Mona Vale Surf Club 1908 to 1918
Mona Vale SLSC celebrated the opening of a brand new clubhouse on Saturday, May 4th, 2022. Throughout the years since 1908, when locals first formed themselves into being available to go to the aid of those who found themselves in difficulties in the waters off this beach, there have been several changes of places and structures used as a clubhouse - the first seemingly a mere shed to house a boat in to be used as a rescue item.In 1908 Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings records for the 14th August 1908, 51st Meeting, Minutes: Mona Vale Park Trust ; Re handing over the park to Council. Mona Vale Progress Association – complaining of roads in that district. Motions – Purchase of life boat – CR. Powell and Cr. Quirk, seconded the following motion: That the Works Committee report on the advisability of purchasing a life-boat for Mona Vale and establishing a life-boat Brigade – carried unanimously
THE CONTRIBUTOR
A GLORIOUS OUTLOOK NEAR SYDNEY.
BY A QUEENSLANDER.
I have visited all the environs of Sydney, stood on all the principal points of vantage, and viewed a multitude of beautiful scenes from commanding hills. Therefore, my opinion as an absolutely impartial observer on what appears to me as the grandest views from any point within ten miles of Sydney, may be of some interest.
The spot to be indicated appears to have been comparatively unknown and neglected by the tourist, the picnicker, and the citizen in search of a perfect suburban site. Allured by the tram or ferry facilities, or fascinated by wily auctioneers' advertisements, Sydney people have been artfully led away to all points of the compass, sometimes to create new suburbs where the auctioneers' 'Pactolian streams rippling over silver sands' proved to be inglorious muddy ditches meandering slowly to the swamps; and the sun-clad heights, that on every new morn 'grew radiant with the glory at the dawn,' became in reality mere masses of barren sandstone, suitable only for a Troglodyte or the crazed hunters who desired to 'catch the wild goat by the beard and hurl their lances' — or a brickbat — in the sun.
We shall go to Manly by the steamer, and land on that historic beach named by Governor Philip. About four miles beyond Manly, on the road to Newport and Pittwater, we arrive at a locality remarkable historically and geographically. A sandstone tableland, covered by heaths and honeysuckle and astonishing profusion of wild flowers, slopes gently upward to a commanding eminence 489ft above sea level. On the crest of that hill is the Manly Trignometrical Station, chosen for its altitude and the vast expanse of country which it overlooks.
From this hill, and the sloping tableland can be seen the most magnificent of all the scenes around Sydney. This is due entirely to the unique geographical position of that plateau which stands happily on the spot that commands the largest area of the splendid panorama of sea and land. The view includes far south to Bondi, Coogee, and Botany. At Bondi and Coogee the surf lies apparently motionless, like great snow wreaths, at the foot of the dark cliffs. Nearer to us, the waves break in white foam on the grim sandstone crags of the 'Gap' and South Head. There is seen the harbour in and about South Head and Watson's Bay; the noble entrance; the scrub-covered slopes on North Head, and the township of Manly, with its white and red tiled houses, nestling calmly in the bosom of a wave washed peninsula. The long white beach ends where Curl Curl headland vibrates to the thunder of the surge, and behind and under the shelter of that headland sleeps, the Curl Curl lagoon, shooting its long arm far up among heath-covered I swamps and green gardens. Then the second beautiful bay ending in the rocks of Deewhy Point which curves into that third beach, behind which slumber the blue Deewhy and Manly lagoons, the old favoured home of the swans, 'Deewhy' and 'Marroo.' Deewhy point was known to the blacks as 'Arragong,' the name of the hardwood shield.
Beautiful
Beautiful beyond description are the ever changing marine colours on Deewhy beach, seen from the crest of the hill. The long white sand bars guard the lagoons from the over ocean, as a mother's bare arm stretched forth to save her child. The white foam on the beach merges into bright green, growing darker as it fades into light blue, dissolving into dark blue, finally lost in the measureless azure of the vast ocean stretching away to the horizon. Next is the majestic far-flung headland of Long Point, the 'Carrowang,' or 'long Nulla' of the blacks, with its projecting reef of hardstone rocks swept by the dangerous 'long rollers' marked on the old charts, the reef on which the 'Collaroy' was wrecked. Beyond 'Carrowang' sweeps the magnificent Collaroy white beach to a headland known to the blacks as 'Warrigalba,' a place frequented by 'warrigals,' the name of the dingo.
Beyond that point is a small beach ending in Narrabeen Head, the 'Guarrabeen' of the blacks, the name of the honeysuckle. Beyond these are two more romantic headlands, and then the sheer precipice of Bungy Head with its grey, white, and yellow sandstone, at the foot of which lie confused enormous boulders, torn down by the wild surf that has assailed the rugged rock fortress since a dark unrecorded morning when man was not.
This wild foreland received its present name in 1815 from the blacks who called it m 'Bung-gie Bung-gie' their name for a musket and the noise of the report, because ten of their people were shot there by a party of soldiers sent out to bring in a convict man and woman, Ben Squires and Jane Dalton, who had lived at peace with the blacks for five years.
Others state the Ben Squires-Jane Dalton story is just local 'folklore' and never really occurred. Either way, another alternative from where 'Bongin Bongin' stemmed from.
The name 'Mona Vale' would appear decades later, officially, and was named from an Irish place and for the farm run by David Foley:
EARLY MANLY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
MONA VALE HYDRO.
The ceremony of opening the Mona Vale Hydro formerly known as Brocks Mansion Pittwater took place yesterday afternoon. The estate which has a frontage to the beach was recently acquired by Mr Arthur Rickard of this city and he has leased the house to Mr Fox as a hydro and the polo grounds as golf links.
Upwards of 80 people accepted invitations and in the unavoidable absence of the Minister for Works the ceremony of opening the hydro was performed by Mrs Griffith.
A dinner presided over by Mr Arthur Rickard followed, among those present being Mrs Griffith, Mi G B Edwards MP and Mrs Edwards, Dr Arthur M L A and Mrs Arthur, Mr E W Quirk (president of the Warringah Shire Council) Mr D Hogan (town clerk Manly) Mr P J Carew (Warringah Shire clerk) Mr J J Mulligan, Mr Jas. Rickard, Mr G Crowley, Mr J W Duesbury, Mr Robey, Mr G Morgan, Mr Scott Fell and Mr Robey.
Mr Quirk proposed the toast of the Federal and State Parliaments coupled with the names of Mr G P Edwards M P and Dr Aithur MLA both of whom responded.
Dr Arthur M L A submitted Success to the Hydro which was acknowledged by Mr Arthur Rickard (who said that the surfing beach on the estate was one of the safest in the State) and by Mr Fox the lessee. MONA VALE HYDRO. (1910, December 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15190827
Above: View from Brock's House, Allen Family Album, circa 1914. Image No: 3289054, courtesy Mitchell Library NSW.
Brock's Surf Beach Estate - Mona Vale - Manly - 2nd Subdivision; shows location of Scott-Fell land and beach still called 'Bongin Bongin' 1913. Item No.: c046820086, from Mona Vale Subdivisions, courtesy State Library of New South Wales
A Rock Pool and a surf clubhouse: 1914-1915
Top: MONA VALE BEACHES, With rock-bath shown in left-centre of picture. A regular hourly service of motor buses takes 'trippers' to this beach. From: (1915, April 7).Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 34. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166255867
View over Mona Vale circa 1913-1920 (new La Corniche building present in landscape and one of those buildings facing the ocean must be the clubhouse):
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Section from 'View from Bushrangers Hill, over Bungan Beach - Mona Vale', courtesy NSW State Records & Archives.
The Oaks, circa 1907-1909, and a possible 'shed' option, Mona Vale, courtesy NSW State Records & Archives.
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RE the estate of WILLIAM STANLEY JOHNS, late of Cremorne Point, in the State of New South Wales, retired, deceased.—Probate of the will dated 11th February, 1943, granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on the 11th March, 1969.—Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1954; Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954; and Trustee Act, 1925-1942, Nancy Mary Coomber, the executrix of the will of the said William Stanley Johns, who died on the 17th October, 1968, hereby gives notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased, are required to send particulars of their claims to the said Nancy Mary Coomber, at the office hereunder mentioned on or before the 13th June, 1969, at the expiration of which time the said Nancy Mary Coomber will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled, having regard only to the claims of which she has notice.—Dated this twenty-first day of April, 1969. PRENTICE, TREMLETT & BERNFIELD, Proctors for the Executrix, Challis House, 10 Mahin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000. 2663—$4 RE the estate of WILLIAM STANLEY JOHNS, late of (1969, April 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1548. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219993752
Charles Frederick Roby, a carpenter by trade whose residence was Mona Vale when he enlisted, may well have been another. He enlisted in December 1915, when he was 35 years 7months, was enrolled in the 36th Battalion in February 1916. The 36th became part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. It left Sydney, bound for the United Kingdom on 13 May 1916. Arriving there in early July, the battalion spent the next four months in training. It crossed to France in late November, and moved into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time on 4 December, just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17. He was sent into France where those he fought beside took part in some of the most horrific battles of this conflict: Battle of Amiens, Battle of Broodseinde Ridge, Battle of Villers Bretonneux, First Battle for Passchendaele, German Spring Offensive.
Battle Honours; Avre, Broodseinde, France and Flanders, 1916-18, Messines, 1917, Passchendaele, Poelcappelle, Polygon Wood, Somme, 1918, Ypres, 1917.
During its service, the battalion suffered 452 killed and 1,253 wounded.
Charles Frederick Roby was one of those killed, by then serving as part of the 34th Battalion. He died of gunshot wounds to the head (fractured scalp), wrist and arm on September 4th 1918, wounds he had received on August 18th. By August 24th he had been transferred to Rouen hospital facilities and now rests in St. Sever Cemetery in Rouen, having been interred there on September 7th, 1918.
His wife, Ella Roby of Vineyard Street Mona Vale, received this telegram (below) when he had already passed away. She too, alike Edith Alice Holding, the wife of John Charles Holding of Waratah street Mona Vale, or Alice Kuhlmorgen of Palm Grove, Newport, had to fight for what benefits there were for War Widows then as anything her husband had allocated to her was given by then then powers that be to the males of the family, in this case, Charles' father John.
In Ella's case this was particularly 'out of touch' with reality as they had married in 1904 and had six children born prior to his enlistment. NSW BDM Birth Records provides:
ROBY HENRY F 13731/1905 Parents: CHARLES FELLA HELENSBURGH
ROBY CHARLES F 24617/1906 CHARLES FELLA HELENSBURGH
ROBY EDWARD 36699/1907 CHARLES FELLA LITHGOW
ROBY WILBUR H 26562/1909 CHARLES FELLA LITHGOW
ROBY RHODA M 13069/1911 CHARLES FELLA BALMAIN NORTH
ROBY ELLA A 3134/1915 CHARLES FELLA MANLY
07 Oct 1918 - N.S.W. HONOR ROLL. - Trove - The Sun
Just born Ella Roby would never know her father.
Members of the 36th Battalion received the following decorations: one Distinguished Service Order, 11 Military Crosses, three Distinguished Conduct Medals, 34 Military Medals with four Bars, three Meritorious Service Medals, and 13 Mentions in Despatches.
Other who may have served on the beach at Mona Vale before they served in this conflict are:
It is worth noticing, and possibly may be just an unrelated harbinger of what was to come, but the 36th Battalion's Unit Colour badge was white atop a bottle green colour - which would become and is the colours of Mona Vale SLSC and may indicate the post WWI members knew the originals or at least with whom so many of them served. These colours for the club did not appear until 1930/31 though.
36th Australian Infantry Battalion Colours - image courtesy AWM
The impact of this conflict on Mona Vale sons and the surf club was devastating - people need only visit the cenotaph erected in Mona Vale's Village Park after this conflict to read how many sons in what was then a rural district with a small population served in this war. The names listed there are incomplete as some of those who served lived in two places and counted themselves as residents of both, as can be seen from Mr. Roby's and Mr. John's instances, and there were so many lost that the records are still being updated by local organisations when information comes to light.
Certainly many of these gentlemen that had been residents of Mona Vale for any amount of time were active in the Mona Vale Progress Association and any community building activity or associations then looking after those who lived or visited here.
Post WWII - A New Surf Club For Mona Vale: 1922
The Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1922. The members in the earliest years were mostly locals, and the first Club president was Australia’s first Olympic Gold Medallist in the pool, Freddie Lane, who called everyone together with:
NEW CLUB FOR MONA VALE.
A meeting is to be held this afternoon at Mr. F. C. V. Lane's residence, Oceania, Mona Vale, with the object, of forming a local surf life-saving and swimming club. All interested are cordially invited to attend. NEW CLUB FOR MONA VALE. (1922, October 8- Sunday). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128222438
Frederick Claude Vivian Lane (2 February 1880 – 14 May 1969) was an Australian swimmer who competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics. Lane, from Manly, New South Wales, was four years old when his brother saved him from drowning in Sydney Harbour, whereupon he decided to learn to swim. Later, he attended high school at Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview.
Lane, standing at right in back row, with East Sydney Swimming Club teammates
After breaking many Australasian swimming records, Lane moved to England to compete in the English Championships in 1899.
He was the first Australian to represent his country in swimming at the Olympic Games, when he competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, and won two gold medals. He first won the 200 metres freestyle, clearly beating Hungarian Zoltán Halmay. His second final was just 45 minutes later, the discontinued 200 metre obstacle event, where he beat Austrian Otto Wahle.
After the Olympics, Lane stayed in England for another two years working for a legal firm in Blackpool while he continued to swim and break records. In July 1902, he won a 100 yard race and became the first person to record one minute dead for that distance. In August, he swam 220 yards in 2 minutes 28.6 seconds, which in 1974 was ratified by FINA as the first World Record for 200 metres. In October, he broke the one-minute barrier for 100 yards in 59.6 seconds.
On returning to Australia, Lane became a master printer and a partner in a printing and stationary firm on Bridge Street, Sydney. He married in 1908 and had a home at Mona Vale beach.
He died in 1969 at Avalon Beach, New South Wales. He was survived by a son and a daughter. In 1969, Lane was honoured by the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On December 10th 1985, Lane was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
In this item we hear about the original Mona Vale SLSC colours:
MONA VALE NEWS.
Freddy Lane speaks most enthusiastically of the Mona Vale Club. He predicts that in a very short time the baby of the metropolitan clubs will be well to the fore. 'The new costumes are neat, but not gay,' says the old champion. They are royal blue, with yellow and black band waist high (if men have waists). Mona Vale are awaiting Bill Harris return, when they threaten to outdo Cronulla Surf Club and North Steyne in entertaining the popular Hawaiian. They possess a magnificent beach — equal to any — and a splendid bath chopped out of the solid rock on the headland. The district is rapidly growing, and the beach becoming more popular each week. SURF CLUBS ACTIVE (1923, February 2). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103537324
Mona Vale SLSC Records show that a further initial meeting took place at the Pittwater Hall in Mona Vale on Saturday, 21st October, 1922. Amongst those present were Messrs. F.C.V. Lane, W.W. Hill, J.W. Austin, J.W. Austin, Jnr., J.L. Williams, F. Baldwin, J.T. Hewitt, G. Blackwood, J.G. Blackwood, J. Dunbar and G. Johnson. The name for this new edition of Mona Vale Surf Club was the Mona Vale Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, although 'Bathers' was later dropped from the name.
It is from this inauguration of a surf club that the current club dates its existence and why there will be a centenary celebration of Mona Vale SLSC this coming Spring. October 21st falls on a Friday in 2022.
Those who have read some notes about the early beginnings of Mona Vale Golf Club will know some of these same names appear among the early members and players of this course.
Mona Vale SLSC records state the first Club House for this Mona Vale SLSC was built on Lot 37 next to Darley Street as the survey shows and comprised a three room wooden structure comprising one large room and two smaller rooms. Geoff M. Mould designed the first Club House with its feature being large wooden moulded pillars supporting a verandah. G.M. Mould was also the first Life Member of the club.
Although it was reported in the newspapers that Fred Lane donated three blocks of beachfront land to the Club in 1923, this is a myth. In fact Freddie sold Lot 37 to the club for £25 less £5 as a donation. This was accepted by the club and arrangements to build went ahead.
Mr. F. C. V. Lane has handed over to the Warringah Shire Council, as trustees, a block of land at Mona Vale, which he is giving for a site for a surf club-house. No title (1923, September 19). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 7 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222689706
MONA VALE BUSY.
Jock Blackwood, Mona Vale's hon. secretary, is most enthusiastic concerning this season's prospects. The club is now in possession of a site for a club house with a 50ft frontage to the beach. CALL OF THE SURF IS INSISTENT (1923, October 12). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103539906
Warringah Shire Council would resume his other Mona Vale beachfront lots, numbers 38 to 41 inclusive of Section A, in 1928 and this would be the extension of a beachfront reserve for Mona Vale Beach. The NSW Historical Land Records Viewer (HRLV) Volume 3454 - Folio 99 provides the details. Volume 3460 - Folio 87 provides Lot 42 as that resumed by Council as well in 1924, while Lot 36, Section had been bought by Elizabeth Ann Allen on July 13th, 1916 and this too was resumed by the Council in 1928; Volume 2681- Folio 143 provides those details.
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Newspapers listings provide some insight into what was planned to be resumed here from that first 1924 resumption of Lot 42:
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.
Proposed Special Loan of £21,000,
NOTICE is hereby given that it is the intention of the Warringah Shire Council to. apply for authority, under section 180, Local Government Act, 1919, to borrow the sum of £21,000 for the purpose of acquiring certain lands for public recreation purposes in "A" Riding of the Shire, in the localities mentioned hereunder, and for defraying expenses incidental to the effecting of such acquisitions, and to the raising of the loan.
The reserves proposed to/be established, and the estimated value of the lands to be acquired, are— £
(a) Ocean Beach Reserve at Newport 8,970 (&) Reserve for Recreation, and for Access to Pittwater at Newport . 1,820
(c) Ocean Beach Reserve at Mona Vale .. 2,638
(d) Reserve on Pittwater foreshores at Palm Beach 4,042
(e) Reserve at Careel Bay, Pittwater 1,270
(f) Extension of existing Reserve on northern side of Narrabeen Lake 1,526
Total £20,266
Allowance for forced resumptions* and for contingencies / 3,400
-Total £23,666
Less contribution promised by Government 2,666
Amount proposed to be raised by loan .... £21,000
The interest payable on such loan shall not exceed six per cent. (6%) per annum, and it is proposed to arrange the loan 011 terms which shall provide for the repayment of principal and the payment of interest, combined, in half-yearly instalments extending over a period of twenty-five years. The amount of each such instalment, if the interest be 6%, "will be £816 3s. 6d.
To provide the sum necessary for such instalments, it is proposed to levy a loan rate of one farthing (|d.) in the £ on the unimproved capital value of all ratable land in "A'' Riding. Should such rate not provide sufficient for the purpose, the balance will be paid from the General Fund of the Shire. The total unimproved capital value of all ratable lands in "A" Riding is £1,335,415. "
A report on the proposal,' giving detailed descriptions and valuations of the lands to be acquired, may be inspected at the Shire Hall, Brookvale, during office hours. -
Within one month of the publication of this notice, any number not less than 25 per cent, of the ratepayers for "A" Riding may petition the Council to take a poll of ratepayers either as to whether such ratepayers approve of the loan, or whether the loan rate should lie on the unimproved value or on the improved value,, or on both questions. The number of ratepayers enrolled for "A' Riding is 4,418.
R. G. JAMIESON,
Shire Hall, Brookvale, 'Shire Cleric.
1st December, 1926, 1926. SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1926, December 3). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5193. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223000695
NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.
IN pursuance of section 536 (4) of the Local Government Act, 1919, and under Division 3, Part V, of the Public Works Act, IP 12-, I notify that so much of the land hereunder described as is Crown Land is hereby appropriated, and so much thereof as is private properly is hereby resumed for Public Recreation purposes; and I further notify that the said land is hereby vested in the Council of the Shire of Warringah.
Dated this sixteenth day of January, 1928.
E. A. BUTTENSHAW,
Minister for Public Work's.
Descriptions of Land referred to.
All that piece or parcel of land situate at Mona Vale, Shire of Warringah, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, and State of New South Wales, being lots 36 to 41 inclusive, section A, deposited plan 6,195: Commencing at the intersection of the north-eastern side of Darley -street with the south-eastern side of Surfview-road; and bounded thence on the north-west by that side of Surfview-road bearing 29 degrees 45 minutes 302 feet 2\ inches; on the north-east by the south-western boundary of lot 42 of the said section A bearing 119 degrees 36 minutes 30 seconds 205 feet; on the south-east oy the south-eastern boundary of the said lots 41 to 33 inclusive, bearing 209 degrees 45 minutes 302 feet 2J inches; and on the south-west by the north-eastern side of Darley-street aforesaid bearing 299 degrees 36 minutes 30 seconds 205 feet, to the point of commencement,—having an area of 1 acre 1 rood 26| perches or thereabouts, and said to be in the possession of Elizabeth A. Allen, W. S. Nixon and F. C. V. Lane.
And all that piece or parcel of land situate as aforesaid, being lots 44 to 54 inclusive, section A, deposited plan 0,195: Commencing on the south-eastern side of Surfview-road at the northernmost corner of lot 43 of the said section A; and bounded thence on the north-west and west by the south-eastern and eastern sides of Surfview-road, being lines bearing successively 29 degrees 45 minutes 55 feet 11 inches, 37 degrees 15 minutes 472 feet 7| inches and 354 degrees 31 minutes 37 feet 8 inches; on the north by the northern boundary of the said lot 54, bearing 96 degrees 29 minutes 30 seconds 194 feet 11 inches; on the north-east by the north-eastern boundary of that lot bearing 165 degrees 15 minutes 96 feet 5 inches; on the south-east by the south-eastern boundary of the said lots 53 to 44 inclusive, bearing 217 degrees 15 minutes 566 feet 11 ½ inches; and on the south-west by the north-eastern boundary of the said lot 43, bearing 299 degrees 36 minutes 30 seconds 212 feet 9 ½ inches, to the point of commencement,—having an area of 3 acres 0 roods 2\ perches or thereabouts, and said to be in the possession of C. N. Anderson, J. M. Gibson, Bridget V. Considine, Mary M. Gorman, Mrs. C. Tatchell, N. C. Richard, A. B. Blackmore, W. S. Nixon, L. Taverney and H. R. Hunter. [Misc. 1927-7,084] [11067J NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919. (1928, February 3). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 614. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223010576
In March 1924 Warringah Shire Council minutes of meetings records a tender to build the clubhouse has been accepted:
Item 37; Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, 25/ 3/24, intimating that a tender has been accepted for the erection of the Club House, and suggesting that the Council's contribution be paid direct to the Contractor on the Architects Certificate : Resolved- (Crs. Hewitt, Ellsworth) That the Club be reminded that they have the Council’s assurance to contribute £200 towards the cost, and informed the Council will pay this £ for the Club on the Certificate of the Architect.
The newspapers recorded:
MONA VALE PROGRESSING.
Following members of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club have passed the test for the surf bronze medallion: — E. W. Browne, N. Wilmott, J. Hughes, B. Russell. C. Baldwin, L. Grant and L. Hill. The Instructor's certificate was awarded to J. Williams. Seventeen members of the Infant club are now qualified life-savers. MONA VALE PROGRESSING. (1924, March 1). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245891040
1924 Senior Drill Team. MVSLSC photo
MONA VALE. — Erection of club house; Esplin and Mould, 85 Pitt Street. TENDERS CALLED (1924, March 12). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245902151
THE SURF
MONA VALE'S CLUBHOUSE
Next Sunday the Mona Vale Surf Life saving Club will hold its second annual meeting, and the new premises of the club will be officially opened. This club is in its infancy, yet it is already in possession of n club-house, which cost £500 to erect, exclusive of painting, which was carried out by the members themselves. It is under the able management of Mr. W. W. Hill, as president, and Mr. J. G. Blackwood (the well-known Rugby Union footballer), hon, secretary and captain. Mona Vale Beach was well protected by the club during the year, and six rescues were effected with line and belt, and a number without. There were no fatalities, Mr. J. H. Williams gained the Instructor's certificate, and Messrs B. Russell, N. Willimott, 15. W. Brewer, L. E. Grant, J. Hughes. C. Baldwin, L. Hill, and S. Perry were awarded the bronze medallions of the Surf Life-saving Association. THE SURF (1924, November 3 - Monday). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245465947
Which means this clubhouse was officially opened on Sunday November 9th, 1924.
Also happening in 1924:
Borg at Mona Vale
Mona Vale was invaded by champion swimmers yesterday, when Arne Borg, Moss Christie, W. Herald, Keith Kirkland, and officials of the A.S.A. visited the local Life-saving Club as the guests of Mr. W. W. Hill. president of the club. A large crowd attended the beach, eager to get a glimpse of Borg. In the morning the party adjourned lo the local baths. A 66 yards handicap race was arranged, Borg winning one heat and Herald the other. Moss Christie and Borg then gave a 133 yards exhibition swim, and Keith Kirkland 66 yards back stroke exhibition. F. Lane, the old champion, and W. Herald, the modern sprinter, then swam 100 yards, each man demonstrating the stroke which made him a champion. A life-saving exhibition was given on the beach by the local club, and Moss Christie and W. Herald started In a surf race, which was won by the latter. Borg did not compete. Borg at Mona Vale (1924, January 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245892529
GLASS BREAKERS
"Victim" points to his scars: —
It should not be necessary to have to add my protest to others .against the dangerous pests who delight in smashing bottles on the beaches; but apparently this type of criminal lunatic is
lightly regarded by those in authority.
At Mona Vale Beach there are four small public surf sheds, which are never crowded. Yet those who do use them have to wear shoes going to and from the sheds because of the broken bottles which strew the approaches and lie waiting just under the surface of the loose sand to cripple the unwary. The same danger Is found on all these more remote beaches; it Indicates wanton disregard of the safety of others by casual visitors who do not reckon on again enjoying the place themselves — or else It is just due to the hopeless moron's inability to think. A BUNDLE OF LETTERS (1926, January 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224063988
Warringah Shire Council minutes of meetings records on 15th of February 1926: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, urging that lavatory conveniences be erected on Mona Vale Beach, quite apart surf from the conveniences attached to the Surf Sheds : Referred to the Inspector for report.
Two years later at the July 23rd, 1928 Warringah Shire Council meeting:
That the recommendations submitted by A. Riding Councillors respecting proposed works in A. Riding be adopted; the recommendations being (a) that inquiries be made regarding the possible removal and reconstruction of bridge by Arthur Rickard and Co. and the Main Roads Board, with a view to having a footway included in the new structure; (2) that the Overseer furnish an estimate for maintenance of Lake Park Road, (3) that the work completed on Old Powderworks Road be again rolled and kept maintained, and (4) that the Deposited flan be inspected to ascertain whether there is any easement or natural watercourse on Mrs .Hanson's land in Old Powderworks Road, (5) that the blackberries on Mona Vale Kitchener Park be kept in check by the maintenance man, and that the clearing of the park stand over, (6.) that the Over- seer furnish an estimate for forming the footpath in Pittwater Road, Mona Vale, from Gordon Road to Bay-view Road, (7) that the Overseer furnish an estimate of the cost of maintaining Mona Street to the foot of the hill, (8) that no action.be taken in. regard to Messrs. Ward and Palmer's proposal for the improvement of Maxwell Street, (9) that no action be taken in regard to the Overseer’s recommendation for the making of a parking space at Mona Vale Beach, (10) that the Inspector's Mona Vale report regarding erection of the public dressing sheds on Mona Surf-bathing Vale Beach be adopted, the floors to be concreted at an additional estimated cost of £12, and that tenders be called for the work,
A rescue - and one of their long-term members, Alexander William Slater, a Mona Vale-Bayview resident, is called to help:
"HE'S DEAD"
Thrilling Surf Story BOY BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AT MONA VALE
A wonderful surf rescue story comes from tranquil Mona Vale, a growing seaside resort near Manly, where this season a surf life-saving club was established. One of its most enthusiastic members is Mr. A. W. Slater, who lives at Bay View, Manly. Recently Slater passed his life-saving tests and obtained his bronze medallion. On Monday Mrs. Thomas, matron of Twilight House, Mosman, and her daughter Naide were spending the day on Mona Vale beach with the three male grandchildren of Mrs. Thomas, who lives at Florence-Avenue, Pymble. About 4 p.m. Mrs. Thomas and her daughter entered the ladies' dressing sheds. .The eldest boy took the other two children into the men's sheds. They were all going in for a dip, and it was arranged they should meet on the beach outside the sheds.
'He's Dead!'
When, they came out, however, Billy, who is only three years old, was missing, and the others didn't know where he had gone. Mrs. Thomas- and her daughter hurriedly searched the beach and surroundings, but to no avail. Then Miss Thomas noticed something tossing in the water just beyond the first line of breakers. She ran to the edge. It was her nephew being swiftly carried out to sea. As the waves rolled down she saw that his little face was black. Realising that there wasn't a moment to lose, she waded in and snatched Billy from the sea. There wasn't a sign of life in him. His face was blacker still, and his cold, limp body bore the pallor of death. His heart and pulse made no response even to the trained ear and fingers of his matron grandmother. She examined him closely and said, 'He's dead!' But one of the tiny crowd that had gathered cried out 'I'll 'phone Narrabeen for a doctor — and get Slater.'
He took some minutes to find him in the tiny township, but Slater left his horse and cart — he is a carrier — and made for Mona Vale post haste. The little body was lying on a coat on the sand when Slater arrived. 'You can do nothing with him,' the onlookers said, ''he was in the water too long.'
Slater knew he had to do things; not see them or talk about them. So he turned Billy over and began to rub him. For a quarter of an hour he swayed to and fro with his strong hands rising and descending over the boy's lungs ; but the face seemed to grow blacker still and the flesh colder. For another 15 minutes, he continued his efforts to snatch the life of this baby surfer from the clutches of the Reaper, but still the onlookers told him it was all no use
'Doctor is Out.'
He went on more determined than ever. Perspiration streamed down his face and his arms grew tired. Summoning up all his strength and concentration he kept to his task and, in ten minutes that seemed ten hours of anxiety the tiny water-clogged lungs were opened. It was new hope for Slater, and it urged him on the more. The man who found Slater returned. 'It's no use,' he' whispered, 'I can't get the doctor. He's out on a call.'
And then Billy's wet, curly head moved; he began to breathe ever so slightly. A few more gentle pressures, and his eyes opened. Death had given up the fight. The crowd, which had increased in the meantime, was amazed. The anxious matron regarded it as a miracle. Slater regarded it just as something for which the Mona Vale Surf Club had been founded.
The child recovered completely after a while, and Slater carried him to the La Corniche Hotel, a little distance away where it was given stimulants, a hot bath, and chocolate. An hour afterwards he carried him to the tram and waved him good-bye. 'Good-bye, Mister,' said Billy, his blue-pink nose poking out of the heavy cloak granny had tucked around him.
The fact which adds to the lustre of Slater's work is the infancy of his first patient, and his saving of Billy Thomas life reflects magnificent credit not only upon himself, but upon his club and the main, modest governing Association a well.
The president of the Mona Vale Club is Mr. F. C. V. Lane, formerly one of the most distinguished swimmers. The secretary is Mr. J. G. Blackwood, of Starkey and Starkey, York-street, and the treasurer Mr. L. Grant, of Mona Vale. "HE'S DEAD" (1923, February 25). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120541900
With surf carnivals held at Newport, Stockton, Tweed Heads-Coolangatta, Corrimal, and North Narrabeen during the Easter holidays, the surfing season an competitive events officially closes. It has been a record Season. Members have joined the already established clubs in big numbers, whilst new clubs have been formed at Mona Vale and South Narrabeen. THE SURFERS (1923, April 4). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128110939
NEW CLUBS.
Mr. J. G. Blackwood, the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union forward, and hooker for the State team In New Zealand recently, is in charge of the surf club's affairs at Mona Vale. Mr. W. W. Hill, of Rugby Union fame, has become president of this club, and his first official motion has been the creation of a swimming as well as a surfing club . The recent conference between the surfing and swimming authorities has borne good fruit. Consequently, in order to compete for a trophy donated by Mr. Hill, the Mona Vale surfers will also form a nucleus of the Mona Vale Swimming Club. Ex-champion F. C. V. Lane Is a resident of this district, which Is likely to produce some able swimmers. SWIMMING (1923, October 30). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245998789
It wasn't long before the skills they learned were put to use:
HE’s DEAD Thrilling Surf Story BOY BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AT MONA VALE
A wonderful surf rescue story comes from tranquil Mona Vale, a growing seaside resort near Manly, where this season a surf life-saving club was established. One of its most' enthusiastic members is Mr. A. W. Slater, who lives at Bay View, Manly. Recently Slater passed his life-saving tests and obtained his bronze medallion. On Monday Mrs. Thomas, matron of Twilight House, Mosman, and her daughter Naide were spending the day on Mona Vale beach with the three male grandchildren of Mrs. Thomas, who lives at Florence-avenue, Pymble. About 4 p.m. Mrs. Thomas and her daughter entered the ladies' dressing sheds. The eldest boy took the other two children into the men's sheds. They were all going in for a dip, and it was arranged they should meet on the beach outside the sheds.
'He's Dead!'
SURF VICTIM
Nude Man's Strange Behaviour
SWAM TO SEA
1930-1931 Changes - The 'Alumni' Mona Vale Surf Club
By 1930 those who had served in the 1922 formed surf club were busy raising children or working in areas far from Mona Vale. The next generation needed to step up.
68. Mona Vale Rock Pool Carnival Committee 29/11/32, Mona Vale inviting the Councillors and Officers in the switching on of Rockbath the electric light at the rockbaths by Cr. Austin on 17th December at 8 p,m. Resolved, - That the invitation be accepted. (Crs. Sterland, Pox)
Mona Vale, once the Cinderella of surf clubs, promises to be one of the most powerful this year. Sixty members of the University Swimming Club have joined the reorganised club, now known as the Mona Vale-Alumni. Geoff Moore, the Manly life-saver, swimmer, and worker, has charge of the instructing of this great batch, including -some excellent material for coming competitions. The bottle-green and white is going to be conspicuous at carnivals this year, especially as. the colors will be presented in unique designs for costumes and-blazers. Surf Club Splashes (1932, November 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved , from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247326824
Another Mona Vale surf lover:
Warringah Shire
Left: Warringah Shire representative for the Lady Game Beach Cup.— Miss Marcelle Shaw ( Mona Vale ). —Leon Cayley photo. Warringah Shire (1932, November 26). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (CRICKET STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230580097
U.S.A. Tennis Stars In Action Warringah Shire Beach Girls (1932, November 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 36 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230570481
The Lady Game Beach Cup was named to honour Lady Gwendolen Game, the wife of Sir Philip Game, Governor of New South Wales between 1930 and 1935 was a two round competition sponsored by the Sun newspaper and held over two weekends in December 1932. The competition involved a march past parade with the judging based on “rhythm, deportment, physique and feminine charm’. The previous year in 1931, the all-female teams from arch-rivals Manly and Bondi had fought for the Silver Reel trophy for the first time. The first carnival was held at the Bondi Pavilion where the spectator turnout on the day was estimated to be in the vicinity of 80,000 people. The final carnival was held at Manly Beach on December 19th 1931 and was again attended by thousands of spectators. On that occasion Manly won a closely fought contest.
The following year the expanded competition was renamed the Lady Game Beach Cup. A round was held at Manly on December 12th 1932 and a 'Grand Final' parade was held on Sunday 18 December 18th 1932 at Coogee Beach.
The six competing teams covered just about every colour of the rainbow with their costume designs and were heralded on stage by a fanfare of trumpets and with Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith buzzing the crowd.
Bondi's team of twenty-three local girls looked amazing in their blue and gold costumes and won with a near perfect performance. Manly came in second with Randwick in third place.
These competitions attracted thousands to these locations, benefitting the local economies. Funds raised went to The Sun's Toy Fund for youngsters wo did not have toys.
Fairfax Corporation. (1932). Manly female lifesavers lined up in competition costume at the Lady Game Beach Cup, Manly Oval, Sydney 10 December 1932 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161870150
Police As Golfers Lady Game Cup Entrants (1932, November 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 32 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230565055
SHIRE IN - Lady Game Beach Cup Contest
WARRINGAH KEEN
WARRINGAH Shire responded nobly to the call of the Shire President (Cr. Shepherd) to a meeting at Brookvale Shire Hall last night to form a committee to direct War-ringah's campaign in the Lady Game Beach Cup competition. Mr. Barry Young (director of Manly's team) accompanied by Messrs, Frank Dobbs and W. Stewart (of the Manly committee) attended, and offered every possible assistance to their sister-municipality in its first competition with other beaches. Mr. Young outlined "The Sun" scheme to such purpose that Cr. Barber Immediately announced his willingness to give a silver cup to the winner of the Warringah competition. Crs. Fox and Nicholas promised a silver cup for the second girl.
Strong Committee
A committee, representative of almost every one of the 14 beaches In the shire was formed to conduct the competition, Cr. Shepherd being appointed chairman. Mr. H. Hollinworth was appointed honorary secretary and organiser, and Col. G. Robey drill instructor to the team. It was decided that the team should be known as "Warringah." The committee will meet again on Thursday next at 8 p.m. in Dee Why Theatre ' In the meantime, and also at the week-end, a canvass will be made of the 14 beaches in the shire to select the beauties of each beach. A keen competition is assured for inclusion in the team and for the local trophies.
Bondi Contests
Bondi's elimination contests will commence on Monday next. Candidates for inclusion in the Bondi team should notify the Advance Bondi Committee, School of Arts. Bondi-road, Bondi. The likelihood of Balmoral also entering a team for the Lady Game Cup contest was indicated at yesterday's meeting of delegates to "The Sun" committee controlling the contest. On behalf of Manly, it was stated that an invitation had been sent to Newcastle to send a team to augment the. northern forces, and to be the guests of Manly on December 10, when the first of the two final judging days Is held at Manly, and over that week-end.
Colors notified on behalf of contestant teams are as follow:— Bondi, navy and gold; Coogee, white ground, red, blue and black; Manly, light and dark blue and white; Brighton, red and white. Other teams are asked to notify colors which will be easily distinguishable from these. Mr. Bennetts reported that agreement had been reached by the northern beaches upon the first judging of all the teams, on December 10, being held at Manly. Both Mr. Bennetts and Mr. Reeves (Bondi organiser) offered to place at the disposal of the northern and southern beaches respectively the experience which had been gained by Manly and Bondi in "The Sun" Silver Reel contest last year. SHIRE IN (1932, November 15). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230569837
Warringah Candidates
Warringah Shire's bid for the Lady Game Beach Cup. — Six entrants for the shire's team taking their ease after training. — Leon Cayley photo. Warringah Candidates (1932, December 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230572136
Fairfax Corporation. (1932). Female flag-bearers at the Lady Game Beach Cup, Manly Oval, Sydney, 10 December 1932 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-161870877
Warringah's colours for their 21 girls, and why we include this here, apart from the obvious Mona Vale girls included and threads showing previously that women and girls were already supporters of the surf club in whatever capacity they were allowed to be then, were forest green adorned with white flannel flowers - indicating a bit more of a Mona Vale SLSC influence on this competition and setting an outstanding example of service in our area during the 1920's and 1930's:
GIRLHOOD PARADE IN LADY GAME CUP
PRIDE OF SIX BEACHES ACCLAIMED BY HUGE CROWD AT MANLY
"GIRLS OF SUNLIT SURF"
Thanks to the popularity of the Lady Game Beach Cup, thousands who thronged Manly Oval, packed the grandstand and lined the banks at Manly Oval yesterday, were able to come closer to the realisation of the world fame of Sydney beaches and beach girls — and to tingle with the glow of their own Australianism. As a spectacle the gala parade of the six competing teams was probably unique in local pageantry. To the deafening tumult of warm public approval, the whirr of. "movie" handles, the click of cameras, and the infectious counter-melody of music, it captured the imagination of the great crowd.
SPLENDID, INSPIRING SPECTACLE
BUT even without its carnival gaiety, or its spectacular ceremonial in the cause of our beaches : even without its rainbow sparkle and colorful appeal, its revelation of the wealth of healthy and beautiful girlhood, must, earn for it, a place in universal attention. There could be no finer type of beach girl on any beach in the world. It was not a case of seeking alabaster miracle women or dimpled knees and cheeks: it was not a case of 120 beautiful Galateas stepping to life from the pedestal of beauty, nor the rediscovery of Venus, Aphrodite or Atalanta. It was simply the clean, fresh, glowing virility of our splendid girlhood that won the day so magnificently. And to pass judgment on such a perfect combination of perfect types, the judges will require courage as well as discernment!
Colored Costumes
In the order of their appearance, which was determined by ballot, the teams were: Manly smiling, with charm and grace, in costumes of light blue, dark blue and white); Warringah (as virile and fresh as the forest green of their costumes, bearing the relief of dainty flannel flowers): Bondi (as dazzling as the day in blue and gold); Brighton-le-Sands (graceful and attractive in simple black costumes) ; Cronulla (captivating in light blue and white stripes); and Rand wick (with a pleasant dash of zig-zag color on their costumes of white).
Typical, said Mr. Delamore Mc-Cay, Editor of "The Sun." who performed the official opening, of "the bright-eyed daughters of Australia's sunlit waters." The parade of individual teams and the final massed parade provided a tableau of magnificent girlhood such as has never been seen in Australia. Heralded by a fanfare of trumpets by the Cenotaph Corps, their glittering uniforms sparkling in the sun, the teams marched round in front of the official platform, thence on a route through the crowd and round to the other side. The din of the applause almost became an embarrassment for some of the competitors.
Teams Indebted
In welcoming Mr, McCay, the Acting-Mayor (Aid. V. J. Brady) spoke of the great Interest shown by the whole metropolis in the contest, which, he said, reflected the highest credit on the newspaper which had organised it, and so splendidly sustained it. The The Lady Game Cup, which stood on the platform, had been presented by "The Sun," and the competing teams were indebted to Lady Game and to Mr. McCay and his staff for their splendid work in the great cause of Sydney beaches.
Lovely Creatures
In performing the official opening ceremony, Mr. McCay said: "You have heard of the fairy at the gates of Paradise — that lovely creature whose story is so exquisitely told in 'Lallah Rookh.' "This afternoon you are to see more than 100 equally lovely creatures, and when you behold those delectable damsels you will imagine yourselves not merely at the gates of Paradise, but within the portals."
"The Test is on its way — a test which we hope will be more pleasing than the recent Test tragedy." (Laughter.) It was a test, added Mr. McCay, of the capacity of our beaches to produce healthy, wholesome Australian ' girlhood and womanhood. He gratefully acknowledged the interest of Lady Game in the free, wholesome life of our beaches, and regretted her inability to be present at the parade. He also paid tribute to the councils which had interested themselves in the contest, which was to benefit all the beaches: to the Mayors and aldermen and the active workers, who had contributed so much to the general success of the contest.
Faultless Organisation
In a word of praise to Manly as the hostess beach for yesterday's Gala Parade, Mr. McCay said he trusted that they would come out on the right side of the ledger, adding jocularly, "I understand that any surplus will go to the Manly Gas Company or some other local charity." (Laughter.) The faultless way in which yesterday's big programme was carried out was the subject of congratulation to the Manly Chamber of Commerce and the organiser (Mr. Barry Young). The final Gala Parade will take place at Coogee next Saturday, after which the winning team will be announced. Congratulations The committee responsible for the organising of the Brighton-le-Sands team last night congratulated Manly and "The Sun" on the wonderful organisation of yesterday's parade. An Invitation was extended to all committees to attend the Brighton-le-Sands Cup carnival next Wednesday evening. (See pictures. Page 24.) GIRLHOOD PARADE IN LADY GAME CUP (1932, December 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230579481
It should also be noted that women were called in to use on our beaches a lot earlier than they were allowed to become fully-fledged members of life saving clubs. Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings provides from that Meeting of 8th November, 1926
North Curl Curl Life Saving Club. 1/11/26 nominating James Wilson, Thos Christian; Miss H. Macklin and Miss P. Macklin, as Beach Inspectors; (2) requesting some old timber the council's depot for the purpose of roofing their shed and enclosing the Club Room verandah : Resolved – (Crs. Campbell, Corkery) That the persons nominated be Beach Inspectors, the appointments to be under seal, and the timber supplied as requested.
A swim, on this occasion, included a demonstration of surfboard riding by a Hawaiian:
SURF LIFE-SAVING. AMERICANS AT MONA VALE.
Frank Kurtz and Malola Kallil were the guests of Mr. W. W. Hill and the Mona Vale-Alumni Surf Life Saving Club at Mona Vale Beach yesterday Mr. Hill, who was the foundation secretary of the Australian Swimming Union, entertained the two famous Americans. Mr. J. Dexter, chairman of the council, Mr. D. Hellmrich, Hon. secretary, and several members of the executive of the Amateur Swimming Association, were also present.
Kallil gave a demonstration of surfboard riding, but found the choppy sea a trifle strange. However, he performed skilfully, and also gave an exhibition of freestyle and backstroke swimming in the Mona Vale rock baths. He caused Interest and amusement by his Imitations of J. Weissmuller and other famous swimmers with whom he has come In contact In other parts of the world. SURF LIFE-SAVING. (1933, March 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16972951
Malola Kallill (U.S.A.), and Phil Hooper (Randwick and Coogee) in a happy pose immediately after the former had defeated the Sydney swimmer in the 100 yards international invitation scratch race. Kallil's time of 54sec established a new Australian record. Glimpses of Australian Sport and Sportsmen (1933, March 1). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), , p. 18. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135318880
Looking northward along Mona Vale ocean beach from the heights of Narrabeen Park. LATE AFTERNOON SEASCAPE—ROOF LIFTED BY GALE—WITH THE FLEET ON MANOEUVRES. (1935, February 15).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17159640
ALUMNI
Annual Dance Held SURF L.S. CLUB
Members of the Alumni Surf Live-Saving Club held their annual ball at Farmer's Blaxland Galleries last night, when representatives of great public schools, old boys of which are members of the club were present.
DECORATIONS were in green and white, the colors of the club, which has its headquarters at Mona Vale. The president (Mr. E. Scott Scott) acted as host to the official party, which Included the president of the women's committee (Mrs. Eric Moore), the headmaster of Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Mr. L. C. Robson) and Mrs. Robson, the headmaster of Sydney Grammar School (Mr. H. S. Dettmann), the headmaster of the Scots College (Mr. A. K. Anderson) and Mrs. Anderson), the president of the Surf Life Saving Association (Mr. Adrian Curlcwis) and Mrs. Curlewis, and the secretary of the Surf Life Saving Association (Mr. George Millar) and Mrs. Millar. Others who arranged parties were the honorary secretary (Mr. R. A. Dickson), the honorary treasurer (Mr. R. B. Morgan), the captain of the Manly Life Saving Club (Mr. W. Healy), Mr. J. Blow, Mr. B. W. Brahe, the secretary of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club (Mr. G. Kennedy), Mr. I. Porter, Mr. A. Bathgate, Mr. F. Shannon and Mr. J. Harkness. Members of the women's committee who arranged parties included Miss S. Fountain, Miss A. Commander, Miss F. Morath and Miss Betty Paton. ALUMNI (1935, June 29). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 7 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230247761
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Members with boat, 1933.
Above: 1933.
Representing Australia
During the war I was a messenger boy for the Air Raid organisation at Roseville. This was exciting work. I must admit I was never frightened of the Japanese, I didn’t think they could really get here (to Sydney) but at the same time, that’s exactly what was happening.What happened at Mona Vale Beach in terms of preparation was one clear example of this. They had an enormous barricade of barbed wire set there.To prevent or stall a feared invasion by Japanese forces, a tank trap was built across the course from Turrimetta to Mona Vale heads and barbed wire entanglements erected next to the beach. An influx of defence forces meant La Corniche was utilised while Mona Vale Golf Club's clubhouse was commandeered for use as administration offices and officers’ mess for the nearby army camp.I must say though that during the war there were other hazards causing problems, namely the amount of barbed wire placed there as a deterrent against any potential invasion. They had captured plans you see, plans made by the Japanese to use tanks in an invasion right along our coasts and so tank traps and barbed wire were installed. Every beach had these big concrete triangles, the waterways at Pittwater had them too.We all had to go in and out of these. To go to the surf at Mona Vale during the war you went through two ‘S’s going round and in and out and then in and out again and add to these a series of barbed wire. My main activity then was giving First Aid to people and applying ointments and washing out sand from cuts from barbed wire.
Spikes in sand menace surfers
BARBED wire and steel spikes left on northern beaches after the war are still a danger to surfers. Army Minister Chambers was warned of the danger more than a year ago. Serious accidents have already occurred. A Sunday Sun reporter yesterday found remains of Army devices on all northern beaches from Queenscliff to Palm Beach.
Rusty iron
Surf club officials said they had treated many children injured by these devices in the last three years. Parts of the concrete retaining wall at Queenscliff have not been rebuilt since the Army dug it up for gun em-placements. Pieces of barbed wire are lying on the sand 50 yards from the clubhouse. Inch-thick rusty steel cables on the beach at Harbord has unravelled and broken off into small, dangerous pieces. Jagged ends of a tank-trap are sticking out from the ground.
Wire under sand
Alan Angus, of North Narrabeen Surf Club, said: "During heavy seas waves chew out the sandhills and expose rows of wire entanglements."
Mona Vale storekeeper Arthur Bill said: "A child sliding down beach sand-hills received .a six-inch gash in her thigh."
Mona Vale Surf Club secretary D. Clare said sand had filled much of the 15ft. Mona Vale- Newport tank trap, but supports and cable were still exposed. Spikes in sand menace surfers (1949, January 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230244305
The Club managed to carry on in a much reduced capacity until the end of the War and the generally lower levels of membership persisted throughout the late 1940s. Although some of the old Alumni members returned to the Club after the War, there were mostly new members. The late 1940s and early '50s brought members from Northern Suburbs Rugby Union Club and then Northbridge Swimming Club.
The most notable of these members was Bon Andrews (J. Andrews), who brought a large number and some notable members to the Club including Doc Jenkin.
It was decided to drop the "Alumni" from the name at the 1948-49 Annual General Meeting and to acknowledge that the Club had been formed back in 1922 and not just in 1930, although really there has been a Mona Vale Surf Club in one form or another since at least 1908 and surf sheds on the Surfview-Darley street from 1909.
In 1949-50 the Club won the N.S.W. Senior Surf Boat Championships and was second in the Junior Surf Boat. J. "Bon" Andrews was made a Life Member. The Club's membership increased gradually and a bunkhouse was constructed. Also, in the early '50s, the Club won the Metropolitan Junior Surf Boat Championship.
The club was always looking to raise funds to supplement the costs of surf equipment and maintenance on the clubhouse, just as it is with most of our surf clubs today. This poor shark ended up raising £70 for Mona Vale and Manly clubs, which they split:
NOVEL CAPTURE OF SHARK BY FIVE MONA VALE LIFESAVERS
TOP: Frank Spencer, of Mona Vale's junior surfboat crew, shows how he stunned a shark by jabbing an oar into its gill. Others in the boat from left are:John Windshuttle, Neil Mason, and Noel Mason.
BOTTOM: A lifesaver holds open the shark's jaws.
NOVEL CAPTURE OF SHARK BY FIVE MONA VALE LIFESAVERS. (1949, February 28). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32153295
Used hands to catch shark
In 1977-78, Mona Vale SLSC's first Marathon Ocean Swim from Warriewood was held with 20 swimmers and years later it continues as one of the club's biggest fund raisers, named after Life member Don “Doc” Jenkin. It was one of the first swims held in Australia, and has been replicated by many other clubs to assist with their own fund raising events. MVSLSC is also now holding the “Cold Water Classic” winter solstice swim as a popular additional fund raiser. A few snippets about Doc. Jenkins from his first years at the surf club:
Ski Men Rescued - Two Miles Out From Beach
Mona Vale Surf Club's boat crew rescued two club members who were being swept out to sea on a surf ski two miles from the beach yesterday afternoon. The club's champion swimmer, Don Jenkin, 21, swam a mile from. the beach when he saw the surf club captain, Dick Jenkins, also 21, in difficulties on a surf ski. Jenkins had a cramp in his left arm. When Don Jenkin reached him they could make no head-way in the strong westerly wind, which swept them out to sea. Dick Jenkins then developed cramp in his left leg.
CREW TO RESCUE
The men were then two miles from the beach. They could barely see the beach, except when they were on the crest of a wave. The club's boat crew captain, Lindsay Small, organized a crew to row out and bring the two men in. Later Dick Jenkins said: "When I developed the first cramp in my left arm I thought 1 would be able to make the beach.
"However, I was swept quickly out and I was a mile from the beach when Don reached me. I was just about exhausted. When we tried to make our way back I developed another cramp in my left leg.
NO SHARK FEAR
"Porpoises were diving all around us, so we were not frightened of sharks.
"If the surf club members had not seen us we may have been swept right out to sea. "That is one experience both Don and I do not want to have again." Ski Men Rescued Two Miles Out From Beach. (1952, December 7). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18505374
French Visitors
At Mona Vale, two lifesavers yesterday rescued two Frenchmen who had beens wept 350 yards out to sea by a strong rip. The Frenchmen, Raphael Desplechin, 24, and Jean deCreme, 23, both of Reed Street, Cremorne, are in the wool trade. They came to Australia recently, and were surfing for the first time. Barry Parks, captain of the Mona Vale Surf Club, said: "A club member, Don Jenkins, was swimming near the two men when they got into difficulties. He supported Desplechin and advised de Creme to swim across the current to some rocks near a rock pool. Ian Kearn, 23, who was on patrol, swam out with a belt and rescued Desplechin, who was then unconscious. Jenkins then swam after de Creme and helped him to climb ashore on the rocks. Both lifesavers and the two Frenchmen suffered multiple cuts to the hands, legs and feet as they came ashore. We applied artificial respiration to Desplechin and he responded after about 15 minutes." THREE MEN SWIM FOR 2 HOURS. (1954, October 31). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12643190
BOAT IN DANGER
A capsized surfboat with three of its crew clinging to it was in danger of being smashed on to rocks by huge waves at Mona Vale. However, lifesavers got a line to the boat in time and took 15 minutes to haul the boat and the three crew members to safety.
The boat had capsized when it went out to retrieve the marker buoys about 250 yards from the beach.
Two crew members, Eric Fryer and John Dunbar, clung to the buoys for half an hour before the seas abated sufficiently for them to reach the beach.
Vic Garisyne, Peter Drew and Don Dickson clung to the boat as it was driven toward the rocks.
EVENTS ABANDONED
Don Jenkins and Vina Kelly swam through the pounding surf and got a line aboard the swamped surfboat when it was almost on the point of being crashed against the rocks. The carnival umpires cancelled the carnival after the march past and the senior surf and teams race. Crowd Hampers Lifesavers In Mass Rescue. (1954, February 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29608239
A New Clubhouse - 1969
THE JOURNAL OF THE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE OF NEW SOUTH WALES Volume 30 Number 2 April, 1974. Issued under the authority of The Hon. G. F. Freudenstein, M.L.A. Minister for Conservation New South Wales. Published quarterly by the Soil Conservation Service, Box R2Ol Royal Exchange Post Office, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000. Edited by J. C. NEWMAN, B.Sc.Agr., Special Soil Conservationist. D. West, Government Printer, New South Wales—1974 G 45725—1. Courtesy National Library of Australia - TROVE
COVER: Part of a sand-drift area at Mona Vale which is being stabilized with marram grass by Warringah Shire Council. The Soil Conservation Service prepared plans and specifications to assist Council in the overall project.
From 1973, the Club ski section was being built up under the direction of Tony Wilson and this reached its peak in 1975/76 when the Branch Championships were held at Mona Vale. The board and ski team including Tony Wilson, Ross Beaton, Grant Hughes, Kirk Ball, Paul Ramsay, Stuart Ball and Alan Young won every ski event on offer including junior and senior ironman and taplin relay. The Club also had good swimmers including Peter Dawson (a 1976 Olympian), who won the junior and senior surf races and the belt races. The Branch Championships have not seen anyone since who did butterfly to the cans and then backstroked home to win easily. Without medals in the beach or boat events the Club finished 2nd overall in the pointscore to Queenscliff.The Club had a bunkhouse where the present bar is and after many seafood raffles at Mona Vale Hotel Don "Doc" Jenkin raised enough money for a gym upstairs.1976/77 saw the club still dominating local carnivals in the ski area and Chris Boss sweeping a junior and senior boat crew. This season saw Gary Larkin interrupt Grant Hughes' 5 year domination of Club events with a win in the Club Championships.Dennis Ryan was showing surfing movies on Friday nights and the Club had a large cadet and Junior membership.In 1979-80, women were admitted into the Club (which was a hotly debated topic!), and like other Clubs, MVSLSC initially struggled to adopt the cultural change, but soon learned of the benefit of greater patrol strengths and family direction.
Another important milestone was the establishing of the ‘Nippers’ section, first formed in 1965 to 1972. It was re-established 1977-78.
In the 1979/80 Season fire completely gutted the bunkhouse and gymnasium upstairs in the clubhouse which is why the brickwork upstairs was all painted.Club membership had dropped severely during these years. The 1983/84 season was the turn around year which started the club on the way back. At the start of the season the club only had 18 active patrol members and an open carnival in November to run. In what was tremendous club spirit all members workedtogether to recruit and train, members did extra patrols, held successful social events, ran a hugely successful carnival and revived the finances through large numbers of traffic light collections. By recruiting 12 bronze members fr'om Narrabeen Beach we were able to re-establish boat crews. Some members like Drew Jonson went well beyond what was expected with Drew completing over 50 half day patrols and earning a special blazer from the Branch in recognition.To run the carnival members from Bungan helped with patrols, the Lion's Club ran the food sales, member's parents organised official lunches and post carnival refreshments. Every member worked hardand we were rewarded with a successful carnival that the carnival referee Mike Edwards said was one of the best run carnivals he had been to. After it was revealed that we only had 18 active members the Branch had suggested we relinquish the carnival. The carnival even received coverage in the USA Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition.This carnival helped fuel club spirit with large numbers of members upgrading to Advance Resuscitation Certificates and IRB Licences by the end of the season. By the end of the summer season the club had 50 active members with numerous IRB drivers and several boat crews. The Reserve Grade crew even won bronze at the Branch. But more importantly the club had been re-established on a sound footing with which to grow over the next 13 years.The 1983/84 Season saw the first of the Smee brothers Glenn on the Executive Committee as Treasurer for 3 years with brother Gavin "Groover" Smee Club Captain for two years from 1987/88. With their brother Rod they are the best known brothers in the club since Len & Wally Gibson and Max & Mike Hodgson. The winter of 1984 saw the creation of "The Dream Team" a group that dreamt of winning the Branch IRB Pointscore and in it's first year could have won at North Narrabeen if it had not been for some unbelievable judging from officials. The team included drivers Peter Laing and Martin "Tas" Gould, crew Peter Hill and Adrian Holliday, patients Karina Skewes (now Sinclair), Hugh Monnock, Karen Lewis, Trent Angwin and mechanic Kevin Monnock amongst others. A further educational trip to the State at Cook's Hill whetted the appetite. Further controversial refereeing at next year's 1985 Branch was followed by our first State IRB Medal at Wamberal with drivers Peter Laing and Martin Gould, crew Peter Hill and John Dibbs and patient Hugh Monnock taking a 3rd in the Teams Race.From 1986 Mona Vale became the dominant IRB club in Sydney winning the Branch pointscore many years in a row including many one two results and even amassing more points than ALL other clubscombined. Rules were changed especially but no impact was made on our dominance. The peak year was probably 1988 when we were the Branch, State and National IRB Champions. At this stage our club had more IRB drivers as a percentage of active members than any other club in Australia. Peter Laing was also considered by many as one of, if not the, best IRB driver in Australia. Giselle Addison also became the first female to win the Best Driver of the Branch Championships Award.MVSLSC's Giselle Addison. MVSLSC photoThe 1984/85 Season saw the club consolidating its position with continued growth in membership, finances and carnival strength.A storm caused damage to the roof of the clubhouse in November 1984 after metal ties had been completed rusted.The club had several boat crews rowing and a number of cadets who had graduated from the Junior Club. Another Open Carnival was held after the success of the previous year.The mid eighties saw the rise of a new phenomenon "Nipper Parents" who did their Bronze Medallions and patrols so they could help run the Junior Activities Board. Many of these members went on to become valuable members of the senior club including George Cooper, Geoff Jones, Margo Williams, Bill Andrews, Greg Browne and Paul Munro. They added a lot of depth to the club in experience and maturity. It also helped bond the club more closely from the 5 year olds up.The 1986/87 Season began the 3 year reign of Lou Johnson as President and the construction of the bar upstairs by a group led by Greg "Hymie" Watt. The bar led to a dramatic rise in the finances of the club through takings and increased social membership. It gave non-active members a meeting place and a reason to remain a member.David "DM" Murray led a crusade to cover the wood panelling with old and current photographs that would excite interest amongst visitors and new members.The 1990/91 Season was the first of a six year stint as President by George Cooper and the year John Dibbs recruited most of North Narrabeen's swim team including Sean Lawrence and Steve Dunn who spearheaded the club to a win in the Branch Handicap Pointscore and third place overall. John Dibbs raised the attitude of the club towards its competitors and competition in his 3 year stint as Club Captain.Can you have glimpses without including Paul & Rhonda Munro and the children. Rhonda who has done so much for the junior movement including training state champions at R.& R. and featured in one of our committee meeting minutes as a model. Paul, or affectionately known as "Munro" has been doing things for the club and members since the beginning of time. If you don't "owe" Munro then you have not been a member for very long. Rumour has it that he swims in the Whitsundays annually.John Mitchell tragically passed away at the age of 40 but not before he had started the project to build the Nippers' Room. This was completed by Paul Munro during his term as President and the room was opened by John's wife Margaret on 28 November 1982.The room was built by Nipper parents and volunteers at a cost of $4,000 which was raised at a Gala Day organised by the Nippers, the Pittwater Apex and Terrey Hills Apex. The person who put the Gala Day together was Robert Dunn, R.I.P.,a future Mayor of Pittwater Council.In 1993 we received a grant of $20000.00 to build a new gymnasium. This never materialised due to the council putting a caveat on any major building on top of the surf club.In late 1996 Pittwater Council passed the Mona Vale Headland Coastal Plan which moves any new club building back by 10 metre for safety reasons.
Above: Mona Vale SLSC clubhouse in 2017 - top: beachfront façade - below: street view
MVSLSC Today…
One of the busier beaches in the area, MVSLSC also has one of the most challenging beach environments to patrol. How things have changed for the better- in 1981, there were only 30 patrol members. Now, there are over 1,000 members, including 150 active patrolling lifesavers and 400 Nippers. Over a dozen members patrolled for over 50 hours in the 2011-12 season, with two lifesavers who achieved 100+ hours. 65 advanced life saving awards were gained.
Since our beginnings, we– as has the movement in general – have become a much greater professional operation. This is only possible with the significant support of our key sponsors – with Greater Building Society investing in over $75,000 towards lifesaving in recent years as our major sponsor.
We offer quality training to assist new members to become lifesavers, and also to attain further qualifications. Nothing prides us more than to see someone become a fully accredited lifesaver when they initially didn’t think they could do it. But Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club has something for everyone regardless of their age, gender or swimming strength. There is a role for everyone –all sorts of skills are needed to run a Surf Life Saving Club, not just lifesavers!
Our Nippers program is credited with being fun and educational and teaches our Under 6’s to Under 14 year olds confidence on the beach and in the surf environs. Many of the Nippers often go on to become fully qualified Life Savers.
Whilst often being recognised as a family Club, MVSLSC is also very competitive at Surf Life Saving Carnivals including being the current two time winners of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships Open Men’s Boat Race. Significant training programs under the guidance of qualified and experienced coaches are available to members who are interested, and enable our competitors to achieve their personal goals across a range of disciplines on the beach and in the water, from Nippers to Masters.
We also have great casual training, recreational and social activities and events – we invite you to get involved – please see www.monavaleslsc.org.au for more information.
A new 21st Century Clubhouse
about The New Mona Vale SLSC
The facilities proposed include, but are not limited to, equipment storage, gym, restaurant, public amenities and changes rooms, function area, lifeguard room, office and a first aid room. There will be a commercial space for the café.
The new building floor area is proposed to be in the vicinity of 1400m2. The proposed building will be approx. 1690m² in built area including balconies. The original building’s built area was approx. 933m. The new building is to have two storeys with lift access. The building will be approximately 8.5m in height at the highest point.
External materials will be raw, earthy and robust that can withstand the coastal environment. The concept design explores the use of textured and exposed concrete and timber.
The concept design has provided for a height of 3.5m in the storage area. This will enable vertical storage of surf rescue boards.
Environmental initiatives include the use of raw materials, sustainable timber, natural ventilation where possible, rain water storage tanks, WELS rated and efficient tapware and solar panels.
The building is set back from the current dunes in-line with the acceptable coastal report. The building has been designed to meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
The proposed new, larger building will meet the existing and future needs of the club and the community by providing new and improved amenities and accessibility. The new building will also address existing safety issues and reduce long term maintenance costs by implementing environmentally sustainable initiatives.
In addition to the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving renewal project Council approved two new external public amenities buildings, as part of the 2019-2023 Delivery Program. As a result public amenities at Mona Vale Beach with the construction of new amenities in Apex Park and the upgrade of the existing amenities adjacent to the pool are part of this project.
The surf club's new building is designed to feel inclusive and accessible to a broad cross-section of the community. Facilities will be family-friendly with spaces and amenities catering to all generations of lifesavers. Particular consideration will be given to welcoming migrant communities, who are a principal target for water safety campaigns.
The new clubhouse will be open and active on all sides, with a café at ground level and sightlines through to the water, linking both park and beach. Elevated glass pavilions will house a restaurant, lounge bar and function room, angled to capture the spectacular views and outstanding natural beauty.
The functional space will be doubled almost within the footprint of the previous structure. New revenue streams will be established, including café and restaurant tenancies and flexible function spaces for private hire. Sustainable design elements serve to minimise water and energy use and long-term maintenance requirements.
Mona Vale SLSC members envisage the new facility will exceed all expectations in its scope to boost membership revenue, secure the club’s future and create an enduring legacy for the community.
Warren and Mahoney are the Architects for the building, scale and stamped drawings available here, and other documents in Mod2019/0454. At its March 23, 2021 Meeting Council accepted the Tender of Kane Constructions Pty Ltd for the Redevelopment of Mona Vale SLSC and Beach Amenities for the sum of $9,077,787 excluding GST.
Concept design (Apr 2018)
Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving new Clubhouse: Beach access
Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving new Clubhouse: Entry via Surview Road
Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving new Clubhouse: Surfview Road access
Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving new Clubhouse: Walking path view
References - Extras
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- MVSLSC photos courtesy MVSLSC and Dave Murray, one of the MVLSC Club Historians
- MONA VALE SURF CLUB 1922 to 1997 GLIMPSES OF THE FIRST 75 YEARS OF MONA VALE SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB by Kim Cooper, George Cooper & Margo Williams
- Mona Vale SLSC: The First 90 Years… by Skye Rose, MVSLSC
- The Oaks - La Corniche
- Mona Vale's Hales-Smith Haynes Smith, Holding, Brentnall and Roby - A.I.F. Men Of World War One
- Mona Vale Training Grounds: From Lancers On Horses To Lasses On Transport Courses
- Mermaid Basin, Mona Vale Beach: Inspired 1906 Poem by Viva Brock
- Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Mona Vale's Village Greens A Map Of The Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised
- Taramatta-Turrimetta-Turimetta Park, Mona Vale - officially opened 1904 - current day Village Park and Turimetta Park
- Bruce Robertson OAM Profile
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Mona Vale, Bongin Bongin, Turimetta and Rock Lily
- Daniel Gordon Soutar's Influence On Local Golf Courses: Some History Notes
- Pittwater Fishermen: The Sly Family Narrabeen Exploits and Manly Community Contributors: The First Surfboat at Manly Beach
- Mona Vale Public School 1906 To 2012
- War Memorials - Mona Vale, November 14, 1926
- Mona Vale War Memorials: A School Honour Board, A Victory Tree, A Cenotaph
- La Corniche, Bayview
- Some Recollections Of Early Bayview: Don Taylor and Margaret Tink
- Bungan Head 'Bridge' and Tank Trap During WWII
- The Sly Family Of Manly and Narrabeen + The First Surfboat At Manly
- The Australian Air League Camps At Mona Vale Beach In The Old La Corniche Building
- Early Pittwater Surfers: Palm Beach I - Alrema Becke: Queen of Palm Beach
- Landing In Pittwater: That Beach-Estuary-Lagoon Looks Like A Great Place To Touchdown!
- MONA VALE SLSC CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY; 23 – 25th March, 2012, Images by Michael Mannington and Mike O’Flynn, Volunteer Photography, Information courtesy of Skye Rose, MVSLSC
- 36th Warriewood to Mona Vale Ocean Swim 2014 – the Don Jenkin Memorial Swim
- Mona Vale SLSC Renewal - 2017 report
- Members Get Plastered To Mark Official Start Of New Mona Vale SLSC - May 2021 report
John Garvin Blackwood (1899 - 1980)
