The Bradman Luncheon
Thursday August 26, 2010
The tenth annual Bradman Luncheon was another stunning success, with more than 400 members and guests gathering in the Members Dining Room to honour Australia's greatest cricketer, on the eve of his 102nd birthday.
Hughes, who captained Australia in 28 of his 70 Tests from 1977 to 1984, gave an entertaining address on his playing days, as well as some passionate views on today's society and how more can be done to help those who need it in our community.
View photos on Facebook
"You don’t have to be a member of the baggy green club to have that Aussie spirit," Hughes said, baggy green cap in hand.
"The challenge for all of us is how can we be that little bit better, that extra two or three per cent? Because we have the highest suicide rate among males under 21 than anywhere in the world. What we need is leadership from people within the communities."
Hughes also recalled fondly his famous century on Boxing Day in 1981 against the mighty West Indies, an innings that Wisden ranked the ninth best of all time. "Without a doubt it was my best innings," he said.
Hosted by the supremely talented Gerard Whateley, the function also heard from a panel comprising former Victorian Test players Damien Fleming, Keith Stackpoleand Colin McDonald on a variety of cricket issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFC/MCC Game Day functions
The club once again hosted four MCC/MFC game day functions during the 2010 AFL season to provide additional benefits to members who joined the Melbourne Football Club as well.
The functions provide an opportunity to enjoy a sit-down meal in the surrounds of the Jim Stynes Room accompanied by an MC and entertainment.
Despite the Demons Round 1 loss to the Hawks, the remaining three match day functions proved to be a wonderful success with more than 100 members and guests in attendance at each match, and on two occasions a full house.
The first sell out function was hosted on the evening of the Breast Cancer Network Association’s (BCNA) highly successful ‘Field of Women’ evening when the Demons took on the Bulldogs. Our members were fortunate to hear from breast cancer survivor and BCNA spokeswoman, Raelene Boyle as well as AFL Commissioner Linda Dessau.
No doubt the return of the 2000 Grand Final team, headed by former captain David Neitz for the Melbourne v Essendon match was a highlight for those in attendance on the day. It provided former Melbourne players a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old teammates, as well as offering our members a great chance to mingle with the boys.
The final match day function held at the Melbourne v Richmond clash on August 8 was a fantastic match for our members to see out a successful year for the Demons.
Members were fortunate to hear from former Melbourne great Robbie Flower and Barry Bourke who were also joined by a host of former Demon players from the 70s. Stephen Phillips once again hosted each of the four match day functions with great poise, polish and humour.
We are all looking forward to an exciting 2011 season as the young Demon hopefuls build on their 2010 successes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young Members' Anzac Ball
Friday April 23, 2010
The third Young Members' Anzac Ball was held in the magnificent Members Dining Room. The glamorous event was hosted by the club for young members aged 18-40 years. The event was quick to book out with more than 400 members and guests attending.
Entering along the red carpet to the historic Long Room, members and guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and canapés, before moving to the Members Dining Room.
Hosted by MCC club manager Mark Anderson, the crowd was addressed by Peter Smith OAM, Appeals Director, Victorian RSL, who gave a thought provoking speech on the sacrifices made by our diggers. When the room fell silent for a minute's reflection, the enormity of the occasion was recognised.
Once the formalities were over the dance floor filled and members and guests danced the night away.
Be sure to mark you diaries for 2011!
To view and purchase photos taken on night, click here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footy Season Launch Luncheon
Wednesday March 24, 2010
Gary Ablett’s Gold Coast offer, Barry Hall, Brendan Fevola and the nine-point super goal dominated discussion as a panel of experts dissected the big issues in the game at today’s MCG Footy Season Launch Luncheon in the Members Dining Room.
The gathering of MCC members and guests heard from recently retired Tiger star Matthew Richardson, who reminisced about his distinguished career with MC Tim Lane, before joining Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy and legendary player and coach Leigh Matthews in an entertaining chat on the eve of the season opener between Richmond and Carlton tomorrow night.
Full story
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Members' Golf Day
Tuesday February 23, 2010
Picture perfect conditions greeted 180 MCC golfers at the Members’ Golf Day at the prestigious Kingston Heath Golf Club on Tuesday February 23.
Congratulations to Chris Farrell who took home the President’s Cup with 39 Stableford points on a count back from Libby Day who won the women’s event.
The President’s Cup is one two members’ golf days held each year. While the President’s Cup is competed for at the Kingston Heath Golf Club each year, the Plate event has been rotated through several of Melbourne’s famous sand belt courses since its inception in 2004.
TEAM AGGREGATE
Winners - Elizabeth Day, Roderick Sitlington, Susan Baker and Susan Beaurepaire (138 points)
Runner up - Mark Anderson, Michael Sholly, Clive Driscoll and John Anderson (135 points)
LONGEST DRIVE
Seventh hole - Men's: Darren Milo
- Ladies: Sue Baker
Eighteenth hole - Men's: Damian Ramondetta
- Ladies: Christine Dobson
NEAREST THE PIN
Fifth hole: Barry Christian
Tenth hole: Robert Flower
Fifteenth hole: Christine Dobson
Men’s Division 1 (Handicap 0-10)
David Mallet 37 (4)
Ian Denny 34 (4) on countback
Peter Holt 34 (6)
Men’s Division 2 (11-20)
Mark Blashki 37 (11)
John Hamilton 36 (19) on countback
John Robertson 36 (16)
Men’s Division 3 (21-27)
Aaron Whyte 36 (21)
Daniel Carmody 34 (22)
Timothy Stewart 34 (22) on countback
Women’s Open
Elizabeth Day 39 (3)
Christine Dobson 37 (16)
Sue Baker 36 (12)
Women in Cricket Test Breakfast
Sunday December 27, 2010
Angela Pippos hosted the third Women in Cricket Test Breakfast on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test amongst 260 members and guests.
This year’s guest speaker, Geoff Lawson, spoke of his amazing experiences as coach of the Pakistan cricket team and the nation’s passion for the sport and its stars. Members and guests also heard from Callum Ferguson and Vic Spirit team member Sarah Elliott throughout the morning.
As formalities drew to a close, Angela Pippos was interrupted by former Australian cricketer Simon O’Donnell, who entered the rear of the Members Dining Room carrying a surprise birthday cake in celebration of her birthday.
Boxing Day Breakfast
Saturday December 26, 2010
The 2009 Boxing Day breakfast was once again a sold out success with just under 500 members and guests arriving at the ground by 7.00am for a morning of entertainment.
Hosted by Darren Berry, members and guests heard from former Pakistan great Waqar Younis who told guests about the enormous impact the IPL has had on cricket around the world and the incredible profile cricketers have in Pakistan and India. He was joined by recently retired Australian cricketer Brad Hodge who received a warm round of applause from members as he spoke honestly and passionately of his decision to step down from his contract with Cricket Australia.
New 50-Year Members' Luncheon
Thursday December 3, 2009
The club held a lunch in the Members Dining Room on Thursday December 3 to welcome the latest intake of 50-Year members.
More than 330 new 50-Year members attended the function, from an eligible 494 who were invited, all of whom were elected to MCC membership in 1959.
Sixteen members travelled from interstate to attend the event, while Geoff Swann came all the way from Tucson, Arizona!
Among this year's intake of new 50-Year members is five-time Melbourne Football Club premiership player Laurie Mithen, pictured here with MCC president David Meiklejohn.
There are now more than 2500 MCC members who have reached the 50-year milestone.
Members' Golf Day
Monday November 30, 2009
In blustery conditions at the famous Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Mark Reynolds with 40 stableford points off a handicap of 15 took out the MCC President’s Plate at the Members' Golf Day.
The President’s Plate is one two members’ golf days held each year. While the President’s Cup is competed for at the Kingston Heath Golf Club each year, the Plate event has been rotated through several of Melbourne’s famous sand belt courses since its inception in 2004.
The best performed female in the field was Susan Beaurepaire who had 32 points off a 12 handicap.
TEAM AGGREGATE
Winner - Mark Anderson, John Anderson, David Broad and Dean Jones (128 points)
Runner up - Gerard Ward, William Cooper, Anthony Ward and Mark Stapleton (124 points)
Men’s Division 1 (Handicap 0-10)
Matthew Sproule 37 (10)
Alister Etheridge 35 (7)
Richard Scott 34 (10)
Men’s Division 2 (11-20)
Benjamin Thiedeman 36 (11)
Bill Pattison 35 (18)
Ross Troon 35 (14)
Men’s Division 3 (21-27)
Peter Wilson 38 (22)
Aaron White 37 (22)
Peter Kemp 34 (23)
Women’s Open
Sue Beaurepaire 32 (12)
Christine Dobson 31 (18)
Jan Lovett 31 (25)
Annual 50 Year Member Luncheons
Thursday November 26 and Friday November 27, 2009
On Thursday November 26 and Friday November 27 two luncheons were held in the Members Dining Room for 50-year members of the club.
Due to the continuing increase in the number of 50-year members, the club again held two separate luncheons.
Of the 2000 50-year members invited, over 500 attended including the clubs longest serving members, Rev Paul Ryan OAM (pictured far right in photo).
Annual Sporting Sections Dinner
Tuesday November 17
Members of the clubs 11 Sporting Sections attended the 30th Annual Sporting Sections Dinner held in the Members Dining Room on November 17. Reports from all sections were read out including a number of highlights from many sections throughout their respective seasons.
A highlight of the evening was Robert Rouch, President of the Bowls Section being awarded the Hans Ebeling Award for ‘Outstanding Service to Sporting Sections’.
Robert becomes the 26th winner of the Hans Ebeling Award since its inception in 1981 to perpetuate the memory of one of the MCC's greatest contributors as both player and administrator, Hans Ebeling.
Congratulations Robert!
Brownlow Dinner 2009
Monday September 21, 2009
More than 450 members and guests attended the fourth Brownlow Dinner hosted by the hilarious Coodabeen Champions.
The night was filled with live crosses to the telecast of the Brownlow Medal count while “The Coodabeens” unique brand of humour and some Greg Champion songs keep members and guests entertained while the vote count unfolded.
In true Brownlow dinner style, "Gary Ablett" was awared the "Brownlow medal" to a thunderous round of applause.
MCC/MFC Members' Game Day Luncheon
Sunday August 30, 2009
More than 200 members and guests attended the final MFC/MCC Members' Luncheon in the Jim Stynes Room on August 30, including two of Melbourne's great players from the 1980s and 1990s.
Prior to the match, master of ceremonies Stephen Phillips introduced and interviewed Rodney Grinter and Sean Wight and Cameron Bruce called in for a chat to discuss the team’s preparation for the game.
Although going down to the Saints by 47 points, the Demons showed true team spirit and created a memorable farewell match for Russell Robertson, Matthew Whelan and Paul Wheatley.