Long service

Press, 4 October 1984, Page 24

Long service

At least three current officers of the Banks Pensinsula Trotting Club were among those attending the meeting on November 18, 1950, at which the club was formed. They are the present treasurer, Mr Bert Woods, Mr Jim Geddes, a member of the committee, and Mr Fred Watson, the club’s patron. “Ten of the club’s present stewards and committeemen were among the original members,” said Mr Lindsay Stowell, who was appointed secretary in 1965, succeeding Mr Ted Mitchell, who had held office since the formation of the club.

Mr Ross Stanbury, who succeeded Mr George Mugford as president in 1983, was an original member.

Mr Mitchell was vicepresident of the club at the time of his death. He gained prominence in light harness administration first with a long association with the Canterbury Trotting Owners’, Trainers’ and Breeders’ Association, and then as one of the early members of the Racing Authority. Mr Cyril Gray was the club’s first president, holding office for 15 years before being succeeded by his brother, Mr Ivor Gray, Messrs Frank Parkin, Fred Watson, Duncan Weir, Les Woods and George Mugford have been other presidents.

Mr Les Woods has for some years been a member of the executive of the Trotting Conference.