Boolaroo Bulletin Centenary Issue

Sulphide Welfare Club

[BBc: An Active Group] [BBc: Menu] [BBc: Festivals]
HISTORY
The club is believed to have sprung from a challenge cricket match between fitters and electricians on the Sulphide Oval in January, 1929. After this famous cricket match a Works meeting convened by Mr B. Bordiss decided to form a Club. In the early I930's Welfare activities centred around the cricket oval on which football was also played. The present "pavillion" was used as a club-house. The putting green was also a feature. In 1935 a Bowling Club was formed and a bowling green established. Throughout the war years social activity reached a high point. On Saturday nights before the war it was impossible to get on the dance floor.

Arrangements regarding financial contributions underwent considerable change in 1950. Company employees were canvassed for membership and agreed to have membership subscription deductions made from pays. The organising and financing of the Annual Picnic was taken over by the Welfare Club. In 1957 Club premises were remodelled and a License was obtained. The Cricket Club flourished into 1962.

In 1966 the decision was made to vacate the premises and establish a new club on the Cockle Creek site and in 1967 the construction of new premises commenced. The Club is situated on over 4 acres on the southern side of the Waratah Golf Club.

FAREWELL TO TOM SHINFIELD
TOM Shinfield retired at the AGM held on 15 September 1998 after 14 years in the position of Secretary Manager. The Club and staff gave Tom a wonderful send-off with over 150 guests including Mayor John Kilpatrick, local member John Mills, family, friends and associates in the club industry. Tom was overwhelmed by the beautiful gifts he received and felt that the highlight of the evening was the performance of a song written especially for him. Tom also expressed that his role would have been the envy of other Secretary Managers due to the supportive and tremendous Board of Directors (past and present) who allowed Tom to manage the club without interference. "The 3 main ingredients for a successful club", Tom said, " are a good Board of Directors, good staff and good members - the Sulphide Welfare Club are blessed with all 3". Tom was also farewelled at a second function by Club members. Tom's family also played a part in the history of Boolaroo and the Sulphide Hotel and Tom's Tale and memories as a young lad can be found here.

BERNIE McCARTHY TAKES OVER THE REINS
FORMER Assistant Secretary to Tom Shinfield for over 5 years, Bernard McCarthy has taken over as Secretary Manager.

ANNUAL EVENT
In November each year the Steel City Music Club stage a Festival. In 1998 it will be held on 13-15 November at the Sulphide Welfare Club, there is a Talent Quest, Songwriters Quest and this year Mel Sommers, Event Coordinator is proposing to stage a Buskers Competition in Main Road, Boolaroo on Saturday, 14 November from 10.00am to 2.30pm with plans to combine with the Annual Boolaroo Family Fair and the Country Music Festival in 1999 as a major tourist attraction for the local area.

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