Collingwood Little Athletic Centre
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We are currently celebrating our 40th Birthday.
The History of the Formation of
Collingwood Little Athletics Centre
At the monthly meeting of the Collingwood Harriers Amateur Athletics Club, held Monday 5 th December, 1966 at Coulson Reserve, George Bartlett reported to the Committee on the Little Athletics organization at Geelong.
It was decided to send a delegation down to Geelong to investigate and report back to the next meeting of the Club. This group comprised Brian Clarke, Kevin Gray, George Bartlett, Ray Harbert and other members.
Meeting held 23 rd January, 1967 :
George Bartlett reported on the visit to Geelong to view Little Athletics in action. Delegation spoke on their impressions and advised of the desirability of Collingwood conducting same.
It was expressed that a great deal of preparation was necessary and it was felt that in coming months we prepare so as to be able to start about September.
All agreed.
It was moved George Bartlett, seconded Wally Anderson; that the club order the following equipment for the Little Athletics; 3 Discus, 3Shot put, 1 Scorebook at a cost of approx $20.00.
This was agreed.
Meeting held 6 th February, 1967 :
George Bartlett informed that order had been place for equipment for Little Athletics.
Having been decided that the Club conduct Little Athletics Meetings, the Club set up a Committee to form the Little Athletics Club.
The following Committee was elected on a motion by Brian O'Sullivan, seconded Norm Duff; that the Committee be George Bartlett, Kevin Gray, Graeme Scott.
It was moved Brian Clark, seconded George Bartlett; that a Committee of 5 be elected.
.2.
This was amended on a motion by Ray Harbert, seconded Roy Hooker; that 3 be elected with power to increase number if decided.
The amendment was carried.
Meeting held 6 th March, 1967 :
George Bartlett reported that much expense is initially involved, but it would all be recovered within the first year of operation.
Equipment necessary for field Games, Hurdling etc. is being purchased. Schools in the district will be circularized to advise them if they want to form a competitive group.
It was moved George Bartlett, seconded Kevin Gray; that the Little Athletics Sub-Committee be extended from 3 to 5.
This was carried.
George Bartlett asked how much we would be able to spend on the Little Athletics.
It was decided that all reasonable expenses incurred in running the competition would be allowed.
A separate account would be set aside as a loan to Little Athletics with the object of the loan being paid back to the Club as soon as possible.
Meeting held 3 rd April, 1967 :
George Bartlett announced that a general meeting was planned for Friday April 28 th .
The meeting will be attended by Mr. Trevor Billingham, Little Athletics Organiser, representatives from schools, parents and children interested and also our Club Members.
This meeting will be held to explain Little Athletics fully to those present and to arouse interest in this new venture within the schools. Ray Coverdale would attempt to have a new article to this effect put in the new Collingwood newspaper, The Woodsman.
.3.
Meeting held 1 st May, 1967 :
George Bartlett reported on the inaugural meeting of the Collingwood Little Athletics Centre on Friday 28 th April, 1967.
Small attendance but at least a start.
Very informative talk from Trevor Billingham and Allen Truscott from Geelong on the set up of the Little Athletics.
Club to continue the set up of Little Athletics.
It was moved George Bartlett, seconded Terry Lanham; that a donation of $6.00 be sent to Little Athletics Association to cover expenses of their Members traveling from Geelong.
Meeting held 3 rd July, 1967 :
George Bartlett spoke on coming meeting to again try and set up a Little Athletics Centre in Collingwood.
Meeting will be held 2 nd August, at the Clubrooms.
5000 circulars have been printed and will be distributed throughout the schools.
Meeting held 7 th August, 1967 :
George Bartlett reported on Little Athletics formation meeting held 2 nd August, 1967.
44 schools were notified by circular (approx 100 to each school) with a reply section.
Approx 250 replies totaling 350-450 names returned.
At the meeting a capacity house of nearly 150-175 people in attendance. It was formally moved at the meeting to form a Collingwood Little Athletics Centre.
Next meeting will be held 16 TH August where a Committee will be formed to set the Centre in action.
It was moved John Francisco, seconded Allen Ballard; that Collingwood Harriers will Loan (only if necessary) up to $100.00 to the Little Athletics Centre to Purchase equipment.
This was carried.
.4.
Meeting held 16 th August, 1967 :
At this meeting 25 people were in attendance.
The meeting Chairman was Mr. W. Tunaley (President Collingwood Harriers). Mr. Trevor Billingham spoke to the meeting on how to go about starting a Centre and the formation of Clubs and uniform requirements.
The following people volunteered to form the Shadow Committee; Mr. Toner, Mr. Eastow, Mr. Knape, Mr. Pollock, Mr. Hoseason, Mrs. Scullin, Mrs. Allpress, Mrs. Streader, Mr. Murray, Mr. Eams.
From the Collingwood Harriers; Mr. G. Bartlett, Mr. B. Clarke, Mr. K. Gray, Mr. R. Harbert, Mr. G. Scott.
The following were elected;
President Mr. Toner
Secretary Mrs. Allpress
Treasurer Mr. Knape
Registrar Mr. Pollock
Track and Field Manager Mr. Eastoe
Administration Mr. Hoseason
Equipment Collingwood Harriers
Officials Vacant
Coaching Mr. Tunaley
Publicity Mr. Streader
It was proposed that competition start on 7 th October, 1967.
Meeting held 23 rd August, 1967 :
Mr. Harbert informed meeting that 44 schools had been contacted re forming the Collingwood Centre.
4 schools were definite.
Alfred Crescent , St. Johns and St. Thomas's, West Heidelberg and
St. Bernadette's. This meeting was about banking, uniforms, track trials and delegates to Victorian Little Athletics Association.
Meetings were held on 13 th September, 27 th September, 4 th October, 11 th October, 25 th October.
All these meetings were re forming Clubs, Centre program, equipment, officials and preparing for the opening day.
The Opening Day was 28 th October, 1967.
.5.
The first annual meeting of the Collingwood Little Athletics Centre was held on Wednesday 6 th December, 1967.
The first elected Committee were;
President Mr. Tunaley
Vice President Mr. Goldsworthy
Secretary Mrs. Allpress
Treasurer Mr. Knape
Registrar Mr. Pollock
Equipment Mr. Clarke
Publicity Mr. Crabbe
Coaching Mr. Bartlett
Track and Field Manager Mr. Eastoe
Constitution was adopted at this meeting for official constitution of the Collingwood Little Athletics Centre.
First season of operation there were 450 children registered.
Ron Miller