THE JACK CHALMERS PAVILION
(Digital Photo - Copyright © Geoff Brown).
In a special ceremony held on 21 July, 2007 the Aberfeldie Sports Club was pleased announce that the clubrooms were to be officially named after Abers Legend (and octagenarian) Jack Chalmers. Now and for future generations the clubrooms will be officially known as 'The Jack Chalmers Pavilion'.
The announcement came after months of negotiations with Moonee Valley City Council whose usual by-law (that the recipient must first be deceased) was revoked, to allow the honour to be bestowed upon a man who it is fair to say is a true local legend.
In a letter to Sports Club President Arthur Jacobs, who was instrumental in arranging the accolade, MVCC's Chief Executive Officer Peter Black said that "Council recognises the outstanding service to the Aberfeldie Sports Club by Jack Chalmers over the past 50 years and to the community more widely in his previous professional role as a practising pharmacist in the Essendon area".
"Whilst Council's place names policy does not ordinarily permit assigning personal names of living persons to places, streets or buildings, Council considers that in this case, exceptional circumstances apply and that the naming of the pavilion at Clifton Park is both noteworthy and fitting to occur during Jack's lifetime".
"On behalf of council I extend congratulations to Jack Chalmers for community recognition of his contributions to the club and the City of Moonee Valley".
Jack also received a plaque of recognition from the Board of Management of the Essendon District Football League which was much appreciated. We also surprised him by having his family fly in from Adelaide for the celebration and we take this time to thank Ray Heron for arranging this without Jack's knowledge.
Jack was very humbled and honoured by this gesture and the Executive Committee of Aberfeldie Sports Club cannot think of a more fitting tribute to one of our very finest. In accepting the honour, Jack said that he hoped that the naming of the clubrooms would bring good luck to both the football and cricket sections of the club in the forseeable future. Well done Jack, and thank you for everything!
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