Wrapping up more than 50 years of history, organiser and life member Cathrine Armstrong said the evening was nostalgic.
“It was a bit sad, but mostly people just enjoyed getting together and having a bit of a chat after not seeing each other for quite some time,” she said.
With more than 20 different sections of the club — from a badminton club to a rifle club — the club has had thousands of members since it was first created in 1946.
“A lot of people on the night said the same thing — when they didn't really have any direction in their lives, the club helped keep them on the straight and narrow,” Cathrine said.
“So, it was very emotional and a lot of people are disappointed with what's happening, but have accepted it's too late now.”
One past member who was unable to attend the evening sent an email to Cathrine, reflecting on what the club meant to him:
“I was 17 when I attended a training session with my best mate Shane Walker back in 1988. I was introduced to the then president, Mr Des O’Neill.“From that first warm handshake and welcoming smile, little did I know that it would turn into a nine-year association with a club and an extended family that helped me grow as a young man. I got to play and learn from some of the greatest cricketers that the SCA had produced.“Most importantly I got to learn and make friendships with some of the greatest quality people I know to this day.“It was always a `family club’, competitive at training, and more so come match day, wearing the blue and yellow cap.“Saturday nights back at the club, bus trips to the pokies . . .“Playing and missing repeatedly to Peter Whitelock in the A-grade net with a near new match ball which was very dark red in colour — and only about seven overs old after the A-grade team would have put a side back in for a second innings to get some `fielding’ practice.“I have fond memories of catching practice with the cradle, trying to get one to stick from the rocket arm of Darren Metzke.“The wonderful Tommy O’Halloran, as the net coach and time keeper, calling out `last two!'“Ray Lewis and his famous esky with water and lemons.“Cath Armstrong and her pencil case to fill in an immaculate score book.“Whilst not wanting to name and or leave out such great names of those who I played with or was involved with, they are just a few memories that spring to mind.“My lasting impression was the rousing match report and player of the day report from Des O'Neill, and Saturday nights after a match.“It is sad to drive past now and not see the ground of Karibok, and even sadder to learn that the Youth Club Hall will be demolished.“Time moves on, things change, but memories are ours to keep.”
Much of the memorabilia from the club is now hosted at Shepparton Heritage Centre and will be on display for the next few months.
The club also has a Facebook page, The Lost Shepparton Youth Club, where past members can look back at memorabilia, photos and the history of the club, sent in from contributors.
