Life Membership Award Presentation:
Honouring Danny Hedges at Wenty Leagues Squash Club AGM
Wenty Leagues Club, June 3, 2024
At the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Wenty Leagues Squash Club, just before the election of the new committee, a special presentation took place to honour Danny Hedges, the long-serving treasurer, with Life Membership. This carefully orchestrated surprise was a highlight of the evening, recognizing Danny’s unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the club since joining in 1999.
The Setup: Danny had just delivered his Treasurer’s report as he has done for many years. When he finished his report, Club Vice Captain and Life Member Wendy Fox approached Danny with an excuse to discuss an issue, leading him out of the room. This was part of the plan to keep him unaware of the forthcoming honour.
Introduction of Life Members: As Danny was being briefed by Wendy, the Club President took the stage to address the members. He began by highlighting the importance and rarity of Life Membership within the club. "The criteria for Life Membership is not formally defined," he explained. "It’s about dedication to the club and the contributions made over time. Many people think that after 20 years of service, you automatically get Life Membership, but that’s not the case. It takes into consideration the efforts and participation of individuals in club events and other associated activities."
Before announcing the nomination, the President acknowledged the club's existing Life Members. Over the past 60 years, only 18 individuals had been awarded this prestigious status. The President proudly noted that six of these esteemed members were present at the 60th Anniversary Dinner held on 1st June 2024, with three others represented by their family members.
Nomination of Danny Hedges: Rob Spooner, Club Vice-President & Life Member from 2013, was invited to formally nominate Danny Hedges for Life Membership. Rob shared his personal connection with Danny, recounting their friendship since Danny joined the club in 1999. "Since joining, he’s represented our club for 25 years in the Western Districts competition, either at state two level or division one. He’s highly regarded by all his team members, as well as past and present committee members, and other past and present members of our club."
Rob highlighted Danny’s contributions, particularly his role as treasurer since 2011. "In 2019, he was awarded the Club Person of the Year trophy. Since 2011, he’s maintained and controlled our financial records and submitted the appropriate financial returns to the League Club's auditors, all of which have been accepted by the Board of the Leagues Club. Along with other committee members, he’s always trying to introduce new ways for our club to encourage juniors to take up our great game."
Rob concluded his nomination with a heartfelt endorsement: "All in all, I have no hesitation in recommending Danny Hedges as a life member of this great club."
Voting and Acceptance: The President then opened the floor to the members for any objections. Seeing none, the motion was passed unanimously, and Danny Hedges was officially awarded Life Membership.
The Surprise Reveal and Acceptance Speech: Wendy Fox then brought Danny back into the room, and he was greeted with applause and the news of his Life Membership. Visibly moved by the honour, Danny took to the stage to express his gratitude. "I’d like to thank everyone who did not object. I hope I’ve made a contribution. I know I’ve done my best, and I know the other committee members want to do more than their best. I’m just a lowly accountant. I put the books together and chime in with some comments now and then." And then he added, “It’s a non-profit organization, so we measure our success not by the balance sheet, but by our achievements. That’s what we have here now."
The President acknowledged Danny by saying, "Danny is all about quality, not the quantity, right? He doesn’t say much, but what he does is fantastic. And I mean that.”
Closing Remarks: The presentation concluded with a round of applause for Danny Hedges. The President summed up the sentiment of the night perfectly: "Congratulations on your Life Membership, Danny. It’s an honour to have you as Life Member Number 19."
The Life Membership award presentation was a fitting tribute to Danny Hedges' dedicated service and an inspiring moment for all club members present.
John Musumeci WLSC President
