We would like to extend a warm welcome to everybody here today at the Arkaba Oval, especially to Richard Melhuish who is doing us the honour of tossing the commemorative Life Member coin for this important Cup game against Bridgewater.
A life time resident of the area, Richard or Mel or Wally as many know him, is a Life Member of both Heathfield Aldgate United (1978) and the Mt Lofty District Football Club (1986) recognising years of distinguished service as both a multi Premiership player and official of both clubs.
Richard started his junior football at Heathfield, went on to play at Sturt and was enticed back to Heathfield Aldgate United in 1969 to play with his mates and go on to be a member of seven A Grade Premierships at Full Back for HAU and multiple Premierships for Mt Lofty, playing until 1987 at A, B and C Grade levels.. Also a very talented athlete who held many Heathfield High School records for decades, he played 345 games and was a member of the HFL team which won the Lovelock Shield for the first time in 1973.
His record as an official and volunteer was as impressive as his playing career – He became Secretary of HAU at the age of 20 and held the position from 1971 to 1978, sat again as Secretary of Mt Lofty from 1980 to 1984, Football Director from 1980 to 1986, Chairman of the Club in 1989 and finally served as A Grade Team Manager from 1984 to 1994.
Stan Evans is being celebrated today as he does us the honor of tossing the commemorative coin for the A Grade game.
At 91 years of age he is one of our longest serving Life Members and was awarded HAU Life Member status in 1976.
Stan played B Grade for Stirling FC between 1949 and 1955 and then led the formation of the Heathfield Football Club in 1955.
Stan then played for Heathfield, Heathfield Aldgate United and finally Mount Lofty, hanging up his boots at the age of 55.
He has served as president for all three clubs, a devoted man that has spent a lifetime beside his beautiful wife Barb to build these facilities and our great sense of community.
It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of David Fuller, a very much loved member of and Premiership player with both the Heathfield and Heathfield Aldgate United Football Clubs.
Sadly, Dave’s long battle with illness ended on Saturday night and a service in his memory may take place late this week. David’s family will provide us with more detail as soon as available and we will forward that on together with his wonderful club record.
Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
The Lofty Legends Group Mt Lofty District Football Club
Cliff Chaplin is being celebrated today as he does us the honor of tossing the coin for the A Grade game against Uraidla.
At 97 years of age he is one of our oldest Life Members and was awarded Life Member status in the 1976.
An original Heathfield Football Club player who spent much of his playing career in the B Grade and coaching our Under 14’s, before moving into extended service as our A Grade Goal Umpire.
Born into a local Heathfield sporting family, Jill’s sporting attributes started at a young age by playing both netball and tennis for Heathfield.
However Jill has always has been more comfortable behind the scenes. Jill was heavily involved in the Skyline Raceway at the site of the original Heathfield Oval (now the High School) and also in the establishment of the current Heathfield Oval site with clearing, contouring and planting – she was destined for community service.
Jill has held many roles and responsibilities over the life of our club, tirelessly working to make it better. Here’s a quick list (we’ve probably missed some!)
She was an integral part of the first Social Committee formed at the creation of the Mt Lofty.
Canteen Manager at both Stirling and Heathfield ovals.
Treasurer of the football, Sports and Lofty Legends clubs, often holding multiple roles simultaneously.
Coordinating fundraising functions and events.
Kitchen and front of house work for private functions to raise money for the club.
All of this culminating in her being recognised as the first lady to be awarded with club Life Membership.
Jill’s husband Harvey and 2 sons Leith and Bruce are past players and all life members.
Jill has seven grand children, all who have, or are currently playing football for Mt Lofty in the junior, men’s and women’s programs.
Jill’s still involved with the Lofty Legends and Mt Lofty Sports Club, continuing her over 44 years service.
We would like to introduce the new home game coin toss coin for the mens A Grade matches.
These coins are custom designed, and to be retained by the coin flipper, with their name engraved on it. Each home game we will invite a past player/member from our club(s) to decide which way the teams will be kicking.
The inaugural new coin was flipped by none other than the legendary club man – John Coventry.
