Wow! what a night, the buzz of excitement and conversation hit you as you approached the entry foyer, hastening your feet inside. This fantastic event was held at the Streeton Room in The Ivanhoe Centre, (the former Lower Heidelberg Town Hall), greeted by the continuous screening of the many Ivanhoe athletes striving to do their best.
Two-hundred and ten past and present members, descendants and families, were joined by the sponsors at this gala event. Vicar of St James Church Stephen May and representing Ivanhoe Grammar School Chris Branigan, rounded off the connections for the formation of the club. Banyule Mayor Cr Craig Langdon popped in to add the council's congratulations in the form of a certificate, while local MP Anthony Carbines was welcomed as a guest. The meet and greet time, prior to the dinner, was absolutely alive with happy reunions, handshakes for everyone, a few lucky ones even scored a kiss and hug from some of the ladies. Old timers who had not seen each other for over 50 years dredged up memories and stories of heroics in days gone by; meanwhile younger members marveled at the fact all these grey-haired guys were once very keen athletes.
The nametags everyone wore came in very handy as, unfortunately some might say, appearances do change with age.
The ceremonies of the evening kicked off with a brief introduction from Jeff Franklin, welcoming everyone with a special thank you to sponsors Stuart Oldmeadow of Miles Real Estate, Michael Wallis representing Blue Rock Law and Windsor Income Protection, plus a warm welcome to descendants of former club greats, Mary Osborn (Jack Osborn) and Margaret Picken (Ron Mill).
Jeff then introduced current club president, John David, who warmly welcomed everyone.
“It is fantastic to see we have over 200 people here this evening with most of our life members present, or represented by their families. Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate this major milestone for our club,” said the president.
John went on to thank the sub-committee who has worked tirelessly to make this event the success it obviously is, the multitude of tasks undertaken having culminated in the smooth running of the evening. A round of applause for the sub-committee greeted these comments before the president gave a brief outline of the current status of the club with encouragement to everyone to support an increase in club membership.
“Times have changed, we are a comparatively small club but the committee and I have a clear focus on what is needed for further development.”
John concluded with an appeal for past members who may still have an itch to compete to contact the club with an expression of interest and, if they don't feel up to it, encourage their children or even grand children to come along and see what it's all about.
Interspersed with the three-course dinner, the Ivanhoe Harriers "Team of the Century" was announced with certificates presented to those in attendance. Pictured below are some of the team members present on the night.
The women's and men's teams can be found in the great 100-year history book ‘From St James Church to Willinda Park’ that was launched during the evening. This publication would not have been possible without the support of the sponsors. Anyone who has not purchased a copy is missing a great read, as not only is the history of the club traced throughout the century, it covers every aspect of the club, records, Olympians and premierships, interesting anecdotes, including a huge number of action photographs, some of which have not been seen before.
Later in the evening, that stalwart of the club and esteemed coach John Boas, had the privilege of inducting Ian Campbell as a Life Member, joining the ranks of 26 other noteworthy Ivanhoe veterans. Ian's acknowledgement speech attributed the great help both John and the club had been over many years to enable him to become world renowned in the triple jump. In total, Ian's speech was quite inspirational and highlighted the many benefits members gain, not just athletically but in personal development, by becoming involved in this great club.
Well done Ian.
In wrapping up the event, everyone certainly left with a smile on their face, the evening adding another fond memory for the past members who were heard determining that the gap until next time they get together won't be as long.
GO HOE!