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MEMBERS of the family of Alf 'Smacka' Trotter have celebrated the recent news that the public reserve named in his honour has been formally recognised by The Geographical Names Board.
Alf's son, Mike Trotter, received the email from Susan Fietz, from the Geographical Names Board earlier this month that stated:
"I am pleased to advise that on Friday 9 January 2015, under the provisions of Section 10 of the Geographical Names Act 1966, Alf Trotter Reserve was assigned as a Geographical Name."
The reserve sits adjacent to the Wauchope Memorial Pool and the Rex Clark Memorial Tennis Complex on River and Cameron Streets in Wauchope.
Although the sign has been at the reserve area for some time the formal announcement has come as a relief to the family of one of Wauchope's most well-known and respected citizens.
Alf 'Smacka' Trotter passed away nearly 10 years ago on February 12, 2005 and is remembered by his family as a passionate man who was mad about sports, coaching and mentoring others.
During his life, Alf was honoured with numerous awards and devoted years to serving many of the area's clubs and associations.
He was chief instructor of the Wauchope Amateur Swimming Club for over 20 years, president of the Hastings District Tennis Association for 25 years and president of Wauchope Timbertown Tennis Club for over 35 years.
The naming proposal was submitted for council approval in 2014 with the support of the Wauchope Timbertown Tennis Club and the Wauchope Amateur Swimming Club. The Trotters have been impressed by the council's support for the tribute to 'Smacka'.
"Liam Bully from council has been hugely supportive, "said Mike.
"Dad actually taught him how to swim and it a relief for us that the system for formal recognition works".
With the news that the process has come full circle, Alf Trotter's family reflect on the memories of the husband and father who had a great love for the community and the people in it.
"He loved helping others and we are thrilled with the recognition for him," said Peter.
The reserve is in such a lovely spot, right near the two venues he dearly loved.
"He would love this".