HISTORY

• Around 1974, a group of ladies from Riverwood Legion Club Limited arranged to play golf together on a regular basis.  The first officially recorded game was played on 8 June 1975, with twenty participants paying a Membership Fee of $1.00 plus Annual Club Fee of $1.20.

• Games were held every three weeks at variety courses, including Tree Valley, Bexley, Canterbury, Beverly Park, Marrickville, Auburn, Riverwood & Sefton.

• Results were published in the lcoal newspaper - The Bankstown Torch.

• There were a variety of prizes, including pillowcases, tea towels, oven mitts, face washers, spoon rests as well as other domestic items.

• The end of year prize for the most Gobblers & Birdies was a spoon. 

• Club membership numbers increased to thirty ladies in 1981, only to drop back down to twenty ladies in 1985. 

• In 1991 all games were held at Sefton Golf Course and remained so thereafter. 

• Mixed days, where players brought along their husband, son or a friend, were held annually. 

• Roslyn Tancred, whom our Memorial Trophy is named after, joined the club in January 1991 and played for 23 years. She held many positions on the committee and continued to support the club until her passing from cancer on 28th October, 2014, only ten weeks after playing her last game of golf with us.

•  Marie Kirby (current member, Chris Kirby’s mother) played with the club for five years between 1991 & 1996.

• The Legion Club installed a Trophy Cabinet in 2009 to display all our perpetual trophies.

• In 2012 the club’s name changed to Club Rivers Ladies Social Golf Club.

• Between 2008 & 2013 membership dropped significantly to only seven ladies and it was thought that the club may fold.

• Thanks to a recruitment drive through Sefton Golf Course, our numbers steadily increased and now we currently have twenty-six members. 

• In 2022 our inaugural Golf Trip Away was held in Nelson Bay with twenty ladies attending.This was a great success and has now become an annual event.

• Sadly, one of our long-time members, Caroline Crilly, passed away on 21st June this year.Caroline was a Club Rivers member for 17 years.She endured heart surgery and several back operations but always managed to walk the course.Caroline’s final game with us was on 5th March, 2023 and although she was undertaking cancer treatment, she was able to attend last year’s presentation and this year’s AGM.Caroline is remembered fondly, particularly at this time of year, for the craft items and wonderful Advent Calendars she made and donated to our club.

• All our current members continue to enjoy the social camaraderie and friendships made, playing the sport of golf. We look forward to sharing another successful year ahead.

• And last, but not least, a special mention goes to a founding member of our club, Heather Grimson.Heather has been a stalwart of the club since it began 50 years ago. She has served as Club Captain for 21 years (non-consecutively) and continues to be a supportive committee member.

• When I first started with the club back in 2010, the winners had their achievements embroidered on the front of their club shirt and Heather’s shirt had a comprehensive list of accomplishments.Over the years she has won numerous awards, including the Club Championship, the President’s Trophy and the Roslyn Tancred Memorial Trophy.

• Heather is forthright with a heart of gold.She happily encourages new members and shares her vast golf knowledge with those who are new to the game. She knows her way around a golf course and can never be accused of slow play.After nine holes you’ll find Heather enjoying a meat pie before hitting off on the back nine!

• Golfing is more about the people you play with than the score you shoot and over the years, Heather has made wonderful friendships with many members, past and present.

• We congratulate you Heather on your Golden Jubilee with Club Rivers and wish you good health and that you continue to find joy in every game you play.