Ron Mennie began his calling journey in 1960, and over the decades, became a beloved figure in the Australian square dancing community. Alongside his wife Jean, he successfully ran two clubs – Mopoke and St Peters – both of which brought joy and community spirit to countless dancers.
A passionate and committed caller, Ron was a long-standing member of the Victorian Callers Association, as well as a member of Callerlab and the Australian Callers Federation from its inception. His contributions were widely recognised – he was honoured with Life Membership in both the Victorian Square Dancing Association and the Victorian Callers Association.
In 2010, the Victorian Square Dancing Association awarded Ron a Certificate of Appreciation, celebrating his 50 years of dedication and service to the square dance movement.
Ron’s fun-loving nature and infectious energy brought immense pleasure to so many throughout his 60+ years of square dance calling. His legacy lives on in the memories and friendships he helped create.
Ron passed away in September 2014, but he remains fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and sharing in the joy of square dancing.
We will always remember the good times.
The end of an era with the passing of Ron Mennie.
Ron started square dancing in 1953 and became a member of the set called “The Olympians” and met his beloved Jean, who was his corner girl, and they were married on 4th April 1959 at St Peters Box Hill.
He became interested in square dance calling and commenced doing one night shows in 1960. In 1964 he opened Mopoke Hollow at a scout’s hall in Elgar Road, Box Hill North.
In 1968 a second club eventuated when Ron was invited to call at the St Peters Church Hall, Box Hill. In 1976 a third club Woodhouse Rounds was added where round dancing was taught.
In 1994 after 30 years, the clubs were closed, with the final being on Mopoke’s 30th birthday. At this stage Ron and Jean had attended 30 National Conventions, held around Australia & 26 State Conventions.
Ron’s calling career included:
1969 – Founding Member of Victorian Square Dancing Association .
1969 – Convened the 1st Victorian State Convention in Warburton.
1975 – Penguin Demonstration at the Melbourne National Convention.
1976 – National Conventions at Anaheim USA and at the Calgary stampede,
Vancouver in Canada.|
1979 – Founding Member of Australian Callers Federation. He was a Life & Board Member.
1981 – A visit to Callerlab (Kansas City USA) to receive The Small World Award.
1983 – Co-Convenor for the National Square Dance Convention held in Melbourne.
1984 – Service Award received from the VSDA.
Visiting & calling in clubs in England, America, Canada and Singapore.
Pro-gram Manager for numerous State Conventions. Presentation of Square & Round Dance Demonstrations at Conventions and shopping centers, plus Moomba floats & TV appearances, both live and recorded.
President & Life Member of Victorian Callers Association.
During the many years of dancing Ron & Jean made many friendships and often remarked that the square dancers were their family, as they had no children of their own.
Ron was always a very jovial person, smiling & laughing, cracking jokes and making all those around him feel good and he always said that the success of his venture was due to Jean’s loyalty and commitment.
Ron’s other interest was his model railway and if you ever visited, he was al ways keen to show his display, which started in his garage and ran around his backyard.
On one of his trips to England he was treated to a ride in the cab of a steam locomotive and he felt like a big kid.
The ultimate gentleman and entertainer, who made the world a brighter place and will be sadly missed.
