Club Information
Club History
A journey through time — from a small gathering of 13 orchid enthusiasts in Victor Harbor in 1965 to the thriving club we are today.
Key Milestones
Club founded in Victor Harbor by Jack Earl and 12 others — 13 founding members.
Club relocated to Morphett Vale, growing to 33 members at the first new-venue meeting.
Club history first documented by Mrs. Jean Tregenza.
Daytime Chapter established, first meeting 15 October with President Keith Northcote.
Club moved to its present accommodation at St. Marys.
Species Group formed, first meeting 4 March, organised by Ron Parish.
Ruby Anniversary — Southern Region Group re-established at Victor Harbor.
The Early History
From notes written by Mrs. Jean Tregenza in 1973
The South Coast Orchid Club was formed in July 1965 at the old District Council of Encounter Bay offices in Crozier Rd, Victor Harbor, South Australia. The formation came about through the efforts of Mr. Jack Earl of Victor Harbor, who was interested in growing and flowering orchids. He took the time and effort to contact others whom he knew were either growing orchids or trying to grow them.
Jean and her husband Eric were amongst the first gathering of 13 people to form what is now known as "The South Coast Orchid Club". Syd and Shirley Monkhouse were also present that night and were extremely helpful in the formation of the Club.
After a few meetings, it became evident that somewhere different was needed as a meeting place. The new venue was the supper room of the R.A.O.B Hall in Leeworthy St., Victor Harbor. The Club canvassed for new members amongst keen gardeners and the membership grew to 32.
As membership declined over time, the Club faced a choice: disband or transfer. Being quite financial for its size, it was determined to find greener pastures. Graham and Leora Harvey are to be thanked for their efforts in finding the Club its new home in Morphett Vale.
The first display was held in the showroom of Bells' store at Victor Harbor on a very small, low table, staging no more than a dozen plants. The centrepiece — "an eye catcher" — was a large plant of a beautiful Cymbidium Sussex. The second display was in the foyer of the Hoyts Ozone Theatre, Ocean St., Victor Harbor.
"There is no doubt that growing orchids is a fascinating hobby. The one thing that has impressed me is the feeling of one between so many people of so many walks of life."
— Mrs. Jean Tregenza, 1973
Continuing Club History
Written by Leora Harvey
It was during the month of December 1969 that an excited nucleus of "The South Coast Orchid Club" went along to the first meeting at the new venue in Morphett Vale. They were thrilled to find an interested group of 33 people, consisting of many locals, quite a number from Adelaide and several living in or near Victor Harbor.
Our first Patron was Sir Francis Matters who visited us on several occasions. We had many interesting evenings with visiting speakers such as Rex Thompson, Neil Christoph, Colin Jennings and Harry Badenoch, as well as many delightful evenings involving our own members.
The highlight of each year was the ever-expanding Spring Show — from the first one in an empty shop in the Reynella Shopping Centre, then to the one in the rear of Hazelgrove's store, then to Marion. Shows provide great times of comradeship in the setting up, judging, and trophy presentations.
The Daytime Chapter was established and had its first meeting on 15th October 1987 with President Keith Northcote and guest speaker Syd Monkhouse. In July 2001 the club moved to its present accommodation at St. Marys. The Species Group was formed in 2004 with its first meeting on the 4th of March that year, organised and chaired by member and later life member Ron Parish.
In 2005 the Committee decided to celebrate its Ruby Anniversary year by re-establishing the Southern Region Group at Victor Harbor. Founding members Syd and Shirley Monkhouse were once again present at the first meeting of this new Southern Region Group.
Past Presidents
| Period | President |
|---|---|
| Mar 2016 – Current | Michael WilloughbyCurrent |
| Mar 2005 – Feb 2016 | Geoff Spear |
| Mar 2001 – Feb 2005 | Murray Baulderstone |
| Mar 1998 – Feb 2001 | Jane Higgs |
| Mar 1994 – Feb 1998 | Helen Edwards |
| Mar 1993 – Feb 1994 | Peter Flavel |
| May 1991 – Feb 1993 | Neil Wolfendale |
| Mar 1991 – Apr 1991 | Colin Hames |
| Sep 1989 – Feb 1991 | Keith Northcote |
| Mar 1989 – Aug 1989 | Lewis Moore |
| Mar 1987 – Feb 1989 | Keith Northcote |
| Mar 1984 – Feb 1986 | Malcolm Mangelsdorf |
| Mar 1981 – Feb 1984 | Harry G Viney |
| Mar 1978 – Feb 1981 | Keith Northcote |
| Mar 1975 – Feb 1978 | John Leeder |
| Jan 1973 – Feb 1975 | Les Poole |
| Jan 1972 – Dec 1972 | Mr. O. K. Shaw |
| Jan 1971 – Dec 1971 | Bernie Hansen |
| Jan 1970 – Dec 1970 | Graham Harvey |
| Jul 1965 – ? | Mr Robinson of Victor Harbor(First President) |