The Uncle Bobs Club was founded in 1942, when Alf Clark, who had recently visited a patient of The Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital, was inspired to encourage his friends to each commit to donating one shilling (a ‘bob’) to the hospital. Alf Clark, Ray Fisher, Jock McAdam, and Clarrie Williams established the club and from these four founders, the club grew rapidly. By the end of 1943, subscriptions had grown to 379. The club continued to expand, and in the early 1950s country branches were formed. Today, the Uncle Bobs Club’s diverse range of members continue to support The Royal Children’s Hospital.
The Uncle Bobs Club online exhibition showcases photographs that capture the club’s engagement with the hospital. Scenes of fundraising efforts and opening ceremonies for facilities funded by the club are shown alongside moments from the legendary Uncle Bobs Christmas party, which was also supported by the Melbourne and Frankston Fire Brigade and entertainer Jenny Howard.
State Premier Sir Henry Bolte alongside the two surviving founding members of the club, Alf Clark and Clarrie Williams at the Club Bar of the Riversdale Hotel in Hawthorn.
Originally a 'gentleman's club', young men under 21 were encouraged to join at a reduced subscription rate. The subscription demographic was further broadened in 1956 when the ladies' auxiliary was founded.
Collection tins were used during appeals by club members. This example from the 1960s shows how the club created custom tins, which proudly displayed their accreditation as fundraiser for The Royal Children's Hospital.
After the closure of the Orthopaedic Hospital, the club shifted their support to funding important cardiac equipment purchases, facilities and helped to establish a rehabilitation centre, as pictured here.
Here the club members are seen presenting a delighted Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, President of the Hospital Committee with the keys to patient transport vehicle for the Orthopaedic Hospital.
Uncle Bobs Club counting room on Good Friday. UBC President Mr. George Bassant is seen holding the gumboot.
Image credit: Laurie Richards Studios.
The Uncle Bobs Club Christmas parties were a highly-anticipated event each year and visits from the local fire department crews were a large part of the excitement. Here the firetruck is seen carrying Santa Claus, clowns, and a marching band - bringing ruckus and fun.
Jenny Howard was a well-known performer who frequently donated her talents to charitable causes. She is remembered fondly as a regular act at the club Christmas parties.
The Uncle Bobs Club was initially inspired to raise funds for The Children's Orthopaedic Hospital in Frankston, where patients often stayed long-term. The Club aimed to bring the patients entertainment with regular visits, gifts, events and performances.
The Uncle Bobs Club Hit the Road, 1969
The Uncle Bobs Club know how to draw attention to a cause. Pictured here the club fundraise for the Sporting Globe Appeal.
Opening of The Uncle Bobs Club Nurses’ Home at The Children’s Hospital Orthopaedic Section, Frankston, 1948 [2018.2491]
In 1948, funds raised by the Uncle Bobs Club were used to build a Nurses’ Home at the Orthopaedic Hospital. The official opening was honoured by the presence of Lady Dugan, alongside hospital committee president Lady Latham and president of The Uncle Bobs Club, Mr J. Kirkwood. This event was captured on the short film above. Hand-held and candid footage provides a glimpse of fashions and nursing uniforms of the time, and carefully composed interior and exterior scenes showcase the home’s serene and sunny seaside surroundings. (2.54 minutes)
