Red Beach Surf Club
paid tribute to club patron Bryan Heron and his wife Pat on Sunday 14 April when a large gathering of club members – past and present – assembled in the clubrooms to honour the couple.

The theme for the afternoon was ‘Honouring 40 Years of Heron Sponsorship’ which began in 1978 with the presentation of two rescue training skis to the clubs Nipper division.
Over four decades, Red Beach Surf Club has seen the gifting of no fewer than five surf boats as well as the sponsorship of surf canoes, competition equipment, club apparel, the building redevelopment programme and the club’s Junior division. Their support has not stopped there.
Affectionately known as The Flying Herons - the name on the fleet of club surf boats - Bryan & Pat were key to establishing the BH Heron Red Beach Lifeguard Development Trust which will serve the club well into the future. 

Club president Mark Scheib kicked off the formalities for the afternoon before handing over to Master of Ceremonies Craig Dillon who was Red Beach’s surf boat captain for four years from 2004-2008.
Guest speaker was Rodney MP Mark Mitchell who spoke of the Heron’s incredible support, not just for Red Beach but for surf lifesaving as a whole.
The organising committee for the function comprised of Ross Malyon, Sharon Turner, Cherie Dillon, Olivia Soesbergen and Kirsty Rutledge-Malyon.

Pictured above … Pat & Bryan Heron with three former boat captains, from left: Mike Smith (2001-2004), Craig Dillon (2004-2008), Chris McCullough (2008-2014).

The welcome at the front door, from left:  Club president Mark Scheib, Bryan Heron, Pat Heron, Rodney MP Mark Mitchell.

The club's Junior members were on hand to welcome the Herons.

The boaties of the future?

The gathering in the clubrooms to pay tribute to Bryan & Pat Heron for 40 years of sponsorship.

From left: Pat Olsen, Bryan Heron, Pat Heron, John Glover, Enid Glover.