Fundraisers
From the moment the idea of building a community pool was conceived, raising funds became a major issue and, in fact, 50 years down the track, fundraising is still high on the list of priorities and always a major part of the Committee’s agenda. It could be said that it is the very act of fund raising itself that has so strongly united the community and still draws it together after five decades. Good times and wonderful memories have been created over the years from a wide and varied assortment of fundraising activities. Annual events such as the Pool Party and Christmas Tree Celebration are now legendary on the community calendar, but Sports days, Swimmathons, Balls, concerts, discos, saveloy-eating competitions, bonfire nights, progressive dinners, karaoke and trivia nights, have all left indelible memories amongst those who participated, and Mock weddings, raffles, dutch auctions, market days, calf-rearing and wood-splitting have all helped to fill the coffers over the years.
The Black and White Balls of the 60’s and 70’s were traditionally held on Friday 13th and with live music, wonderful prizes and lavish suppers, they attracted crowds from far and wide.
Held in the Chudleigh Hall, admission in those days was $3 a double, (or $1.50 a single), and prizes were given for Belle, Matron and Prettiest Frock! The last few Balls that were held in the mid-70’s departed from the black and white look and opted for decorations depicting an Outer Space theme. Yards and yards of blue material draped across the ceiling, and hundreds and hundreds of foil-covered silver stars, complete with cardboard UFO, transformed the Hall into a cosmic wonderland.
Hayrides were often a feature of the Swimmathons and BBQ’s of the 60’s and 70’s along with the greasy pig and the slippery pole across the pool, but sadly, by the time the Pool Parties of the 90’s and beyond arrived, political correctness and public liability had put a stop to many of the good old fashioned games that had been enjoyed by so many for so long, and new methods of entertainment were dreamed up. Gumboot tossing, wheelbarrow races, wet sponge throwing, pool volley-ball, egg & spoon races, swimming and running races, late-for-school races, and lolly scrambles were all part of the fun and games at Pool Parties.
May How’s reputation for cooking was well known in the district and for many years throughout the 70’s she regularly baked a cake for a “guess the weight” competition at the Pool Parties.
Who can remember the race challenge between Bev Flowers and Kelvin Howe at the 1984 Pool Party?. This was a race with a difference in so much as Bev was on a push-bike while Kelvin was on foot! In the name of fairness, Bev was to cycle a distance of 2 miles while, starting at the same time, Kelvin was to run 1 mile, and the loser was to pay a $10 wager. Bev sprinted past Kelvin on the home leg and as a result the real winner was the swimming pool fund.
At a Pool Party in the early 1980’s, another memorable event, in which participants of all ages took part, was a running race dubbed the “Caveside Mile”. The course commenced near Robertsons, on Fernleigh Road, and finished at the swimming pool. A huge field of runners, consisting of grandparents, parents, and children of all ages assembled at various starting points based on handicaps according to age. A horde of runners made for an impressive sight as they surged down the road towards the pool. Kelvin “Spud” Haberle, a back marker, came from behind to round everyone up and was declared the outright winner.
Pool Parties have become an intrinsic part of the community calendar and have changed little over the past 50 years – the aim is always to provide fun and entertainment and to celebrate the existence of the swimming pool. The Pool Parties of the 2000’s have seen live music introduced as additional entertainment to the usual array of games and activities for the children.
Bonfires were another drawcard and the first recorded Bonfire Night was held at Robertson’s property in 1967. By the early ‘80’s “Cracker Nights” were held at Kelvin Howe’s place and thereafter, in May of each year throughout the 80’s, fireworks and festivities continued to be hosted by Noel and Sally Martin, drawing large crowds which in turn generated much needed funds for the swimming pool committee.