HALL OF FAME 2013 The Bowls WA Awards Night saw the induction of a further three members to the Hall of Fame in Beryl Brennan, Lindsay Thorn and Gil Clement.Each of these individuals have displayed exemplary character and made a significant contribution to the promotion and history of the sport in Western Australia. • Lindsay Thorn circa 1996.
BERYL BRENNAN Administrator Since joining the Osborne Park Bowling Club in 1986 Beryl Brennan has made a valuable contribution as an administrator to the Sport of Lawn Bowls. Her most significant period of administration came from 1997 – 2006 where she was either Vice President or President at National Level, first with the Australian Women’s Bowls Council and then after unification in 2002 as is now Bowls Australia.Such is Beryl’s contribution to the sport she has also been inducted to Bowls Australia Hall of Fame in 2013. During her acceptance speech Beryl reflected on the many great friends and memories she has gained from travelling Australia and parts of the world in her various official capacities. She took the time to announce her retirement from the State Women’s Selection panel commenting that the future of the sport was in good hands with the amount of young talent coming through in recent years. Beryl is also Vice Patron of Bowls WA as well as being a Life Member.
LINDSAY THORN Player After arriving from Victoria in 1969 Thorn first set foot on a bowling green in the mid 70’s and he quickly established himself as one of the premier players in the state. During the halcyon days of the late 80’s and early 90’s he played a big part in contributing to Five Alley Shields wins with WA dominating the National bowls scene. A fierce competitor on the green he has played first division for Osborne Park, Scarborough, Wanneroo and Doubleview Bowling Clubs in a 40 year period with nine 1st Red/Premier League Pennants, along with 197 State appearances that is close to 1000 games at the top level. Thorn still continues his enthusiasm for the sport as an Over 60’s State Representative as well as putting his knowledge of the game to use as a WA Men’s State Selector. His support of the current Men’s State team was evident and he will be a major driving force in helping get WA back as a major contender on the National stage. Thorn was quick to acknowledge the support of his family and friends who were present as well as recognizing some of the greats he has played with and against whom he is privileged to join in the Hall of Fame.
GIL CLEMENT Pioneer Gil Clement can be regarded as one of the Pioneers of the sport with achievements at the highest level over a remarkable 35 year period. A terrific singles player he won the State Singles four times and the Champion of Club Champion Singles three times. His finest year perhaps came towards the end of his stellar career in 1967, when he won the Metropolitan, Master and State Singles titles culminating in representing WA for the first time. His effort to win 25 consecutive club singles at his beloved Mosman Park Bowling Club is truly an extraordinary feat and was rewarded with a large ovation from those in attendance. Mosman Park President Michael Grace accepted the Hall of Fame Award on behalf of Gil’s family and commented on how proud Mosman Park was to see Clement’s achievements acknowledged by Bowls WA.
BowlsWA • Jack Hi • August 2013
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