Hello ladies its time for our next tribute to our longest standing members. Following Val Dawson with an amazing 53 years is Pat Impey.
Pat joined us in 1967 when there was a waiting list to become an Associate, so therefore you first joined as a provisional. As a provisional she could not play on a Wednesday or in any competitions until she was elevated to a Full Associate in May 1969. In that year Mrs. Enid Herbert was the captain. Pat was playing tennis and badminton before she took up golf after the birth of Laraine (Cunningham) (now playing with the ladies). Her husband a playing member bought her a set of golf clubs and the rest they say is history.
Pat had many reasons for joining Rossdale, as her mother-in-law Margaret Holdsworth was the first Lady Captain for the club. Her next door neighbours Flo Rushton and Sadee Craven also readily encouraged her to join them. Pat regularly played with Flo and Sadee along with Myrtle Campi soon being joined with Gaye Waite, Carol Leaumont and Val Dawson. When Pat first put her cards in to obtain her handicap she started on 35 but by 1986 she had whittled it down to a very commendable 15. She still keeps her best score card at Rossdale of 84, signed by the then Handicap manager Wendy Hope-Waldron.
Pat played in many Club Bowls representing the Rossdale ladies, having won at Yarra Yarra, Kingswood and Medway. You’ll find her name on the Rossdale honour boards for the Winter Shield with Joan Riddell in 1973 and Marjorie Flanagan in 1975. Pat and Yvonne Taylor have their names on the Presidents trophy, she was 5 times the B grade champion so along with two holes-in-one, 13 years playing pennant (Val Dawson her trusty caddie) and representing the Senior Women of Victoria in the tri-state competition along with Joan Bradbury-Flint really does highlight what a wonderful golfing life Pat has had. Pat has also participated as secretary on committees over the years. From all accounts Pat was best known for playing with irons and won a few competitions that require irons only.
Pats memories of the Annual ladies night with wonderful concerts organised with Pam Walker and Lexie Beeforth have helped with the recent resurrection of an entertainment committee to continue this most cherished tradition that a lot of the ladies have missed. The entertaiment committee is getting ready for when we can get our social functions back on track, so if you have a hidden talent and would like to join in the fun come and join us!
Finally Pat would like to say “I have had a wonderful association with Rossdale and am now pleased that the 3rd generation of my family is enjoying her time too”
Thanks Pat for your wonderful contribution over the years and for helping us to be known as the “Friendly Club”.
