Torquay SLSC hosts legendary afternoon

ABOUT 100 Torquay lifesavers from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s returned to their old stomping ground Saturday to reconnect at a Legends Afternoon.

Torquay Surf Life Saving Club member and organiser Peter Milburn said boaties, skiers and paddlers alike made the trip from all over the country for the chance to catch up with fellow members and old teammates.

“There were so many stories told on the day, but the central theme of all those stories was the great love everybody had of Torquay and the camaraderie of the surf club,” Mr Milburn said.

“It was an amazing feeling in the room, and everybody contributed little bits here and there, but it always came back to that notion of community here on the Surf Coast.”

Jeff Watt and newly inducted life member John Mercer.

Legends travelled from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and New South Wales to be a part of the event, which was organised by Mr Milburn and fellow members Chris Harris and Steve Taylor.

Former Torquay SLSC board and ski paddlers. Back Row: Tim Bush, Chris Harris, Stephen Taylor and Dave Morgan 3rd Row: Bryan Hayden, Jeff Watt, Ken Elliott, John Mercer, Tim Munroe, James Bounds and Peter Milburn 2nd Row: Chester McCombe, Peter Foster, Anthony Orwin, Scott Dell, Ken Goulding and Wally Bacon Front Row: Gavin Newstead, Cliff Goulding, Ray Brewin and Howard Hughes

“It’s always about building bridges between generations at the club, which is one of the main reasons why we hold these events,” Mr Milburn said.

“A number of the guys who came on the day voiced that they wanted to rejoin the club because they had let their memberships lapse.”

Left to right: Boat Crew legends (Front Row) Lance Hately, Gary McKellar, Bill Booth, (2nd Row) Alistair McCombe, Brent McCombe, Bob Luce, Jason Leffanue, Andrew Humphries, Scott Tanahill, Peter Milburn, (Back Row) Tom Cross, Rex Dale, Julius Czerny, Keith Millar, Colin Bawden and John Elgin.

Torquay SLSC competitions director Peter Quinlan said the feeling at the club on Saturday was a special one.

“Seeing it first-hand in my capacity at the club, our current day competitors sometimes forget how rich in history our surf club is, and you can see it on the walls in the clubhouse, but to see the legends all together in-person was inspiring,” Mr Quinlan said.

“To all those guys, male and female, who achieved so much for the club, you could just tell how much it meant for them to be there on the day.”