By BRIDGET COOK
THE Tooradin Dalmore Netball Club (TDNC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and is inviting all those who have been involved in the club’s rich history to join them to mark the occasion.
Past players, coaches, committee members and supporters of the TDNC are invited to an afternoon tea to celebrate the milestone occasion on Saturday 19 July, when the club takes on Pakenham.
TDNC president Loretta Iverach encouraged all those who have been involved with the netball club in the past 60 years to come along for the celebration.
“We would love all those who have contributed to the club’s success in any way over the years to join us,” she said.
“Come along from 12noon and watch our senior teams take on Pakenham and then stay for a special afternoon tea for our 60th birthday.
“It would be great to see some old faces and past players come along.”
The club started their long running history as part of the South West Gippsland Netball League in 1954.
It originated as the Tooradin-Dalmore Basketball Club, which was what netball was referred to as back then.
The netball team was formed when the local football club joined the newly formed league, as it was compulsory for each football club to have a basketball club as well.
The club built their first court near the entrance to the current football ground, which was done with voluntary labour and was the first asphalt court in the association.
The original 1954 team made the finals in their first year of competition.
The club has grown considerably over the years and now competes in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football Netball League.
There are now more than 60 junior and senior players with the club which make-up eight teams.
The afternoon for the 60th anniversary will start about 1pm at the netball courts at the Tooradin Recreation Reserve.
It will be a big day for the club, with the football club holding its Sky Lotto and Sponsors’ Day along with the Auskick and Net Set Go teams also playing.
