Lingnan Club
Last year, the Lingnan Club celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Over the past five decades, it has developed into a signature place where Lingnanians, young and old, enjoy getting together. Successful as it is today, its establishment was perhaps not plain sailing – it would not have been possible without the strenuous effort of the alumni.
Initial Stage
In 1951, President of the Alumni Association Mr Kwok-yee Chan and Vice-president Mr Iu-kau Lai proposed to establish Lingnan Club. A ‘Preparatory Planning Committee’ was therefore formed. Amongst the initial site options were Loke Yew Building, Kwok Man House or David House in Central. Nevertheless, the plan was abandoned after careful consideration, for complex issues would be involved if it were to proceed.
In early 1953, learning that the third floor of Hong Nin Savings Bank in Central was available for sublease, Mr Yat-wah Ha, then President of the Alumni Association, met with various alumni to revisit the possibility of the intended club. It was resolved that it be established there and Mr Ping-chiu Lei be elected President. Lingnan Club was officially opened on 9 June in the same year. Later, ‘Lingnan Club Constitution’ was drawn up after years of negotiation, and Lingnan Club was successfully incorporated as a limited company on 19 August 1958.
Purchase of Clubhouse
In early 1960, suggestions of the purchase of a clubhouse were raised amongst members. In the same year, Mr Kee-kau Wai was elected as the new president, who swiftly proceeded to site selection and the relevant preparatory work. On 19 May, a special general meeting was convened. It was decided that the twelfth floor of On Lok Yuen Building in Des Voeux Road Central be purchased as the permanent site of the Club.
Finally, with the persistent effort of the alumni, the privately-owned Lingnan Club was officially opened on 16 September 1961. Their active support ensured the increasing success of the Club. Later, with the purchase of more than half of the 13/F, the clubhouse occupies a total area of more than 5,000 ft2.
Conflagration
In the small hours of 1 March 1973, the clubhouse was gravely damaged by fire. All equipment and documents were burnt to ashes, causing a substantial loss to the Club. To raise money for renovation, a movie fundraising event was held at Grand Ocean Cinema on 7 May in the same year. Moreover, an additional fee for renovating the clubhouse was collected from members for a period of three years. With the joint effort of all members and friends, the heavy burden of renovation was gradually alleviated.
One Heart and One Mind
The success of Lingnan Club is undoubtedly attributable to the joint effort and dedication of all former Presidents, council members and members in its operation. Over the years, the Club has been a gathering-place for alumni. It has also been providing services and subsidies for the Alumni Association as well as the affiliated institutions of Lingnan. Furthermore, it strengthens the bond and friendship of Lingnanians. It surely has a great role to play in the remarkable achievements of Lingnanians.
Throughout its several stages of development, Lingnan Club has gained tremendous support from its members and alumni. Its future development and success still depend on the love and help of all Lingnanians.
Past Presidents:
Ping-chiu Lei, Kwok-yee Chan, Edward Tak-tai Chan, Bing-lai Wong, Meng-chai Leung, Iu-kau Lai, Kee-kau Wai, Man-cho Kwok, Tin-sun Tong, Lai-kwok Yue, Keng-poh Tsui, Nai-ting Chan,
Kwong-yiu Law, Man-lan U, Siu-cheong Sung, Ting-sun Leung, Shai-nang Lee, Yi-suen Kwan,
Hing-wing Mok, Cheuk-kam Shum, Tin-chi Kwok, Yi-tsang Chui, Yam-shue Yeung, Chi-hang Lee, Cho-kwong Choy, Lam-wai Law, Shao-yuen Li, Frank Sai-kit Law, Yuen-shuk Lai, James Che-fuk Foo
*In chronological order of presidency
**Yi-tsang Chui and Frank Sai-kit Law have been elected Club President twice.
If you would like to know more about Lingnan Club, please visit : http://www.lingnanclub.com.hk