Harlies History/The Harlies Story
From Marriotwiki
From The 1994 Publication Harlequin Wanneroo Hockey Club "25th Anniversary 1970-1994"
- The publication makes the following statement: "The Harlequin Wanneroo Hockey Club acknowledges the following members without whose efforts this publication would not have been possible: Carlton Bonjour, Derek Jobe & Leslie Jobe, Brian Bird, and Ashley & Katie D'Silva."
From the Australian Hockey Association
Congratulations Harlequin (Wanneroo) on your 25th Anniversary of the formation of your club.
I was present at your birth and have watched with interest and admiration as you reached maturity. That maturity is evidenced by your consolidation in Classic League.
You have been very fortunate in the calibre and dedication of a number of club members who have steered you through testing times. Your club spirit and social environment sets the standard for hockey.
I sincerely wish you every success in the future.
COLIN NICHOLAS President Australian Hockey Association
Words from the Incumbent President
Colleagues, members, friends, supporters and the other loyalists to the Harlequin Wanneroo cause!
It is a great honour, privilege and joy to be able to write these few lines on such a special occasion.
This booklet commemorates 25 years of achievement tracing our humble, yet fun loving, beginnings to our hard won status as a leading entity in the Western Australian hockey fraternity.
It is a story of which we can collectively feel very very proud, because it is a story of human endeavour meeting and overcoming some major challenges along the way.
We now face challenges of a different nature which will undoubtly put our future endeavours to the severest of tests both on and off the field!
It is my dream that our next generation - in effect our successors - will carry us through to dizzier heights in the next 25 years and beyond. I trust my dream is well founded.
In the meantime, rest a while and read on!!
Derek Jobe
September 1994
From Little Acorns Big Trees Grow
Where did it start? Who, you may ask is responsible? Well! The tales are varied and the stories are diverse. However, it is generally believed that...
It happened in 1969 when a wiseman from the (Middle) East named ILAN ORNER decided to form a hockey club. In those early years of Asian migration, he probably realised that it would be a good idea to enlist the support of a community which came from a nation where hockey was a way of life.
It is reported that whilst gazing out of his window one sunny day, he was amazed at the deft stickwork and ball control shown by a group of young men playing the game on an unkempt grass field. He honestly believed that they applied glue to their sticks to enable them to control the ball the way they did!
And so emerged the HARLEQUIN HOCKEY CLUB, comprising mainly of Anglo-Indian young men from the south of India. Under the Presidency of Rod Farmer, the club soon registered with the W.A. Hockey Assosciation in 1970, started in the B3 grade but won only one game in its inaugural year.
It is said that in those early days ILAN ORNER was so committed to 'His' team that he paid all fees, collected and returned each player from their homes, and back again... That's Committment!
What's In A Name?
A warrant has been issued for Ilan's "arrest", the main reason being to find out why he chose the name 'HARLEQUIN'. After exhaustive discussions with contemporaries and other historians Ilan's whereabouts were finally traced to the U.S.A. In an exclusive interview he spoke of the origin of the club, and the name HARLEQUIN. It appears he was so impressed with the versatility of these colourful personalities (and the sheer fun they were having) that it reminded him of that famous trickster, jester and character 'Harlequin' created by playwrights in the 16th century. He accordingly named the club after the famous theatrical performer.
Under The Lights At Hamer Park
Our biggest handicap was however the lack of our own home ground with clubrooms and change-rooms. Our training sessions were held at Hamer Park playgrounds in Mount Lawley where the facilities were woefully inadequate. There were, for example, no ground markings, no lights (other than the street lights!), often several sets of detachable copper sprinkler pipes, and sometimes, a spray of bore water to boot!! The bus shelter opposite Mount Lawley Senior High served asour change-room, social/club room and team selections notice-board!
The first two years were characterised by a greater emphasis on fun and fellowship rather than serious competition, and it wasn't until 1972 when the club, still placed in the B3 grade, swept aside all opposition and won its first premiership. Only now, did this "New" club begin to attach a neasure of importance to their performance on the hockey field. The first ever Harlies team included Robert Rodrigues, Charles Gaudoin, Rod Farmer, Rex Farmer, Chris Carpenter, Errol & Aubrey Lafranais, Baldwin Edmonds, Lionel David and the Daniels brothers. At the time, that veteran of many sports, the late Noel Daniel was Club president. Brian Bird was "tricked" into joining the club and took over functions of Secretary. Rod Farmer was appointed Captain-Coach. A number of these early members, of course, still retain playing or social links with the club.
The members at the time did not seem to be overly keen on any expansion of the club with the week-end games being treated primarily as social events. There was no regular attendance at training sessions during the week but members certainly enjoyed themselves and sowed the seeds of comradeship and fellowship which has remained a hallmark of the club to this day.
The far-sighted and enthusiastic Brian Bird was not, however, content with this state of affairs. He soon found he was able to tap valuable resources in the playing, social and administrative areas from among the local community and set about this task.
The year 1973 was the carpet-roller of bigger things to come.
In January 1973 Carlton Bonjour was invited to get involved with the affairs of the club, particularly in the administrative area. A committee comprising Carlton as President, Brian Bird as Secretary and Russell Fonceca as Treasurer was charged with the responsibility of setting in motion the wheels of progress. This included setting up a bank account and laying the foundations for a draft constitution. No longer were we content with the 'small club' image. A second team was established following the success of a publicity campaign which brought in talented players like Jeff D'Cruz, Ricky Watts, Rudy Keswick, Gerry D'Costa, Clem Jansen and others.
However, in order to protect a good image of a rapidly expanding club, it was considered absolutely necessary to plan social functions of a high order. A Social Committee was thus formed to organise functions which drew large crowds from a wide cross-section of the public. The popularity and success of the Halloween Night Cabarets were a forerunner of things to come.
Harlequin Gets Graded
As they year unfolded a few shocks were in store for our hockey stars.
It started with a new grading system that had just been introduced, and a disastrous first game in the newly structured 1C grade.
WAHA's new grading system gave all clubs the opportunity to field a team in each alpha-numeric division. Thus, for example, each club's first team was allocated to the 1A, 1B, 1C or 1D divisional grade; the second team to the 2A, 2B or 2C grade etc. The new system provided opportunities for quicker promotion to the top (1A) grade, but also stiffened the competition amongst smaller clubs.
Due mainly to the club's excellent track record in previous years, our two teams were given 1C and 2D status. The first game in the 1C grade, against Old Guildford was memorable in many ways. Harlies took the field confident of a resounding victory, but were in for a bit of a surprise. They hadn't realised how rapidly the game had advanced all over the country; all over the world for that matter! They had become accustomed to a more generous pace over the previous few years and had compensated for stamina and fitness with sheer skill, stealth and experience.
All of a sudden they had to play at a much faster pace and with nearly all players now having to run up and down with the ball. Long passing had to combine effectively with short passing. No longer were deft stickwork and ball control the only factors which could win matches.
We lost that first game 6-1! And to make matters worse, a number of our players became temporarily insane during the match. No less than six players were sent off the field for foul tackling and other exhibitions of unfair play - all, no doubt, the result of frustration.
Amusing in retrospect, but the stark reality was that a lot of rethinking had to be put into our style of play. By the time we came to grips with the situation, the season was almost over. We won a few games towards the end of the season, but 1973 certainly made us realise we had a lot to learn. And we did just that the following year.
Meanwhile, our social functions that year brought our rapidly expanding club into the limelight.
The end of year 'Harlequin Ball' at the Embassy Ballroom in October that year received good coverage in the local newspaper. Several well-known hockey personalities like Eric Eastman (then WAHA President), Merv Adams (then National and State hockey Coach) and Terry Burke M.P. attended, and, along with many others were full of praise for the tastefully decorated hall and the efficient manner in which the function was run.
Planning For The Future
The year 1974 saw the inclusion of talented recruit Patrick O’Halloran who was appointed Captain-Coach of the 1C team. His skills as a player and his profound knowledge of the game made the club a force to contend with in the grade. Our 2D team also enjoyed good success but we had to wait until the following year for the grand double.
The club’s big social event in 1974 was the ‘Mexican Fiesta’. As with the previous year, under the guidance of Carlton Bonjour, the members efforts ensured the Fiesta was a resounding success which substantially improved the club’s bank balance in the bargain!
1975
By 1975 the club’s administration had begun to work like a well-oiled machine. Annual General Meetings were conducted with appropriate decorum and decisions taken in true democratic style. The Management Committee was increased to five persons: Carl Bonjour (President), Len D’Cruz (Vice President), Brian Bird (Secretary), Russell Fonceca (Assistant Secretary) and Emile Dawson (Treasurer).
The club’s financial position also improved with the combined efforts of the Management and Social Committee which conducted raffles and other regular functions like the Easter cabaret, May Queen Dance, Quiz Night and, of course, the Annual Cabaret at the end of the season in October. It became a tradition to run this annual event with a new theme each year such as Mexican Fiesta, Country & Western, Night in Outer Space and so on. Decorations to suit the theme chosen each year required planning well in advance and, with meticulous assembly and display was suggested by some to resemble and Art Exhibition.
On the playing side, 1975 was a landmark in the club’s history. Our 1C team won the Guth Ardagh and Grand Final pennants. Our 2D team won its Grand Final.
In 1976 we fielded three teams: 1B, 2C and 3D. However, promotion to 1B made us aware that competition was fierce in the higher grades. Our first game was a baptism of fire at the hands of Scarborough who were ably led by that dynamic goal scorer Wayne Pendergrast. We were swamped 9-1 in that memorable game but we learned a couple of pertinent things in defeat.
Firstly, we realised that we needed a more dedicated and fanatical approach. Secondly, we needed players of the calibre of Wayne Pendergrast.
And that’s exactly what happened the following year.
In 1977, another ex-patriot from India, Trevor Vanderputt, who was well-known in WA hockey circles was invited to take over as Senior Coach. Pat O’Halloran, who had done an excellent job as Coach in previous years remained Captain of the 1B team. The team itself began to play with a more positive approach. Wayne Pendergrast had been recruited from Scarborough and led the attack with great zeal. However, whilst we gave a good account of ourselves we still had a long way to go to reach the top of the grade. Our 2C team finished strongly towards the end of the 1977 season, but it was our 3D team which stole the honours that year by winning the Challenge Cup and the Premiership.
In 1978 Wayne Pendergrast was appointed Senior Coach. Derek and Leslie Jobe were amongst the prominent new recruits and their contributions, both in the playing and administrative areas, soon became evident.
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During a Challenge Cup game against Rangers where Harlies were winning hands down an avid hockey supporter and mother of Derek & Leslie Jobe was seen to pick up the ball as it crossed the side line, place it in her bag and walk away. |
That year members were delighted when State Coach, the late Merv Adams took up our invitation to run a few Sunday morning training sessions. This time it was our 2C team’s turn to win the Challenge Cup and the Premiership!
Our social functions, nevertheless, continued to flourish with helped to project and develop a good image of the club as well as extending our base of members and supporters. An added bonus was the contribution they made to the necessary acquisition and development of club funds.
A Home…..Our Very Own At Last!
1979, the year that the new astro-turfed Commonwealth Hockey Stadium hosted the Esanda International tournament, was a major turning point for Harlies. After some intense and at times, frustrating discussions with the City of Stirling, we finally won our way to Breckler Park, then known as Cornwall Reserve.
We were allocated use of the grounds for that half of the year which coincides with the hockey season (April to September) whilst the Mount Lawley Cricket Club retained overall management of the facilities and their use during the summer.
Moving to a home-ground with proper clubroom facilities was like a dream come true. All of a sudden the tempo of club activities started to increase and club spirit improved dramatically.
The club entered a fourth team and the year also gained Harlies some important recruits such as Allan Lynn, Frank Quaresimin, Chris and Kerry Galloway and Ian Ward. These members made important contributions to the club’s social, playing or administrative activities and did so untiringly for several seasons.
In his President’s report to the AGM, Carlton Bonjour felt the time had come to step down, satisfied that the club had come of age in a big way and that a new era was dawning. Carl had held the office for 7 consecutive years and was justifiably proud to have been a part of a group of dedicated members who had accomplished so much in that time. One of his aims had been to establish a broad based club with a cosmopolitan outlook, as distinct from its Anglo-Indian origins, and he was satisfied that this goal has been achieved.
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Some members keep a club so strong. |
On the eve of his relinquishing the Presidency, together with Russell Fonceca who had contributed so much over the years as Secretary, Carlton Bonjour wrote,
“Every year the financial burden of running a rapidly growing club gets bigger and the Management and social committees have to explore various methods of trying to raise funds in order to keep membership fees to a minimum. Members, friends and supporters are requested to put forward new ideas so that we can move onward with confidence and renewed vigour.”
A New Era
Brian Bird, himself a club stalwart, founding member and tireless contributor whether as player, social organiser or administrator took over the reins as new President of a rapidly growing club which remained successful on and off the field.
A ladies team was formed (finally!!) and preparations went ahead for the formation of a Junior boys section the following year. The club recorded its biggest “catch” by successfully negotiating with and appointing Kyle Rutter from Vic Park to take over as Senior Coach in 1980.
This had a tremendous impact on Harlies. Kyle introduced many new training methods and infused a spirit of unparalleled dedication across the grades. He helped to get the Junior Boys’ section started in the Under 11s and Under 13s grades and was a regular at all social functions. He also had good rapport with all members from Under 11s through to 1B. His wife Kaye also played her part in the clubrooms on Saturdays after the game.
Quality recruitment and training facilities improved with the installation of a single bank of floodlights and competition for selection to the top (1B) team grew intense. This all augured well for the club. Our 2B team won the Premiership and thus promotion to the highly competitive 2A grade. Our 1B’s didn’t hit their straps till the second round which they finished undefeated. They certainly gave notice that promotion to the premier grade was perhaps only a year away. Our 3C team did well to win their Challenge Cup, another indication of the strength down the grades and the mini revival of the club’s playing fortunes.
On the social side, the New Year’s Eve cabaret established itself as the biggest money-spinner on the club’s – nay, the entire hockey community’s! – social calendar. About 750 people packed into the Embassy Ballroom and enjoyed themselves. More than one hundred others had to be refused attendance for want of space! Our policy to not over-crowd has generally been appreciated by our supporters. Another significant feature, as the 1980 season progressed, was the interest shown the club’s playing and social activities by the parents of the newly-formed Junior members.
1980 saw the introduction of the club’s first emblem. Designed by Hazel Bonjour the legendary mask and hockey stick encased in a shield. The emblem continued to adorn shirts, letterhead and all publicity for many years to come.
1981
The year 1981 will certainly go down in the club’s history as one of the best years ever. The Junior Boys’ section grew to four teams: Under 11s, -13s, -15s and -17s to now match the number of senior teams. The ladies section continued to field just the one team, but it was pleasing to note their increasing interest in club activities, both on and off the field. A number of Junior State squad players joined our Under-17s, largely through the influence of Kyle Rutter. It was not surprising therefore, that our Juniors emerged as winners of, ironically enough, the Kyle Rutter Trophy, which is awarded to the club with the best overall performance in the Junior competition.
Our seniors (men) were not to be outdone. The 1B side went through the first round undefeated, eventually clinching promotion to the premier grade. The other three senior teams also fared well resulting in the club winning the Byrne & Judge Trophy, awarded to the club with the best overall performance in the Senior competition. At the time, no other club appeared to have achieved this Grand Double.
Kyle Rutter, as Senior Coach, deserved high praise for helping the club to gain promotion to the elite grade, which every club aspires to but which only a few attain. A congratulatory message was received from WAHA President Colin Nicholas to this effect.
All of the above factors made hockey officials and members of other clubs look on ours as one of the best run and fastest growing clubs in the state.
Having gained 1st Division status, the club naturally attracted players of note for the 1982 season. However, a sombre shadow was cast over the promise and excitement of our inaugural 1st Division season with the news that Kyle Rutter had contracted cancer.
Barry Illingworth was appointed as Club Coach once it was clear Kyle Rutter would be unable to take up this responsibility and privilege which had largely been of his making. The new recruits Lance Forkgens, Arthur Cook, Nigel White and Greg Bussell made a good contribution on the field, but it was not enough to allow us to maintain our 1st Division status. In addition, attendance and participation in ‘off-the-field’ club activities by several of the new-comers was disappointing, especially when compared to our many Junior parents who not only patronised club functions but even helped to organised them.
On the playing side out Juniors did reasonably well, as did our ladies team and the 2A team which finished strongly towards the end of the season. The honours in 1982 however, went to the 3B and 4C teams which both contested grand finals having earlier picked up Guth Ardagh pennants for heading their respective grades.
At the end of the 1982 season, club stalwart Brian Bird decided to stand down from the Presidency. “Birdy”, as he is universally and affectionately known, had demonstrated vision, enthusiasm, commitment and an incredible capacity for sheer hard work over his previous 10 years since joining the club.
During Birdy’s presidency the club:
- Consolidated its ‘home base’ at Breckler Park and ‘bought’ its equity in the premises
- Experienced its greatest competitive success in 1981 by achieving promotion to the 1st Division
- Made the commitment to secure its future by investing in juniors
- Commenced Womens hockey at Harlies
When Brian handed the President’s baton to Derek Jobe, even though we had won and lost 1st Division status, the club had its women’s team, 4 senior men’s and 4 junior boys teams. An explosive period in the club’s growth had commenced.
The Years Keep Rolling By
Two years later, by the end of the 1984 season, when Derek’s transfer away from Perth saw Bill Walker step into the President’s chair, the club had co-financed major extensions to the social, bar and kitchen facilities; had added more junior teams to its ranks and field its first ever Veterans team, Linc Grostate being instrumental in this particular development. A club newsletter records 13 registered teams in 1984: One ladies team, 2 junior girls teams, 5 mens (including Vets) and 5 junior boys teams.
During the presidency of Bill Walker (1985) and Wayne Pendergrast (1986), the club continued to grow such that by the time we returned to the Premier Division in 1990 (following a stirring, emotional last game promotional play-off against Hale), club team numbers had grown to some 25 teams. Womens and junior girls teams each numbered 3, whilst Mens (7), Veterans – now featuring a Vintage side, too (4) and 8 junior boys teams made up the remainder.
The club’s sheer growth and development during the mid 1980’s was not matched by commensurate success on the field. Its top Mens team (1B grade) consistently finished in the final four, but premiership pennants proved elusive. Meanwhile the Mens 2’s, 3’s and 4’s all ranged between A and B grades.
Juniors………The Lifeblood!
Junior hockey at Harlies however, was flourishing and one particular age group – even as Under 11’s – had begun to show potential. In 1994, the club’s 25th year and some 10 years on from the period on questions, some family names have etched themselves indelibly into club history.
Names such as Anderson, Belci, Conn, Cook, Gaudoin and coming up behind in follow up groups, Kail, Herman, D’Silva, Jobe, with other Harlequin juniors who contributed strongly include Epps, Green and Shepherd whilst others who impacted as youngsters in senior ranks included Saxby, Daniels, David, Emmanuel and McDonald.
If the mid 80’s were not notable for a plethora of premiership of other pennants, they certainly were a time of consolidation, stability and the generation of an impressive, sound operational track record. The club’s financial reserves were being systematically built and accumulated whilst the major financial undertakings and liabilities were at the same time being discharged.
When Harlies first moved to Breckler Park in 1979, we were very much the poor cousin to the well-established and successful Mount Lawley Cricket club. Indeed, the early relationship was virtually one of landlord and tenant. However, through the early 1980’s Harlies’ progress at Breckler Park included several notable achievements:
- Joint (50%) equity and management of Breckler Park with cricket
- Acquisition of (including additional) floodlights for training
- Liquidation of all debts relating to Breckler Park
- Co-sponsorship of staged extension projects at Breckler including dance floor, indoor toilets, extended bar and kitchen plus a new electronic security system
- Return to the 1st Division in Mens hockey
Derek Jobe recalls settling financial independence as the top priority following the move to Breckler Park, he was, he says, blessed with talented, dedicated colleagues through all the years of his involvement in our stewardship of management committees. Along with Bill Walker and Wayne Pendergrast, each of whom served one term as President, there were several others who worked tirelessly to ensure and maintain the club’s growing reputation and potential as a force in Western Australian hockey.
Many of these outstanding contributors are no longer actively involved but still remain loyal to the Harlequin cause. Those in this category include Nelson and Susan Epps, Alan Lynn, Ian Ward, the Galloways, Frank Quaresimin, Rudy D’Mello, Cath and Bill Walker, Wayne and Annette Pendergrast, John and Gail Bayly, Evan Cooper and “Juniors” stalwarts such as the Andersons, Beilbys, Widdisons, Hawkes and Byfields.
On the other hand, the club has been fortunate to have (and willingly recognises) another group of past contributors who are still contributing! Starting with life members we have Carlton Bonjour, Brian Bird, Derek Jobe and respective partners Hazel Bonjour and Jenny Jobe, Marj and Lu Belci, Ashley and Katie D’Silva, Roger Hilton and Heather, Trevor and Cynthia Blake, Brian and Sue Yorke, Danny Raymond, Lester and Deb Peterson, Peter and Carol Jones, Derek and Coral South, Sandy Williamson, Mick Donlan, Barry Doherty, Rob and Lorraine Fawkes, Rusty Phillips and the Prow brothers, especially Chris. Gordon and Patricia Fonceca have shown just how Harlequin they are whilst Charlie Gaudoin and Linc Grostate are two contributors notable for having served over the years both on Committee as well as on the coaching track.
The glorious conclusion of the 1980’s, viz., promotion back to the 1st Division (September 1989) was a fitting tribute and reward to Charlie Gaudoin.
By common consensus, whilst we may not have been sufficiently prepared for the 1st Division in 1982, it certainly was a different story in 1990! The start of a new decade in a new – nay, premier – grade gave us a new significant challenge, albeit posing several searching questions:
- Would we survive the new Classic League grade?
- What of the new financial obligations we faced?
- What would be the feelings and views of our membership in general, (given their experience of 1982)?
- How long would the euphoria of 1989 last?
Not Just Names but...
History reveals that Harlies’ return to Classic League status in 1990 marked one of its most memorable years. Members and supporters had reason to cheer and celebrate, both at the Commonwealth Hockey Stadium, hockey’s headquarters as well as back home at Breckler. The fledgling newcomers played some inspirational and exciting hockey and by the end of the first round went close to making it to the Challenge Cup! No wonder the euphoria of 1989 lingered well into 1990!
Alas,………inexperience, player absences on State representative duties and injuries took their toll in round 2 and our dream run ended about two-thirds into the season. Yet, there was no doubt that Harlies were in for the long haul! We had arrived in Classic League and we were there to stay. Jointly coached by Don Prior and Peter Freer, the club was compelled to search far and wide, the prize recruit being Indian international Mervyn Fernandes.
Mervyn had represented his country with distinction at Olympics and World Cups and had first met with Harlequin folk when he toured Australia (Perth) as a raw rookie with the Indian team for the 1979 Esanda International tournament. He was keen to renew friendships in 1990 and although unable to play out the full season, made a major contribution both on and off the field. His sheer presence, guidance and advice was a tonic for the players and when on a roll, “Swervin Mervyn” treated grateful, one-eyed Harlies supporters to the artistry, body feint and deft stickwork that appears unique to players from the sub-continent.
Amongst the many memories and highlights of 1990 was the striking emergence of the then 14 year old Paul Gaudoin as a youngster destined for playing honours at the international level. This eventuated in 1993 when Paul and Matt (Bucky) Beevers provided a proud Harlequin club with its first ever international representatives, both having been selected for the Australian Junior World Cup team. Paul reached another milestone when he was selected in the Australian Senior team in 1994, giving his club yet another significant 25th year memory.
If 1990 was euphoric, 1991 was a new anti-climax! It was almost as if everybody, member and supporter alike, felt, “Well….., been there, done that!” – a feeling that having reached the top of the mountain (and it did feel like that at times in 1990!), we could park ourselves comfortable there for all to see.
Mark Dell’Oro succeeded Don Prior as Club Coach in 1991 and continued in that role till the end of the 1993 season. His planning and organisational skills plus commitment to fitness and a disciplined approach, reinforced professionalism throughout the club.
Harlies’ Classic League team maintained its status in 1991 and 1992 but 1993 was a year of contrast with performances ranging from poor to brilliant. In the end, although having given the relegation stakes a nudge, we came through when it really counted, thus setting the scene for a prospective memorable 25th anniversary.
Regardless of our Classic League ups and downs, back at Breckler nothing could dent the adventurous social spirit and legendary, albeit spicy, hospitality of the club and its members. Our samosas became the hockey talk of the town, the state and other states, because as far away as Wodonga (Vic) and Brisbane they had heard of our samosas!! Our bar prices were also regarded as being amongst the best value for money.
The early 1990’s marked a period when the club’s more socially focused teams, including Veterans and Vintage sides, were becoming a significant growth area, as was the case with most other clubs in metropolitan Perth. The difference, however, was that our teams kept accumulating pennants with splendid regularity.
Club finances continued to be maintained in the black despite higher playing and service costs being necessarily incurred. As well, accumulated reserves were heavily drawn on to service another major capital works program at Breckler Park which modernised and expanded both bar and kitchen areas.
Our financial strength was, and continues to so be, due in no small measure to the club’s unique fund raising capabilities especially in the area of thematic cabaret type functions such as May Queen, Nostalgia Night, Annual (end of season) Cabaret and New Year’s Even. Roger Hilton and Carlton Bonjour have been towers of strength in this regard, Carlton’s reputation for attention to detail being rather enviable and with some distinction to boot!!
The availability of the club bar and its competitive management over the years has undoubtedly contributed handsomely to revenues as have the labour-intensive contributions from kitchen trade which, apart from our trade-mark samosas, have often boasted a menu which would put food markets to shame! “On yer, ladies! Finally, the higher profile and media coverage which is available to clubs in Classic League has certainly helped to secure additional corporate sponsorship, thus providing a further revenue base for the club.
1991
Believing that fresh blood and new enthusiasm and vigour could help the club to make and meet new challenges, Derek Jobe stood down at the conclusion of the 1991 season, handing over to a willing Rob Fawkes.
Rob had been a follower of the club for many years, having also served on the Management Committee (in the preceding year). In addition, he brought several years of hockey club administrative experience to the position which could clearly benefit his new club. During Rob’s presidency, Harlies continued to investigate new opportunities, the most significant of which was the merger in 1993 with the Wanneroo Womens Hockey Club which had acquired an impressive 1st Division record.
The Harlequin Wanneroo Hockey Club Ladies 1st division continued to perform to a high standard in 1993 with the team consisting of such well known and talented players such as Leane Tooth, Lisa Jarman, Tammy Gissalberti and others.
From the amalgamation of 1993 also came to this “new” club a wealth of hard working, dedicated and committed individuals in Bev Sharpe, Rosa Garner, Jan Raison and Stan Hahnel, all of whom have taken the talents of the Management Committees of 1993 and 1994 to a new high.
1994
When Harlies lined up for their first game to commence the 1994 season and the club’s 25th year, several names from the original history-making squad of 1990 were on the team card: Saxby, (Len) Fernandes, Beevers, Gaudoin (Jason and Paul), Parker and Emslie. Mark Dell’Oro may have been there too had he not opted to continue with his long delayed tertiary studies to accommodate Harlequin coaching commitments over a three year period.
Harlequin Wanneroo Hockey Club is now a much stronger, better resourced entity catering for both sexes at the competitive and recreational level, as well as for families, and heading in a direction being structurally favoured by hockey authorities across the nation.
This perhaps augurs well for the vision and plans which have gradually emerged and which await endorsement by the membership to consider relocation to another venue which offers year round availability of a (wet?) synthetic surface and access to a sports complex with an established infrastructure of recreational services and facilities. Despite several compelling advantages and associated challenges – not least, capital and recurring costs which will make the club’s previous financial ventures pale into insignificance – the relocation issue needs careful and considered discussion and analysis. One key issue is that the prospective location offers a vastly different operational environment to that which exists/is provided at Breckler Park.
So, as we go to print with this special anniversary booklet, the club typically stands poised to make critical decisions which will not only affect the current membership but could have a major impact on a new generation of members well into the 21st century. Come our 59th anniversary, will they remember us as optimistic, dreamers and planners or as a social, fun-loving bunch who also played hockey in winter, or a nice combination or both?
From all accounts, it has been an interesting and rewarding first 25 years. We’ve had our share of achievements and disappointments garnished characteristically with tempo, colour, song, dance, food and drink (and as the bard said, ‘If music be the food of love, play on’), not to mention our penchant for social activity and merriment.
Twenty-five years ago a dozen or so guys teamed up to have fun and fellowship and also to play hockey. Today, happily, there are many more of us. As a club we are big, strong and proud of our links with the past. The original mission of founding members to have fun and enjoy hockey still remains. Only now it is embellished with a view and commitment to catching the cloud with a silver, nay…..gold lining.
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This is the core to the Harlequin Entity And Identity
Fun, Families, Goals and Gold
Roll on the next 25 years to our Golden Jubilee!
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