Surf club celebrates 50 years

Umina Surf Life Saving Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year with a special dinner event in October.

Club secretary Ms Christine Lavers said tickets to the Anniversary celebration dinner had already gone on sale and the event would prove to be popular amongst the community.

"We would like all past and present members to join us for our 50th year weekend of celebrations," Ms Lavers said.

"It will be a great opportunity for past and present members and anyone in the local community to come along and celebrate 50 years of surf life saving at Umina Beach.

"The celebration weekend will kick off with an informal get together at the club on Friday, October 30, from 6pm.

"This will follow with the anniversary celebration dinner on October 31, from 5pm."

Ms Lavers said tickets to the semi-formal dinner were available for $50 per person which included cocktail food and four drink vouchers.

According to Ms Lavers, the club will also host "family sips" on November 1, to conclude the birthday weekend.

"We are currently gathering photos, newspaper articles and memorabilia in an effort to compile a complete history of the past 50 years," Ms Lavers said.

"If anyone has anything they could contribute please contact the club on 4342 7461 or 4342 0320.

"Tickets to the Saturday night dinner are on sale now and can be booked by contacting 4342 6123 or 4342 7461.

"There will be 50th Anniversary merchandise also available to buy."

Ms Lavers said the club was formed in 1959 by Max Tearne, John Breakwell, Les Wynn , Jim Butt, Grahame Stockley and Tony Collins.

"They were given full support by the people of Umina district," Ms Lavers said.

"Mr Jack Hogan was the foundation president.

"The first member to gain his Bronze was Adrian Voormuelen.

"The first club house consisted of a large army tent which was badly damaged in a fierce storm.

"The members then moved all their rescue equipment to the caravan park, where temporary accommodation was supplied by Jack Hogan, proprietor of the park.

"From this, they gained the name of Hogans Heroes.

"The first section of the original club house was built by voluntary labour, concrete for this being wheeled in barrows from Ocean Beach Rd.

"After the completion of this section, membership grew and the club began to flourish with the introduction of the junior surf movement.

"The new and existing clubhouse was recently completed and opened in November last year.

"Umina Nippers' Stingrays began in the 1966-1967 season.

"Following that the Umina Nipperettes Coral Maids in 1970-1971.

"Umina is the only club on the Central Coast to have hosted four Nipper State Titles in 1971, 1980, 1990 and 2005.

"The club has gone from strength to strength and today we have 300 junior members."

Press release, 12 May 2009 Christine Lavers, Umina Surf Life Saving Club