First Official Patrol December 1959

Mr Ron Westerlund was Elected to the following positions on 2/5/1959 the first and only Election of officers ref Minutes of that date that referred to the Community Meeting on 28th November 1958 and the election of New officers in December 1959 before the new affiliation with the PDB 19/12/1959.

Treasurer – Branch Delegate -Publicity Officer and Captain.

He became the President of the Club for the 1959 group and drove the establishment of the Club.

Ron was a very well-known Businessman and a respected local community member and took every opportunity to promote the fledging club.

The attached Newspaper article is his account of the First Official Patrol, however, with an incorrect year date that is easily proven. Other points are accurate but the first full season was 1960 /61
Some interesting points from the Photograph and Newspaper article.

The Patrol Members are from the 1959-60 group /season affiliated with the PDB on 19/12/1959.

There was only one Surf Reel from the first group and a Surf Ski on loan from the President , and purchased for the next season for 19 pounds and 10 shillings

This is the similar wooden Ply ski in the reception display today.

The patrol tower was not available and the club had to purchase other essential items ie Eve’s Rocker and Stretcher and a complete set of First Aid kits/products along with a Patrol Arena donated by Barnes Bakery at a later date.

Patrol members L-R . Lloyd Felsman , Ron kirby , Ron Bonnell and Jim purdon
Sadly, We have lost Ron Bonnell and Lloyd Felsman with the unknown situation of Ron Kirby
It has been a wonderful journey on this Our 65th year and one I have been proud to be a member.