We are grateful to Doug Hendricks who has provided the information which has allowed a timeline showing the development of the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Club to be created.

 

Timeline of the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Club

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1 July 1975 A public meeting was held at North Ringwood Methodist Hall with the aim of creating a Senior Citizens Club.

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Chairman: Councillor Lawrie Lawrenson, supported by Mrs Gwen Horman.

Present: Mrs J Bisset, Mrs McFarland, Miss Ellen (Nell) McKinnon, Mrs M Quinlan, Mrs C Williamson, Mrs Harriet Wilson

 

5 August 1975 A second meeting was held following the positive initial discussion. 11 people were present. 

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2 September 1975 A third meeting was held. 19 people were present. A committee of 7 was formed to work towards the creation of a Senior Citizens Club.

 

Planning continued with the North Ringwood Methodist Church allowing the use of their hall. 

 

6 April 1976 North Ringwood Senior Citizens Club was established with Councillor Laurie Lawrenson as chairman. The following were elected as the first office bearers of the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Club:

 

President: Mrs Gwen Williams

Vice President: Mr Gordon Storey

Treasurer : Mrs Mary Chandler

Secretary: Miss Nell McKinnon 

           

Meetings were held weekly on a Tuesday.

 

Annual subscription: $2

Attendance at each meeting: 20c

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Money for the Club was raised by a variety of means including: morning coffees, afternoon teas, lucky ticket competitions, street stalls, and “bring a gift, buy a gift”.

 

28 February 1977 The first Club day trip - a picnic to Maroondah Dam.

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5 April 1977 The Club’s Constitution was adopted. Activities included games such as quoits, darts and hookey.

 

1978 The first Club holiday - to Buffalo. 

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January 1979 The Club was granted permission from the Uniting Church Board to use their hall for Club activities.

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Annual rent to the Church was $200.

Ringwood City Council donated $150 for stereo equipment. 

 

13 December 1984 “Turning of the Sod” Ceremony for the construction of the new North Ringwood Senior Citizens Club at the present location. (picture below)

 

17 November 1985 The official opening of the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre.

 

April 1986 The Club participated in the Senior Citizens Concert at the Karralyka Theatre. Does anyone remember what item was performed?

 

May 1986 Hairdressing facilities for members was introduced. A chiropodist visited the Club once a month.

 

September 1986 A weekly dance was commenced.

 

1987 Annual subscription increased from $2 to $5 (what great value we enjoy in 2023!) with daily attendance 40c.

 

4 April 2017 Michael Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin visited the Club to view the hall which had been refurbished with the  Federal Government’s assistance.