A legend in his own lifetime was the remarkable industry stalwart, Arthur Clegg, one of Sydney’s most respected timber identities.
Keith Johnston, organiser of this year’s Sydney Timber Industry Golf Day 2015, recalls fond memories of Arthur, who passed away in 2013, and whose legacy lives on today in the form of the Arthur Clegg Cup.
“The earliest stories we have had from the late, and great, Arthur Clegg were about golf days involving timber industry members during the 1930s.
“When I first joined the industry in 1968, Arthur had been running two golf days a year for a long time (more than 30 years) – so when he passed the organising duties over to the Sydney Hoo-Hoo Club in the early 1990s, it was only fitting that we recognise his contribution,” Keith says.
The industry legend was initially shy, but in the end was unable to deny others the pleasure of honouring his contribution to the industry.
“At first, Arthur said he didn’t want the Cup to be named after him, to which we replied, ‘We will call it the Arthur Clegg Cup now or in the future, so either way we’re doing it!’,” laughs Keith.
While back in the 60s and 70s there would be over 200 players at the Sydney Timber Industry Golf Day, regrettably since then the attendance has shrunk due to the changing state of the industry.
“These days we usually expect around 50 players, but due to the input from some younger, and more enthusiastic, members – including Kent Powell and Glenn Jeffreys – we have been able to steadily increase those numbers,” Keith explains.
With new sponsors also on board, Keith is excited for this year’s event, and others in the future.
“It’s still a day so many industry members want to be at, and it’s all thanks to people like Maurie and Marea Parsons, Neil Oliver, Mike Heighway, and Wendell MacLoud (our resident journalist), who put in so much time and effort to ensure the Arthur Clegg Cup, and the day, is a success.
The next Sydney Timber Trade Golf Day is on Tuesday 13 October 2015, at Muirfield Golf Club in North Rocks, New South Wales.
To be involved, please contact Glenn Jeffreys on 0404 480 153 or you can email: Glenn.Jeffreys@chhwoodproducts.com.au