History
Jurat
Wilford Corbet formed the club in 1932. Its home ground is called the Corbet
Field after its late founder.
Mr. Wilfred J.
Corbet of Balmoral Vale was a member of the Vale Methodist Church and A Bible
Class Leader with membership of 35-40. Mr. Corbet had very much the welfare of
young people at heart, so during the summer of 1932 Bible class members met to
discuss about the formation of a club, the meeting was unanimous to the
foundation of a mixed club, some 30 members being present. The object of the
club was to faster good comradeship, fellowship and sportsmanship which I
believe still exists today.
The introduction
of the following recreation for the winter was as follows, Badminton, Table
Tennis, Draughts, Chess, Darts and Football. The first elected club committee
was, the W.J Corbet (President) Messrs H.E Mahy and A.J Le Page (Vice
Presidents), Mr A G Mahy (Secretary) and A.D Mahy (Treasurer). Unfortunately
all
are no longer with us. Friendly Badminton and Table Tennis were arranged with other clubs, St.
Michael’s, Castel and St. Stephen’s. Football opponents were St. Martins, St.
Michael’s, Capelles, North, L’Ancresse Rovers, Roussel Bros and Forest Boys
Club. Some of these games took place in fields, cows having grazing the day
before, no showers in those days. To be a playing member number one had to
attend Bible class once a month and two chaps from Paris Street and Passe attend
once a month keen to play for Vale Rec.
Here is a Timeline of Vale Recreations History:-
|
1934/35 |
Tennis was
played at Delaney park courts one night a week. The subs for this costing
7s/6d. This proved not very successful, however L’Ancresse Tennis Club
became in financial difficulties and Vale Recreation took over the lease of
the courts at Rocque Balan and their members were allowed to play with our
club |
|
1936 |
Football
became affiliated to Cross Russell association and played in league
matches. Thursday’s and Saturday’s. |
|
1937 |
Introduction
of golf section. A cup presented by Mr. H. R. Bichard was competed for both
in Herm and Grande Rocque, nine holes counted for several years. Cricket
was also played at this time. |
|
|
During the
occupation all football stopped, but Mr. Corbet with the approval of the
occupation Authorities got football going on a competitive way and the
Sarnia Football League was formed. |
|
1948 |
Brookdale
property was brought by Mr. Corbet and property now known as the Corbet
Memorial Field. This became a great addition to recreation facilities.
Football, hockey and tennis were catered for. |
|
1953 |
Saw the clubs
first magazine called Green and Gold also “1st Anniversary of the
club celebrated by Dinner and dance at the royal Hotel. |
|
1954 |
Introduced
Blazer Badge and Club Tie. Blazer badge depicting all sports officially
played. |
|
1966 |
Vale
Recreation suffered a great loss in the death of Mr. W.J. Corbet founder and
godfather of Vale Recreation. |
|
1973 |
Tennis wound
up and courts were dug up and replaced by a 7 rink bowling green which has
progressed beyond all expectation not forgetting the present Social Club
room and facilities. |
|
1973 |
The first
licence social club was opened and the from those progressed to the present
day. |
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|
