Apr 2001 Volume 82 Number 4 "serving the protectors"
Police Club

Merge Presser - Secretary

Vouchers

All vouchers are back again: gaming, drinks and meals. It’s extraordinary how they’re missed by all.

Life member’s passing

Police Club life member, Glyn Walkley, died at the Repatriation General Hospital on February 26. Glyn was one of only two non-police life members of the club. He was instrumental in beginning and continuing to arrange and conduct the club’s legendary monthly luncheons. Glyn was a respected member. The club committee, staff and members extend their sympathy to Madeline and family.

President’s report

In this issue of the Police Journal, Police Club president, Nick Pippos, gives a rundown of the club’s performance. Look for the details.

VALE
William Glyn Walkley, OAM – Police Club Life Member

The Police Club struggled for its survival in the early 1960s. It had only held a liquor licence since 1961. “Kick-starting” the club along its path was up to people like Glyn Walkley.

At the time, Glyn worked for the Housing Trust of South Australia and was a club “regular”. Police officers and committee members, like Ralph Tremethick, Peter Warman, Doug Nation, Bill Teague and Eddie Trotter, all depended on these outsiders to “prop up” the bar.

Over time, Glyn, Ralph and Peter started to meet regularly for lunch and socialize. This grew into having a few more at lunch, and then a guest speaker. That was the catalyst for what is now the Police Club monthly luncheon.

Glyn worked tirelessly in a voluntary capacity to provide speakers and guests at the luncheons. His capacity to ensure only the best of such quests and speakers was a credit to him. He refused to accept credit where credit was due. Over the succeeding 31 years, he provided speakers at every luncheon on the third Monday of every month. The luncheon continues to this day.

In a letter (dated February 9, 1968) to members, Glyn wrote:

I wish to inform you, that with the co-operation of Mr Ralph Tremethick, Secretary of the S.A. Police Association and Mr Evan Johns, Police Club Manager, arrangements have been made for a monthly luncheon to be held in the Police Club and known as The Police Club Monthly Luncheon.

He went on to write: “Mr Tremethick will officiate as Chairman at each luncheon.” He also advised members of the cost of each luncheon – $1.30 per person.

At the annual general meeting of March 18, 1982, Glyn was made the Police Club’s 14th life member. During his life, he fiercely guarded the Police Club name such that those who didn’t know him believed he was a copper.

Glyn died on February 26, 2001. He was a true gentleman whose passing we shall all mourn.

Nick Pippos - President

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Once again the Police Club successfully moves through another year.

Under increasing pressure from the number of members and other patrons using the dining facilities, club management had to address its mind to completely renovating the kitchen. Following the close of business after Christmas 2000, the kitchen was closed on the ground floor of the club and Curtin (SA) Pty Ltd (commercial kitchen specialists) moved in.

This organization co-ordinated the complete makeover of the club kitchen for just over $100,000. The club now has the latest in cooking facilities and, much to chef Tony Coyne’s delight, a great work environment. I thank club manager, Trevor Bakes, Tony and all staff for their patience over the last few years. They have worked in very cramped conditions, which, at times, definitely tried their patience.

The club committee is, as always, very conscious of the needs of its members and customers generally. The club provides a huge number of meals each week and all members and their friends only deserve the best in both service and food quality.

Comments are, from time to time, made about the activities of the club and/or its management. I invite those who comment negatively to visit their club and see its improvements, which provide much pleasure to many club members. Curiously, most of those comments are made generally and never to those who care for or manage the club.

During the last year, the club lost two of its dearest life members, Frank Bone and, more recently, Glyn Walkley. Both members were instrumental in making the club what it is today and “put in” when it most mattered.

Glyn Walkley was a non-police person who was the backbone of the Police Club monthly luncheon. With others, he worked tirelessly to further the luncheon to what it is today – after some 32 years of caring. On behalf of successive club committees, I thank both life members for their involvement over many years. I know they will be sadly missed. The club and the police family generally are all the better for their caring.

Plans are in train to promote further the club within the community. Increasing competition abounds and the committee is well aware of its responsibilities in continuing the club’s good name. The club remains the only viable independent police club in Australia, and this committee is adamant that it will continue well into the future.

I thank all members for using the club and remind them that it is theirs to enjoy. This committee exists to provide a service. It can only do that if you enjoy what you own.

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001  The Police Association of South Australia sustance