Alpine Club marks 50 years with special AGM
Alpine Club marks 50 years with special AGM
May 07, 2008
Section: News, Community
Kiama Alpine Club members met on Saturday afternoon at the Brighton Harbourside for their 50th annual general meeting.
The 2008 AGM was held at the original site of the very first meeting in May 1958 of the then named Kiama Ski Club at the Brighton Hotel.
The afternoon started with a re-enactment of a fateful visit to Thredbo in Easter 1958 made by Kiama residents Eugene and Lala Baranowsky with Keith Young (played by members Mary and Wal Balak and Barry Booth) from which the club began.
The members were entertained with the story of how the three travelled to Thredbo for seven hours in the freezing cold only to find no accommodation and no food.
Club President Alan Fredericks said the vision to build a ski lodge was established in 1958 through the tenacity and drive of Lala and Eugene “and a lucky helicopter ride over the spectacular Thredbo scenery that finally convinced Keith that skiing was an amazing idea”.
Original members John East, Joan Fraser and Geoff Honey, plus 45 other members, were updated on the club’s financial and booking position, the continuing commitment to skiing and snowboard racing, the activities to celebrate and reminisce their 50th year and the latest major renovations of the Thredbo lodge.
Solicitor Sandy Rendel also updated the members on the Thredbo sub-lease arrangements for the next 50 years and Mr Fredericks thanked RMB/Kearns & Garside Lawyers for the ongoing legal support for the club.
Two long standing members – Val Wynn and Geoff Boxsell – were awarded Life Membership for their outstanding commitment to the club.
The AGM was followed by an enjoyable buffet dinner and presentation from Phil Boreham of Snowy Hydro on the cloud seeding project in the Snowy Mountains.
To celebrate their 50th year, an anniversary dinner for past and present members and guests will be held at Kiama Leagues Club on Saturday, June 7.
For more information regarding the dinner or for tickets please contact Geoff Boxsell via email at gboxsell@dodo.com.au or call 4236 0161.