Sally Wallace, 81, retires after 18 years of dedicated service at Newmarket Gymnastics Club
Newmarket: Sally Wallace has been a key part of the Newmarket Gymnastics Club for nearly two decades. When she first stepped in to help with the register, she never imagined it would turn into an 18-year commitment.
At 81, Sally has been the friendly face welcoming young gymnasts as their secretary and treasurer. But after the club’s Christmas break, she officially retired, leaving a big gap.
Her retirement was marked with a lovely surprise presentation from the club, where she received a vase, flowers, and a special book filled with memories from the kids she adored.
Sally shared, “It was time to call it a day and I am finally putting my feet up.” She and her husband, Mick, previously ran local pubs, so she’s no stranger to community service.
She recalled how she got involved: “Kerry Gordon asked me to help out, and I just kept going.” It’s clear she loved every moment spent with the kids, saying, “I must have done, otherwise I wouldn’t have been there all that time.”
The club, now at the Racing Centre with 150 members aged four to 16, faced challenges in 2018 when it had to find a new home. Sally played a crucial role in that effort, ensuring the club could continue.
Thanks to her and the team’s hard work, they secured a new location, allowing them to keep their sessions running smoothly. Nicki Negus from the club expressed gratitude for Sally’s dedication, saying they wanted to celebrate her contributions.
While Amber Wight takes over as secretary, Sally plans to visit the club occasionally, as she’ll surely miss the kids and the community she helped build.
