Monday 21 December

Christmas Party at The Bench in Port

Each year 'The Bench' have a Christmas party and this year it was held on December 15th.

Ed Note: I was fascinated when I was fortunate enough to be enjoying a cold beer at the Courty when this years Christmas party for 'The Bench' was being enjoyed by their membership.  Naturally I was intrigued to learn all I could about what this iconic  tradition was all about.  Founding member Pablo Freeman was kind enough to send the following information through for us to share with our readers.

The History of 'The Bench'

 
‘The Bench’  came  about, in late 1980’s originally being a group meeting  each Sunday morning at eleven, for what was called ‘Choir practice’ We had a Choir master, but gave up on organ.

At that time a wooden bench ran the full length of the Court House Hotel so this is where we all sat.  As time rolled on members started meeting during the week so it became a daily ritual for those who were able to meet for a drink and find good company at the bench. 

Disaster came about, when the pub was to be rebuilt and the Bench removed, however the owners saw the error of their ways and  moved a portion of the bench into the then Garden Bar during construction, so that our meetings could go on uninterrupted. ‘The Bench’ was returned to its rightful place at the completion of work.

Then another horrific occurrence came about ‘The Bench’ was to be replaced with table and stools.  However after a ‘Save the bench conference, a demonstration and a threaten to strike,’ the owners caved in and had a portion of the bench moved to the footpath in front of the smoking bar.

This is now our ‘IKON” and used for photographs, visiting dignitaries and returning members.

In inclement weather such as the’ Wet’ we move inside to the northern end of the main bar however this was found to be a very hot.  The new owners of the Court House came to our rescue and the owner Mr Peter Wadsworth personally arranged for the installation of an additional overhead fan for our comfort.

Membership is free; members come from all walks of life, and mainly join because they are new to Port Douglas.  Membership increases, decreases as the years roll by.  We have past members in all parts of Australia and overseas.

Our association has no membership fee, it is open to male and female and members are free to come and go as they wish all that is asked of you, be good company, you can talk about anything, accept politics, religion and the next cyclone.

There is but ONE requirement, no shouts are allowed. You must buy your own drinks.

Editors comments:  Port Douglas has been physically changing almost everyday since the 1980's but I am delighted to see many of the traditions that were so important to the then small fishing village are still being upheld today.  I've only been here for 6 years but I'm hoping when I become a 'local' that I might be invited to join some of the iconic and vitally important heritage associations of this great little piece of paradise.  Many thanks, Pablo, for your history of 'The Bench'....I love this stuff !