Report by Ann Reid
Over 150 people, mostly NSW members of Masters Swimming, enjoyed a great night celebrating Masters Swimming Australia’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, 12 September 2015. Tuggeranong members: Leisa Cass, Gary (and Audrey) Stutsel, Cecelia Kaye, Anne Smyth and Ann (and Pete) Reid were joined by Molonglo’s Ross Burden at a table with four Ryde members. A wrapped gift awaited each diner.
MC, Stephen Lamy (Manly), kept us entertained during the evening with the news, songs etc of forty years ago. Photos from the last forty years were projected on to the wall — several Tuggeranong members were spotted — there was even a photo of our pool.
Gary Stutsel, a founding and life member of Masters Swimming in Australia, gave an interesting account of the formation of Masters swimming in NSW (and Australia). Gary has been a member of seven different clubs so far — keep this in mind for future trivia competitions!
Paul Wyatt (Coogee-Randwick) and Carol Dawson (long-time Official and swimmer from Cronulla) also contributed with memories from the past 40 years.
Various people were recognised for their contribution to Masters Swimming in NSW, such as life members.
There was a photo booth, a lolly bar, a huge swimming pool anniversary cake and of course the dance floor.
Recognition was given to the oldest and youngest present at the dinner; Leisa was recognised as the member present whose birthday was closest to the anniversary date!
There were trivia questions that challenged us. “Name the six state presidents”, “name all the clubs Gary Stutsel has belonged to”, When Jane ((Noake, President) asked “what year were the nationals last held “…. Ann (Reid) was on her feet before Jane finished with “in the ACT?” (Organising officials and volunteers back in 2006 is still fairly fresh in Ann’s memory!). Anne (Smyth) was first and loudest with the answer to “which club had won the most state championships” — Seaside Pirates.
A DJ kept the music (also from the past 40 years) going and the dance floor got pretty crowded.
So with prizes, a good workout on the dance floor (Ann showed them all how to do the Nutbush!), our lolly-filled 40th anniversary glasses, extra anniversary cake and lots of good memories to take home this was a fantastic night and well worth the trip to Sydney.
Check out the photos on the NSW website.
