The Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman

The GMHBA Pier to Pub Swim was a huge weekend for Lorne and under sunny skies the event attracted massive interest Australia wide and also received coverage on many national television stations. The world’s largest open water swim is an event that the Lorne Surf Club can be truly proud of and their volunteer team of over 500 do an amazing job to ensure the event runs like clockwork.

This year’s event was marred by the tragic passing of Murray Howard who suffered a fatal heart attack during his twentieth pier to pub swim. Murray, a non-permanent resident of Lorne, was very well-known to many and was one of the friendliest gentlemen you could ever wish to meet. Our thoughts and wishes are with the entire Howard family through this very difficult time.

The 39th annual swim saw two Queensland juniors in Hayden Cotter and Lani Pallister take out the male and female super fish events respectively, while Lorne swimmers also performed exceptionally well. To see four Lorne junior swimmers finish in the top 20 of the open division was an outstanding achievement and made even more special knowing that all four came
through the Lorne Surf Club nipper and junior programs.

But the young ones weren’t the only top 20 performers as Lorne’s Randall Forsyth secured a top 20 finish in his division, Tim Boness won the Veterans and many other local residents did exceptionally well to complete the event.

And a big pat on the back to our local agencies who dealt with the weekend rubbish and cleaning of the Foreshore and Mountjoy Parade after the enormous influx of visitors.

Congratulations to Ellie O’Kane, our physiotherapist at Lorne Community Hospital who, “set the course alight” in Friday’s Mountain to Surf Run, finishing first in her division and setting a new course record.

There appears to be some “town rivalry” building between the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club and the Lorne Country Club if the January “cheeky” Bulletin from the former is to be any guide. After many years in recess, the historical perpetual golf trophy that dates back to the 1960’s is being revived. In an interesting commentary the Commodore of the Anglers has challenged the “Nansy Pansies” at the Country Club for a winner take all golf tournament.

Etch into your diary Sunday February 10 as the big day at the Lorne Country Club when the keen on course fun and rivalry will be followed by a spit roast and refreshments and all are invited to attend. Interesting footnote to the Anglers article that they are “looking” for members to join their team to ensure they give the “Nansy Pansies” a hiding, and it’s also been rumored that fresh fish, and a few free refreshments, are being offered to those competent golfers prepared to sign on with the Anglers – good to see that local rivalry is alive and well.

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne