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UGLY MEN’S ASSOCIATION  

From “Valleys of Solitude” by Jenny Keast
Published on this web site July 2021

Alicia Bell began what was to become an important part of Western Australia’s charity and social scene. Living in Kalgoorlie during World War 1, she ran popular girl and baby competitions to help the Red Cross. When she was asked what Competitions she ran for men, she thought of the idea of an Ugly Man Competition. Beginning in Kalgoorlie, with businessmen, miners and racing people, she raised four hundred and seventy one pounds ($942). The idea spread through Western Australia, eventually becoming the Ugly Men’s Association, which ran lotteries for charity. Later, by act of Parliament, it was taken over and become the Lotteries Commission. During World War 11, Mrs. Pell ran a shop and organised baby competitions for Red Cross at Darlington. She died in 1958 aged 84.

 

Around 1919 or 1920 Fred Fernie (Alex's brother) bought a property through the Soldier's Settlement Scheme in Patterson Road, Pickering Brook (which was "Bechelli's Orchard"). Alex would visit some weekends and he would travel from Cottesloe by horse and sulky to Pickering Brook. His journey would take over two hours. Alex, wanting to be near his brother at the time, so he applied for a place in Pickering Brook, under the Soldier’s Settlement Scheme.

They did a course together on agriculture studies with the "Ugly Men's School" 
A service provided to assist and help returned soldiers and their dependants to settle after the war. Unfortunately their studies focused more on wheat and sheep than on the orchard.
 

UGLY MEN'S INSTRUCTIONAL SCHOOL GROUP PHOTO       #1
 It  is believed that ALEX FERNIE is in the centre of the back row, in long sleeve white shirt, arms crossed with the brimmed hat.

 

Many branches of the Ugly Men’s Association were formed throughout Western Australia and achieved great support for their charity work. Not only for returned Soldiers but for many other worthy causes. Many fund raising events occurred each year to enable them to do their tremendous work.

A newspaper reports on one such Kalamunda event held in April 1927, that was extremely popular.

“Last Sunday two special trains were required to convey the very large crowd of helpers of the Ugly Men’s Association to Kalamunda for the Annual Picnic. The picnic was held in the Recreation Grounds and Hall, and the weather was perfect. Although in the morning it threatened to be a wet day, it did not deter the members from making the outing, and over 1,000 persons, including about 300 children, thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Dancing in the hall and a fine sports programme helped to make the outing enjoyable to all. Sweets and toys were distributed to every child.”

 

 

References:                  Article:    "Valleys of Solitude" by Jenny Keast
                                                Trove Newspapers

                                  Image:    1 Beverley Fernie

 

 

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