HISTORY OF THE ORMOND SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB INC (OSCC)
(As written by Elaine Temperley in 2013)
This year I would like to reflect on the history of the Ormond Senior Citizens Club. Our Honour Board tells a story in itself. In 1958 Mr. K. Morley, who I believe was the local newsagent, and familiar with identities in the area, felt the elderly residents in the area needed somewhere they could socialize. He proceeded with the help of the dignitaries in the area, and formed a Committee who chose the site, which was at that time, a block of land owned by the P.M.G. Department. After confrontations with the then Caulfield Council, the Council agreed to purchase the land, but the Ormond Club had to raise the money to build the premises. Plans were drawn up, a Ladies Auxilliary was formed, and through many raffles, stalls, collection of money by selling candles at Carols By Candlelight at Caulfield Racecourse, and so on, they went working continuously towards their goal. With a loan from Council and a State Government Grant, the Committee decided there was enough money to start building. Plans and quotes were presented to Council, and it was decided to build in two stages with the money available.
The main hall was completed, and the first Meeting was held on the premises on 02.04.1963. There were lots of ups and downs with money, because in those days the Club was financially responsible for equipment, upkeep of premises and energy payments. In September 1963, a cleaner was employed at one pound per week. In 1966, the Club wrote to Council, requesting that a seat be placed outside the Club. This seat is well used today. The Constitution of the Club was also agreed upon in 1966.
At the end of 1967, the building extensions were being considered, and by 1970 building construction had begun. An opening was held in 1970. Cards and Indoor Bowls were well attended, with afternoon teas a highlight that helped in fundraising. Members enjoyed many bus trips away, and each year the Xmas Party was a major event. Membership was about 200, but members did wane in time. There was much interaction with other Clubs in the area. Mr. Keith Morley remained President till his passing in 1979 whilst on an overseas trip. Ormond Senior Citizens Club became Incorporated on 16.06.1987.
In 1990 Daytime Table Tennis was introduced into Ormond. The big change came in 1994. With Ormond member numbers decreasing, Council organized for The Italian Senior Citizens Club and U3A to share the facilities. (We now have a Chinese Senior Club included.) The Council then took over paying the upkeep of the premises, and paid the power and telephone accounts.
All this brings us to now. Demographics in the area have changed, thus altering the needs of Senior Citizens. We are becoming a multicultural society, and technology is dramatically changing the way people live. We have included Line Dancing, Yoga, Zumba and Chess as activities, with Night-time Table Tennis very popular, together with Billiards and Cards being traditional activities still surviving. In the future it may be different again.
Clubs are responsible firstly to the Department of Justice, and secondly to Council who conduct regular meetings with Officials of Clubs. Catherine Young has taken over being co-ordinator from Rod Adams. However, the basis of Senior Clubs remains the same, operating on a volunteering basis with a Committee who meets regularly. We are very fortunate nowadays to have premises provided, and to be able to apply for a Grant for equipment for the use of all Clubs.
Most of this information has come from Minutes of Meetings written by whoever was the Secretary at the time. The ledgers that are singed were rescued when there was a break-in and the thieves lit a fire, but it was fortunately put out before too much damage was done. We need Committee members to learn protocol, and I would especially like someone to take over the Secretary job, as when you become a senior Senior it is time to retire.
Council has built a new door so the Billiard Room can be entered directly from the foyer, enabling that section to be separate from the Card Room, if necessary. Incidentally, one billiard table was purchased by Ormond Seniors, and a second billiard table was bought by Italian Seniors from fundraising efforts. It distresses me that the card tables and Card Room chairs (purchased especially for that room) are being moved into the Billiard Room, and just left on the floor together with the billiard cues – so untidy. It used to be a pleasure to walk into the Card Room, but not any more. All chairs and tables should be returned to the rightful place (especially if it is the Hall) before you leave. Members need to respect that there are other groups who also use these facilities, they should not be expected to clean up the mess left by others. This applies to food and dishes and glasses too. Any unauthorized goods and chattels left in the rooms will be discarded.
There is now a Maintenance Book left in the foyer, should a problem arise you can make a note in the Book. New cleaners have now been employed by Council. Outside areas are only done once a year, which includes the deck area, so a little self-help may be needed there.
Notices are not allowed to be stuck on front windows, unless an emergency arises. Each section should notify their members before-hand of changed schedules and/or have phone numbers so they can be contacted directly.
Mr. Rogelberg, our President, has done a wonderful job of revitalizing our membership and Mr. Bob Cooper, our Treasurer, has been diligent looking after the money side of procedures. We thank our activity leaders who also are volunteers, and it is hoped all members do their little bit to help out.
Rules and circumstances change, but we trust this Club will meet the waves of change and be here to serve the Senior Citizens of the area for a long time yet. This will rely on the generosity of people willing to give of their time and energy.
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