Since 1958, Bell Park have been fostering community around sport and activity.
The Bell Park Football Club was formed in 1958 after the Bell Park Progress Association moved in1957 that the developing area required sporting facilities for the growing population. .
The following are extracts from the original minutes of the Bell Park Progress Association:-
1958.
The Bell Park Football Club was formed in 1958 after the Bell Park Progress Association moved in1957 that the developing area required sporting facilities for the growing population.
5 August 1957
Discussion took place on the committee’s recommendation that the Bell Park Cricket and Football club be formed covering U15 competition. Moved by Mr. Luhton
That committee’s action be endorsed. Carried.
It was then resolved that this matter be discussed fully at the next meeting.
2 September 1957.
Moved by Mr. Johnstone seconded by Mr. Bedson that this association make application to the Corio Shire Council for the use of the cricket pitch for the coming season and the football oval for 1958. Carried.
7 October 1957
Moved by Mr. Lupton & seconded by Mr. Leishman that Corio Shire Council be written to informing them that our application for the hire of Cricket oval at Hamlyn Oval be cancelled, but that efforts will be made to affiliate with the appropriate body as regards fielding a football team for season 1958.
3 February 1958
At this stage Mr. Bob McHenry, secretary of the Geelong Under 18 Football League addressed the meeting on all aspects of formation, fielding and running a Junior football team. Moved by Mr. Roberts,
seconded by Mr. Conway that proposal regarding the formation of an Under 15 football team to be left to the committee and act. Carried.
3 March 1958
A discussion then ensued regarding the formation of an Under 15 football team, to be affiliated with the Geelong Association. Election of office bearers resulted:-
President: Mr. Chris O’Shea. Moved by Mr. Rumble 2nd Mr. Bedson
Vice President: Mr. Norm Garfoot. Moved by Mr. Conway 2nd Mr. Farrell
Secretary: Mr. Tony Balkin. Moved Mr. Jansen 2nd Mr. Gavin
Treasurer: Mr. Peter Jansen. Moved by Mr. Murtagh 2nd Mr. Conway
Coach: Mr. Eric Lynch
Delegates: Mr. R Haylock & Mr. Joe Conway Moved Mr. Murtagh 2nd Mr. Bedson
Committee: Mr. Norm Hisshion (First Aid) Mr. J Farrell & Mr. Frank Bedson
The remainder of committee will be finalised later among parents and players, as well as selectors.
It was resolved that the team will wear black knicks.
Geelong league & Geelong West Football secretaries to be contacted regarding footballs. Corio Shire council to be contacted regarding permission to use Hamlyn Oval, that goal posts be erected and that efforts be made to grass the oval.
The club commenced with black and white stripe jumpers borrowed from the Under 18 league which was an independent body, not affiliated with the Geelong & District Football League. In 1959 our original jumpers of bottle green with a white “V” were worn.
1972/73
A cricket section was formed to enable the footballers a chance to keep fit and stay in touch during the summer period. They played in the “C” grade final that year.
2000 and beyond
The Geelong Football League in their wisdom introduced Netball into the league at the commencement of the 2000 season, all clubs have benefited from that decision.
1980
In 1980 the then football committee moved to change from the original jumpers to Green & White vertical stripes the jumper as worn today.
1984
In 1984 with the addition of other sports the Bell Park Sport & Recreation Club was formed, the club was made an Incorporated body in 1987.
Inaugural Bell Park Football Team Photo
Back Row: Committee Member: Joe Conway, Ivan Gillet, Cr Abe Wood, Barney Barling, Joe Grinter (V President), Peter Jensen (Treasurer), Norm Hisshion (Trainer), Max Knight (V President), Eric Lynch (Coach), Dave Gillett.
Middle Row: Ray Gillett, Denis Moreland, Kevin Johnstone Brian McWiliam, Peter McIntrye, Brian Grinter (Capt), Uwe Heesch (Vice Capt), Carl Grace, David Foote, Gary Giles, Peter Knight.
Front Row: Robert Gillett, Les Tyach, L McWiliam, David Watt, B Gillett, Barry Johnstone, R Hanes, Lyle Grinter, Ken Moreland, Doug Knight.
Absent Committee Members: Chris O’Shea (President), Tony Balkin (Secretary), J Farrell, Frank Bedson, Norm Garfoot.
Inaugural Cricket Team 1972/1973
Back Row: Gary Barmby, Russell Burgoyne, Graeme Smith, Jeff Jarvis, Alex Rizun, Linton Barmby, Warrick Heath, Ian Rogan.
Seated: Terry Watson, Brian Cornwell, Ian Shimmen (Capt.) Geoff Taylor, Peter Knight, Graeme Alsop.
As with all organisations, volunteers are very important in any success which we all hope will occur. This club has been very fortunate in this regard, to name people would be unfair on the volunteers we may leave out.