Retired Calisthenic Adjudicator
MEMORIES OF MY YEARS AT ROYAL SOUTH STREET SOCIETY
When I reflect on my life, I realise how fortunate I have been to be involved in Calisthenics and the opportunities and experiences I have gained. Some of my fondest memories have originated from my yearly journey to Ballarat and the RSSS Eisteddfod.
Growing up as a competitor, then coach, mother and adjudicator, the conversation in our house about what would be taking place in the future was always prefaced with “before Ballarat” or “after Ballarat”.
COMPETITOR
In my first year as a competitor in Clifton I was sitting in the audience at the Albert Street Hall watching an action song “Winter Wonderland” and to my amazement snow was falling. At the age of six I thought it was the most marvellous spectacle I had ever seen. What was more amazing (I later found out) it was real snow and it was coming through the roof.
Another memory of competing in that auditorium was when it rained very heavily, you couldn’t hear the singing because of the tin roof and also because of the noisy flooded channel underneath the floor – which was viewed by many mischievous competitors when the trapdoor was lifted.
As a competitor at RSSS I learnt the importance of being a team member, of always working together to give the best performance possible and the value of friendships which remain with you throughout your life.
COACH
In my first year of taking a team to RSSS we competed at the Civic Hall in Mair Street. Then there were only 2 sections Novice and Open. If you won an item in the Novice section the following year you would compete in that item in the Open section. So the next year, my team were entered in four items in the Novice and three items in the Open.
The experience of travelling and staying together in a hotel/motel all added to the thrill of competing at Ballarat.
My girls were astounded at the support personnel, props and costumes of the interstate teams, especially when our parasols were made out of crepe paper!! Through competing at that level, they also loved the challenge, excitement and team responsibility of presenting their work on the big stage. Participating at RSSS whether as a competitor or coach was always the highlight of the year.
MOTHER
I experienced the most nerves as a Calisthenic mother when my two daughters were on the stage competing in Regent teams. I never knew you could hold your breath for three to four minutes and even be scared to look as they swung clubs or prepared to execute a difficult balance. The relief and pride I felt when the item was finished was overwhelming.
I am sure one of their best memories would have been at the Memorial Theatre joining in with girls from all other Championship classes in their dressing gowns, hair in rollers, holding dusters, mops and buckets as they moved through the audience on to the stage to the music of “Memories”. They were all paying tribute to the adjudicator’s remarks how she loved doing her housework to that melody. Jennie Feutrill will always be remembered by my daughters. This unofficial item was Calisthenics at its best.
ADJUDICATOR
One of my greatest memories as an adjudicator was the audience excitement and buzz in the theatre for the beginning of the Senior Championship section. Everyone was so happy to be there, to catch up with old friends and to view the outstanding work that was about to grace the stage. The chairperson’s job was so much harder trying to control the enthusiasm of the calisthenic supporters.
Once while adjudicating during the 100th year of RSSS, I rang the brass bell for the next item to commence and the metal ball flew over the balcony into the audience below. I was so relieved it was mid-week with fewer people in the stalls and no-one was injured. I felt like I had wrecked part of the RSSS history!!! Of course in those days that was the only means of communication with back stage staff.
Another special memory was the wonderful hospitality and friendship given to all adjudicators by the members of the RSSS committee. The suppers were legendary, the meals on panel days were always delicious and the care and attention to detail for our benefit was exemplary. When I arrived to adjudicate it was like “I was coming home”. I extend my sincere thanks to Doug and Daphne McMillan, Ron and Dawn Harrington for making my visits so special.
My most everlasting memory will always be during my final year of adjudicating the Senior Championship section, when the heaviest of storms hit Ballarat and the walls in the upper dress circle became a waterfall. The competition was suspended and everyone was evacuated (and drowned) as they tried to find cover outside. The competition resumed at the Ballarat Grammar theatre early next morning with the Championship teams finishing at lunchtime followed by Championship Reserve until 11.30 pm that night.
Regardless of whether you were a competitor, coach or adjudicator, being a part of RSSS was an honour and a challenge to extend yourself to be the best you could be. Everything you did at that time was aimed towards Ballarat – it certainly was the pinnacle of our Calisthenic year.
