This season's Forster Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) presentation was an evening of celebrations.
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On Saturday night, May 25 more than 115 people helped the club celebrate its 75th anniversary and the outstanding achievements of members.
It was a successful night as young and older members came to celebrate together the last 75 years and look forward to another 75 years, club president, John Quinn said.
Life members, Ivor Elliott, Lance Bulmer, Mike Keegan, Bruce Parsons, Phil Whittaker, Barry Rasmussen and patrolling life members, Beth Lee, Simon Lee, John Quinn, Julie Wilcox and Brian Wilcox were joined at the function by hosts, junior club caption, Ruby Jones along with Annelise Romer and Alana Williams.
"They did a wonderful job and are great examples of the youth we have in our club," John said.
Video interviews with a some life members, put together by Julie Wilcox, provided an insight into the club's history, while Keely Quinn's continuous slide show of photos from the early days to the present also gave an appreciation of days gone by.
The award for the patrol hour were given to
- Youth: Alana Williams 55m Olivia Williams 46.5 and Annelise Romer 43.
- Female: Amanda Williams 56.5, Julie Wilcox 52.90 and Beth Lee 50.5; and
- Male: Gav Williams 81.7, John Quinn 80.5 and Greg Randall 59.5.
The president's award was awarded to Amanda Williams and John Thorn for their quiet, continued assistance to the club throughout the season, and their positive attitude.
Awards were given to 20 patrolling members who attended 100 per cent of their patrols and to 11 members who have patrolled Forster Main Beach for 20 years or more.
They were Mick Coulton, Ged Crowe, Bruce Higgs, Hany Ibrahim, Dave Keating, Karen Kelly, Beth Lee, Brayden Lee, Simon Lee, Lorraine Morgan, John Quinn, Greg Randall, Stephen Want, Brian Wilcox, Alana Williams, Amanda Williams, Gavin Williams, Joe Williams, Olivia Williams and Jim Wills
Beth Lee spoke about the club's competition during the year with branch, country, State, Australian and world attendance.
Medals for the IRB team at State, boaties silver at State and Kim Winter bronze at Aussies.
Gav Williams who was standing in for Jim Wills, spoke about the members who gained bronze medallion, surf rescue certificates, radio, first aid and other wards during the year who then go on and patrol.
John Quinn acknowledged two women who achieved the pinnacle lifesaving award, a gold medallion.
Karla Berg began her lifesaving career as nipper in the under six in 2008 and Misty Cornish under 12 in 2013.
Throughout the years they have been active members patrolling, competing and assisting in youth activities and also water safety at many events.
They are now seen on local beaches during holidays as lifeguards in the area.
Highlighting the event was the Gordon Godwin Club Persons of the Year, an honour given to Beth Lee and Rob Chappel, presented by Gordon's brother Ben and former, president and life member, Phil Whittaker.
