Goroke prepares for celebration
The population of tiny west Wimmera town Goroke is set to swell on June 16 when people gather for a significant community and sporting reunion.
Stories of times past are set to be the flavour of conversation as people travel from across Victoria and beyond to attend the 60th anniversary of a 1958 Goroke premiership.
Organisers have described the anniversary milestone of the Central Wimmera Football League win over Dimboola seconds as the ‘perfect excuse’ for people with connections to the town to get together.
For the record, in 1958, Goroke, which dominated the league in the ’50s, had beat Miga Lake and Horsham seconds to get to the season showdown at Natimuk.
With captain-coach Len Rolph leading the way and others such as Ron Johnson, Allen Carter, Rob Stacey, Neville Smith, John Hicks and Bill Livock in the best, the Magpies beat Frank Wood’s Dimboola side 10.7 (67) to 5.6 (36).
The 1958 flag was the club’s fifth in nine years, which qualified the Magpies to permanently hold the ‘Metters Cup’.
Fred Lowe, 81, who played centre half back before limping from the ground with an injured knee early in the second half of the game, said the reunion was for all premiership teams, players, supporters and Goroke sporting community.
In joining Carter, 85, and Stacey, 79, he said the occasion was about rekindling what was good about Goroke and the district.
“It’s really the perfect excuse for a get-together – for all the players in seniors, reserves and juniors, anyone who has been involved over the years,” he said.
The reunion is scheduled for a Kowree-naracoorteTatiara league match between Border Districts and Naraco- orte at Goroke Recreation Reserve. It is one of three games scheduled at the town this year.
Goroke, which after the ’50s went on to enjoy premiership success in 1963, ’65 and ’81, ultimately merged with Frances to create Border Districts.
Mr Lowe said planning was still underway for the reunion but it would most likely involve afternoon tea at the ground and a dinner evening.
“We’ll play it by ear and see how we go. We’re hoping for a good turn-out,” he said.
“The future is uncertain for all small country clubs so we’re making the most of it while we can.”
Mr Lowe urged people who might be in touch or know the whereabouts of former players to let them know about the reunion.
He said anyone seeking information could call him on 0428 861 127.
An interesting footnote about Goroke teams of the 1950s is that school teacher and giant full forward Fred Le Deux, who went onto play with Geelong, lined up for the Magpies in 1955.
Le Deux is the grandfather of Geelong star Tom Hawkins.