Social Activities

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1929 to 1985

No social functions were recorded before the Club Dance in aid of War Funds in 1943 and then it was not until December, 1967 that a Club braaivleis was organised, and this was repeated the following year.

1969 saw the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the Club and this was celebrated by a supper party on 22nd November at the home of Mr and Mrs Bruce Milne. A film taken by Mr I. Dichmont at the braaivleis at his home in 1967 was shown.

1970 saw the introduction of a Club Bridge evening and these were then held successfully almost annually at various members’ homes.

In 1976 a very successful dance was organised in the Barn at Kelvin Grove and was repeated in 1977.

There is no record of any official function being held to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Club in 1979.

Lady members enjoyed a lunch at the Heerengracht Hotel in 1982.

Over the years, various fund raising functions were held, such as cake sales, jumble sales and plant sales. On a more mundane note, a work day was introduced in 1971 at the beginning of each season when repairs were carried out to wire netting, benches and tables were repainted, and so on. This not only reduced maintenance costs but developed into a social occasion with lady members supplying refreshments.

1986 to 2006

Up to 1987 players changed ends every four games but this was brought into line with modern play with end-change at every odd game.

From 1986 Bridge evenings were organized and played at the homes of Pat Bedford, Arlene Morrison and Eric Gaertner. Although these evenings were popular they slowly died out.

A dance was held at Kelvin Grove in 1987 at R20 per head and again in 1988 at the cost of R25 per head. They were by all accounts well supported.

The “Weekday” ladies continued to hold their annual luncheons at various venues with the records showing that a great deal of fun was had by all.

The Club’s 70th anniversary was celebrated by holding a dinner at Kelvin Grove. Here again a good turnout was recorded

In November 2004 the Club celebrated its 75th anniversary with a dinner at Kelvin Grove. The Club bore the cost of a well known entertainer, Alvin Collison, as well as the wine to the tune of R4 858. This function was well attended and was enjoyed by all who attended.

A regular feature developed on Saturdays after tennis. This was called the “Boeing” after tennis refreshment time and some of our more sedate members have been known to let their hair down at these sessions.

A number of braais have been held over the years, usually after tournaments, but in some cases attendances have been very poor. However, these get-togethers have continued and many a good idea for the betterment of the Club has come from those around the fire. The work day introduced in 1971 continued during the 1990’s with the opening day tennis being preceded by a work party, when odd jobs were carried out before organized tennis commenced, but this idea was dropped after a few years due to lack of enthusiasm.