The Basin Badminton Club

It seems that as a result of talks, between the first minister of The Basin Presbyterian Church Mr. H. M. Bell and church members Mr. & Mrs. Roxburgh, Mrs. Pickett and Mr. L. Gretton, The Basin badminton club was established in 1935. Mr. Roxburgh donated four racquets and a net and the game was played in the Presbyterian Church. Other first year members included Messrs. F. & E. Gretton, A. John, G. & F. Grumont, W. Martin, and Misses M. Dickson, and N. Gibson. Foundation office bearers were Mr. H. M. Bell Chairman, and Mr. L. Gretton Secretary and Treasurer.

The Basin Presbyterian church hall was used for approximately 2 years before the club moved to the Basin Progress Hall which provided extra space and better playing conditions. Prior to S.E.C. power coming to the district the game was played under kerosene lamps. Finance was very limited and the club held various social functions to help defray costs.

The game was played mainly in a social nature before World War II but individuals entered Victorian Badminton Association Carnivals such as country Week. Matches were arranged with neighbouring clubs and tournaments held within the club. Gentlemen were then rarely seen playing in shorts. Because of the war the club went into recess until reformed in March 1946, when it soon began to flourish.

In 1949 the Croydon District Badminton Association was formed with The Basin as a foundation member. In 1952 The Basin emerged as A Grade premiers. To make a stronger competition the Mountain District and Croydon and District Associations amalgamated in 1953 with Basin President George Grumont as President. The “A” Grade pennant was again won in 1958 by The Basin after many years as runners up.

In 1964 The Basin won the “A” Reserve premiership. Among many fine former players Bob Irwin holds a high place having been ranked No. 5 player in Victoria in 1965 and having represented Victoria in 1965-66.

There were many long standing members of the club including George Grumont (32 years - 17 years as President), Ernie Gretton, John Chandler, Wally Goodwin, May Moran, Elsie Greenwell, Val Gretton, Marjorie Dickson, and Anne Spry.

The club produced many fine players including Ernie Gretton, Bob Irwin, Margaret Ritchie, May Dickson and Elsie Greenwell.

The Basin Football Club

In Victoria no town is complete without an Australian Rules Football Club. From 1946 the young men of The Basin has been represented in this field. To the credit of many staunch workers, the club, after a modest beginning, has grown to a formidable club. Its growth has been in spite of the fact that little local support was forthcoming in the early days and great reliance was placed upon the efforts of officials and the ladies auxiliary for sorely needed funds.

Before the days of The Basin Football Club the Bayswater team had Basin boys W. Jackson, H. Collier, A. Collier, A. Turner and Gib. and Alan Chandler playing with it. Consequently the football club dance was well patronised by Basin lads and lasses. A wonderful supper was included in the entry price of four shillings.

The club’s inaugural meeting was held at the home of Mr. Jack Martin late in 1946. Arthur Cooper was elected President, R. Peck Treasurer and F. Byford Secretary. Committee members included A. Collett, C. Whitworth, and A. J. Stephens. In 1947, a side was fielded in the Croydon Ferntree Gully League. Having no home ground, the side was drawn to play away continuously and consequently were beaten by huge margins. Players and loyal supporters were transported by Thompson’s buses.

In 1948 the club combined with the Colchester-Basin Cricket Club and commenced playing at Batterham Reserve after the proposed site of Wicks Reserve proved unsuitable. South West of the lower oval (beside the dam from which the football was frequently retrieved) was a bark and paling hut built by a working bee. This supplemented by an army tent supplied by Arthur Cooper. The army tent was used as a change room until 1949 when a temporary dressing shed was built.

In 1953 Clifton Pugh, well known artist, was president and in l955, because of insufficient players, the club was temporarily suspended.

In those early days it seems that the team used to be selected at “Vassos’s” Hotel (later known as the Club hotel) on Saturday morning (there was no training in those days) and they could always pick two or three drinkers when short.

In 1957 the club reformed with Alf Petrie President, A. Cooper Treasurer and J. Stephens Secretary with their home at Batterham. Anyone involved with the re-birth of The Basin Football Club would scarcely believe the changes made to Batterham Reserve in the intervening years as a result of the continued presence of the Football Club and later the Cricket and Tennis Clubs.

In 1957, the club was using the lower oval and played on a surface which still bore signs of the drainage furrows from the days when the ground was part of Rowley Batterham’s apple orchard. The club had many working bees to develop the grounds. Saplings were cut down at The Ravine for point and goal posts and power poles were erected to obtain electric power.

An “Ugly Man’s Competition” raised enough money to buy timber and galvanised iron to proudly build a 24 x 48 foot unlined “tin shed” - the first in the district with a 1000 gallon water tank that served for a couple of years for showers and other water supplies. A briquette hot water service and wire netting were added later. Working bees laid the first water pipes from Arcadia Avenue.

Dinny Lewer was appointed coach in 1957 but the team finished last. Dinny was involved in a memorable event in late July 1957. The club had only a single win at this stage and were playing Yarra Glen at home. The forty-seven year old non-playing coach decided to play in the team and show them how it should be done. The side did well, without much help from Dinny. In the dying moments of the last quarter with The Basin three points down, Dinny took a mark thirty yards from goal. Rather than go with convention, the coach decided on a place kick to win the game - probably the first place kick in the district since the war. Dinny kicked a point and The Basin went on to lose.

All year the club had struggled to attract more than seven or eight players to training, but the coach’s place kick was responsible for the full nineteen players attending an emergency team meeting at the club the following Sunday morning. After much debate, Dinny managed to hold on to the coach’s position by the narrowest margin. That place kick will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it.

The club’s first success came in 1958 when the side made the semi-finals. Wally Lindsay took over as coach in 1959 and the side finished about the middle of the list. In 1960 Noel Harman was coach and an under 16 side, with Max Norton coach, was fielded.

Continuing as coach, Harman was rewarded in 1962 when the senior side won the premiership. Officials that year were J. Wallace (President), A. Cooper (Treasurer), and R. Williams (Secretary). Star players included John Wright, Norm Parkinson, Morrie Cook, Kevin McDonagh and Ron Williams.

In 1963 a 2nd XVIII was fielded and justified its existence by playing in the grand final.

From 1957 to 1965 the club owed a lot to the work of the ladies committee. Stalwarts among them being Mesdames Swanson, Petrie, Norton, Murray, Scanlon and Harrod.

Until about 1962, all improvements at Batterham were jointly funded by the Park Committee and the Football Club. On many occasions, the club loaned money to the Park Committee for improvements in lieu of future rentals. Over the years the facilities have been improved and upgraded. The ground is now considered by many one of the best in Melbourne.

On the playing field the club has had mixed fortunes since that 1962 premiership, but it is now flourishing. Of note was the first premiership win in 1977 by the under 15’s. The club is winning their share of games and enjoying financial stability - all finances being self generated.

A supporters group meet monthly and have been responsible for many improvements to the club rooms and grounds. The group is credited with starting the highly popular Country and Western Day that was held in February for many years.

The Club is fully licensed and runs a well ordered bar. Discipline was established some years back when a handful of individuals were banned for behaviour unbecoming to the club. Members are aware of the value of the facilities and take pride in them. Visitors are also made welcome.

The stability of the club and the esteem in which it is held by its players was highlighted by senior coach, John Ruffles, when he observed in June 1992 that the senior side which beat Templestowe by ten goals the previous week contained only two players who did not play their junior football at The Basin.

The Basin Cricket Club

Cricket has had a rather chequered career in The Basin, having many phases over the years.

Before the 2nd World War, Cricket was played by a team calling themselves “The Valley” competing in the Ringwood competition. The side played on a pitch at the corner of Colchester and Canterbury Roads and included such players as George Fiedler, Mick Godfrey and A. Treleaven. This club continued after the war as “The Colchester-Basin Cricket Club”.

In 1946 The Basin Club formed and played on the same private property as The Valley, in the Ferntree Gully Competition but shortly afterwards moved to Batterham Reserve. Players and officials remembered in that period include Alan Collett, Graeme Kerr, and Jim Stephens. A “B” Grade side was fielded but the club met hard times and was disbanded in 1948. A club known as “Somerville Park” then played for a few years.

In 1958 a fresh start was made when The Basin Footballers fielded a cricket side again in “B” Grade of the Ferntree Gully Competition. Over about a ten year period, the club headed the ladder after the home and away matches a number of times, but unfortunately a premiership did not come the club’s way. Defeats in finals were by as little as 3 and 9 runs. One season the “B” Grade side headed the list with 88 points out of a possible 100, but was plagued by injuries and mishaps during the final.

In season 1962-1963 a “C” Grade side was added, and then in 1964-1965 A, B, C and Juniors were fielded - the club had come a long way in a short time.

There were many staunch players and officials up to 1965, among them being Doug Sims, John Wallace, Noel Harman, Alan Sward, Alan White, Norm Parkinson, Morrie Cook, John Wright and Philip Jordan.

In the late 1960’s, the word “Footballers” was dropped from the clubs name. For the period 1973-1983 the club played under the banner of Batterham Park Cricket Club after combining with the Church of Christ Cricket Club. At the commencement of the 1983/84 cricket season, the club reverted to the name The Basin Cricket Club and continues to play under this name.

In the last twenty-five years the club has achieved much success on-field and has won ten premierships throughout the grades. By far the most successful leader has been the late Phillip Johnstone, who captained three premiership teams in the lower grades before his tragic death in 1991. Phillip and his wife Robyn were staunch workers for the club.

From having two senior and one junior team in the early 1970’s, in the 1990’s, the club had grown to the stage where it was fielding five senior and five junior teams each Saturday.

The Basin Cricket Club has had many outstanding players in the past twenty-five years, including Fred Davies, David Lambert, Steven Plymin, Garth Smith and Tony James. Players have also filled most positions on the club’s committee and there have been many tireless workers including Robert Smith who served as President for eight years, Graeme Murray, Secretary for six years and Mark Posch, Treasurer for eight years.

The outstanding service of these men has been recognised with the presentation of life membership awards and others awarded this honour include Terry Davis, Dennis Wheeler, Paul Wakefield and David Smith.

The Basin Junction Basketball Club

In 1962, several local girls who were keen on sport decided to form a basketball club. These girls raised enough support to form two teams which were entered in the Mountain District Girls Basketball Association. A distinctive uniform was designed by Joyce Reid and The Basin Junction Basketball Club made its debut with an “A” Grade and “B” Reserve team. Both teams had successful seasons with “B” finishing runners-up.

Another team was added in 1963 and, playing at St. John’s Ferntree Gully, all teams finished in the four. The need for home courts was obvious so the girls set to work to raise funds. With the assistance of parents, The Basin Progress Association and the Shire Council, a court was finally put down in 1964. The same year saw Mrs. Marie Alexanderson appointed as the club’s first official coach. With extra practice, excellent support and fine coaching “A” Grade won the club’s first premiership. It was fitting that this team consisted mainly of the club’s original members. Two more courts were added as now six teams were to be fielded. The club had come a long way in a short time.

In 1966, few of the original members remained but this report would not be complete without mention of

Jill and Carol Wright, Joyce Reid, Meryl Neeson, and Denise Gretton whose work and play combined with the efforts of Mrs. Alexanderson, Mrs. Nicholls, Mrs. Hayles and Mrs. Kaliszewski lifted the club to prominence.

Batterham Park Tennis Club

The Batterham Park Tennis Club came into being on 4 September 1972. The founding President was Rev. Ian Parton and Secretary Mrs. Claire MacMillan.

The idea of a tennis club at the reserve had been raised some time earlier when the Batterham Park Grounds Committee called a meeting of local people to discuss the formation of a tennis club. Little interest was shown however, and it was not until a chance meeting between Don Maguire and Claire MacMillan that steps were taken to form the Batterham Park Tennis Club.

Don Maguire was a member of The Batterham Park Grounds Committee, and Clare MacMillan was a member of The Boronia Presbyterian Church Tennis Club, a small, but active club without their own courts. They had three teams and hired various courts in Boronia and Bayswater for home matches. After months of negotiation, The Boronia Presbyterian Church Tennis Club ceased functioning, and together with a group of ladies from Mount View became the nucleus of the new Batterham Park Tennis Club. (The Mount View ladies played mid-week on Rita Matthews’ private court in Boronia.)

The aim of the new organisation was to have a family based tennis club, open to the local community and catering for all levels of tennis. Founding members were: Len and Judy Pacey, Jeanette and Don Osborne, Beryl Tate, Claire and Hamish MacMillan, Ian and Anne Parton, Ted Cornell, Jean Isherwood, Bill and Dawn Ochiltree, Peter and Lorraine Smith, Gordon and Laurence Hill, Pat Ewart, Robert Henry, Pieta Boyles, Pat Ingram, Terry Starling, Lorraine Davie, Pat Harvey, Jeanette Brown and Alan Thorne.

The new club was located on its present site and consisted of two en-tout-cas courts, a clubhouse and one asphalt netball court.

A number of prominent local identities have been members of the club, including four Mayors of Knox - Hurtle Lupton, Tom Blaze, Geoff Draper and Peter Maley. Another prominent member was Hamish MacMillan, who was Treasurer of the Victorian Tennis Association and a Director of Tennis Australia. Hamish is also a life member of Batterham Tennis Club and was a past president of Ferntree Gully and District Tennis Association, a position he held for 15 years.

In 1992, the Tennis Club had grown from its original 43 members, to 266. and boasted five en-tout-cas courts and an attractive clubhouse surrounded by gardens and lawn. The courts can be floodlit for night matches.

In 1997, the club held their 25th anniversary with a celebration at a local restaurant.

The Club has had some financial assistance from the local council, but the majority of funds come from the membership and from fund raising events.

Miller Park Tennis Club

Situated on the corner of Liverpool Road and Mountain Highway, the club was officially opened on 6th July 1986 by Cr Tom Blaze.

The original complex consisted of the clubrooms and 3 plexipave courts.

The first night competition was registered in July 1988 after lights were installed on the existing courts. Twelve months later, three en tout cas courts were constructed with lights installed on these courts in August 1990.

In May 2002, the worn plexipave courts were upgraded to sand filled artificial grass courts.

Well known coaches over the years have been Keith Rogers and Ian Goolagong.

The Basin Basketball Club

In 1975 a number of women living in The Basin were getting together at playgroup meetings. Their husbands also met regularly, playing cards and billiards. Some of these men decided to form The Basin Basketball Club. The team, which played at Kilsyth stadium, consisted of Dick Thomas, Matt McManus, Bill Major, Howard Blegg, Andy Sweet, Brian Hill, Godfrey Baker and Bill Barry.

The following year a womens team was formed. This team, coached by Dick Thomas, also played at Kilsyth stadium and was made up of Norma Thomas, Sandra McManus, Irene Major, Joy Wallace, Margaret Stewart, Barbara Moxham, Marilyn Rose, Carol Baker, Loretta Kelly and Lyn Blegg.

The first junior team was formed in 1978 when the coach of an under 16 boys Boronia Technical School team ceased coaching; the team was taken over by Dick Thomas under the banner of The Basin Basketball Club. Included in the team were Geoff Toulson, Matt and Seymour Van De Meere and several boys from the school.

On the 21st of April 1979, the club entered its first boy’s team for a full season. The team, an 11d side, played at Nunawading and was coached by Bruce Kelly, although the first game was coached by Dick Thomas as Bruce was unavailable. Much of the early work was done by Dick Thomas and Irene Major. A team set of green singlets with white trim were purchased from Kmart and red numbers sewn on. Red cotton football shorts were also purchased and completed the uniform. The boys in the team were David Bortolussi, Ian Bottel, Peter Dobson, Simon and Tony Major, Brian Page, Stephen Shepherd and Andrew Wallace.

In 1981, the first junior girls team was formed and coached by Margaret Sweet and Ute Frankcom played in the under 10 competition. The team played at Boronia stadium and was made up of Gillian Bottel, Michelle Sweet, Joanne Frankcom, Kendra and Donna Gill and Michelle Moore.

In 1992 the club, under the Presidency of Justin Walton, had 460 juniors and 80 seniors making 70 junior teams and 8 senior teams competing at Knox Amateur Basketball Association (K.A.B.A.), Melbourne East Basketball Association, Nunawading (M.E.B.A.), and Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association (K. & M.D.B.A.).

Many teams have won premierships over the years. A championship mens team playing at Kilsyth has been premiers for the past two years.

The Basin Tennis Club

The Basin Tennis Club was formed in 1932 at the initiative of Mr R. B. Smith, owner and operator of Smith’s Store, the first store in The Basin. The first meetings were held in Mr Smiths lounge room. The clubs’ first President was Mr. Smith himself and the first treasurer and secretary was Miss Rose Rafferty. Mr Smith provided some land at the rear of his property and constructed an asphalted tennis court. Due to the popularity of the game another court was added a little later. The club affiliated with and participated in the Fern Tree Gully and District Tennis Association.

The first few years successes were few. In 1951 the club won its first premiership, the “Dr Farrow Cup”. During its existence, the club was extremely popular with its warmth of atmosphere and the afternoon teas provided by the ladies.

Due to property development leading to the loss of their courts, the club disbanded in 1954 with the clubs funds being donated to The Basin Progress Association.

The Basin Progress Association attempted to reform the Tennis club in 1962 in the Batterham Park area but this was unsuccessful. Later, in 1972, the Batterham Park Tennis Club was formed.

Riding for the Disabled

Early in 1971, a number of community minded people in The Basin formed a group with aim of teaching handicapped children to ride. Lead by Mrs. J. Ericson, of Fern Street, the group initially started at South Yarra. In October 1971, the group became the first registered “Riding for the Disabled” group in Victoria with its base at Wicks Reserve, The Basin.

Riding for the Disabled had its origins in England in 1954 and quickly spread to other countries. Queensland was the first State in Australia to start in 1964.

For the handicapped, riding represents a whole new way of life; four strong legs to carry you instead of two weak or useless ones. To those confined to a wheelchair or to moving slowly using crutches or callipers, horse riding opens new horizons, gives new independence and confidence, and a lot of enjoyment.

The group at The Basin were known as the “Wick’s” group (for the reserve where they met). They were greatly assisted by the Wicks Reserve Committee and the Rotary Club of Boronia, who provided an enclosed area for the riders to work within.

Lilydale Bowmen Club

The Lilydale Bowman Club is located on the corner of Pavitt Lane and Sheffield Rd.

The club was formed in 1977 by five members of the Moorabbin Archery Club. These members were Steve Edwards, Peter Dickson, Brian Williams, Graham Windsor and David Abbott. They recognised a need for a club that focussed on Field Archery and at the time the Moorabbin Club focussed on Target Archery.

Field Archery simulates hunting game, with small targets placed in natural surroundings at various distances. It requires a large site with natural bush surroundings.

The founding members spent considerable time assessing potential sites for the club; finally choosing a site of 22 acres on the corner of Pavitt Lane and Sheffield Rd. This site was ideal for the purpose and was also surrounded by national park and farm land. The farm land has been leased on occasions for use when the club hosted international shooting competitions. The site is owned by the local council and leased by the club who pay all the land rates. The site has no reticulated water or electricity. Water is provided by on site tanks and a generator provides electricity.

In the early days, the local council supported the club by providing clubrooms in 1984 and toilets in 1986. The toilets were installed on the site boundary to be shared with Doongalla Horse and Pony Club.

Over the years, the club has spent over $20,000 improving the facilities and now have excellent clubrooms and their own toilets and showers. Finances to improve the facilities have been entirely self funded.

The club has grown rapidly and in 1997 boasted the largest club membership in Australia.

Doongalla Horse and Pony Club

On the 24th March, 1969, The Basin Progress Association called a special meeting inviting interested people to form a local horse and pony club. A total of 33 people attended the meeting where following points were made:

• There was a definite need in the this area for a Horse and Pony Club, as the nearest was at Croydon.

• After investigation, the Progress Association compiled a list of 33 names who did not belong to a club but were interested in joining if a local one was formed.

• A suitable location was available at Wicks Reserve and the Committee of Management would encourage and assist a newly formed club.

• The Shire Riding Councillors were in favour of the proposal and would do what was within their power to help.

• The Basin Progress Association was sponsoring the proposal in the interest of community benefit and once the club was formed would take no further active participation unless requested by the club

• Various executive and members of the Croydon and Mountain District Horse and Pony Club had been contacted and some had inspected the proposed location. While the proposal had not been put at their meeting, they personally felt the proposal a worthy one and stated they felt that their club would be willing to advise and assist in the formation of the club.

A committee of 15 was elected to guide the formation and draft a constitution. The first committee members were Mrs Morgan, Mrs Elliott, Mr. John Pittard, Mr. Wallace Campbell, Mrs. Phelan, Mr. John Campbell, Mrs. Ierufi, Mrs. Veal, Mrs Tremevan, Mr. K. Riddell, Mr. L. Everett, Mr. Roy Ritchie, Mrs. Stellar, Mrs. Ericason and Mrs. Gale. President was Mrs. Morgan, Secretary Mrs. Elliott.

The committee arranged to hold a rally and gymkhana in the near future. A local veterinarian, Mr. Wilson, offered his services to the club. Miss Ericason offered to loan 4 horses to the club for a few months and Mr. Robinson offered to let them graze in his paddock provided someone looked after them to which Miss Vikki Walker volunteered.

Subsequent meetings drafted a constitution and the club commenced operations at Wicks Reserve. It was soon discovered that Wicks was unsuitable and other areas including land near Millers Road and the Chandlers paddocks were used for a time. In 1971, the group discovered a large tract of land in Sheffield Road owned by the then Lilydale Council. Negotiations were successful in obtaining the use of the land, although the agreement to use the land was a loose one.

The land in Sheffield Road became the clubs home and has proved extremely suitable. It consists of an area of 8 - 10 acres that has been cleared over time with a further 10-15 acres of bush used for cross country jumping. All the area is appropriately fenced.

The Doongalla Pony Club Incorporated was registered/affiliated with the Victorian Pony Club Association on 25th May, 1971 with full affiliation granted on 14th December 1971.

Major ground and building improvements over the years have been:

• The first shed (a double garage) erected in 1972 to store gear and an area flattened for a temporary arena.

• Another double garage shed erected in 1976 beside the earlier one creating a walkway between the two.

• In the late 1970’s, a cover was erected over the area between the two garages and also extended out the front of the garages.

• In 1985, a besser block shed was constructed with a concrete floor and roof and roller door. A 25KVA electric generator complete with electric wiring to other areas was installed. Prior to this, the members used a portable generator. This new shed was financed and erected by club members. The generator was donated by a club member.

• In 1988, the club negotiated with the Council to construct a series of riding trails that followed local roads and led to the pony club. Many of the younger club members agist horses in local paddocks and have to ride to and from the pony club.

• A stone topped and fenced arena was created in 1989. The local Council financed the excavation and stone topping and the club paid for and erected the fence.

• In 1990, the club renegotiated the land lease arrangement with the Council incorporating much tighter conditions that suited the club.

• In 1991, a huge tree planting effort saw trees around the arena and in many other areas.

• The club used pan toilets up until 1986 when Council constructed public toilet facilities on the land border that is shared with the Lilydale Bowmans Club. However, these toilets were too distant from the club buildings. In 1992, the club financed and erected a large toilet block located closer to the club’s buildings.

• The largest “gear” shed was donated to the club in 1993 and erected by members.

• Over time, the canteen front area roof was extended and the floor concreted. In 1999, steel walls were added.

• In 2002, the construction of an additional arena commenced and this is expected to be complete in a few years.

The site is also home to the Doongalla Adult Riders Club who commenced operation in 1981, They use the club facilities, provide finance to the club and assist at working bees but operate as an independent organisation.

Major events held each year include:

• The Annual Johnny Reb memorial jumping competition (see the insert on page describing how this event came to be named).

• The Annual Johnny McCabe fancy dress event held after the last rally of the year. The McCabe family were active members of the club in the 1970’s. Johnny McCabe, the young son, was killed in a tragic accident and the fancy dress is named in his honour.

• Show jumping day, Dressage day and One Day Event (includes Cross Country Jumping).

The club operates a Junior Committee and a Senior Committee. The Junior Committee has been operating since inception and offers younger members of the club a venue for involvement in the administrative functions of the club.

Sources of Information

• “The Basin Centenary booklet” - Ron Ikin.

• “Fire on the Hill, Flowers on the Valley” - Rick Coxhill.

• Current and former residents. In particular, Jim and Barbara Stephens for general help and information.

• Current and former members of the Doongalla Horse and Pony Club.

• Current and former members of the Lilydale Bowman Club Club.

• Boronia and The Basin Community News.

Index

A

Abbott, David

founding member of Lilydale Bowman Club    6

Alexanderson, Mrs. Marie

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

first coach of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Anderson, John, Shirley & Mark

life members, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

B

Baker, Carol

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Baker, Godfrey

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Barry, Bill

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Basin Badminton Club    1

Bob Irwin outstanding player    1

early members    1

fine players    1

first used Presbyterian Church Hall     1

founding member of Croydon District Badminton Association    1

founding members    1

in recess during WWII    1

long standing members    1

once played under kerosene lamps    1

premierships

1952 - A Grade    1

1958 - A Grade    1

1964 - A Reserve    1

used Basin Progress Hall    1

Basin Basketball Club    5

first junior team    5

first men team members    5

first women team members    5

formation - 1975    5

teams in Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association    5

teams in Knox Amateur Basketball Association    5

teams in Melbourne East Basketball Association    5

Basin Cricket Club    3 - 4

called “Somerville Park” for a time    3

called “The Valley” before WWII    3

called Colchester-Basin Cricket Club after WWII    3

early members    3

life members    4

played as Batterham Park Cricket Club 1973-1983    3

staunch players and officials    4

the word “Footballers” dropped from name.    3

Basin Football Club    1 - 3

amalgamation with Colchester-Basin Cricket Club    2

commenced playing at Batterham reserve in 1948    2

early clubrooms

paling hut    2

tent    2

tin shed    2

early ladies committee work    2

early players played in Croydon Ferntree Gully League    2

first Basonites played for Bayswater    1

formation -1946    1

ground improvements    2

premierships

1962 - Seniors    2

1977 - under 15’s    3

tale of supporter antics after 1962 premiership     2

reformation    2

tale of hard times    3

temporarily suspended    2

uglyman competition - won by Dinney Lewer 1957    3

Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

courts    4

first premiership - 1964    4

formation - 1962    4

original members    4

Basin Presbyterian Church

used by Basin Badminton Club    1

Basin Progress Association

assisted in courts for Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Basin Progress Hall

used by Basin Badminton Club    1

Basin Tennis Club    5 - 6

attempted reformation    6

disbanded    5

first premiership in 1951    5

formation - 1932    5

founding members    5

location    5

Batterham Park Tennis Club    4 - 5

formation - 1972    4

founding members    4

prominent members    4

Batterham Reserve

Basin Football Club started playing there in 1948    2

cricket played there as early as 1946    3

Bell, Mr. H. M.

first President of Basin Badminton Club    1

founding member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Blaze, Tom

prominent member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Blegg, Howard

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Blegg, Lyn

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Bortolussi, David

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Bottel, Gillian

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

Bottel, Ian

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Boyles, Pieta

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Brown, Jeanette

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Byford, F.

first Basin Football Club Secretary    1

C

Campbell, John

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Campbell, Wallace

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Chandler, Alan

played football for Bayswater    1

Chandler, Gib

played football for Bayswater    1

Chandler, John

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Chaplin, Diana

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Chipperfield, Bob & Pat

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Colchester-Basin Cricket Club

amalgamated with Basin Football Club    2

Collett, A.

first Basin Football Club committee member    1

Collett, Alan

early Basin Cricket Club player    3

Collier, A.

played football for Bayswater    1

Collier, H.

played football for Bayswater    1

Cook, Morrie

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

star player - Basin Football Club 1962 premiership    2

Cooper, Arthur

Basin Football Club Treasurer when it reformed in 1957    2

first Basin Football Club President    1

supplied tent for early days of Basin Football Club    2

Treasurer when Basin Football Club won first premiership    2

Cornell, Ted

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Croydon District Badminton Association

Basin Badminton Club as foundation member    1

D

Davie, Lorraine

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Davies, Fred

outstanding Basin Cricket Club player    4

Davis, Terry

Basin Cricket Club life membership    4

Dawson, Iris

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Dickson, Marjorie

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Dickson, May

Basin Badminton Club fine player    1

Dickson, Miss May

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Dickson, Peter

founding member of Lilydale Bowman Club    6

Dobson, Peter

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Domican, Margaret

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    6 - 9

adult riders club    8

building improvements

1972 - first shed    7

1974 - double garage    7

1985 - besser block shed    8

1986, 1992 - toilet blocks    8

1988 - riding trails    8

1989 - stone topped and fenced arena    8

1993 - gear shed    8

first committee members    7

how formed    6

Johnny Reb memorial jumping competition

how named    7

past winners    8

junior and senior committees    9

life members    7

locations

commenced in Wicks Reserve - 1969    7

established in Sheffield Road - 1971    7

major events

Johnny McCabe fancy dress    8

Johnny Reb memorial jumping competition    8

Showjumping day, Dressage day, One day event    8

Draper, Geoff

prominent member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

E

Edwards, Steve

founding member of Lilydale Bowman Club    6

Elliott, Mrs

first Secretary - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Ericason, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Ericson, Mrs. J.

first Riding for the Disabled group in The Basin    6

Everett, Mr L

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Ewart, Pat

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

F

Fiedler, George

played in “The Valley” Cricket Club    3

Frankcom, Joanne

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

Frankcom, Ute

coached first Basin Basketball Club Junior Girls team    5

G

Gale, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Gibson, Miss N.

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Gill, Donna

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

Gill, Kendra

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

Godfrey, Mick

played in “The Valley” Cricket Club    3

Goodwin, Wally

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Goolagong, Ian

Coach at Miller Park Tennis Club    5

Greenwell, Elsie

Basin Badminton Club fine player    1

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Gretton, Denise

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Gretton, Ernie

Basin Badminton Club fine player    1

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Gretton, F.

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Gretton, Mr. L.

first Secretary and Treasurer of Basin Badminton Club    1

founding member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Gretton, Val

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Grumont, F.

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Grumont, George

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

president amalgamated Badminton Associations    1

H

Harman, Noel

appointed Basin Football Club coach 1960    2

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

Harrod, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

Hartigan, Gary

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Harvey, Pat

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Hayles, Mrs.

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Henry, Robert

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Hill, Brian

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Hill, Gordon

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Hill, Laurence

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Hudson, Geoffrey

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

I

Ierufi, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Ingram, Pat

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Irwin, Bob

Basin Badminton Club outstanding player    1

Isherwood, Jean

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

J

Jackson, W.

played football for Bayswater    1

James, Tony

outstanding Basin Cricket Club player    4

John, A.

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Johnstone, Phillip

successful player for Basin Cricket Club    3

Jordan, Philip

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

K

Kaliszewski, Mrs.

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Kelly, Bruce

coached Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

Kelly, Loretta

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Kerr, Graeme

early Basin Cricket Club player    3

L

Lambert, David

outstanding Basin Cricket Club player    4

Lewer, Dinny

appointed Basin Football Club coach 1957    2

won Basin Football Club uglyman competition    3

Lilydale Bowmen Club    6

facilities    6

focussed on field archery    6

formation - 1977    6

founding members    6

location    6

site description    6

Lindsay, Wally

appointed Basin Football Club coach 1959    2

Lowe, Brian

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Lupton, Hurtle

prominent member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

M

MacMillan, Claire

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

founding secretary Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

influenced formation of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

member of Boronia Presbyterian Church Tennis Club    4

MacMillan, Hamish

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

prominent member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Maguire, Don

influenced formation of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

member of Batterham Park Grounds Committee    4

Major, Bill

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Major, Irene

assisted in running first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Major, Simon

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Major, Tony

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

Maley, Peter

prominent member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Martin, Andrew

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Martin, Mr. Jack

home was venue for first Basin Football Club meeting    1

Martin, W.

early member of Basin Badminton Club    1

McDonagh, Kevin

star player - Basin Football Club 1962 premiership    2

McManus, Matt

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

McManus, Sandra

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Miller Park Tennis Club    5

first night competition    5

new courts    5

officially opened    5

Miller, Gordon and Noreen

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Moore, Michelle

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

Moran, May

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Morgan, Mrs

first President - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Moxham, Barbara

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Murray, Graeme

outstanding Basin Cricket Club official    4

Murray, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

N

Neeson, Meryl

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Nicholls, Mrs.

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Norton, Max

appointed Basin Football Club under 16 coach 1960    2

Norton, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

O

Ochiltree, Bill

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Ochiltree, Dawn

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Osborne, Don

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Osborne, Jeanette

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

P

Pacey, Judy

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Pacey, Len

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Page, Brian

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Parkinson, Norm

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

star player - Basin Football Club 1962 premiership    2

Parton, Anne

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Parton, Rev. Ian

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

founding President Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Peck, R.

first Basin Football Club Treasurer    1

Petrie, Alf

Basin Football Club President when it reformed in 1957    2

Petrie, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

Phelan, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Pickett, Mrs.

founding member of Basin Badminton Club    1

Pittard, John

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Plymin, Steven

outstanding Basin Cricket Club player    4

Posch, Mark

outstanding Basin Cricket Club official    4

Pugh, Clifton

president Basin Football Club    2

R

Rafferty, Miss Rose

founding Secretary of The Basin Tennis Club    5

Ravine, The

supplied saplings for goal posts and power poles    2

Reid, Joyce

designed uniform for Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Riddell, Mr K

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Riding for the Disabled    6

description    6

first registered group in The Basin    6

origin    6

Ritchie, Margaret

Basin Badminton Club fine player    1

Ritchie, Roy

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Rogers, Keith

Coach at Miller Park Tennis Club    5

Rose, Marilyn

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Roxburgh, Mr.

donated equipment to start Basin Badminton Club    1

Roxburgh, Mr. & Mrs.

founding members of Basin Badminton Club    1

S

Scanlon, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

Shepherd, Stephen

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Sims, Doug

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

Smith, David

Basin Cricket Club life membership    4

Smith, Garth

outstanding Basin Cricket Club player    4

Smith, Lorraine

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Smith, Peter

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Smith, R. B

formed The Basin Tennis Club    5

founding President of The Basin Tennis Club    5

Smith, Robert

outstanding Basin Cricket Club official    4

Somerville Park Cricket Club

early name for Basin Cricket Club    3

Spry, Anne

long term player - Basin Badminton Club    1

Starling, Terry

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Steele, Noel & Pam

life member, Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Stellar, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

Stephens, Jim

Basin Football Club Secretary when it reformed in 1957    2

early Basin Cricket Club player    3

first Basin Football Club committee member    1

Stewart, Margaret

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Swanson, Mrs.

early member of Basin Football Club ladies committee    2

Sward, Alan

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

Sweet, Andy

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Sweet, Margaret

coached first Basin Basketball Club Junior Girls team    5

Sweet, Michelle

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior girls team    5

T

Tate, Beryl

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Temevan, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

The Basin Badminton Club

See Basin Badminton Club

The Basin Basketball Club

See Basin Basketball Club

The Basin Cricket Club

See Basin Cricket Club

The Basin Football Club

See Basin Football Club

The Basin Junction Basketball Club

See Basin Junction Basketball Club

The Basin Tennis Club

See Basin Tennis Club

Thomas, Dick

assisted in running first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

coach of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

coached first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

member of first Basin Basketball Club mens team    5

Thomas, Norma

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Thorne, Alan

founding member of Batterham Park Tennis Club    4

Toulson, Geoff

member of first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

Treleaven, A.

played in “The Valley” Cricket Club    3

Turner, A.

played football for Bayswater    1

V

Valley Cricket Club, The

early name for Basin Cricket Club    3

Van De Meere, Matt

member of first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

Van De Meere, Seymour

member of first Basin Basketball Club junior team    5

Veal, Mrs

on first committee - Doongalla Horse and Pony Club    7

W

Wakefield, Paul

Basin Cricket Club life membership    4

Wallace, Andrew

early member of Basin Basketball Club junior boys team    5

Wallace, Jack

President when Basin Football Club won first premiership    2

Wallace, John

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

Wallace, Joy

member of first Basin Basketball Club womens team    5

Walton, Justin

president Basin Basketball Club 1992    5

Wheeler, Dennis

Basin Cricket Club life membership    4

White, Alan

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

White, Max

distinguished resident    1

Whitworth, C.

first Basin Football Club committee member    1

Wicks Reserve Committee

assisted Riding for the Disabled    6

Williams, Brian

founding member of Lilydale Bowman Club    6

Williams, R.

Secretary when Basin Football Club won first premiership    2

Williams, Ron

star player - Basin Football Club 1962 premiership    2

Windsor, Graham

founding member of Lilydale Bowman Club    6

Wright, Carol

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Wright, Jill

early supporter of Basin Junction Basketball Club    4

Wright, John

early Basin Cricket Club member    3

star player - Basin Football Club 1962 premiership    2