Newspaper Article 1994 – Prominent citizens in club

County Club 80

Prominent citizens in club

From its inception 80 years ago the County Club in Hastings has had distinguished Hawke’s Bay citizens among its membership.

Founder president in 1914 was George Ebbett, a barrister and solicitor who at that time was a borough councillor and went on to become a mayor from 1919 to 1921.

Other civic leaders who have also been County Club members were George Roach, mayor from 1929 to 1933, and George Maddison, mayor from 1922 to 1929 and again from 1933 to 1941.

Leaders in many fields – professional, business, farming, sporting and cultural – have been among members and the tendency is for membership to last for many years.

The club currently has four members – Eric Wishart, Ewen Ballantyne, Doug Grieve and Arthur Powell – who have been members for 50 years. Mr Wishart joined in 1937, Mr Ballantyne and Mr Grieve in 1940 and Mr Powell in 1944.

Deceased members who achieved the 50-year membership distinction were Harold Davies (joined 1914), Tom Kelly (1914), Bill Hyslop (1918), Ivan Curlett (1920), Dick Gifford (1920), Alec Stead (1923), Frank Mardon (1925), Maurice Field (1929), Herbie Blackmore (1933), Stan White (1935), Boy Symes (1937) and Dave Walker (1941).

Family membership is another tradition and there are many second-generation members while the Ebbetts, Smalls and Tuckers can trace their association with the club through three generations.

Ewen Ballantyne, a Puketapu famer, joined the County Club during the Second World War, and while serving overseas was a grateful recipient of food parcels sent by the club.

The club’s pride in its servicemen was also demonstrated at a dinner put on for them after their return, the toast list and menu for which is still displayed in the club today. Prominent too is a roll of honour containing the names of those who did not return.

Prominent members Jack Jones, Jack Baxter and Bert Eising were to the fore in patriotic fundraising during the war, basing themselves at the club for their brainstorming sessions to come up with ideas.

Present County Club president Bryan Donovan joined the club in 1971, being introduced by long-time member Dave Walker.

“As a dairy farmer, I had been accustomed to always rushing if I went to a hotel, especially in the days of six o’clock closing, and the club introduced me to a more civilised way of socialising, one which I still appreciate,” Mr Donovan said.

At the time he joined, the club had a waiting list for members, but these days intending members have only to be nominated and seconded to be eligible to join.

“I suppose our standards have relaxed a little in the changing times, but there is still a refined atmosphere about the club and its members.”

Mr Donovan is proud of the way the club has kept going in light of the economic situation and is determined it will remain a part of the Hastings social scene.

“We have 195 financial members, but it is fair to say they don’t all frequent the club regularly. But there is a solid core who use the facilities constantly and enjoy the excellent spirit which is part of the surroundings.

“Some come for the billiards and snooker and appreciate the warmth of the log fire and the insulation which makes the billiards room a cosy haven on a chilly winter’s day.

“But the main thing is the friendship of other club members, which is one of the greatest things I have got from my membership here. It is a very genuine thing and you always feel welcome in the club,” Mr Donovan says.

Photo caption – County Club identity Les Elvy with a Colin Wilkinson caricature of him, one of many of club personalities displayed in the 80-year-old establishment. Mr Elvy was president of the club in 1971-72 and is one of its three life members, the others being Barney Smith and Gordon Amner.

Has run club for 7 years

County Club secretary-manager Bob Nisbet (pictured) has been in charge of the day-to-day running of the club for the past seven years.

He is rated by club president Bryan Donovan as one of the outstanding administrators the club has had.

He follows in the footsteps of able managers such as Fred Wilkinson, Fred Stoupe and Albert Jensen.

Bob has that happy knack of being able to make people feel welcome, whether they are members or visitors,” Mr Donovan said.

Under his stewardship the club premises have become a sought-after venue for those wanting a central city site for meetings or functions.

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Mr. LABELS
labels with a peel
Congratulates
The County Club
on their
80 years
PHONE 06-878-7332, 876-3203
FAX 06-878-6900
Cnr King & St Aubyn Streets,
PO Box 145, Hastings