The Redlands Boat Club will celebrate their 40th anniversary at the Grand View Hotel, the same place where the club’s inaugural meeting was held.
Members, local dignitaries and past members are invited to attend the event on November 7.
The club, originally known as the Redlands Boating and Aquatic Club, held its inaugural meeting on October 28, 1975.
A total of 72 members signed up on the first night, with the number of foundation members rising to 138 by January 27, 1976.
Membership is now capped at 400.
Amongst the first executives was Commodore Bruce King, whose son Phil was Commodore in the 1980s and is a distinguished life member of the club.
The idea of the club originally came from Bruce King, together with Arthur Richards, Bob McDonald and Dave Cummings.
“It was about mates getting together with a common interest to focus on,” said Phil King.
The club was named Redlands Boat Club in February 1976 and raised about $11,000 in its first year.
The present site of the club adjacent to the public boat ramp and Raby Bay VMR base in Cleveland became available in 1980.
Nineteen commodores have been elected over the years, with the current being Mike Streets.
Mr Streets said the club aimed to get members involved in activities such as day and overnight trips, club nights and informative member’s meetings.
The club has a strong fishing component and one of the attractions for members is the facilities, including the secure lock-up and wash down areas.
“We cater as much as we can for families and involve smaller boats as well as the bigger ones.
“There is a great club atmosphere where you can talk to anyone any time about boating, fishing, trailers. There really is a sense of mateship; if we see someone in trouble we will help them out,” said Mr Streets.
The 40th anniversary celebration on November 7 is from 6pm until late and dress is smart casual.
Members and past members who want to attend should email events@redlandsboatclub.org.au before November 2.
