DAVE “HAPPY” HEMSLEY  

The Club has recorded a number of champions in its progressive 84 year history.  Not all of them are active champions in our sporting field of life saving activities, whose names still echo across the Top Room at social gatherings.  Many, who through their life long dedication to ensure the good name of the Club prevails above all else, have left an indelible Impression in the Clubs Annuls. 

Most prominent in that category is that of David ‘Happy’ Hemsley. 

Having enlisted in the Club membership as a Junior in 1939 he was not able to take up the challenge of life saving and gain his Royal Life Saving Society’s Bronze Medallion until 1941 and gained his Award of Merit Medallion in 1943.  David was by no means the Johnny Weismuller of Henley Beach but was able to excel himself in the water.  Those who knew him kept well clear of his infamous ‘trudgeon’ kick. 

Early in his competition years, pitting his energies against rivals from other Clubs at carnivals, Dave excelled in ‘beach flags’, bringing home the bacon at several State events.   

He, like most other competing members of the Club invariably entered several events at carnivals, taking part in the March Past, Surf Race, Surf Boat, Beach Events and/or the prestigious R&R.   

From the mid 40’s to the early 50’s Dave was an integral part of the R&R teams that dominated the competition in Royal Life Saving Carnivals at that time, but with the advent of time, and younger members earning their place in the team, Dave took up the challenge of coaching.   

With the Club’s effort in the affiliation with the Surf Association and the subsequent formation of State Centre and interstate competition in Surf Association events, Dave’s prowess as R&R coach became recognized.  He had moulded his team together to produce a championship formation that was the envy of other Clubs on our coastline.  His prowess was recognised by State Centre who selected him as State Manager/Coach and later conferred Honorary Life Membership upon him.  His Club team of R&R stalwarts endeavoured to provide their coach with the greatest honour of all, the winning of the Australian R&R Championship.  Their efforts have been written the ‘Aussies’ records as Silver Medallions in 1960, even though they had swum the fastest time, and again in 1964.  They gained a bronze medallion in 1965.  An excellent achievement which brought great credit and respect to the Club from interstate competitors and managers. 

‘Happy’ has filled many positions in the management of the Club, non more tedious but most rewarding was that of Top Room Manager from 1973 – 1975.  As a draughtsman he was of invaluable assistance as a member of several Club building sub-committees. 

His efforts in ensuring the continuous progress of the Club prevailed were recognized in 1960 when he was conferred with Honorary Life Membership of the Club 

At 83 years of age Dave passed away on 6th September, 2009, Sincere and unbounded respect was paid by those members of his R&R teams and others who gathered at Centennial to bid their final farewells