AUSTRALIAN SURFING MUSEUM
Manly Life Saving Club has a rich history dating from 1903 . Call us to find out more about our Museum tours (by appointment only). Tour and school groups welcome.
Our volunteer Heritage Committee will be grateful to receive club or surfing memorabilia. Please contact the club on 9977 2742.
HOW MANLY SURF LIFE SAVING WAS BORN
Before 1902 it was illegal to swim in the surf in daylight hours. William Gocher, Editor of The North Sydney and Manly News (later to evolve into today’s Manly Daily newspaper) decided to take a stand which would ultimately also boost circulation of his newspaper. William was not a confident swimmer so, as the legendary Arthur Lowe, foundation member of Manly Life Saving Club writes in his 1958 book Surfing, Surf Shooting and Surf Life Saving Pioneering, he was approached by to hide nearby in case he got into difficulties.
William Gocher completed his swim and daylight swimming was permitted.
In 1903 the Manly locals including some Council Aldermen formed the Manly surf and lifesaving club, these members included Arthur Lowe, the Sly Brothers, who were fishermen with headquarters at Shelley Beach and Fairy Bower, George Lutey and Nor Green . They modified a 35’ boat for the rescues the forerunner of our iconic surf boat.
In 1911 it was decided that the club would split to form the Manly Life Saving Club and the Manly Surf Club, both exist to this day .
*FROM OUR PAST*
Sunday 10th of October 1965, 9:30am
The Manly Junior Club ” Nippers” was formed, by Senior Club Member Ian Craig. Ian, had arranged for a number of boys from the Manly Swimming Club, attened their initial surf race, and be inducted in to the Senior club .
WORLD WAR I
This October we remember, and pay tribute, to past member’s who lost their lives, during the first world war.
3381A Sergeant Leonard Mc Lean, 2nd Australian Infrantry Battalion A.I.F. Killed in Action 4th October 1918, Age 23, he is remembered with honour, at Tincourt New British Cemetery, Somme France.
57 Sergeant Arthur Bloxham Kyle, 3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion A.I.F. Killed in Action 12th October 1917 Age 22, he is remembered with honour, at Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.
1661 private Alexander cooper, 26th Australian Infantry Battalion A.I.F. Killed in Action 16th October 1916 Age 21, he is remembered with honour, at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
7543 Gunner George Albert Cruickshank MM 5th Brigade Australian Field Artillery A.I.F. Killed in Action 24th October 1918 Age 26, he is remembered with honour, at Ribemont Communal Extension Cemetery, France
WORLD WAR II
This November we remember and pay tribute, to past member’s who lost their lives, during the second world war.
412380 Flying Officer Robert Langford Percival Browne, Royal Australian Air Force , Att. 7 Advanced Flying Unit RAF. Killed Accidental, 9th November 1942, Age 27 he is remembered with honour, at Eastfied cemetery, Peterborough England, UK
14734 Flying Officer Neville Edward Butler 460 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force Killed in Action, 29th November 1944, Age 27 is remembered with honour at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
