Celebrations tinged with touch of sadness
May 7, 2015The fourth round of matches for the 2015 season saw a slightly depleted Cats line up fail to last the distance against a surging North Melbourne. The Scott twins had their own off-field battle coaching their respective sides with Brad emerging victorious.
The game also coincided with the 100-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, and this occasion was recorded Australia wide and also at Kardinia Park where a Memorial Garden was officially dedicated during the half time interval. Our Past Player organization was greatly involved in the erection of this memorial, as it became the replacement for our former memorial garden situated in the grounds of our previous clubrooms. Our important past player representative at this ceremony was Wayne Closter who served his country in the Vietnam War. All Past Players who served their country either at home or overseas are listed on the various honour boards.The location of this Memorial Garden is situated at the Southern end of Simonds Stadium behind the Players Stand.
Additionally, as well as our regulars, we were able to welcome members of the Hawkins and LeDeux families to our rooms prior to the game. It was a somewhat sad occasion as they were mourning the passing of Jennie Hawkins (nee LeDeux) mother of present player Tom and wife of Past Player Jack Hawkins. But it was also celebratory in the fact that son Tom was playing his 150th game for the Cats. Former players Jack, Michael and Rob Hawkins were in attendance together with past player Fred LeDeux. It is a wonderful thing that we are able to offer privacy and support from our membership to those people who are feeling the pain of bereavement.
On a lighter note, it was great to see Barry Cheatley and his entourage from North Melbourne spend some time with us in the Past Players rooms. They would certainly enjoy their trip home after being well-watered post match.
Once again, thanks to our major sponsor for Round 4, Kardinia Framing, they are great supporters of the Past Players and Officials Club.
– Brian Brushfield
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- Tim and Noreen McGrath.
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- Matthew Scarlett and Terry Bright.
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- Bruce Nankervis, Murray Witcombe and Ray Card.
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- Mark Yeates, Mandy McDonald, Ray Card and David O’Keeffe.
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- Wayne Closter and Colin Rice.
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- Ben Graham and Sean Simpson.
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- Andrew and Julie Ann Bews.
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- Ray Card and John Devine.
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- Performer Greg Champion.
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- A young Yeates, Mark Yeates, Paul Walsh and Peter Livingston.
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- Barry Stoneham and Michael Mansfield.
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- Wayne Hovey and Eric Nicholls.
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- Robert Gartland, Richard Marles and Brian Cook.
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- Brian Brushfield and Ian Cover.
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- Colin Rice, John Sharrock and Brian Chirgwin.
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- Russell Renfrey and Ron Hovey.
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- Barry Cheatley and Les Borrack and friends.
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- Greg Champion and Andrew Bews.
