Club turns 50

Wimmera Bushwalking Club will continue to celebrate its 50th birthday with a public information and promotional meeting at Horsham RSL next month.

The club has already marked the occasion with a walk and barbecue at Flat Rock in the northern Grampians. The event was a re-enactment of the club’s first walk in 1972.

Barry Clugston, who called the 1972 meeting at Horsham RSL to gauge interest in forming the club, was guest speaker at the re-enactment walk.

Mr Clugston shared his memories of the club’s formation and some of his and his club’s early walking adventures.

He said the Wimmera had easier access to a wider range of walking environments than Melbourne-based clubs.

Wimmera Bushwalking Club president Steve Knoll said the club had boasted many members, some remaining active for many years and others moving on for work or other commitments.

“It is a huge achievement to have a club run for 50 years. Over the years the club has conducted day, overnight and longer walks in most states of Australia and has always been run by members for members,” he said.

The public information meeting at 7.30pm on April 5 will feature guests Phil and Monica Coleman, who will introduce their new book ‘Grampians Walks’.

On April 10, the club will have a public introductory walk and in spring a celebratory dinner.