Bendering Hall

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a way of life and significant associations with early settlers of the Bendering area. It demonstrates a sense of place for Bendering pioneers and their descendants, and has associations with the sporting clubs and identities over the years. It is the last remaining place to represent the Bendering settlement.

Physical Description

The place is constructed of cement blocks which were hand made by the Bendering community. The blockwork has smooth faced quoins and the main walls finished in "stone" face blocks. Structural block piers are revealed on the exterior of the building. On the facade facing the sports field, a verandah and kitchen extend along that side, with the roof extending in a skillion. The verandah roof is supported by block piers and square timber columns. The hipped roof is corrugated iron. 45' x 25'

History

1933 was the midst of the Depression. Sport and recreation were important to the settlers as a break from the relentless toil, but also for the social interaction. The Bendering community had consolidated since the 1910s, around Bendering Springs, forming a Progress Association in 1915, to lobby for a school. In 1917, the Siding and townsite, some miles to the east of the Bendering Spring had also established. The popularity of tennis at the Brown's about c1930, prompted a call for a sporting club which was subsequently located at the Bendering Reserve. The Sports Club was very popular and it soon apparent that they needed a club house. At that time the Bendering dances were held in the Parson's barn, so a dance floor was needed too.. Money was scarce, it was the middle of the Depression, but with cooperation and enthusiasm, and the backing from WG Smith, a meeting on the 7 August 1933 decided to build the club house. On the 24 September the foundation stone was laid by WG Smith, who went guarantor for the £640 cost of the hall, which the Bendering Sports Club repaid over the years. The Bendering Sports Club was officially opened on 1 November 1933 by Jl Mann, MLA, and celebrated with the picnic and sports day followed by a dance in the evening. The picnic was the first of the annual "Bendering Picnic" to be held at the hall. The Club house was hence-forth the centre of the social, community, recreational and sporting life of the Bendering community. Church services were held there, Farmer's Union meetings, weddings, 21st parties, socials and dances. For the balls which were held several times a year, an orchestra would be engaged for the occasion. Local musicians played for the regular dances and the Club purchased their own set of drums. The war made many changes in the community, some families had already left during the Depression. Dances were held monthly during the war years, often to welcome home returned servicemen on leave, or farewell others on active service. The Club held dances to raise funds for the Kondinin Hospital and the patriotic fund, as well as their own building commitment to the bank. The Football, cricket and golf clubs ceased to function during the war, and only the cricket club reformed after the war. The tennis club continued throughout, being the only social and sporting club, although petrol rationing made it difficult for people to get to functions. The Tennis courts were used by the school students, and the Parents and Citizens Association supported the club. The Cricket Club provided cricket bats for the school. During school renovations in 1947, the hall was a temporary school premises. In 1950 the hall debt was finally paid off. From 1950, after the school closed, the Parents and Citizens Associations annual Christmas Tree was continued in the hall until 1958. The tennis club continued until 1967, when most of the young people had joined Kondinin Tennis Club, and others joined the Bowling Club. Only a few families were left in the Bendering Community, and the club disbanded and handed their funds to the Bendering Sports Club. The Bendering Cricket Club formed a second Kondinin Club. Bendering were the premier in the Kalgarin-Hyden Cricket association in 1965/66, 1970/71 and 1981/82. After vandalism damage in 1973, some furnishings were removed form the clubhouse, and distributed to community organisations in Kondinin. The Bendering community rallied and repaired the hall, and continue to voluntarily maintain the place. The Bendering Football Club has since joined the Eastern Districts League, but in the 1970s used the club house for social occasions when they won the grand final in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1980 and as runner's up in 1977. One of the last events at the hall was the 21st birthday party of Bill Llewellyn, who was the grandson of Mr Milburn, the first secretary of the Bendering Sports and Social club, and the author of the constitution. In February 1980 the flooded creek flowed through the hall. Once again the loyal local community rallied to repair and maintain the hall. In 1986 the Bendering Christmas Party turned into a district and family reunion when it was learned that two pioneer farmers had completed sixty consecutive harvests. Mr Allan Greay and Mr Roy Pond were both presented with chromed A.L. harvester fingers to commemorate their achievement. The younger farmers of the district were suitably impressed, and the Bendering community continues the traditions. Two pioneer family descendants have celebrated Golden wedding anniversaries at the hall, Mr & Mrs de Gruchy and Mr & Mrs Pond. The de Gruchy family are typical of the involvement of a Bendering family; Wally deGruchy's 21st birthday, his sister Margaret's wedding, his own wedding, his parents Golden wedding anniversary, and this eldest son Kevin's christening, all taking place in the Bendering Sports Club.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Fair - Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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