ABSLSC's Long Weekend Celebrations - a feature of the Club's 100th Anniversary celebrations - were a huge success.
Current and past members came from far and wide, several travelling from interstate, to catch up with each other, re-live happy times and share a few laughs.
The ticketed Gala dinner in the Ocean Room on Friday night was enjoyed by all, with more than a few tall tales accompanied by a video of highlights of the Club's 100 year history produced by talented club member Jae Morrison. A recorded well wishing video was also provided by Warren Mitchell OAM who was unable to attend. Everyone was impressed with the quality of the meals catered by the restaurant.
A 100th Anniversary Publication of the Club's History - "100 Years of Saving Lives" - was provided to those attending the dinner, and an online version will be available on the Club's website soon.
A celebration of life and scattering of IRB pioneer and Life Member Don Mitchell's ashes was accompanied by a surfboat and IRB.
The Saturday opening night of the Historic Photo Exhibition, organised by Geoff Searl OAM, was very well attended, and we were honoured to have Mayor Sue Heins attend.
The support of Palm Beach SLSC stalwart Gordon Lang, a previous SLSSNB Branch President, in also attending the official opening, is indicative of the camaraderie that exists between our local surf clubs in celebrating each others' milestone achievements.
The photo and memorabilia exhibition, together with IRB 1 on loan from the Australian National Maritime Museum was open for the public to enjoy on Sunday and Monday.
This was the first time the Museum had allowed the historic craft to leave the Museum, having had extensive discussions with the club about its display. The IRB 1 was donated to the museum by Warren Mitchell OAM Life Member of Avalon Beach SLSC, and made available to the club as part of the Surf Club's 100th Anniversary Celebrations
Pics: Surf Club and ANMM officials
The community was invited to view the vessel and appreciate Warren's story that has resulted in the saving of thousands of lives around Australia since its first successful trial at Avalon Beach in 1969.
Geoff featured profiles of all the Club's Life Members, and various aspects of the Club and Avalon Beach history. Over a thousand people viewed these over the weekend, with visitors taking their time to read the information compiled by Geoff.
Federal MP Sophie Scamps, State MP Jacqui Scruby (who is also an active Club Member), Councillors Miranda Korzy and Rowie Dillon all enjoyed the weekend's proceedings.
Some members of the Centenary Committee spent Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the Club -apart from the planning time and other activities over the year to date:) - taking deliveries, setting up, taking part, taking down and winding down!
October ABSLSC Centenary Monthly Reflections in the Waves include:
2002
Community paddle out to commemorate Bali Bombing victims.. Community Event organised by the Surf Club
2005
80th Anniversary Celebrations, and Historical Photos Display
2006
Max Watt Centenary Medal nomination - for the 100 people Max had saved.
2018
Announced Surf Life Saving Australia Club of the Year 27 October 2018
And the Centenary Year isn't over yet. :)