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The Formation and History of The Westonians
The Westonians were established in 1971 and are entering the 38th year of operation.
In 1996, Jack Smith wrote the History of The Westonians and this snap shot is taken from his work.
The history account is a tribute to all past and present committee and members with the hope that the tradition and objectives of the club will continue to be an integral part of football at West Adelaide.
Dr. John Rogers who was the Club’s Doctor and Committee man agreed to form this club. The first meeting took place at Dr. Roger’s home at West Beach and this meeting was the formation of The Westonians. Dr. Rogers was elected President and a Constitution was drawn up with the approval of the West Adelaide Football Club Committee.
Constitution:
To provide Club fundraising.
To provide friendship among Club members.
To provide business ties with members.
To provide facilities for –
a) Halftime and after match drinks and nibbles.
b) Entertaining visiting clubs.
c) Match day – entrance tickets, car park and reserved seating.
d) Providing a platform for players to meet members.
First meetings were held at the Lockleys Hotel.
On match days The Westonians had the use of the area of the Footballers Club – known as Billiard and Games Room now occupied by the General Office. Cooling of drinks was with ice boxes. Frank Davis was the first barman a position he and his sons held for 22 years.
In 1976 the Management of the Club moved their office from under the Grandstand to the Billiard room and The Westonians were moved to an area under the Grandstand southern end. The area was not sufficient to cater for the increase of members and The Westonians did not have the full support of the Football and Footballer’s Club committees. The Westonian committee wanted representation on the Football Club and Footballer’s Club committees to have the interest of The Westonians protected. Norm Hay was elected to the Footballer’s Club and Jack Smith to the Football Club. The Westonians commenced the sponsorship of players and the players and partners were guests at Westonian functions.
Fundraising was in full swing. The first West Mission Dinner was organised at the Colonial Restaurant. Wine and Cheese Auctions and social days on the tennis court at Fred Vella’s home. Match day raffles were very successful.
At a meeting of The Westonian committee in 1977, the President, Jack Smith, made a proposal to the members of the committee who were present at the meeting that The Westonians purchase their own Club rooms. Costs were obtained and to make up the difference in cost for the purchase of the transportable building, some Westonian members paid the next year’s subscriptions in advance.
Jack was on the Management committee of the Football Club, and he put the proposal to the committee and it was accepted – without cost to the Football club. Thus The Westonians Lounge was formed. Thanks must go again to Norm and Greg Hay for all their work.
League players and partners and umpires were welcome to The Westonian Lounge. The Football Club requested that The Westonians entertain the Mayor of West Torrens and his guests. It is a pleasure to note that The Westonians were one of the first Clubs to invite Umpires.
Norm Hay commenced the collection of old Medallions. A showcase was donated and fixed to the northern wall of the Footballers Club.
In the years of 1977-1981, foundation was laid for The Westonians to be recognised as the Mayor Vice President’s Club of S.A.N.F.L. and this has been carried on by on-going committees.
The year 1981 was the building of additions to the Footballers Club. During construction it was proposed that a two storey addition be added to the plans. It was suggested that this be The Westonians Lounge and The Westonians would pay for these extension to the Club rooms. Approximate cost of $60,000. It was agreed and with considerable fundraising, payments were made to the Football Club as donations. Hire of The Westonians Lounge would be credited to The Westonian’s account. Furnishings to The Westonian Lounge were made by donations from Westonian members. Sale of the transportable building to be credited to The Westonians.
In 1984 allocated car parking in Kingston Avenue was made available to The Westonians – after some thirteen years. West Mission Dinner was held for the first time in the Claret & Stout Room.
The Westonians gave support to country Clubs in our zone both senior and junior and our own junior teams. In 1990 The Westonians commenced a presentation to U/17 and U/19’s. The presentation took place in The Westonian Lounge after home matches, with the players and coaches in attendance.
With the formation of the Gold Pass Club, members were welcomed to the Westonian Lounge after home matches.
Major alterations were made to the Footballer’s Club premises in 1994 and The Westonians renovated The Westonian Lounge. Members should acknowledge the work of their committee and support all sponsors.
In 1995 a perpetual trophy was awarded to a Junior footballer in memory of past President, Keith Reynolds to the best player who came up through our Junior ranks. The trophy is now on display in The Westonian Lounge.
It is unfortunate that the names of all the formation members are not known.
Over the years the Westonians have raised considerable funds which have resulted in
· Providing trophies to U17 & U19 each week.
· League player sponsor
· Cash donations to the WAFC for major projects for player’s amenities
· Finance new digital score board 2007 -2008
Graeme Barton
President
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