Inverleigh Service Clubs

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Returned Servicemen's League

With their return to civilian life after World War I, the surviving servicemen at Inverleigh formed an Association to help each other with their repatriation problems, and social activities as well as establishing a permanent monument to their fallen comrades in arms. They also began the annual Remembrance Service on Anzac Day and generally fostered the idea of service to the nation. In keeping with this ideal they also awarded an annual Scholarship at the Inverleigh Primary School to assist one child each year towards higher education.

It should never be forgotten that these men had in their period of time served in almost every theatre of war, some in the navy, most in the army and two in the Australian Flying Corps. One man, Clifford Peel, was the man who envisaged the ideal of what is now the Royal Flying Doctor Service, of Inland Australia. He did not live to see what he had dreamed of come to pass, but others carried on, and the service as we know it was born and has grown to maturity. Some survived the holocaust of Gallipoli and some the bloody battles of the Western Front in France. However with the passing of the years, their ranks dwindled until with the beginning of the Second World War they once again found that they could serve the new generation of servicemen in various ways on the home front.

With the end of the Second World War came a period of reconstruction and the year 1954 saw the formation of a Sub Branch of the - Returned Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmans' League at Inverleigh. At this period in time the last few members of the first servicemans' organisation decided to hand on to the new club the funds they had had in hand, together with the responsibility of carrying on with the annual Scholarship award. This charge has been faithfully carried out.

The club acquired a site in the main street from the McDonald family and began the work of establishing club rooms. The members were fortunate in purchasing a portion of a house from Mr. Jack Hutchins. This building was moved to the present site, re-erected and altered, and was eventually opened for use absolutely free of debt. It was the only Club room in the state to be without debt.

As in World War One, the servicemen from Inverleigh and district served in every sphere. The RAAF personnel served in the Battle for Britain and on D.Day one member disappeared without trace. Others served with Wingate in India, the Middle East. and the South West Pacific.

The Second AIF and Citizen Military Forces members served with distinction in the Middle East against Rommel and at Tobruk, in New Guinea, the Solomons and other islands. The Navy personnel served throughout the world thus contributing to the final victory. Mention should also be made of the work done by the service women from the district who served in various capacities in the services.

Veterans of the Korean War have also been members of Inverleigh together with members of the Occupation Forces in Japan at the conclusion of hostilities. Coming up to date, the club has at least one member of the Army contingent which served in Vietnam.

The club is still carrying on the ideals of the original Anzacs, but once again the numbers are dwindling with the passing years.

World War I Monuments

Two monuments exist in Inverleigh. The first is regarded as the earliest monument erected to a fallen soldier in Victoria. The memorial was erected to the memory of Sergeant Major Albert Houghton who was killed in the Boer War 14th October 1901. "He did his duty as a soldier and a man."

The second monument was erected after the First World War by the forerunner of the R.S.L. to their fallen comrades.

PEACE DAY INVERLEIGH 25TH JULY 1919 -from the Geelong Times:-

"The Peace Day Celebrations were carried out here on Tuesday last when the township had its biggest day in history. Early in the year a public meeting was called. committees formed. and the district canvassed for subscriptions to defray expenses. The movement had the whole hearted support of the residents and a large sum of money was collected. This sum was allotted to the different committees, care being taken to give the children a good time.

Through the intervention of Mr. James McDonald M.L.A. the 3 state schools in the district; Murgheboluc, Murdeduke and Inver1eigh, were granted a holiday. The residents of Murgheboluc joined with Inverleigh and helped to make the day a memorable one. The Irish Pipe Band under Drum Major Alex Reid came by morning train and marched to Hopwoods Hill the starting point of the procession, playing martial airs en route. The procession moved off at 11am. Miss Katie McDonald, a popular young lady, who was chosen by the public; was prettily attired in white representing peace mounted on a white charger. The returned soldiers of the district followed, then a band of young ladies dressed as nurses. The pipe band came next, followed by school children, many dressed in the colours of their soldier relatives. The children of Murdeduke school came next on a decorated lorry representing peace and plenty. There followed another lorry on which a miniature of H.M.A.S. Sydney had been built. There followed a number of private cars, all decorated, and carrying people in fancy dress, and a number of horsemen.

The procession wound its way to the football ground and from there to the Mechanists Hall where a hearty meal was served. The afternoon was taken up by amusements in the park and a strong sports committee organised many events. The pipe band performed during the afternoon, and every child received a prize. There was fancy dress football and then the festivities were adjourned to the hall again where tea was served. The hall was then cleared and a social evening and dance was held with many musical items. masters of ceremony and even Mrs Price's Glee Girls. The day was deemed a great success and much praise was bestowed on Messrs H. Esler. and J.J. McDonald the joint secretaries."

Honour Boards

The Roll of Honour was unveiled by Brigadier General R.E.Williams C.M.G. The Rev. J.E. Higginbotham officiated at the service on 25th February 1919.

WAR WORK The Sun, 25th March 1943:-

"In a little outback Victorian country town, Mr. and Mrs. G. Harrison and three local girls (Miss Mollie Gibson, Miss Mena O'Dea, and Miss Irene Alderson) are making munitions in a one time garage, now fitted up as miniature munitions factory. When off duty the girls work at home, one in a vineyard, one in an orchard, and a third on a poultry farm."

Inverleigh Mechanic's Institute and Free Library

A meeting was held at Hewitt's Hotel on 6th October 1865, to elect a committee to organise the formation of a Mechanic's Institute and Library and the building of a suitable hall to house it in. The following were elected as office bearers:-

"At the first meeting it was decided to obtain plans for a building size- forty feet by twenty feet with a fire place at the West end, and to be built of local stone. On 1st November 1865 tenders were called for, and application made to the Government for a grant to buy books for the library. On 16th November 1865, the following tenders were accepted;-

E. Shugg -Masonry 136 Pounds 5/6. As the carting necessitated passing the 'toll gate' on the road, efforts were made to be allowed to cart 'toll free', and if so, Mr. Shugg was to be asked to reduce his price accordingly.

J. McLaughlan - Cartentry 145 Pounds (providing he proved capable)

The hall was opened on 27th March 1866, and Mr. H. Saville was appointed librarian. A reading room was added in 1882 by J. Colquhoun at a cost of 22 Pounds 6/-. In 1887 the shingle roof was replaced with iron. Numerous other changes were made to the building during the early twentieth century.

Fire Brigade

A public meeting in 1932 resulted in the formation of the Inverleigh Bush Fire Brigade. Mr. J. McCallum was the first Chairman, Mr. E. Peel secretary and Mr. A. McCallum treasurer. A sub committee was formed to inquire into the costs and particulars regarding motor truck fire fighting equipment. Mr. J.H. Smyth was elected captain. Two 200 gallon tanks fitted with low down pumps were purchased and located at each end of the district, which included, Shelford, Teesdale, and Wingeel. Later another tank was purchased and located on the Hamilton property mid way between the other two. Farmers supplied trucks to transport them to fires. The general public, the Shires and a membership levy of 2/6d per member financed the equipment.

Shortly after the disastrous fires in the Western District in 1944 all bush fire brigades were taken over by the Country Fire Brigades (known today as the Country Fire Authority). At this time break burning along the roads in the township area commenced. In 1945 the first power unit was purchased and soon after a second one was added. Mr. E.Peel and Mr. J. Hamilton still supplied trucks to transport tanks and units. In 1954 the C.F.A. placed a second hand Bedford truck, tank and pump in the town and a shed for it was built at the rear of McMillan's Garage. 1963 an electric pump was placed on the River Leigh to pump water for fire fighting purposes.

In 1963 Mr. E. Peel retired from office in the Brigade. He had been secretary for 31 years. Treasurer for 30 years, and captain for 12 years. A sub base radio was purchased in 1954 and placed with Mr. D. McMillan. The Brigade joined the Winchelsea group.

In 1965 the Levy System was introduced to purchase a second hand International fire unit. The levy was 2d. an acre and 101- per house. The captain installed his own sub base in 1966 and the previous set was placed in the C.F.A. tanker. A tray truck unit was purchased in 1970 and the interceptor phone system in 1971. A VHF radio was bought in 1974 for use as a mobile and this was followed by another in 1975 for use as a sub base. That same year a block of land and a new shed was provided by the C.F.A. for the Brigade.

In 1977 Mr. J.D. Hamilton retired as Captain after 12 years. He served 18 years as a Lieutenant and 4 years as Sec/Treasurer. The Brigade was provided with a new type of Interceptor Phone System and a quick fill pump.

Milestones in the Hall's History

Inverleigh Hall - click to enlarge

1lth April 1917 - A dinner to celebrate The Jubilee of the Institute

l0th August 1946- The Building Fund was created with a view to building a new hall. Money was to be raised by any means considered fit by the Committee. On the 12th December 1952 a successful rabbit drive was held to aid the Fund. 3,512 pairs of rabbits raised 351 Pounds 10/-. In all, over 8,000 rabbits were killed and processed by less than 50 men.

October 1957- Mr. G. Williams was engaged to draw up the plans for the new brick building.

April 1959 The Committee accepted the tender of Messrs Murray and Rowe of Geelong to build the hall. The dressing rooms and Library were sold and removed.

June 1959 -Building began.

23rd October 1959 - New hall was opened with a ball attended by some 600 people.

25th June 1966 - Centenary of the Inverleigh Mechanic's Institute.

Progress Association Past and Present

Inverleigh has had a history of progress associations going back to the earliest established settlement in the district. The original pioneers felt the need to plant trees in the main street, at Victoria Park and at the cemetery.

In the 1870's the settlers formed an association for this purpose and to urge the Shire Council to provide adequate drainage, and roads. During World War 1. this association lapsed and was not reformed until the 1930's The fine avenues of cypresses at both entrances of the town and the Centennial Avenue (Railway St) were planted to commemorate the accession of Edward VIII to the Throne and the Centenary of Victoria's foundation as a separate state.

The outbreak of World War 2 and the departure of so many young people into the Armed Forces once again halted the steady progress. After the war the association once again carried forward the ideas of the original settlers. This association lapsed for some years but was reformed in 1976, this time with the object of forwarding the interests of the Inverleigh residents in rapidly changing circumstances as well as assisting local councilors to put to the Bannockburn Council recommendations regarding public and private matters. In this role it differs somewhat from previous associations. All credit should go to those who have gone before, and whose monument today is evident in the tree lined streets and the pleasant surroundings in which Inverleigh residents live and work.

Ladies Old Time Club

This club began before the Second World War. The late Mrs. J. Phillips was president and the late Mrs. S. Berridge secretary. As far as is known Mrs. K. Bourke, Mrs Roffe and Mrs. R.M. Bath are the only surviving members. The club worked for the betterment of the community, putting seats in the main street, a pavilion at Victoria Park and sending countless food parcels to the soldiers on overseas duty. It was disbanded after the war.

Town Lighting

From the 1860's onward, homes were lit by home made tallow candles. Later came kerosene lamps. Some of the station homesteads experimented with primitive gas plants for household lighting. There were no street lamps, and dances and concerts were held on moonlit nights to assist people to return home safely.

S.E.C.

In 1944, the Bannockburn Council set in motion a request for power for the township. At this time it was thought that supply would come from Batesford. Time passed and the control of the district passed to Colac. In mid 1951 the 'self help plan' was introduced and the residents responded willingly to provide 14,000 Pounds necessary for the scheme to progress. Supply eventually came from Winchelsea, enabling many farms along the way to be connected. The ceremony was performed by Mrs. A.M. Kelly on 12th December 1952 in the public hall. She was more than 80 years old at the time and had given much support to the scheme. Councilor E.T. Peel (chairman of the committee) gave a dinner at Lake's hotel for selected guests before the ceremony took place. It was the realisation of one of his greatest hopes for the town.

St Paul's Ladies Guild

A meeting of Anglican ladies was held in May 1930 and St Paul's Ladies Guild was formed. This guild was disbanded in February, 1931. In March 1936, under the leader- ship of Rev. Tinniswood, the Guild was reformed and has functioned ever since. Mrs. Tinniswood was the first president, and Miss M. Peel the first secretary. The guild has functioned ever since and is a very important part of church life.

Local residents are familiar with the Guild Caterers who ably cater for weddings and other functions in the town. Much of the church's income is raised through sheer hard work by these ladies. Mrs. B. Morgan is president and Mrs. B. Hooper the Secretary.

Red Cross

The inauguration of Red Cross in the Inverleigh District was during World War 1, after which it was disbanded. At the outbreak of World War 2, the Inverleigh /Teesdale branch was set up, with executive Mrs. K. Morrison, president; Mrs. N. Russell secretary, and Mrs. F. Pearce treasurer. Each month cash collections were made, and garments were cut out. Members knitted and sewed for the war effort, but again disbanded after it ceased. For 20 years Mrs. Pearce remained sole collector of the 70 membership subscriptions.

In 1964 the Inverleigh/Shelford branch was formed, with Mrs. Hutchins as president, Mrs. J. Shields as secretary and Mrs. F. Pearce treasurer. This branch is still raising funds to support the bloodbank, the many services offered by Red Cross, and disasters at home and abroad. The branch has a trained first aid, and home nursing group, as well as tested drivers to provide medical transport in cases of hardship. Current executives are, Miss D. Hamilton, president, Mrs. W. Thornton secretary, and Mrs. J. Ellis treasurer.

Geelong Hospital Auxiliary

The first meeting of the Branch was held on 3rd September 1926. In the first year 60 Pounds was raised. Part of this was spent on material which was made into over 200 garments. From that day the Branch has kept up its magnificent record of service to the hospital.

In 1976 two foundation members of the Branch achieved 50 years of service. They were Mrs Bourke and Mrs. E.T. Peel. During the same year Mrs McMahon and Mrs. McGregor were made life Governors. A celebration was held to celebrate the Branch's Fiftieth Birthday.

Senior Citizens Club

The Inverleigh and District Senior Citizens Club was inaugurated on 2nd June 1977, and although only a young club it has a membership of 38 interested Senior Citizens meeting weekly at the Public Hall. Several activities, including Carpet Bowls, Quoits, Bingo, Cards and Community Singing conclude each afternoon.

It is expected that the club will grow as time progresses. We must extend our thanks to the Bannockburn Council and our local councilors Mr. Ross Peel for help and interest in the club.

The Ladies Social Club

The inaugural meeting of the Ladies' Social Club was convened by Mrs Fricke at the home of Mrs. McMahon in 1954. The first president was Mrs. McMahon and the first secretary was Miss Joan Haygarth The club has continued to function over the years arranging kitchen teas and gifts for young people of the district prior to their marriages.

Shelford and District Victorian Young Farmers Club

The Shelford and District Young Farmers was established by Mr Jack Fletcher in 1969, and since the first meeting on Monday 2Oth October 1969, the youth of Inverleigh have formed a large part of the membership. Originally meetings were held in the Shelford Public Hall, but since August 1973 the Shelford Methodist Chapel has been the meeting venue.

Club members who have achieved success at state level of the organisation include Jane Lamb who won the 1976 New Zealand Trip Elimination, Robert Rice who won the 1974 State Demonstration Lecture Final, and Andy Marshall who was elected to the State Executive in 1977. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month.

Guides

On 13th June 1961, a public meeting was held in the Anglican Hall for the purpose of forming a Guide Company and Brownie Pack. It was well supported and Mrs. B. Hooper was elected President, Mrs. W.H. Thornton Secretary and Mrs. A.N. Caff1pbell Treasurer. Lone Guides B & L Hooper, M. Faulkner and J. Thornton formed the first small group. The district was attached to Shelford under District Commissioner Mrs Turpie, Mrs Fraser and Mrs Lynch took over the Brownies and Mrs Diamond and Mrs. R. McMillan led the Guides.

Funds were raised through stalls, manure drives and pine cone sales. A set of colours were purchased in 1961 for the company. In March 1964, Mrs Thornton became District Commissioner of what was known as The Leigh River District. Loyal service to the Association has kept it going through the years. The Brownie Pack was established under Mrs Lynch about 1962. Numbers have fluctuated and today we have 14 girls under the leadership of Mrs. B. Hooper.

Scouts

In 1955, 1st Inverleigh Troop was formed with Rev. V. Cohen as scout master. Mr. W. Thornton was President, a post which he held for many years. Mr. C. Marlyn was secretary, and meetings were held in the Anglican Hall.

In 1958 the R.S.L. offered the movement a long term lease on the block adjoining their club rooms to enable the boys to have a hall of their own. In 1959 a hostel building was purchased from the Shell Company and moved to the block. The Rev Cohen returned to the district to perform the opening ceremony. Mr B. Hooper is the present Scout Master.