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Community Celebration to mark the end of an era |
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Written by Les Fawkes
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Friday, 22 February 2008 |
Well, the end of another era is
about to befall upon us. Caloundra City is about to mark the end of
one era by remembering another.
Caloundra City Council, just like the Landsborough Shire Council is about to “fade into the sunset” with the c ommencement of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council after the March elections.
On Sunday March 9th between 9am and 1pm Caloundra City Council will be remembering the surfing era of “Ma and Pa Bendall”. with the screening of a documentary about their lives. Ma and Pa Bendall were soulmates who were among the first surfers to ride waves in
Caloundra in the late 1950s, earning fame in Australia and Hawaii after
taking up board-riding aged 50 and 51.
This party will be held in Felicity Park, Caloundra. There will be entertainment for the whole family. There will
| Bendalls Harmony Lodge, Bulcock Beach.
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also be an exhibition of street art and a number of other council displays.
The Bendalls had made a name for themselves both locally and around the world as surfing identities. The now famous Pa Bendall Surfing Competition is named in their honour and is still run on Moffatt Beach each year.
Marjorie (Ma, a name later given to her by Olympic kayak champion, Gordon Jeffries) came to Caloundra in the 1940’s and bought Harmony Lodge Holiday Units. She later married Ben Bendall.
Following the death of Ben Bendall in 1973 Ma put together memorabilia about their connections with surfing in the Caloundra area. This collection has recently been used by local documentary maker, Michael Berry to complete the documentary, Making Waves which is about the lives of the Bendalls.
Ma Bendall's home which was situated on Bulcock Esplanade opposite her beloved Bulcock Beach was recently demolished and the site is awaiting redevelopment.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 February 2008 )
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