Obituary MRS A. J. SANDOM

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31196, 21 October 1966, Page 2

Obituary MRS A. J. SANDOM

Mrs Gwendoline Alice Sandom, who died in Christchurch this week, had an outstanding record in sport in the years immediately before the Second World War. She was most notable for her contributions to basketball.

As Gwen Winter she. played for Digby’s club, after leaving the Christchurch Girls’ High School, and quickly won representative honours. She was a member of the Canterbury team from 1934 to 1938 and of the South Island team for four years. She became well known as an energetic and skilful player. After her retirement Mrs Sandom coached a Canterbury senior reserve basketball team and did some refereeing. Throughout this period she established for herself a high reputation as basketball writer for “The Press”. Under the pen name “Shoot” or “Shooter” she regularly commented on Christchurch, provincial, and national competitions and personalities. She conducted a useful coaching column in “The Press” and “The Press Junior” with hints on play with illustrations from, recent matches. She also wrote about the administration of basketball and was influential in changes at that time. In summer sports, Mrs Sandom played senior tennis for the Addington club for some years and was an early member of the Sumner Ladies’ Surf Club. She continued her interest in tennis and water sports until a few years ago. She is survived by her husband, Mr A. J. Sandom, and their son, Richard.