On the afternoon of Saturday April 28 at an auction of extremely rare Australian books in Sydney The Model Committee, led by Glen Battershill, were successful in securing the complete works of founding member and Past Commodore, Tom Welsby (1903 – 1919).

Welsby (1858 – 1941) was a patriotic Queenslander who was active in Brisbane business, politics, sport (he played half back in the first Qld Vs NSW Rugby match in 1882) in addition to being an avid historian, author and yachtsman.

This is the first time that such a collection has ever come to the market and is a significant acquisition by the Squadron with the works covering the early history of the bay and the Club.

The books were all published between 1905 and 1937 and include signed limited editions.

To celebrate and view the collection the Model Committee will be hosting a dinner in the Commodores Lounge on Friday 22nd June starting at 7pm.

The cost will be $275 a person of which $200 (tax deductible) will go towards funding the acquisition.

Numbers for the dinner are very limited  so please reply early to Lynne on 33968666.

The Model Committee was established by Past Commodore Kevin Miller in the 1990’s and is a voluntary group consisting Bill Wright, Peter Cavill, Glen Battershill and Chris Tyquin. Its charter is to oversee the displays and half Model collections within the Club house buildings including the Miller Gallery, the Cavill Building and the Commodores Lounge. Its work is self-funded thanks to donations and loans from Squadron Members.