Bondi Surf Club searching for its first nippers - the class of 1965
Can you identify the boys pictured? They are among the first lifesavers in Australia, and Bondi Surf Bathers Surf Life Savers are searching for them 50 years on.
City East
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THE date is set and so is the venue, now all that’s needed are the boys in this picture from 50 years ago.
Bondi Junior Activities Committee will celebrate the 50th anniversary of formation of its first nippers group at Easts Leagues Club, Bondi Junction, on Saturday, November 14, and more than 300 ex-Bondi nippers are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, the committee is still trying to identify the original Bondi life boys of 1965 (pictured above), who were the forerunners to the club’s nippers, aged from five to 13 years.
The 1965 life boys would today be aged in their mid-50s to early-60s, and the Bondi club is trying to contact with as many as possible of the founding members to celebrate the anniversary.
In November, 1965, Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club (SBLSC) formed a junior section known as Bondi Life Boys to encourage the sons of members to learn surf skills and then become lifesavers of the future.
The group, believed to have been the nation’s first junior lifesaving body, quickly became known as nippers and expanded to welcome also the sons of non-club members before, in 1980, girls were allowed to join the group as nipperettes.
It is estimated around 3000 boys and girls have been part of the Bondi nippers’ history over the past five decades and many of them may still live in the eastern suburbs.
“If you’re in the photo or can identify anyone in it, please give us a call or send us an email,” said Scott Ryan, the director of junior activities for Bondi SBLSC. “The reunion will provide a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends and include food, live music, dancing and an auction to raise funds to support the activities of present and future nippers.”
If you can identify any of the boys in the photo or wish to obtain more information about bookings for the celebration function, email Bondinippers50@gmail.com or call Bondi SBLSC on 9300 9279.
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