It might have been cold outside but the Probus Club Of Eudunda And Districts Inc. was in for a Swimming lesson at their May 2015 meeting at the Eudunda Hall.
President Fay Grosser at the May meeting was delighted to welcome 4 new members, in Ross & Myra Schutz introduced by Dallas Mader and Lyn & Gus Geursen introduced by Yvonne Rohde. She thanked them for joining the group and wished that they enjoy fellowship with everyone.
A short formal meeting was held which included discussion covering future trips. It was noted that the next meeting on the 17th June will have Fred Dobbin of Kapunda, who will talk about his past experiences on the stage.
Fay then introduced visitors Elaine Leditschke (Barossa) and Rob Sykes (Mt Barker) who are ex Eudunda residents. As well Dirk Stegmeyer and his wife Avis, were visiting from Murray Bridge Probus. Dirk would be better known in this district as Derek in the 1950’s. Finally presenters Peter & Jenny Herriman were introduced.
Peter started the story off by reading information collated by Rodney Pfitzner from old Eudunda Couriers dated back from 1955-58 regarding the local committees that were formed to support the building and opening of the Eudunda Swimming Pool. Rodney had done his research in the Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery.
The slides had been supplied by Elaine Leditschke and were taken by her late husband Rex at the time of the construction during the 1950’s until the opening by ‘The Hon T Playford’ on Feb.18th 1959 and some photos were taken a few years later.
Jenny had digitised the slides and showed them on a data-projector – in some ways very much like the old 35mm projectors like many of us used to use, with a modern take. As the slides were shown Peter encouraged the audience to remember names of those in the photos.
It was mentioned how amazing it was to have these photos as there were not many cameras around in those days.
Rob Sykes, a teenage boy at that time helped out with names and told some interesting stories of the pools construction. He was able to point out photos of his father at the pool construction. Rob also told how his father was the bulldozer driver for the Eudunda Council at the time and how it was used to ‘tidy up’ after the Army bulldozer had made its first cuts.
The opening was a grand affair, a street parade by the local businesses and clubs, the SA Police Band and the Police Greys. Junior Miss Eudunda and Queen of Flowers Girls parades and crowning were a highlight All leading up to the official opening by ‘The Hon. T Playford’.
Members noted how the scenery has changed, especially in the background of some of the photos which showed South Terrace and Oval Crescent.
There was a big applause to Peter, Jenny, Rob and Elaine.
Vice President Valerie Lipschinski then thanked Peter for his presentation and gave him a Probus pen as a thank you.
Members then retired to a lovely lunch put on by the ladies of the Eudunda Hall Committee.
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