Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Casino veteran golfers

As Casino Golf Club prepares to celebrate it's centenary in March, Casino veteran golfer Keith Ruttley remembers the advice given to him 50 years ago by the club president of the day.

"Think of the next 50 years - that's what you young fellows are here for," the president said.

Keith has certainly followed that advice with over 50 years service on the club committee as well as the ladies, social and veteran clubs.

"I've seen those 50 years," Keith said. "From now on the committee has to think of the next 50 years and keep up the traditions of the last 100 years."

Keith, now aged 81, is currently secretary/treasurer of the Casino Veterans Golf Club, which was formed in 1978 with nine members. In 2003 he was made a life member of the Northern Rivers Veterans Association in recognition of his 21 years continuous service to veteran's golf.

Keith and his fellow veteran golfers tee off every Tuesday and although the qualifying age for veterans is 55, Keith reckons the largest age group is the over 70s.

"They're a great mob," Keith said. "So many are in their 80s. That's what's keeping them going. You haven't got time to die."

And what is it about Casino Golf Club that the next generation should care so much about?

The centenary of Casino Golf Club will be celebrated with a week of special golf tournaments from Sunday, March 6, culminating in a centenary dinner on March 12. Tickets are now on sale. For more information phone the club on 6662 1259.

Tsunami appeal updates

Money is still coming in for the Casino Lions and Rotary Clubs' tsunami appeals, but more is needed.

Coordinator of the Casino Lions Club Sri Lankan tsunami housing appeal, Peter Gunthorpe, said the Sri Lankan government has now directed the Negombo Lions clubs to build flats instead of individual houses on the land the government donated for the project.

"There is a shortage of land within a reasonable distance from the sea and lagoon," Peter said. "So flats will be a better solution."

Peter is grateful for the response from the local community, whose donations will help provide housing for low-income people who earn a living from the sea.

The small Mallanganee community west of the Richmond Range has pitched in to raise money with local publican Margaret Chapman coordinating various fundraising efforts.

"We've got a raffle going and the school is holding a mufti day," Margaret said. "The pub is having an Irish night on St Patrick's Day and the Red Cross is holding an afternoon tea next Saturday, March 5."

To make a donation to the Negombo housing appeal contact Peter on 6662 3728.

In other tsunami appeal news, coordinator of the Casino Rotary Club's Aquabox appeal, Terry Brown, said to date they have raised $90,000 and have sent more than 20 Aquaboxes to Sri Lanka.

The Aquabox water purification kits will help tsunami victims to provide clean water for themselves and their local community.

Donations to the Aquabox appeal can be left at Darragh's Butchery in Casino Plaza or contact Terry on 6662 3005.

Flower power in Casino

The Casino Garden club is holding a flower show next Saturday, March 5, in the Presbyterian Church Hall.

The garden club's first ever flower show since re-forming last year will also include an art and photography competition.

The flower section is open to cut flowers, orchids and pot plants.

The show will be open from 9am till 2pm and entries for flowers and plants can be delivered to the Presbyterian Hall from 7am on Saturday, March 5.

The club, which meets monthly at the Casino RSM Club, is keen for new members to join. For more info phone Lionel on 6662 4080.

Casino Veterans Golf Club member Harry Crichton, president Vince Munro and secretary/treasurer Keith Ruttley ready to tee off for the weekly game of golf at Casino Golf Club. Harry and Keith, proud life members of the Northern Rivers Veterans Golf Association, are looking forward to celebrating the Casino Golf Club's centenary this March.

Broadwater bowlo turns 50

On the state's smallest bowling clubs, Broadwater, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month. To mark the milestone the club is inviting past and present members to a reunion dinner on March 12. The number of places is limited to 90 and people need to register by next Saturday, March 5. Phone 6682 8277 or 6682 8361.