A Weston Surf Carnival

We now have the photograph!

The following transcription was taken from Pioneering Days of the Coalfields, No.1, by Brian J. Andrews for the Coalfields Heritage Group (CHG). Jul. 1999, pp.9-11. 

A WESTON SURF CARNIVAL

by Brian J. Andrews for the Coalfields Heritage Group

A photograph exists which depicts surf life-savers, with reels, posing outside the Criterion Hotel, Weston, where there was always plenty of sand but definitely no surf.  The CHG is hoping to locate and have this photo copied so that it can be included in our collection. [Photo now located, see above, thank you Ean Smith.] 

Many people have put forward theories as to what the surf carnival was all about, and when it took place, but I’ve yet to hear anyone, including reliable historians, come up with the correct answer.

The year was actually 1914, and the date was Saturday, November 28th. It was at a time when our first contingent of Anzacs were heading towards their fate at Gallipoli.

Throughout the nation, patriotic movements were being organised in all the towns and cities to support our soldiers with home comforts, arrange send-offs, etc.

During November, 1914, a combined Weston-Kurri Kurri Patriotic Committee organised a sports and swimming carnival to be held at Hebburn Dam.

A novel feature of the day was the presence of 40 members of the Newcastle Surf Club, who attended with their reels and surf-lifesaving equipment. They were led by the Club Captain, Mr Myer Cohen; secretary, Mr S.A. Staton; and treasurer, Mr J. Palmer.

An interesting aquatic programme had been prepared, but, owing to the cold southerly wind blowing, several events had to be abandoned. Members of the surf club claimed that they felt the cold more out at Weston than they had ever had done in the surf.

The water was a pleasant temperature for bathing, but with the cold wind blowing on those emerging from the water, coupled with the absence of any sunshine, made conditions almost unbearable for them.

However, a fair number of members of the club braved the elements for a time and under the direction of Mr Station, they gave exhibitions, including alarm rescue, rescue and release, rescue and resuscitation, and the method of rescue in case of cramp.

During intervals between swimming races the Hebburn Miners’ Band under the leadership of Mr R Cox, played selections for the entertainment of the crowd.

The Olympia Hall, Weston, owned by the Criterion Hotel’s publican, Mr Philip Jenkins, was the venue that evening for a patriotic concert.

Long before the entertainment commenced every available seat was occupied with the surf club members considerably swelling the crowd. During an interval a charity auction was held, including such items as a national flag, a case of wine, and a model barque sailing boat.

Hopefully, the day the Newcastle Surf Club came to Weston may now be better understood, and all of those mythical stories associated with the occasion corrected once and for all. There are many more such stories associated with the coalfields, which, in time, the Coalfields Heritage Group will hopefully put right. Unfortunately, this often spoils what might have been a good story.

Hebburn No.1 colliery, under the ownership of Hebburn Ltd., ceased coal production on June 13, 1958, bringing to an end the coal mining era of Weston.  Since then a number of industries have come to Weston, whilst some have passed on.  Are we now in the verge of another era for the region?  Only time will tell but one thing is sure – Weston will survive.