A sports landmark in Pretoria becomes 70
Few of Pretoria’s residents know the interesting history behind the Wingate Park Country Club, one of the city's leading social landmarks, which will achieve a significant milestone in its existence this year.
One of Pretoria’s most famous sporting landmarks, Wingate Park Country Club, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
This club, located in Moreleta Park in the east of Pretoria, is steeped in history and has played an integral role in the establishment and development of various sports in Pretoria.
The club offers a magnificent golf course and practice facilities and the grounds include five bowling greens, four tennis courts as well as a road-running club.
The golf course host 52 000 rounds of golf per year.
In 1945, shortly after World War II, five friends came together in Pretoria to discuss establishing a Jewish Club in Pretoria where all persons would be welcome, irrespective of their position or creed.
In 1947, the friends finally realised their dream when they bought the farm from the Hamilton family on auction for £19 750.
Shortly thereafter the new club was officially founded.
The founding committee’s first decision was to honour deceased Major-General Orde Charles Wingate, naming the club after him.
He was a senior British army officer known for his brilliant strategic mind and solidarity with Jewish commandos in the fight against Arab terrorists just before the outbreak of the war.
Wingate died in India at the age of 41 in March 1944.
So the Wingate Park Country Club was officially established in the autumn of 1947.
In July 1947, the club offered its first social event in the form of a picnic, for which more than 1 000 people showed up.
Then the old farmhouse had been converted into the first clubhouse.
Hereafter the club steadily grew and expanded. Horse-riding was the first activity established at the club and the first Gymkhana Race meeting was held on 31 May 1948.
Later that year, six tennis courts, regarded at the time as the finest in the country, were constructed at the club.
Nowadays there are four well-maintained tennis courts at the disposal of members.
The bowling greens then followed.
Initially only two greens were laid with the help of donors, but shortly thereafter this sport became so popular that more donors were found and a further two courses were laid.
Nowadays, the club boasts five greens, more than any other club in Pretoria.
This fact is, one of the reasons why Wingate Park is a popular choice to host regular national and international tournaments.
Cricket and swimming were also part of the club’s activities but eventually fell away after the golf course was developed and more parking space became a necessity.
A major setback was when the club’s original clubhouse was destroyed in a fire in October 1948.
Members gathered in a general meeting afterwards and decided to build a modern new clubhouse for which the foundation stones were laid in November 1950.
The work was completed in 1951 and the club then boasted an imposing building that provided all the necessary facilities for members.
Today, club members have access to all facilities expected in a modern sports club as well as full banqueting and food and beverage services including three function rooms with facilities to suit all occasions.
The fully-equipped kitchen with an extensive menu and fully-stocked bar are open seven days a week.
The club could cater for functions up to 300 people as well as braais and other celebrations.
The only food the kitchen does not serve is pork, because of the club’s original Jewish roots.
However, the club caters for members of all faiths and encourages visitors from all races to visit and use the facilities.
And according to the club’s general manager, Graham Donet, there is a perception in the area that Wingate Park is a closed club for members only due to its history.
“This is not the case. We want to change this perception and we welcome visitors to use our food and beverage facilities as well as to come and play golf, tennis, bowls and partake in other activities of the club such as quiz nights, night golf and night running,” he told Rekord.
Those interested in any activities at the club may contact Trevor Poole at news@wingatecc.co.za or on 012-997-1312.
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