Hello, when the committee started our little exercise of “getting to know the Rossdale ladies” we thought that the top 10 would be as far as we would get to recognise some of Rossdales most loyal members. Yet here we are at no. 12, and looking down the list the familiar names that pop out at us make us feel that we still have a long way to go.
Coming in at no. 12 is Leone Chapman.
Starting her golfing association later in life because “the kids were getting a bit more independent”, Leone started golf clinics at Moorabbin G.C. She started playing with a lovely group of ladies, until winter arrived and the course flooded. On the recommendation of a friend she joined Rossdale with Helen Jones on 7/10/86. She was made most welcome by the Lady Captain Lorraine Robinson and the Lady President Bev Walker along with the Secretary Pat Impey. She recalls her first medal group as Betty Ramsay, Peg Nairn and Kath McLaughlin. Starting on a handicap of 36 Leone recalls of the days when you first broke your handicap you received a Rossdale badge. While enjoying her golf her lowest handicap was 24. Not having a huge competitive streak and only 1 Annual trophy, The Veterans Nett, and no medals in over 30 years she readily admits that is why she spent so much valuable time on various committees across the club. Leones committee experience across golf and social positions are extensive and include 1989 Ladies committee
1990-91 Lady Vice Captain
1992-94 Lady Captain
1992-2001 Pennant team manager
1997-2001 Ladies Match committee
2008-2010 Lady President
2011-18 Lady Secretary/ Treasurer
As noted Leone has held the position of Lady Captain of Rossdale. This is a position she recalls that has changed considerably over the years. She took the reins after a 2 year apprenticeship under Elaine Knight, when there were well over 120 ladies vying for a spot on Wednesday Ladies day. With tee off times from 8 a.m. till 10a.m. every 6 minutes then alternating hit off times as the early ladies came to the turn. All the score cards and handicapping were done manually by the committee, so the presentations were done the following week. The trophies were items purchased by the ladies committee and the winners got to choose their booty from the glass fronted cabinets(vouchers were introduced later on). It was expected that the President and the Captain changed into their good clothes and “glammed” up some for the announcements. An era that we’re sure has been let go by the wayside some(maybe Leone you can have a word to the current position holders!). She enjoyed her time as Captain immensely and is thankful for the wonderful support she received from Jean McDonald and Wendy Hope-Waldron.
After a short break, Leone was ready to take on the Lady President position by becoming VicePresident to Sue Cole for 2 years. This posirion was piece of cake as there was not much that Leone did not know about the Rossdale club across the board. She recalls that Elaine Fallander was the President that had the saying “there is golf and there is tea and scones and never the twain shall meet”, a philosophy that the current committee fully agrees with! Leone fondly recalls her committee members of Di Greagg, Annette Foster, Jeni Beaty, Marg Nash, Carol Johnson, Sue Heskin and Noel Barter(current) as a very talented team, being shoppers, floral arrangers, ticket sellers and decorators of the highest calibre, filling in the gaps of her “poor crafty skills”. The many hours spent on rehearsals for the annual dinner dance concerts high on Leones list of good fun, and she is very keen for the new entertainment committee to work towards restoring this legendary activity.
Although not playing due to some setbacks she still contributes to the club and fully enjoys her Wednesday Ladies day with many friends and members, this group now known with the moniker of “the ladies who lunch”. Still on committee, the current committee couldn’t do without her knowledge and expertise across all facets of the Rossdale club life.
Congrats Leone on 34 years we are all hoping for the day when we can join the “ladies who lunch” and learn how to do it with style(and champers)!
