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In 1987, a meeting with the committee members of the Northcote Angling Club together with our committee, chaired by our President Bob Ford, resulted in Preston purchasing Northcote's Lodge building at Howqua. With Alan Smith in charge, members worked weekend after weekend, much of the time in shocking weather, to bring the building to a livable condition so we could sleep in the building whilst on working bees. After re-blocking, we stripped the complete inside of the building and started from scratch. Alan had planned very early into the project just how the finished building was going to be. After excavating the rear of the lodge, a toilet block and shower with a covered concreted area between the new rear bedroom were added. A new three metre wide balcony was built down one side and two large concrete water tanks and a wood shed were put on the other side. The septic sewer, gravity fed water tank and Coonara wood heater were also added. Site works including our road and car park, an all weather road to the bottom gate and landscaping at the rear with barbecue built in, completed the picture. It is almost impossible to recognise the original building now.
 Howqua Before |
 Howqua After |
Thanks to Alan Smith for his work and foresight on the project, Ken Ely for his expertise and leadership, Barry LeFever, Dennis Hughes and Charlie Harrison builders, Perc Gravenal and Phil Treble painters and tilers, Gordon Mackenzie for helping us manage around the red tape and to Bob Ford and Les Penrose for their management of volunteers throughout the project. A special thanks to our plasterers who not only donated their time but also most of the plaster used in the building. A top effort considering they were not members of our club. We cannot name everyone here for we would have to name almost the entire club, but to our welders, mechanics, painters, builders, plumbers, electricians, cooks, brick layers, gardeners and workers, the Preston Angling Club thank you all. We still have at least three working bees a year for maintenance and members look forward to the social get together at the barbecue afterwards. A special thanks to our co-opted local care takers Mick and Judy Hogan.
Not content with getting Howqua finished and having spent around $20,000 on the project, your executive examined the possibility of purchasing a property at Port Albert in 1002. A hall on a large block of land near the water seemed ideal for a salt water lodge. Your executive at the time recommended to the members of the Port Albert property at a cost of $40,000 was feasible. The members took up the challenge and many members made loans to the club to bridge the gap between the clubs available funds and the total cost. We thank those members and those that also donated their loans. Special thanks to Bob Ford, Tony Marino and Joe Perri for their involvement. Once again a building committee formed and work started. Fortunately the hall was in fair condition with repairs, painting, plumbing and electrical works needed, plus internal refurbishment. A hot water service and electrical wiring including a new switch board were put in place. A barbecue was built outside and other site works include a garage that will make future work easier due to the ability to store building materials was erected. Many home comforts including a television have been added to fill in time when the weather keeps the boats on land. With Les Chadwick organising the building committee we must thank Arthur Shoesmith, Rob Ward and Don Beeson. Thanks to the members and friends of members who have helped in some way to make Port Albert the wonderful asset it is to the PReston Angling Club.
With the great satisfaction that by 1996 we had, through sheer hard work and dedication completely repaid our debt on Port Albert. Apart fromthe funds needed for on-going work, our fund raising efforts fully paid the $40,000. Our club members must be very proud to be involved in such a demanding project.