Our History In 1966 a group of St Christopher’s mothers whose daughters were in the Bicton church choir (17 in all) decided to form two teams to play under the St Christopher’s banner in the Fremantle Women’s Basketball Association. The teams played in Junior E5 and H grade and the E grade team won our first premiership. Three members of that team still are involved at St Christopher’s. Lindy Donaldson, Merrilyn Phillips and Kaye Allen. During the early years of the club, games were played at a number of different locations including John Curtin High School, Wauhop Park, Tompkins Park and Bakers Square. It was not until 1969 that Gibson Park became the only venue for Fremantle Netball (Basketball).
Anne Wear, Terry Wilford (coach), Betty Wilford(Secretary/Treasurer), Pat Congdon (founding President) and Betty Scott were all drivers of the club in the early years. By 1969 there were 8 teams (2 Senior and 6 Junior). During this year a walkathon and a lamington drive raised $860 towards the cost of putting a netball court behind the church hall. The Vestry of the church responded positively by including this court in their development plan in 1970. This court and the use of the hall for training, registration and functions was the basis of where lifelong friendships started, amazing coaching techniques and strategies happened and many happy times laughing over hot chocolate sitting on the kitchen benches after training or pre-finals were had.
In 1971 due to increased numbers a constitution was written by two members of the church and fathers of players (Mr Aberle and Mr Wear). The introduction of game badges was also introduced. In 1972 lights were put on the court and after objections from neighbours these lights had to be out by 9pm. The expense of resurfacing and lighting of the netball court (and carpark) meant many fundraising and social events were held.
1973 Sandra Shakespeare became senior club coach. She instilled great passion and determination into the Senior players over many years and her coaching techniques were ahead of the times. In 1976 we won our 1st A1 Premiership. The success we still have in our club is a direct result of Sandra’s coaching as she coached all of the coaching stalwarts of our great club in Michelle Buhagiar, Merrilyn Phillips, Kylie Cormack, Di Gepp, Kaye Allen and countless others who passed her passion and enthusiasm on.