A “Titch” in time at TSLSC

EUGENE “Titch” Cullity arrived at Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club in 1947, only two years after its opening.

Titch, 90, is still an integral member of the club and will be celebrating his birthday as a guest of honour on Sunday March 11 at a club fundraiser.

“When I first joined, nearly everyone was from Melbourne and there wasn’t the numbers like we have now,” Titch said.

“We competed in boards, which were longer back then, surf skis and a lot of beach events. You also knew all the members of the other clubs.

“I’m proud to have seen the club grow so much, especially since over the years more people are more accustomed to using the beaches.

“When I began at the club, if there were 50 people on the beach, we would regard that as a crowd!

“The cars could also be driven down and be parked on the beach, but when the tide came in, a lot of them were bogged.

“The best memories I have from being at the club are from the people I’ve met. They are a wonderful bunch of people and the members involved with the foundation of the club were all ex-servicemen from World War II; really wonderful people.”

The Sunday March 11 event is a “cocktail caper” and runs 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Tickets are $15pp including finger food, drinks at members prices and a complimentary drink on arrival.

All funds raised will go to competitors to travel to Scarborough in Perth for the 2018 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships from April 14-22.

For more information or to make a donation, visit torquayslsc.com.au.