Recollections of the Mbabane Club by Peter Millin (on the occasion of the club’s 50th anniversary)
“I remember well the meeting called in the old courthouse to discuss the formation of the club. My father, Bertie Millin, was chairman. Mr Beetham was resident commissioner at the time and he gave the idea strong support. This meeting must have taken place late 1946 or early 1947.
“There were strong views as to where it should be situated…… The idea which proved most popular was the present site – the over-riding factors being that traditionally sport had been played in that area; the ground was a reasonable level; but the main factor in favour of this choice was of course the oval right in front or the club…
“The club committee made a strong case to have the oval ceded to the club by government. This very nearly went through but ‘someone’ felt it should remain under government control since official functions took place; and ‘any case the oval would always be used by the club!’…
“I do not know who the ground , on which the building was erected , belonged to ; whether it was donated ; or whether it was bought by the Club. I do not think it was part of the commonage as was the case with the oval. The only ‘building’ on the site was a wood and iron shack in which the cricket mat and some other odds and ends were kept.
“The original club house consisted of the main hall easily identified today. Lang’s bar and all that part of the present complex was only built many years later. There was a narrow verandah running the length of the hall leading to a very small kitchen at the end . The width of the building on the town side consisted of an entrance hall with notice boards, a ladies rest room and a gents alongside. Then there was a rather small and narrow bar with sliding doors leading into the main hall…
“Main activities, apart from the social side, were badminton in the hall, cricket and hockey. There was no club manager, the affairs of the Committee members, not necessarily on the committee, did bar duty on a roster, obviously on voluntary basis. Tennis continued to be played on the original courts situated in coronation park above Mission street…
“We had a lot of fun in the club. I think it is true to say that it certainly changed the lifestyle of many people in Mbabane. Whereas before they entertained in their homes, they now congregated in the club. I am sure there was many a good wife who did not approve this innovation to Mbabane! On the other hand, the club certainly filled a need and went a long way towards men and ladies mixing more freely and informally than had previously been the case. From the point of view of sport or games the club was a tremendous boon.