Past and present Yarrawonga Mulwala Table Tennis Association players.
Past and present players from near and far converged on the Table Tennis Pavilion at the Showgrounds on August 26 to join in the celebrations and catch up with former teammates and rivals from years gone by.
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But where did it all begin from?
No one really knows so the scribe got together with two of the original players, Mick Saunders and Bruce Wright.
To their best recollection it came about with locals having a hit at their homes.
These hits turned into bragging matches between players from the local area. Soon afterwards Town and Church Halls were used to see who was the best.
Dual Best Club People Helen Lowry and Helen Wright.
As more people became involved, the Table Tennis Club was formed under the guidance of foundation president Bruce Wright.
Bruce held the position for about 60 years until he stepped down and his son John was elected president.
As the years progressed more people entered a team where from this the Yarrawonga/Mulwala table association was formed as it remains today.
Matches were played in a variety of places, Tennis Pavilion, Pigdons showroom, RSL, Post Office and the former Parish Hall.
By the later 1960’s it became evident these venues were becoming unsuitable, as tables had to be erected then packed away each night.
The committee had to come up with a solution. The solution was to have a purpose-built venue.
With the assistance of Councillors Mr John Dowling and Mr Les Hawkins lobbying the relevant authorities, land was secured at the Showgrounds and a grant was received to buy the necessary material to construct the shed.
Peter Duncan, Bruce Wright, Greg Hough and Mick Saunders.
Many volunteers worked tirelessly to erect the building, none more than Mr Jack Stanger who laid the pine flooring which is as good today as 50 years ago.
Over the years extensions to either end have been added to include toilets, shower, extending the playing area, storage room and an office for the show society.
The club wouldn’t be the success it is without the support from the many businesses, community groups and individuals through their donations and sponsorships.
The club thank everyone including their major sponsors: the Lion Ladies, Rotary, MWSC, Godfathers, Tourist Information Centre and CMCU.
The 70th Anniversary celebration and presentation would not have been the success it was without all this support.
Cutting the 70th anniversary cake was Doug Wright, Wayne Primmer and Bob Brooker.
The club would also like to thank Darren Old for the cake, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort for the lovely roast meal, Yarrawonga Community Op Shop for donating cutlery and to all who provided for the delicious deserts.
To the volunteers who served the meal, thank you. A great night was had by all.
