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here that the club holds the distinction of holding the first
flower show in the year 1954-55.
Where the new club exists today, was the Golf Hut, built in
1949 at the initiative of Superintendent, John Moran.The hut
was later demolished to make way for a swimming pool in
the early 70s. A tubewell was dug for this purpose, but was
unable to provide the water required. Later, piped water
was brought in from Namdang colliery and the pool finally
became functional. The new club was built in 1977 and the
squash court in 1981, courtesy Mr R. N. Chakravorty, the
proprietor of Woodlands, Digboi.
Tennis was played every day after working hours.
Surprisingly, there was no system of high teas at the club,
unlike now. Sunday tennis was played at the Burra
Bungalows (except Dirok, which was not equipped with its
own courts) and followed by a sumptuous tea provided by
the hostess.
It is interesting to note that, before the club started its own
weekly cinema, many men in formal attire were spotted
cycling down and hitching rides to make it to the nearby
clubs on movie nights.
Present Day Club Scenario
Today, the golf
course prides itself
on being considered
the best in Assam
for its landscape,
scenic view and
undulating fairways.
The short but tricky
course tests and assures the fitness of the golfers. Besides,
the club boasts four tennis courts, a squash court, an indoor
badminton court, billiards and table tennis facilities,
5-a-side football grounds and a library. To add testimony
to its history, the bar from the old club had been carefully
removed and shifted to its new premises in bits and pieces
and engraved with names of the people responsible for its
successful relocation. The tradition followed now is that
every member transferred
out of the district adds to
the engravings on the bar.
Golf, tennis and squash
tournaments are frequent
fixtures on the club’s
annual calendar, keeping
the ladies busy in showcasing their exceptional culinary and
hosting skills, which, no doubt makes Margherita Club
stand apart from the rest. Events like Men’s Night,
Swimming Gala and
monthly
suppers
amongst others, keep
everyone
socially
occupied throughout
the year. One cannot
forget to mention
here the annual flower show, which encourages a healthy
competition among the ladies, pushing them to hone and
display their gardening and culinary skills and develop
overall creativity.
The children too have their own line up of events during
the Annual Meet, Christmas, Diwali and Bihu celebrations
along with competitions and other fun games. The club
provides an increased sense of camaraderie and belonging
to all its members. This is the place they come to relax in,
relieve stress and worries, communicate and share
information. Every member leaving the district carries fond
memories of times spent at Margherita Club.
Old Clubhouse
Swimming Pool
Undulating Fairways
52 July 2014
July 2014 53
Old Stalwart
Raghu Bearer
Time-keeper at the Bar
The Bar
Bar Engravings