THE BIRTH OF A BUILDING by Peter Graham (1977)
Conceived 1965 : Born 1971
A long time you might say - yes true! After a fair year in 1964 it was very obvious to a number of supporters and committeemen that new facilities were essential if the club was to have success on the field.
1965- This was the year of thinking how best to get the club started towards this goal.
1966- Very little happened
1967 and 1968 - The club decided to seek support from the Parks' Committee - a committee made up of representatives of all park users at Montmorency. The football club made a good submission and won the support of the Parks' Committee, who at the time were drawing up plans for the overall development of the Montmorency Park. These plans when completed, were to be submitted to the Eltham Council.
1969- Things were hotting up. The Council agreed to support in principle the Parks' Committee overall plan, with No. 1 priority being a new sporting pavillion to replace our old weatherboard home. The club was very pleased at this stage, but there were plenty of problems ahead, some which were:- Where should the building be sited? How big should it be? Where would the money come from to finance the building?
The Parks' Committee together with the football club were not put off by these problems and they faced each in their turn. Many committee meetings and late nights were necessary and I'm sure our wives had many doubts.
Late 1969- A building Sub-committee was formed consisting of two football club members and three Parks' Committee members. Their role was to liaise with the Shire Council to resolve a number of points still holding the project back. This small group worked very hard and reccommended the present site and a somewhat larger building than we now have. Finance was still a big problem. As we headed into the 1970's, Council could not agree with us for a two storey building, estimated to cost between $85,000 and $90,000. Finally we all agreed on the size of the pavillion as it is today costing $54,000 with foundations large enough for a second storey to be added in future years, if this was found necessary.
1970- Building work commenced late in 1970 and all concerned were a little sad to see our old clubrooms come down. Many a good sportsman had passed through its' doors, however it was realised we must push on.
1971- The building was completed in 1971 and was officially opened by the Shire President, Councillor G Dreverman. I thought it was very fitting that it was also the Shire's Centenary year.
There were many people involved in this venture. No one person could have hoped to achieve it alone. All those who helped deserve our sincere thanks.
This finally brings me to the future development of the building. As previously mentioned a second storey could be added if needed. I think it is, the football club thinks so to. What do you think? If we all agree then let us all work together to make it happen as we go into the 1980's.
by Peter Graham
Editors note: Now its 2007 and still there is no second storey. The rooms will be developed later this year, the extent of the refurbishment will depend on the Banyule Council budget. Like this story, the current refurbishment did not happen overnight and has been worked on now for many years. And also like this story, finance is always an issue. Hopefully like this story the football club will have a premiership within five years of completion therefore vindicating the same thoughts of those in the 1960's that you need good facilities to help win a flag. To anyone reading this, if you have any way of helping our club, then please send a message out to us and join the Magpie Army that is Montmorency Football Club.
Last Modified on 30/05/2007 15:45