DALLAS JONES JOHN EBENEZER THOMSON WILLIAM PARK SCOTT GEOFFREY LLOYD WILLIAMS PAUL HA WORTH HENRICKS 1923 -1933 1933 - 1954 1954 -1957 1957 -1963 1963 -1968 1968 -1973 1973 - 1976 1976 - 1979 1979 -1982 1982-
THOMAS BAILEY NOSSITER PRESIDENT 1923 -1933
THOMAS BAILEY NOSSITER was born in Sydney in 1873. He died in 1948 aged 75 years. His entire life was associated with manufacturing interests. He was a Director of the Henry Jones Co-op and Managing Director of the Peacock Jam Co. For some time he resided in Beecroft and in 1913 moved to Cheltenham. He was a keen supporter. of the idea of forming a golf club and gave great assistance to Dr. Holt by arranging all of the preliminary meetings. With the successful formation of the Club he was appointed Chairman of Directors which also carried the office of President. He filled these positions in an exemplary manner for ten years and seven months before retiring in 1933. During his term of office, the Club went through its most difficult period. It was always in financial difficulties, but T.B. had the ability, with his charming smile, to smooth out these difficulties, and encourage his fellow Directors onto greater efforts. It should be remembered, that in the early days, little was known about club management. The great depression was having disastrous effects on the Country and austerity was the order of the day. Money was in very short supply, but by prudent management the Club survived. We are all indebted to our first President, who so capably led
53 the way through those difficult formative years. The T.B. Nossiter Cup, which was played for until 1959, when it became the Club Championship, was named in his honour, for the leadership displayed during the establishment of the Club. Tom Nossiter was truly a pioneer of the past.
ERNEST JOHN HYDE PRESIDENT 1933 -1954
ERNEST JOHN HYDE was born in Sydney in 1879. He was educated at the Fort Street and Sydney Boys High Schools. In 1902 he founded the Engraving House of Hartland & Hyde. Eighty five years later this highly successful enterprise is still a family business with E.j.'s son, Ernest, Chairman of Directors. He was interested in all sport, wielded a pretty good willow and had a particular liking for golf. In 1921 he joined the Concord Golf Club. When he moved to Beecroft in 1922 he was invited to attend the preliminary meeting for the formation of the Club. he became a foundation member and since that time held the following offices.
Patron 10 years 1959 -1969 (The only Patron) President 21 years 1933 -1954 Club Delegate to the Sydney & Suburban Golf Association 1927 President of the Sydney & Suburban Golf Association 1927 Vice President of the New South Wales Golf Association 1949 President of the New South Wales Golf Association 1950 -1955 Delegate to the Australian Golf Union 1951 -1956 President of the Australian Golf Union 1953 Director of Grass Research 1951 -1956
As an expression of the high esteem in which he was held and in appreciation of his dedicated service to the Club, the highest honour, Life Membership, was bestowed upon him on the 24th September 1951. He has truly been called the father of the Club. He initiated the practice of the President carrying out the presentations on Saturday evenings, a practice which continues today. He was a member of the Royal & Ancient, St Andrews, Scotland and Life Memberof the Adelaide Coif Club. In 1954, this noted administrator was appointed Manager of the Australian Team to visit St. Andrews to play in the British Commonwealth Tournament. Australia defeated Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, then drew with Great Britain, to win the title. This was also the year that Doug Bachli, a Member of the team, won the British Amateur title, the first Australian to do so. E.J. was very proud of his team. E.J. was an accomplished golfer having achieved a handicap of 12/9, under the old system and recording three holes in one. His favourite shot was the 4 iron. He had a favourite saying, which he often repeated, "Don't stop, further progress is necessary." His photograph hangs in the Presidential Room as a fitting reminder of a man with a purpose, a pioneer of thP. past.
HARRY CAMPBELL SMALL PRESIDENT 1954 -1957
HARRY CAMPBELL SMALL was born in sydney in 1891. He died in 1959, aged sixty eight years. In 1920 he founded the chocolate manufacturing company of H.C. Small, which became a highly successful enterprise. Hisgreatinterestingolfprompted him tojoinourClubin 1931. He was appointed to committee in 1934 and accepted office as a director in 1935. With the formation of the new Club in 1938, when the Constitution was changed to form the Club into a non-profit company, he was elected Captain from 1941to1945. He was elected
to Life Membership in 1952, in recognition of twenty years of . valuable service to the Club. He was elevated to the presidency in 1954, which office he held until retiring in 1957.
Whilst chairman of the greens committee, he was responsible for the landscaping of the grounds in the vicinity of the clubhouse. It was not an uncommon sight to see Harry driving a tractor, in his untiring efforts to complete the programme. He was also involved in the greens reconstruction, as designed by
Eric Apperly. This work when completed greatly improved the playing conditions on the course. He was also directly responsible for procuring building materials, which were in short supply, for the erection of the existing machinery shed.
He was in the working party which removed the stump of a nine foot girth iron bark tree, which had stood a little left of the 1st tee.
His great dedication will always be remembered by all who knew him, and his energetic contributions to the landscaping will stand as a monument for us all to enjoy.
In recognition of his service the "A" Reserve Championship
Cup has been named after him.
MERVYN WILLIAM NORTHEY PRESIDENT 1957 -1963
Mervyn William (Bill) Northey was born in Adelaide, South Australia on the 1st July 1914. After early schooling he furthered his education and graduated in Accountancy. He was admitted to the Federal Institute of Accountants (now Australian Society of Accountants) and the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (England). He commenced public practice, as an Accountant, in Sydney during 1944. After twenty five years in the City of Sydney he transferred his practice to Camden N.S.W. He continued to practise until 1974 when he retired to his Poll Hereford Stud at "Worrinyan Park" Cobbitty, N.S.W,. It is there that he follows his interests of collecting antique furniture and his other great love of listening to his extensive library of classical music.
Bill was a sportsman with many talents. He captained his Wellington Road School cricket team, played grade cricket in Rabaul, New Guinea for four years, he also played baseball in Rabaul and represented Mosman in second Grade. He also played tennis to lesser heights. His great sporting love was for the game of golf and at the age of 29 years he joined our Club. He became a golfer to be reckoned with, achieving a handicap of 11. After four years of membership he was appointed to the Committee. During his sixteen years on general committee, he filled the offices of treasurer for seven years, vice president for three years, plus a short term as acting president. In 1957 he was elected president of the Club and for six years graced the title with dignity. Bill possessed a charming personality which was enjoyed by all. On the 30th September 1963, in recognition of his services to the Club, he was elected to Life Membership. In retirement Bill still finds time to occasionally revisit the Club he loved so much.
WILLIAM LEICESTER SHORTLAND PRESIDENT 1963 -1968
A qualified accountant, he began his worJ<ing career in the early thirties with E.S. Woldenden of Sydney. He left this position to become Secretary of Slazengers Ltd. After several years he sought a change and successfully applied for the position of chief accountant for the N.R.M.A. Insurance Co. He was informed that this position would be of a temporary nature, however, after twenty four years of service he was appointed general manager. During this period he held the positions of chief accountant, internal auditor and sub manager. In 1967,owingto failing health, heretired after serving twenty five years with the Company. In earlier years Bill was a keen cricketer, having played first grade and opening bat for the Northern Districts Cricket Club.· He also played hockey with distinction. In 1935 he added golf
55 to his sporting activities and joined our Club. In 1939 he was elected to committee where he served the Club for twenty five years, which included the offices of vice president and president. Our Club has been most fortunate, over the years, in having presidents who were men of distinction and were dedicated to progress. Bill was no exception and during his many years with the Club always applied himself to the task with total dedication. Bill was a likeable fellow, who enjoyed his golf and the company of his fellow members. He played the game well and his name appears, at regular intervals, on the Club's honour boards. He also had the distinction of being one of the winning pair, on each occasion, when in 1960, our Club won the Roseville Cup for the fourth time. In 1968, in appreciation ofhisservices, the Club bestowed their highest honour upon him, that of Life Membership. Bill, after his retirement, was often seen in the Club having a quiet drink with old friends and discussing the early years.His retirement came to anend in 1973 when he passed away, sadly missed by all, at the age of sixty four years. Bill bequeathed $1000 to the Club from which was bought the Trophy Cabinet.
JOHN DALLAS JONES PRESIDENT 1968 -1973
JOHN DALLAS JONES was born in Leura, N.S.W. on the 14th October1922. Hedied on the 1st December1981, aged 59 years. He was educated in Sydney and later became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. In 1940 he joined the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse. During his accounting career he served on committees relating to Australian Auditing Standards and Accounting Practices. In 1940 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air FO'l'ce, where he served as a flying instructor and later as a fighter pilot. When hostilities ceased he rejoined Price Waterhouse. In 1953 he was appointed manager and spent a year on
exchange with the London and New York offices. In 1961 he was admitted to the partnership as senior audit partner. He was proud of his family, wife Joan and children Margaret, Malcolm and Graham.John joined our Club in 1948and for the first few years was a member of the Pennant Team. Like many others, John's membership was a family affair with Joan and Malcolm being active members. Malcolm became the club champion in 1981. John possessed a keeness for the game and achieved a handicap best of 4. His ability is shown in the highlights of his golfing career.
1946 -1952 1948-1955 1949 1951 1951 1955 Pennant Team Leura Golf Club. Pennant Team Pennant Hills Golf Club. Club Champion - Leura Golf Club. Player - Australian Open - Metropolitan. Player -Jubilee Australian Amateur. Foursomes Cham pion -Pennant Hills Golf Club.
He was first electl'.'Ci to Committee in 1954, as honorary treasurer, a position he filled for ten years with skill and dignity. He served as vice president for four years and was elevated to the presidency in 1964. During his term of office he made a most valued contribution to our Club. A member for thirty three years, twenty years on Committee, he was, on the 24th September 1973, in recognition of his unstinting service, elected to Life Membership.
JOHN EBENEZER THOMSON PRESIDENT 1973 -1976
JOHN EBENEZER THOMSON was born at Cobar, New South Wales, on the 22nd September 1909. He was educated at the North Sydney High School and was admitted to practise as a solicitor in New South Wales, on the 29th October 1931. He has continued to practise as well as holding company directorships. In an eventful career in Law, his initial interest was in the litigious area, involving working with many of the leading barristers, but later turning to commerce. He was a partner in his firm, Sly & Russell, and ultimately Senior Partner, until retiring to the slightly less active role of consultant. As a young man Jack had a great love for the outdoors and represented his Club, the Freshwater Life Saving Club, in R. & R. events. He played grade hockey for Mosman and grade baseball for both Mosman and Sydney University Clubs. Before joining our Club in 1949, he was a member of the Manly Golf Club. It was here that Jack learnt his golf in the company of past greats, such as Jim Ferrier and Harry Hattersley, which may explain his impressive record in Club events. He was elected to the general committee in 1962 and served as honorary solicitor for eight years. He became vice president in 1966 and was elected to the presidency on the 24th September 1973. His wide experience in the commercial field, together with his wise counselling, assisted the Club over a long and significant period of its his.tory. · He occupied all offices with great understanding and dignity, his friendly smile was always his greeting, his ready wit and his most deliberate, but delightful, choice of words from an inexhaustable vocabulary, endeared him to us all. After twenty seven years of membership and total dedication to the Club, he was elected to Life Membership on the 27th September 1976.
WILLIAM PARK SCOTT PRESIDENT 1976 -1979
WILLIAM PARK SCOTT was born in Sydney on the 4th August 1911. He attended Coogee Preparatory School and in 1926 was enrolled at Barker College. He graduated in 1929. He represented his college in 1st grade Rugby Union Football. From 1926 to 1929 he played with the 1st X1 and in 1928-9 captained the team. From 1931to1937 he played Union with Eastern Suburbs and during 1934-5 played 1st grade. In 1936 he became honorary secretary of the Eastern Suburbs
Rugby Union Club. During 1938-9 he gained valuable work experience with the Daily Telegraph. In 1940 he joined the A.I.F. and saw service with the 2/5 Field Regiment. He was discharged in 1945. From 1945 to 1950 he held the position of chief accountant at Timbrol Ltd (now Union Carbide). He joined Legacy in 1953 and was elected to the Presidency in 1960-1. He has been chairman of the Golfers Legacy Hostel Fund since 1972. As a chartered accountant he was chairman partner of Wilson, Bishop, Bowes and Craig. He joined our Club in 1951 and was elected to committee as treasurer in 1968. He was a vice president in 1972 and was elected to the office of President in 1976. During his service on committee, and particularly while president, he gave his time conscientiously and generously. His encouragement and willingness to become involved in the detail of sub-committees set an example for all to follow. On the twenty fourth of September 1979 he was elected to Life Membership. He is also a Life Member of the Senior Golfers Society and a Social Member of the Castle Cove Coif Club. Bill achieved a handicap best of 14 and his. name appears amongst the winners on the honour boards. Bill, may we thank you for your contribution toourCluband may you enjoy many more years of Coif on our course.
GEOFFREY LLOYD WILLIAMS PRESIDENT 1979 - 1982
GEOFFREY LLOYD WILLIAMS was born in Young, N.S.W. on the 18th December 1933. He attended Barker College, Hornsby, from 1946 to 1950, thereby gaining his Leaving Certificate. He extended his education at the Sydney University Law School and Solicitors' Admission Board. Following articles of clerkship in Sydney from 1951 to 1955, he was admitted to practise as a Solicitor in 1956 and entered into partnership with the firm of Greaves Wannan and Williams on the 1st July 1957. His expertise is in the fields of conveyancing and commercial and corporate law. Spring Cup 1979. This event was won by l.Jmce White. In 1988 Lance completed 50 years membership in the Club and thus joined Cliff Broughton and Charlie Brown who had also achieved this distinction. Bill Scott former President and Life Member presents this traphy.
57 The 1974 Pennant Hills Cup saw Tony Gresham once more the winner. Geoff Everett from The Lakes G. C. who has played in the event more than any other player was runner up for the second time. Laurie Sparks with a sub par round won the first 18 holes. President Jack Thomson and Captain Bob Wickens add their congratulations.
He has held several public directorships. In 1973 he was appointed to the Optometrical Board and in 1981 to the Solicitors' Statutory Committee, being disciplinary tribunals for optometrists and solicitors respectively in N.S.W. He joined our Club in 1957 and was elected to Committee in 1961. For twenty one years he served with distinction on most Committees, as well as gracing the position of Honorary Solicitor for eight years. He was vice president from 1972 to 1979 when he was elected to the office of president. In this office he presided over the affairs of the Club with skill and dignity, maintaining in every way the high standards set by previous presidents. To express the high esteem in which he was held, and in appreciation of his services to the Club, he was elected to Life Membership on the 27th September 1982.
Geoff, may you now enjoy the fruits of the harvest and spend many more years treading the fairways of the Club you so ably helped to sustain.
Thew Memorial. In 1980 this event was own by Dal Haynes. Eric Thew one of our most popular past Captains made the presentation whilst Geoff Williams made the introductions.
PAUL HAWORTH HENRICKS PRESIDENT 1982-
PAUL HAWORTH HENRICKS was born in Balmain on the 6th June 1917. During his business career he trained as an advertising copywriter. With these skills he later became the author of twelve childrens books. Further success came with the development of a group of dry cleaning plants which he owned. In his early years he was a keen sportsman, playing baseball for Petersham-Leichhardt, cricket for Balmain and Tennis within the district grades. At golf he achieved a handicap of 10/8. He has always had· a liking for the outdoors and regularly surfs at Collaroy where he has a unit on the beach. An ordained Lay-Preacher, his command of rhetoric has always given a certain charm to his many club speeches. Although he spends many hours at the Club atttending to his presidential duties, he still finds time for his favourite hobby, the study of theology. He is a firm supporter of Club traditions and a great believer in family life. His wife Eilene and their son David are both members of the Club. Their golfing prowess, as single figure players, is displayed, on the Honour Boards. He joined the Club in 1962and was elected tocommitteeon the 28th September 1970. He has held the following offices; Chairman of the House and Social Committee, Chairman of the Handicap Committee, member of the Playing Committee and editor of the Club Newsletter. In 1979 he became a vice president and in 1982 was elected to the presidency. During his presidency, and over the years, he has given untold time to the Club. His friendly outgoing personality, tempered with a firmness for Club standards, is appreciated by all members. His term of Office can only ensure the advancement and enrichment of our Club.