Former member of the Australian Army Reserve, John Middendorp, received The Club Beaudesert’s first ever life membership on March 18 in recognition of his service to The Club over the past 20 years.
John was presented with a commemorative badge and new membership card with the Life Member title.
John appreciated the recognition of his work with The Club, although he prefers to stay out of the limelight.
“It feels great – the people there are lovely to work with,” John said.
He joined the Australian Army in 1961 and once retirement hit, he decided to extend his services within the local community.
“I was an ex-serviceman – I joined the Australian Army as a reserve and I did that for about three years,” he said.
“When I retired, it was something to do.”
The Club Beaudesert CEO, Sharon Cullen, said the energy John put into The Club has been invaluable.
“John accepted the award at our AGM in March which was presented to him by our current President Glen Sainty and he was very pleased to be named the first ever Life Member,” Sharon said.
“There would not be many people that would give their time and effort to help an organisation any way they can like he does.”
“He deserves this award not just because he has been here for a long period of time, but also because of his dedication to this club,” she said.
John has been involved with The Club in various positions, including joining The Club’s Committee and being Club President in 2013.
“John has quietly given support and service to The Club over many years,” Sharon said.
“In his commitment to the club, he has not wavered even during times of ill health either for himself or his wife Victoria.”
“For someone to be 88 years of age and still put his hand up to do anything he possibly could for this Club is an amazing effort on his part.”
