The Cobar Bowling & Golf Club put into use all three of its function rooms on Saturday night to host a community farewell for two of the club’s long-serving staff, Chris Brown and Sandra Russell.
The sibling sisters have worked a combined 75 years at the Golfie—Chris has served for 40 years and Sandra has clocked up 35.
Added with the service of a couple other family members, Chris said their family has dedicated a total of 115 years to the club.
Along with their family members, past and present staff members, board members and regular patrons, former club secretary/manager Neil Urquhart returned for the function and wished “his girls” all the best for their retirement.
Other speakers included current secretary/manager Jason Howell, current club president Jim Goonrey and long-serving board member Bob Clark.
All spoke highly of the exemplary service of the pair and their “above and beyond” attitude to their administration roles in the club.
Bob also praised Chris’s many years of involvement with the Cobar Senior Rugby League Club.
Jim said there had been five secretary/managers in his time as president and he praised Chris and Sandra for “filling in” and keeping the club running during each manager.
Both Chris and Sandra started out working behind the bar at the club before moving into the office.
At first it was to give a hand, then for a couple of days a week and then 25 years ago, Chris took up the office administration role and five years later, as the club got busier, Sandra also moved permanently into the office.
The pair have worked with a number of secretary/managers with Chris recalling her first boss, Jimmy Blacker, who she described as tough but fair. (Jimmy would have liked to have attended the farewell function but sent his apologies.)
A number of fond memories were shared by the speakers with Chris and Sandra also responding with some memories of their own.
Chris praised the assistance she had received from former club treasurer Wally Black.
“Wally helped me out immensely and the club still uses one of the spreadsheets he created.
“Also Bruce Mitchell and Shane Carter.
“Sandra and I are very humbled and honoured,” she said
