Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club hold inaugural Jim and Barbara Morgan open mixed taplin relay cup

A lifetime of dedicated service to surf lifesaving saw Jim and Barbara Morgan given a special honour by Anglesea SLSC, with the first edition of the race featuring some familiar faces.

Anglesea's mixed taplin team with Jim and Barb Morgan. Picture: Anglesea SLSC

Ivor Morgan says he hopes to see Anglesea one day win the mixed taplin relay race newly named in honour of his parents.

The inaugural Jim and Barbara Morgan open mixed taplin relay cup was held on Sunday during an Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club carnival at main beach, Mentone SLSC hoisting the first cup as Anglesea followed in fourth.

The relay – featuring two swimmers, two board paddlers and two ski paddlers per team – would see three generations of Morgans involved, with 82-year-0ld Jim officiating the race and son Ivor and granddaughter Ellie among Anglesea’s team of six.

A family flavour spread right through Anglesea’s team, husband and wife Sam Hume and Naantali Marshall competing alongside their teen daughter Jasmine Hume, with Matt Taylor rounding out the group.

Barbara, 72, said she and her husband Jim were “humbled” to have the race named in their honour,

“It’s something you look back on in time and appreciate the fact Anglesea have noted the recognition of the lifetime of service we’ve given to lifesaving,” Barbara told this masthead from Sydney, having jetted off a day after the relay to officiate at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.

Barbara said having their name adorn an taplin relay event was significant, considering it encompasses all the skills needed to make a lifesaver.

“Swimming, board paddling, skiing, it was impressive to see the club competing and the skills used,” she said.

“(And) to have a son and grandfather in the event, that was impressive for the both of us to watch the even with added interest.”

Mentone's mixed taplin team with the winning cup, alongside its namesakes Jim and Barb Morgan. Picture: Anglesea SLSC

Involved in surf lifesaving since she was 10, Barbara has since volunteered extensively as a patrolling member, instructor, examiner, official, coach and committee member leading to an Order of Australia Medal for her service to surf saving in 2008.

Jim, a life member at Anglesea SLSC, has played an equally pivotal role in the life surfing community, winning state, national and world titles as a competitor, while serving as president at South Melbourne SLC for 21 years.

Holding senior official roles at the World Lifesaving Championships for more than 40 years, the Williamstown-based pair’s global impact was honoured with the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit, presented by late Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in 2016.

Bellbrae-based Ivor, who is Anglesea SLSC sports director, was thrilled to see his parents honoured on Sunday, adding he was “basically born into lifesaving through his parents” before passing the interest onto his three children, Ellie, Summer and Byron.

“My parents have given their life to lifesaving, so it’s always nice when they get recognised for their efforts,” Ivor, 49, said.

“Especially a cup, each year it will come out again and I’m looking forward to that.

“Over the years, we’ve been building a junior team up at Anglesea and as we become a little bit more competitive into the senior ranks, it would be nice to win the cup for Anglesea.”

Anglesea claimed the outright carnival win over Mentone with strong performances in the youth and beach sections.

Originally published as Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club hold inaugural Jim and Barbara Morgan open mixed taplin relay cup