Life Member Stories
Wendy Bliss
I emigrated to Australia in April, 1987, and moved into my FTG house in July. Walking down the bike track with my 1 year old daughter in her pram, I came across the netball courts, and stopped to watch. I had been a netballer all my life in the UK, through school, played for my University and played in London for my company in a corporate league. When enquiring about the competition, Melissa Rosie - now a life member - suggested I join FTG Netball Club. A few weeks later I joined an open team. The club was extremely welcoming and it became the place I gained friends since I was so far away from “home”.
In November 1987 after only being at the club for a few months, I attended the AGM and left as the Treasurer before moving into the Secretary role a few years later. I never imagined that 30 years later I would be retiring from committee with a life time of memories, friendships and accomplishments with the FTG Netball Club. Gwen Brown, Avril Jones and Connie Murton (all life members when I joined the club) have had an extraordinary impact on the earlier days of the club, while Jaki Mitchell has probably been the biggest, most loyal supporter of the club who is always willing to help.
As the club grew, we required a bigger committee to manage the week to week running. Finding volunteers has always been challenging. Volunteers are like precious jewels who donate their time to coordinate the club while often working full-time and managing their own families. Splitting roles and creating subcommittees made jobs more manageable, however finance was always a difficult part of a self funded sporting organisation. We aimed to balance developing the club while ensuring netball was affordable. We had some big campaigns over the years to raise funds for the club and charity. Selling boxes of chocolates, raffles at presentation night and the annual Pink Day were always well supported by the community.
I was very humbled to be made a Life Member in 1997. I would like to share an article my youngest daughter wrote in 2012.
My Mum started playing Netball at school, and has not stopped being involved in over 40 years, on both sides of the world (England & Australia). Raising 3 daughters in Australia; we have grown up around netball. I was at the netball courts from 2 weeks old! For me she is my No 1 fan, spectator, coach, & cheerleader. She is also a player, umpire, coach, club committee member, association member, all while working full time. More than 600 Saturday competition days & 50 teams (400 players) have benefited directly from my NetMum and her love and dedication to Netball.
Becoming involved with the Ferntree Gully Netball Club gave myself and my 3 daughters a second family in Australia. With no relatives here, we all developed long term friendships and gained an instant community. Be proud of being part of one of the oldest clubs in the area, take a moment to think about that history and all those that have gone before you. A club lives through the service given by members willingness to help others, enjoy, celebrate, play and embrace the game we all love.
In November 1987 after only being at the club for a few months, I attended the AGM and left as the Treasurer before moving into the Secretary role a few years later. I never imagined that 30 years later I would be retiring from committee with a life time of memories, friendships and accomplishments with the FTG Netball Club. Gwen Brown, Avril Jones and Connie Murton (all life members when I joined the club) have had an extraordinary impact on the earlier days of the club, while Jaki Mitchell has probably been the biggest, most loyal supporter of the club who is always willing to help.
As the club grew, we required a bigger committee to manage the week to week running. Finding volunteers has always been challenging. Volunteers are like precious jewels who donate their time to coordinate the club while often working full-time and managing their own families. Splitting roles and creating subcommittees made jobs more manageable, however finance was always a difficult part of a self funded sporting organisation. We aimed to balance developing the club while ensuring netball was affordable. We had some big campaigns over the years to raise funds for the club and charity. Selling boxes of chocolates, raffles at presentation night and the annual Pink Day were always well supported by the community.
I was very humbled to be made a Life Member in 1997. I would like to share an article my youngest daughter wrote in 2012.
My Mum started playing Netball at school, and has not stopped being involved in over 40 years, on both sides of the world (England & Australia). Raising 3 daughters in Australia; we have grown up around netball. I was at the netball courts from 2 weeks old! For me she is my No 1 fan, spectator, coach, & cheerleader. She is also a player, umpire, coach, club committee member, association member, all while working full time. More than 600 Saturday competition days & 50 teams (400 players) have benefited directly from my NetMum and her love and dedication to Netball.
Becoming involved with the Ferntree Gully Netball Club gave myself and my 3 daughters a second family in Australia. With no relatives here, we all developed long term friendships and gained an instant community. Be proud of being part of one of the oldest clubs in the area, take a moment to think about that history and all those that have gone before you. A club lives through the service given by members willingness to help others, enjoy, celebrate, play and embrace the game we all love.