The concept of creating a branch of the Ulysses Club to cater for riders in the Fleurieu Peninsula region in South Australia had been contemplated for some years prior to 2002. A riding group was formed at one stage, but being very informal, it slowly withered and eventually ceased to exist.

The idea came up again in dicussion between Warren (Memphis) Jamieson and Chris (Wild Thing) Matthews, who had both been in the former riding group. They agreed that a Fleurieu Branch would be appreciated, especially by people in the south of the region around Victor Harbor and Goolwa, so with Warren in the 'prime mover' role and Chris providing backup, they set out to make it happen.

Initial discussions were held with National Vice President and active Adelaide Branch member, Neville Gray - who provided wholehearted support - and Larry Caspers from the Mallee group to cover off any region overlap issues.

With everything looking positive, the inaugural Branch meeting was scheduled for 13th June 2002 at the Alma Hotel, Willunga. Almost 100 people attended the meeting, both people from the region who were interested in joining the Branch and members of the Adelaide Branch who came along to show their support. The modest aim of getting a 3-person management committee established was far exceed with a full committee of 7 people being formed from the outset - see Committee page for a list of current and past members.

Support from the Adelaide Branch also came in the form of a $200 loan to provide the new Branch with 'working capital'. With meeting attendances consistently in excess of 50, it wasn't long before raffle takings allowed the loan to be re-paid and a healthy balance of funds established.

With meeting attendances consistently in excess of 50 - even in the depth of winter when its wet and cold - it became apparent that the Alma meeting room wasn't coping. Space was not a problem, but the room was long and narrow, requiring the use of a PA system. Noise from other patrons, sometimes seated in the same room added to the difficulty of conducting meetings, so a new venue was sought.

On the 17th of June, 2003 meetings moved to the Willunga Hotel - commonly referred to as the Middle Pub - just up the street from the Alma. A dedicated room was available for meetings and the layout allowed speakers to be heard without amplification. Better still, a bar in the room was serviced throughout the meeting, allowing people to get a drink with out missing part of the meeting.

Another move this time in January 2005 saw the Branch move to the Willunga Golf Club. The clubrooms with it's large dining area provides members with plenty of room to move, meals and a bar. An outdoor verandah allows plenty of room outside the clubrooms for a chat while overlooking the golf course and the 18th green. A venue all to our own!!!!

THE STORY CONTINUES ....