Plaque parked for bashful Maurie

By Jade Lawton
FOR more than 40 years, anyone wanting to use Berwick’s Akoonah Park had to go through Maurice ‘Maurie’ Bashford.
The 83-year-old retired from the committee of management last month, after 44 years as Grounds Manager.
To honour his contribution, the committee arranged a surprise dedication on Sunday, with about 50 of Maurie’s family and friends heading to Akoonah Park for the unveiling of a plaque at the BBQ area.
President of Akoonah Park Committee of Management, Jack Rae, said the decision was not made lightly. Only one other section of the park has been named after a person, equestrian legend Ern Barker.
“Maurie became the father figure at Akoonah Park. Everybody knew Maurie and he was always there to help with the BBQ, school cross-country runs, pony club and riding club, scouts, Dandenong Valley Car Club, Highland Gathering and the many caravanners,” Mr Rae said.
“Rubbish on the ground was always Maurie’s prime concern and he modified his famous little Datsun ute so it could carry and drag up to 10 rubbish bins.”
Maurie’s commitment to the Berwick market was also exceptional.
He was there at 4.30am every Sunday helping set up. During the market, he would ensure the facilities were kept clean, and he would then help pack up at the end.
His daughter Cathy now runs the information desk.
Committee member Gordon Fyfe said Maurie was the first point of call for anyone wanting to hire Akoonah Park’s facilities.
“Our committee meetings in those early years were pretty rough and ready, we would sit on a log to discuss the business….as we progressed to more formal meetings, Maurie was in charge of preparing the supper and (Maurie’s wife) Joy took on the role of providing the cake for the committee, which was nearly always a homemade sponge.”
Maurie is also a long-time member of the Berwick and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society. He was chairman of the cattle committee and president of the society in 1967-68.
Maurie is also a celebrated axeman, but never found the time to show off his skills at Berwick as he was usually too busy running the show.
He was made a life member of the society in 1979 and Joy joined him in 1985.
Maurie was modest of his community achievements.
“I have enjoyed my time on the committee. The people are excellent. I’m only one of a team,” he said.
“But you’ve got to have good people to make a good team,” Mr Rae added.