Retirement Party for Ian Strong

Last night around 70 guests celebrated Ian Strong’s retirement as our Head Tennis Coach. It was a fabulous night attended by Club identities from the Club’s 35 year life span. It took lots of detective work to find and invite some of them as they had not been seen for years.

Mike Emery opened formalities by welcoming the guests and then elaborated on Ian’s career and special involvement during his time at the Vermont South Club. Mike introduced Tennis Victoria Director, Anne Baldwin, who took the opportunity to present Ian with the Tennis Victoria Outstanding Service Award. Chris Moule, our Club’s inaugural President, then presented Ian with the President’s Cup which is a new perpetual trophy to be awarded by the VSC President for special achievement or contribution. And in recognition of his friendship, work ethic, influence and impact on individuals and the Club, those in attendance, and some others who couldn’t make it, contributed to a farewell gift being a set of golf clubs of Ian’s choosing. In a sincere and emotional response, Ian reflected on his time at the Club and thanked everyone past and present for making his job so enjoyable.

Catering was done by volunteers from the mid-week ladies section and some past members – thank you, you did a brilliant job. The entire evening was a fantastic celebration of a wonderful career.