Robyn was born Robyn Margaret Logan on July 6, 1937 to parents Max and Ros Logan of Grenfell in the maternity unit adjacent to the Grenfell Hospital. Robyn had a happy childhood being blessed with a brother, Lloyd Logan, in 1940 who would forever remain Robyn’s best mate.
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Robyn completed her third year of intermediate education at St Joseph’s School in Grenfell in 1952 before attending Santa Sabina College in Strathfield NSW where she completed her studies in 1954.
During her time at Santa Sabina, an all girls college run by Dominican Nuns, Robyn’s favourite studies comprised of shorthand, typing and accounting, in fact she was so articulate at her shorthand that one of the Nuns, Sister Sabina, described her as a teacher’s dream, she won the shorthand prize for that term which was a great honour.
Robyn always felt that once she left school she would like a career comprising of mathematics. Another of Robyn’s fond memories at Saint Sabina was continuing her lifelong love of tennis where she was trained by coach Bert Newman.
Robyn’s love and dedication to the sport of tennis began at a young age with both parents being keen members of the St Joseph’s Tennis Club.
Upon completing her secondary education in 1954 Robyn returned home to Grenfell and found her first job joining the staff of Mr Alf Witcombe of Witcombe, Hedworth & Co, in January 1955.
Over the years the company changed partners and eventually upon her retirement in 2005 the firm was known as Darcy Kennedy Pty Ltd. Staff at Darcy Kennedy conducted an ‘Open Day’ to celebrate a mammoth 50 year career achievement for Robyn where she was presented with a ‘Golden Milestone’ award as well as a Cobb & Co wall clock.
Throughout her career Robyn continued her love of tennis umpiring for tennis greats such as Evonne Goolagong Cawley and childhood friend Jan Lehane (O’Neill).
She was a successful competitor in her own right playing for many club and inter-town championships, together with partner Pauline Thomson they held the A Grade ladies doubles title for many years. In later years Robyn turned her attention to Veteran’s tennis and has competed in every capital in Australia and New Zealand in the National Team’s Title.
In 1995 Robyn was awarded the Grenfell Sportsperson of the Year for Outstanding Contribution to Sport.
In 2000 Robyn was awarded the prestigious commemorative Australian Sports Medal, from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second, in acknowledgement of sporting excellence for her tennis club achievements.
Robyn was also one of the original members of the Grenfell Squash Club, she became the top ladies player and was secretary of the club for many years. Her involvement with local sporting organisations has stretched over 60 years.
Since her retirement in 2005 Robyn has been involved with many clubs and organisations including:
*Grenfell Country Club life member
*Tennis Club Secretary 17+ years (Upon her retirement as secretary Robyn received a letter of congratulations from Barry Masters, CEO of Tennis NSW).
*Squash Club Secretary – many years
*CWA Day Branch Treasurer 10 years
*Probus Club Secretary 7 years
*Still remains honarary auditor for various local sporting clubs and organisations.
*Has been and still remains a Justice of the Peace for the past 42 years.
With the help of good friend Coral Mitton, Robyn organised a St Joseph’s Tennis Club 50 year re-union in 2015 that was very well attended.
These days Robyn enjoys a Friday evening playing Bridge with friends at the Melyra Street rooms or during the week a few games of 500, she continues to be involved in the community attending Probus meetings and still thoroughly enjoys watching tennis on the big screen, that is when she cannot be there in person.
Happy 80th birthday for tomorrow Robyn Margaret Logan.