Liverpool Catholic Club

The Liverpool Catholic Club has its foundations in the All Saints' Golf Club. This group of men played once a month at one of the many Public courses surrounding Liverpool. Twenty four men would hit off at 12 Noon, this allowed the Assistant Priests to have a round after all of their Sunday duties were performed. Bruce Vale and Dick Kenny were the main organizers of this event, and at the completion of the game when the Trophies were being awarded, Bruce Vale always had an esky of cold beer. It was the casual remark that " we should finish the game and go back to our own club for a drink" that was the catalyst for the formation of the Liverpool Catholic Club. The idea was developed and discussed by these men (who were all heavily involved in Parish work), and Father Davey gave his approval and blessing. In early 1970, on the Presbytery steps, a steering committee was formed. The core group of Leo Sullivan, Brian Fitzpatrick and Robert Brassell were each given tasks, and having completed these tasks, the First Meeting took place in August of 1970. The meeting was designed to inform all interested persons of the information gathered and the steps that would be necessary to develop the Liverpool Catholic Club. A Public Meeting was called in October 1970, and more than 280 prospective members listened to an address by Father Richard Davey, Mr John On'Neill and Mr Bernard Harley. The assembled body of parishioners moved a vote of confidence in the Committee and approved the establishment of the Liverpool Catholic Club. On the 11th of November 1970, the First Election of the Board to Manage the Club Affairs was held. Leo Sullivan and Warren Williams were nominated for President. On the vote Warren was elected President, Robert Brassel was elected unopposed for Secretary. John Duffy and Noel Hickey were nominated for Treasurer and John Duffy was elected by vote. The other members elected were Harry Mansfield, Peter Thomas, Noel Hickey, Jack Best, Charlie Gullotta and Leo Sullivan. On the 26th of February 1971, the Club was duly incorporated as a company. The Liverpool Catholic Club was now established and became a regular part of Parish activities. The Club was to provide the major social activities in the life of the Parish, providing a greater diversity of functions than had previously been conducted. Besides the social aspect, and the need to purchase land if the club was to become established there was a need to remember the reason for the Club's existence. The Club was formed to assist with Catholic Education, so to fulfill this obligation the Board approved and established a Bursary Scheme to help children in Catholic Schools to continue with their education. To raise funds for the land and other related costs Directors would go door to door to explain to members why they needed their money. After much revenue raising and conjecture of which parcel of land to purchase, but finally, on the 29th of October 1975 the Board approves the purchase of land at the current site on Hoxton Park Rd. On the 15th of June, 1977 at the 5th Annual General Meeting, it was announced that the Club was successful in it's application at the Metropolitan Licensing Court. A Conditional Licence and 12 months in which to build the Club was granted. On the 10th of October 1979 the 1st Meeting of the Board held in Club premises was held. The Official Blessing and Opening of the Liverpool Catholic Club was held on the 1st of December 1979. Nearly ten years after the original idea, the Liverpool Catholic Club was open and functional. Bishop Cremin was there to bless the building, and a number of other notable guests attended; including Father Richard Davey, the Club's first Chaplain. Father Roth Delaney, The Mayor Ron Hollands, The Federal Member - Mr Kerin, George Paciullo, Representitives of the Council, Joan Crawford, Peter Lund, The Licensing Police Jim Pyne, and the local Police Sergeant John McInernay. Not to mention representatives from all of the Catholic Clubs and hundred of members.