Sorrento Bowling Club Magazine Issue 34 December 2009

Warmest greetings of the season and every good wish for the coming year

Sorrento Bowling Club Newsletter Number 34 December 2009 President: Ian Marshall Secretary: Ian Wittber (08) 9447-0696 Email: sorrentobowlingclub@amnet.net.au

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Contents Presidents Report as tabled at the half-yearly meeting 13 Dec 2009 Membership 2020 Vision – Future Planning Message from the Lady Captain Message from the Men’s’ Captain’s Hot Hints from Heardie Greens Report Some Notes from your Editor Thank you from Ian Wittber Update on Geoff Glew Men’s Match Committee Report Ladies Match Report Winners of our Social bowls competitions Tribute to Joan and Cedric Our Opening Day Some more Opening Day Photos Getting to know our sponsors Some more photographs The Golden Years Secret Millionaire Men’s Bowler of the Year Award Well done to Neil McLaughlan Cancer Council Charity Day Friday 25th September Sorrento Bowling Club Opening Day – Irene Gatter Trophy Report From Ladies Selection Committee Report from Men’s Selection Committee Croquet Report Darts Update New Club Website Pilbara Day Our beautiful gardens The etiquette of bowls Darts Donates Crockery The Dentist

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Presidents Report as tabled at the half-yearly meeting 13 Dec 2009

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t this point in time our Club is in a very stable position. There have been a couple of minor hiccups since the start of the season however we have overcome these matters.

We are still chasing the City of Joondalup to put back our badge board and honour board. These jobs are too big for our volunteers to manage without the proper equipment.

We will probably have to bring in an outside painter to paint the interior, as our volunteers are very busy with their Bowls commitments and other matters. I will bring this matter up at the next Executive meeting.

To the volunteers who have looked after the gardens and those who have painted the benches and erected the new shelters on C & D greens we thank you. In fact all volunteers deserve a huge vote of thanks from all the other members who use the facilities.

Membership is still going strong. We did lose members from the initial membership drive but we expected this to happen. Figures are detailed in Ian Wittber’s report below.

With the unfortunate illness to our Secretary Ian Wittber, it became apparent that we needed to employ an office person. This we have done as most you will have noticed.

Her name is Karen Zittzmann. You are requested to give Karen all the assistance she will need to settle into her position.

This position was instigated by Ian himself, as he felt that the position was taking up an increasing amount of time for volunteers. Access to the office will be restricted to those needing access such as the treasurer and the Bar manager.

It seems incredible that we are half way through another year. One point that has to be made is the lack of numbers entering Club Championships. With our numbers there should be a higher participation rate than the current situation.

I thank you for the support given to the Executive so far and look forward to working with you for the remainder of the season.

To all members I wish you a very Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year. – Ian K Marshall

Membership

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am pleased to report, that our membership numbers have been maintained at healthy levels, despite losing a substantial number of the “$50” members that we gained in the last year. I do not mean this in a derogatory manner, rather that we were aware that this was a “try before you buy” style of membership encouragement, and that bowls was not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that there would be a fall off in numbers in this area.

From records held by the club, it would seem that we retained about 50% of those members, in one form or another. This is a pretty good percentage, and one that many clubs would be envious of, and something that we should be proud of achieving.

These figures could not be achieved without a lot of input from quite a few members, and these members range right across the spectrum, from the executive to all the committee members that encouraged them to embrace the game of bowls, darts or croquet, as the case may be.

At the peak of our membership, we had about 640 members. This was made up of some 470 bowlers, 50 croquet players, and 120 social members. These figures are those at the end of our financial year, and meant at the time, that we were the largest bowling club within the state, per capitated members. This is no small achievement; however is something that we now need to build on for the future.

Currently, and after deleting all those that did not rejoin for a number of reasons, not just that the fees had increased, we have some 560 members. This is an overall drop of about 80 members.

Currently we have about 375 bowlers, 39 croquet players, and 146 social members.

We noted that quite a few of the $50 members transferred to social membership, as they enjoyed the social aspect that the club presented, and whilst not wishing to play bowls wished to remain associated with the club.

We also gained quite a few new members that transferred in from other clubs, and this is also pleasing. They have transferred for a number of reasons, but replace some

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that have left our club due to relocation to another area, or some other reason.

Looking forward, we now need to consolidate what we have, and look to making another effort to attract additional members for the coming seasons.

We did not have an open day this year, as we decided that we could not handle an additional 200 members at once.

Our clubhouse has an ability to house a certain number, and our greens can only handle so many pennant sides, as well as social events, and to overload either, would present us with problems that we could well do without.

Perhaps we may need to have another open day, but not necessarily on such a grand scale, but this may be unnecessary if our membership continues to grow from within.

You, the members, can assist in this, by looking around, and seeing if you have a friend or neighbour that may wish to join, bringing them along, and letting them see what you are enjoying.

We have continued the lower membership fee of $50 for new bowlers only, and this is a perfect method of introduction to the club, even if after twelve months, they decide to become a social member, or decide that bowls is not for them.

On another front, we have a small team, headed

by Anne Lilley, who are trying to get a junior bowls programme off the ground. This is an area of membership that is lacking in our club, and one which should be encouraged and established.

It is from the younger age groups that we will obtain our members for the future, and perhaps a champion at that. At a young age they can be taught the correct methods, and have the ability to become champions.

If there is anyone who would like to assist Anne

and her team in this endeavour, please make contact direct to Anne, or through the office. I am sure that there is an ample number of young persons’ out there that would rather play a passive sport, rather than one that can cause serious injury.

In saying that, I am all for those that wish to play a team sport, and they are encouraged to do so, just that not all people are made of the same stuff.

– Ian Wittber

2020 Vision – Future Planning

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s requested by the Executive at its 13 July 2009 meeting. A small group has met to consider the future direction of the Club and make recommendations to the Executive. The following is their report: The focus of the Club over the next three-five years should be on attracting younger members (30s – 50s) to ensure the ongoing longevity and sustainability of the Club.

It is recommended that the following priorities (listed in order) apply to the Club over the next three-five years: 1. Complete the clubhouse renovations in full. The Group concurred with the options put forward in the “Fit-out Report” presented to the September 2009 Executive Committee meeting. The group recommends that all options outlined in the Report be implemented as a priority, and that this work be a priority for funding.

The Group recommends that a staged approach be adopted starting with the painting of the bar area, followed by painting the Western portion of the clubhouse. The Group recommends that the cupboards be removed from the Western end to modernise the facility and to make provision for a ClubTab (should this eventuate).

Replacement of the pennant boards with an electronic option and Plasma screens is also supported.

The group noted the competitive price presented for rendering the walls but believe that plaster board sheeting should also be explored.

2. Work should commence on a funding submission for a non-grass green and

lighting (if the green is not located on A or B green). Costs are estimated at around $300,000 with the Club needing to find one-third of that cost.

3. Strategies should be put into place to increase membership to 750. It is considered that pennant bowling number would stay about the same but a new category of social bowlers should be created. Social bowlers would not play pennants, nor be capitated, but would be able participate in all other forms of bowls. Their membership would be less because they would not need to be capitated. Social members should be increased substantially.

4. Consideration should be given over the next 12-18 months to employing a full time position to reduce the Club’s dependence on a volunteer Bar Manager and Secretary.

The duties for this position should be considered carefully, including its interface with club volunteers.

5.A paid coaching position should be considered in the next one-two years, particularly if the Club can achieve one-white in 2009/10.

– The Planning Group

Message from the Lady Captain

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meeting was held on 16th September, at which 43 ladies attended with 12 apologies. A meeting will be held in December to finalise details for a Gala Day in January.

Two teams went to Kalgoorlie in September for a four day Bowling Carnival. In the Welcome Fours Beth McCormack, Sharon Eggers, Carmel Hyde and Betty Stern came fourth, and in the Carnival Fours this same team came second. The team of Nelly Heard, Clair Hanlon, Emily Dunn and Marie Smart came third. Well done to all.

Once again our Fashion Show was a great success. Ticket sales were excellent, our models did a fine job and, as usual, morning tea and lunch was most enjoyable. We made a profit of $1275.70 which was paid into Club funds.

The 100 Up event was won by Lorraine Hyde in the Major, the Plate winner being Kath Harris. Keep an eye on the board and fixture book for all future events.

Pennants have started and our teams are going along nicely. Hope you are all enjoying your bowls.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

–Clair Hanlon

Message from the Men’s’ Captain’s

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must thank all the volunteers that help to keep this Club and its surrounds in the pristine condition it presents. A club the size of Sorrento has to have many helpers doing different tasks – some of these tasks and the people doing them are (I apologise that I may have missed out some names, mainly because I can’t remember them all) 1. Surrounds and gardens: Annie Taylor, Moira Dean, Beth McCormack, Ken Giles, John Warner, Tom Dowling and others.

2. Painting: Ray Dunn, Warren Elliott, Bill Long, Roger Haber, Tom Dowling, Russ Lockwood, Beth McCormack, Kevin Cook and others.

3. Shadecloth and Frames: Keith Cooper, John Sturk, Neil McLennon, Kevin Cook, Kevin Scammell, Warren Elliott, Tom Dowling, John Collishaw, Geoff Harris, George Sjepcevich, Ron Prosser, Neil Breakell and others.

4. Painting Dot Markers on Greens: Ron Prosser, Keith Cooper 5. Barrow Men on ‘C’ Green Renovation: Russ Lockwood, Roland Hill, Alan Taylor, John Collishaw, Tom Dowling and John Farmer.

6. Odd Jobs: Brian Collins, George Sjepcevich, Bill Long, Wayne Gray, Brian Joy. P.S. (Even I helped sometimes if the bar was closed!!!)

Then there’s more helpers like Joan Whitham (probably the hardest worker in the Club) and Monique Kopec with their little group of sandwich makers for Men’s Pennants and other functions that arise.

Then there’s Des Bennett who co-ordinates the Corporate Bowlers Tuesday and Friday nights and does a great job. Des and Barry Bradshaw have recruited their helpers well and most of them are long term.

1. Cooks: Ron Taylor, Stan McCullagh, Keith Cooper, Ron Prosser, Murray Newman and others at times.

2. Helpers: Phil Kimberley, Kevin Coffey, Peter Crow, Ian Linford and others.

Volunteers make up all the Committees at the Club and there’s always room for more, so don’t hesitate to offer your services. Some become conspicuous by their lack of support.

It’s good to see Ian Wittber back at the Club again and with the assistance of Tony

Horner plus about 24 volunteer markers plus Kitchen Staff (and Bar) ran a very successful Men’s Singles Sorrento Classic Bowls Carnival – Well Done!!

–Tiger Hogan

Thanks to Brett Dunn for all his signs

Hot Hints from Heardie

Leads Your job is to get close to the jack. Stay on the narrow side. It is the shortest way to the jack unless the skipper says otherwise.

Seconds Learn to play every shot and check score with opponent every end. Check aggregate and let Skipper know.

Thirds A good third is a silent one, advise skippers if head has changed. Don’t play your own shot, the Skipper is in charge.

Skips Encourage team. Don’t turn your back on wayward shots. Everyone can have a bad end. Remember it is a team event.

– Graeme Heard

Greens Report

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here has been quite a lot of activity on the grounds and Greens since the last newsletter, but I will try not to make this too long.

I suppose one of the major changes in the last couple of months has been the club severing ties with our green keeper Glenn Craig. For those of you who do not know, our new green keeper is Dave Rankin.

Dave completed his apprenticeship with the Claremont bowling Club in the mid 90s.

For the year previous to joining us he was second in charge at Osborne Park Bowling Club. Dave is married with one child, and bowls with Osborne Park in their Premier 10

Division, he is also a member of the West Australian State Squad. He has settled down very well, and if the present state of our greens is any thing to go by, we have got ourselves the real deal.

Dave is ably supported by Tony Pilgrim and Ron Kuziela, who are both doing a great job, and between the three of them they are giving us great greens to play on.

Well done guys.

I’m sure you will agree, after all these years, that it’s wonderful to have good shade at the south end of C & D greens.

Now that we have “B” Green back, we are in the process of renovating “C’ green, It is expected to be back in play in about Six weeks. We will then pull out “D” green .

All the greens have yellow dots over them, and they have been put down to save the greens staff hours of marking rinks using the old method of the mirror and rope As you can all see we have had quite a bit of painting done around the place, and.

The guys and gals have got the gardens looking great All in all we are starting to look pretty spick and span Before I close, a few plaudits. I must say a special thanks to Tony Pilgrim; I couldn’t do this job without him. Thanks mate Of course none of the above would have been possible without our mighty band of helpers. I won’t mention names as you all know who you are, but my heart felt thanks to all of you for your tremendous support. What a great bunch you are.

The club is lucky to have you as members. Until the next time, great bowling.

–Ron Prosser

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Some Notes from your Editor

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irstly Denise and I would like to thank you all for the letters, get-well cards and phone calls after my heart attack. It meant so much to Denise to have your support when I was in hospital and really helped her get through it.

The doctors tell me I was unlucky (1000 to one) needing three operations including a code blue alert!

It was a good decision on our part to join the Sorrento Bowling Club when we arrived here almost five years ago, as you have all been such caring and kind friends and for this we are very grateful.

I am making good progress, although too slow for my liking, and am looking forward to being back on the greens in the not too distant future.

• Did you know that our President, Ian Marshall is a good cook? Ask him for his sweet potato casserole recipe • Why Tom Harding is known as Johnny Weissmuller (“Tarzan”)?

• Did you hear that Tony Horner has sold his Ute and bought a 4-wheel drive so that he can transport Matti his new grandchild?

• Did you know that Rockingham is also known as the “Swinging Pig”?

• Did you know that Col Cramond got to the last 15 in the State Consistency Singles?

Well done!

• Did you know that John Collishaw’s name is “all over” the Denison Bowling Club’s notice board?

• Did you know that Alex Third won a number of prizes for his orchids at the Spring Show held at Joondalup Shopping Centre? Alex was Champion Novice in 3 categories. An excellent result. His Champion Oncidinae was best Oncidinae in Show, beating the entries in Open Class.

• Did you know that Monique Kopec has second grandchild – a little girl called Maya.

Thanks again to all the contributors to this newsletter and to Denise for typing and proof reading Some apologies for errors in the September Newsletter: • For mixing up Jess and Rachel in the captions • For confusing Stapleton and Stapledon • For calling Carmel Hyde’s son Paul when it should have been Stephen Finally a Happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers.

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– Neville Odell

Thank you from Ian Wittber Just a short note to thank a lot of our members for their best wishes during my recent illness. I‘m pleased to advise that the operation has been a success, and tumour was removed without any apparent spread to other organs. As a result, I do not have to undergo any chemo or radiation treatment, which of course is a great relief.

I am not out of the woods altogether however, as there is a small “low grade something or other” on my pancreas (not pancreatic cancer), and I have been advised that this should be removed. This will mean another operation, probably sometime early next year. They are giving me time to recover from this current surgery. In any event, seems that we got to the main problem early enough to avoid major dramas, although follow up will of course be required from time to time.

I write to thank you for two reasons. Firstly as a thank you, and secondly as a reminder to anyone who may have some symptoms to go and see the doctor, and hopefully get to treat any concerns before they become problems.

In retrospect, my symptoms had been building up for many months, probably more than a year, but were very gradual, and it was not until I was suffering from regular indigestion, as well as some changes to other functions, that I decided to see the doctor. He and I felt that I might have some form of diverticulitis, but a colonoscopy proved otherwise. If only I had gone earlier, I may have avoided an operation altogether. I make these statements, and trust that if just one of our members has cause to address this sort of problem, then I have made an impact. I guess the message is to see your doctor, and not be too hesitant. It may just save your life, or at least, lengthen it.

However, I thank you for your kind wishes, at a time that Jean and I were in need of some comfort, and I can assure you we were grateful. Once again, thanks.

– Ian Wittber 13

Update on Geoff Glew

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eoff was diagnosed with a brain tumour after returning from a holiday in late September. After undergoing surgery and spending 6 weeks in hospital, he has now been settled comfortably at home for the last two weeks.

Geoff is about to undergo a course of radiation treatment for this disease. He has been visited by a number of our members over the last few months. Our fondest wishes for the future go to Geoff and his wife, Lorna.�

- Sharon Eggers

Men’s Match Committee Report

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he match committee reports that all competitions completed to date have been played in great spirit. Many experienced bowlers have enjoyed the ups and downs of bowls as one does and players new to the club and bowls have joined in to enjoy excellent competitions.

There have been many great moments but one that comes readily to mind is the sectional play between Graeme Heard, John Sanders and Neil Adams. You can have the best day of bowls and still come second.

In the first game Neil Adams fronted up to Graeme Heard and after 25 ends the score was 20 all, Graeme survived to win 21/20. In the second game Neil played John Sanders and after (wait for it) 25 ends the score was 20 all.

Unfortunately for Neil, John scored the winning shot and a result of 21/20.

Obviously the third game was between Graeme and John to see who would advance.

After 28 ends the score was again tied at 20 all. Graeme prevailed to win 21/20. A great day of bowls by all three players and the small crowd that witnessed some or all of the games marvelled at the quality.

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The eventual winner of the Veteran’s Singles was Graeme Heard so John and Neil you played well and were beaten by the eventual champion if that is any consolation.

Congratulations to the winners of the fours and triples The detailed results are shown on separate pages.

– Chris Tibbits

Ladies Match Report

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y thanks to my committee for all their hard work while I was away in Thailand.

You all did a good job and I am truly grateful.

The Wednesday Nominated Pairs have now finished. Many thanks to all who participated. The Divorced Pairs was a great success – we had 24 pairs and my thanks once again to everyone who played. We have completed several Ladies Club Championships events and the Ladies Singles is being played at the moment. Once again thanks to my committee and I look forward to a season of fun, friendship and good bowling. Results of events completed 100 Up Winner R/Up Plate R/Up

Lorraine Hyde Pat Breakell Kath Harris Liz Marshall

Ladies Club Championship Pairs Winners Lorraine Hyde and Carmel Hyde/Moira Dean R/Up Myrtle Raven and Pat Frawley Plate Mary Sanders and Barbara Hill R/Up Nelly Heard and Coral Smith Divorced Pairs Winners Graeme Heard and Fran Bracknell R/Up Barbara Rutherford and Kevin Scammell AM Winner Brian Joy and Jane Watson PM Winner Keith Cooper and Emily Dunn Grand Cinemas Winners Fran Bracknell, Clair Hanlon, Roy Bracknell and Peter Blake R/Up Marie Smart, Stan McCullagh, Judy Campbell and Michael Ong AM Winners Pat Duffy, Kevin Cook, Des Lloyd and Jan Cook PM Winners Lorraine Hyde, Pauline Bourne, Tony Bourne and Carmel Hyde – Marie Smart 17

Winners of our Social bowls competitions 12.8.09 Mixed Pairs 21.8.09 Mixed Social 22.8.09` Men’s Social 23.8.09 Mixed Social

26.8.09 Mixed Pairs 27.8.09 Men’s Social

28.8.09 Mixed Social 30.8.09 Mixed Social

2.9.09 Mixed Pairs 3.9.09 Men’s Social

4.9.09 Mixed Social 5.9.09 Men’s Triples 9.9.09 Mixed Pairs 12.9.09 Men’s Triples 16.9.09 Mixed Pairs 17.9.09 Men’s Social 18.9.09 Mixed Social

19.9.09 Mixed Social 24.9.09 Men’s Social

29.9.09 Mixed Fours 26.9.09 Men’s Triples 27.9.09 Mixed Social

2.10.09 Mixed Social 9.10.09 Mixed Social 18.10.09 Mixed Social 23.10.09 Mixed Social

30.10.09 Mixed Social

1.11.09 Mixed Social 6.11.09 Mixed Social 8.11.09 Mixed Social 13.11.09 Mixed Social

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Remo Abbondanza and Marilyn Bradbury Beth McCormack, Barbara Spence and Jenny Bartlett Tony Sabatino, Dick Currie and Pat Dichiera Clair Hanlon, Remo Abbondanza, Stan Mccullagh and Mineko Stapp Judy Campbell and Pat Frawley Tony Sabatino, K. Anderson, Neville Gibbs and Peter Snow Charlie Maiolo, Wim Wouts and Marilyn Bradbury Ray Smith, Helen Kuziela, Jean Middleditch and J. Lockwood Beth McCormack and Russell Lockwood Graham Heard, Alan Rolls, Pat Dichiera and Herbie Eisenmann Doug Pittaway, Kevin Cook and Margaret Coates Keith Cooper, Colin Cramond and Brian Joy Marilyn Bradbury and Joan Whitham Ray Stapledon, Ken Partridge and Alan Wood Frank and Beryl Tutt Peter Snow, Alex Third and Richard Fermoyle Trish Smith, Chris Tibbits, Alan Taylor and Shane Taylor Alan Anderson, Graeme Heard and John Godfrey Colin Campbell, Ray Routledge, Wim Wouts and Hans Correlje Ray Smith, Marj Clark, Allan Wool and Mike Ong Peter Snow, Tiger Hogan and Barry Bradshaw Brenda Richardson, Neville Cleary and Peter Yarwood Brenda Richardson, Peter Blake and Nola Mullumby Ray Smith, Peter Blake and Herbie Eisenmann Stan McCullagh, Gillian Hopkins and Ann Manson Bill Trebilco, Joy Hennessy, Kevin Scammell and Margaret McIntosh Wendy Stobie, Joy Hennessy, Russell Lockwood and Betty Stern Monique Kopec, Tom Sermon and C. Rearpoil Derry Ellis and Marj Clark Michael Ong, Marj Clark and Ken Leach Brenda Richardson, Peter Ross, Gillian Hopkins and Glen Larcombe Continued on page 27

Tribute to Joan and Cedric

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oan, as we all know is an inspiration to our club, with her cheerful and dedicated work, of which we are all in awe!

Joan is the convenor of the Sorrento Bowling Club, she and her husband, Cedric, work tirelessly along with their band of helpers to provide us with their excellent catering skills.

Joan is famous for her tasty scones and the club receives many calls asking if her scones will be on for our morning teas.

Cedric and Joan Whitham

On Tuesdays and Fridays you will always find Joan and Cedric catering for the corporate bowlers, and every year also catering for the darts luncheon.

Apart from her work at our club, Joan is a dedicated member of the Ocean Reef Lions Club where she is ‘Mints’ co-ordinator. On Friday nights she also makes tea and coffee for the bingo players at Whitfords.

Joan Whitham and Sue Hogan hard at work in the kitchen

For years Joan and Cedric got up at 5 a.m. on Sunday mornings to work at the swap meet at Whitfords shopping centre for the Lions Club.

Sadly, due to a lack of buyers this has now come to an end.

The Lions Club of Ocean Reef nominated Joan with the Lions Exemplary Award for all her dedication and hard work. Joan and Cedric are special people.

Joan’s famous scones 19

Joan is a Life Member of our club, she has won many events and she continues, once a month to play in the Governor of WA Bowling Squad, which she thoroughly enjoys.

Many thanks, Joan and Cedric for all your wonderful work.

- Jane Holland, Marie Smart and Dell Cornwall

Our Opening Day

The VIP table!!!!

Denise Odell and Dick Currie welcoming guests

John and Wendy Stobie enjoying breakfast Nola and Barry Mullumby enjoying a drink

Above: Clair Hanlon and Chris Tibbits Left: Alan and Hazel Arter 20

Jim Ironside,Tony Friedlieb and John and Coral Smith

Jan and Kevin Cook, Kevin Schamell, Beth McCormack and Helen Ironside

Des Bennett enjoying some bubbly

Alan Wood, Russell Lockwood, Mike Berry and Peter Blake

Some more Opening Day Photos Left: Vonnie King, Kath Harris and Fay Jennings enjoying their breakfast.

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Getting to know our sponsors

Brian Lucas and Phillipa enjoying the evening

Nick and Toni Bonner from Swimwise enjoying a drink with Peter Snow

Pamela Castensen from Mareena Purslowe and Wilma Bradshaw from Safeway Securities 22

Rachel and partner from Farmer Jacks

Lucas and Michellle Lang from Denture Plus

The Fosters Group - Why 5 empty glasses?

The IGA “Girls”

Jean And Ian Wittber enjoying the evening

Betty Stern and Ron Taylor entertaining some of our sponsors 23

The “Rose between the Thorns”

Kishore from Wendy’s Ice cream with Kevin Coffey

Barry Bradshaw and his son Paul from Safeway

Some more photographs Winners of the Men’s Fours Bill Trebilco, Ron Rogers, Ray Dunn and Keith Cooper

Barbara Stow, Clair Hanlon and May Macliver planning what they will spend the Jackpot on.

The Kimberleys and Adams’ enjoying a caravan holiday

A belated welcome to Ron and Helen Kuziela 24

Marie Smart, Better Stern, Carmel Hyde, Sharon Eggers, Emily Dunn, Beth McCormack, Nelly Heard and Clair Hanlon winners at Kalgoorlie

Some club members hard at work painting the shade cloth supports

John Sturk, Ray Dunn and Warren Elliot putting the finishing touches to the benches

Some of our wild flowers under the tree beyound C and D green thanks to Moira and her team. See page 37 for more details about buses being diverted by Tour Companies to see our flowers.

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Croquet members enjoying a fun tournament at Nedlands

“Busy Bee�helpers enjoying a bbq lunch

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:

15.11.09 Mixed Social

20.11.09 Mixed Social

Nelly Heard, Neville Cleary, Del Cornwall and Chester Coffey Clair Hanlon, Marj Clark, Roger Haber and John Forkin

The Golden Years A row of bottles on my shelf Caused me to analyse myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop Goes to my heart so it won’t stop.

A little white one that I take Goes to my hands so they won’t shake.

The blue ones that I use a lot Tell me I’m happy when I’m not.

The purple pill goes to my brain And tells me that I have no pain.

The pink ones tell me not to wheeze Or cough or choke or even sneeze.

The red ones, smallest of them all, Go to my blood so I won’t fall, The orange ones, very big and bright Prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills Helping to cure all kinds of ills.

But what I’d really like to know, Is what tells each one where to go!

There’s always a lot to be thankful for, If you take time to look for it.

For example, I am sitting here thinking How nice it is That wrinkles don’t hurt.

- Neville Cleary

Secret Millionaire

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y thanks to everyone who helped raise $1027 for the orphanage that I was going to work at in Chiang Mai Thailand.

Well, 1 loved Thailand so much especially the children but, most of all, the girls who worked in the orphanage. They were so kind to me and they worked so hard, 84 hrs a week, for so little money.

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I also worked with the hill tribe children who were so poor but happy they lived at a school.

After five weeks I still had the $1027 so I had to decide what to do with it.

I brought 18 mattress beds for the hill tribe kids as they slept on the floor and I brought a state of the art playpen for the orphanage which would be a great help for the staff. Now what do I do with the rest! After much thought I decided to give the 10 girls at the orphanage $40 each which, to them, is more than a month’s salary. I became an instant hero and they couldn’t believe what was happening. I became a hero, but I’m not a hero, everyone at Sorrento Bowling Club who helped to make this possible is a hero.

So, once again, thank you all so much for your help and kindness.

–Marie Smart

Men’s Bowler of the Year Award

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he Match Committee has in the past considered changing the points system for Men’s Bowler of the Year, as that system was considered lopsided towards the winner of the Singles Competition. It did not encourage members to enter and play in all or most of the Club’s championship events. The points system was such that if a player won the singles and was runner up in one other event then there was little likelihood of anyone else scoring enough points to overtake them. That winner could if he so desired could then sit back and not participate in any other club events. There was no incentive for that winner, or any other player for that matter, to enter in the remaining events.

After much discussion the new points system is being adopted, with the approval of the Men’s Bowls Committee, in the belief that it will reward players for participation and encourage all players to participate in most events. There is reward for winning preliminary games, semi-finals and eventually finals. We also felt it important to reward runners-up in finals as they worked hard to get there, this has maintained a past practice as well, and points for elimination in Major semi-finals.

By changing the points system we are not in any way reflecting on the past winners of the Bowler of the year. They remain worthy winners in their year. The change is all about encouraging participation and not about questioning past practices.

The following is the point’s allocation system for the Men’s Bowler of the Year Award commencing this coming season 2009 – 2010.

Points will only be awarded in competitions that all men are able to participate in and therefore the following events are eligible events; 28

Continued from page 18

Club championships Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Mixed Pairs and Mixed Fours Points system

2 (two) points for playing

5 (five) points for each win in the Major competition including grand final

3 (three) points for each win in the Plate competition including grand final

3 (three) points for runner up in Major grand final

1 (one) point for runner up in Plate grand final

2 (two) points for playing in the semi final and final.

0 (nil) points allocated for games played in alignment rounds** **No points are awarded for games in alignment round as they cannot by process include all players in that competition.

Points will not be awarded for the Veterans singles and Novice singles which are restrictive in that not all club members are eligible to participate. – Chris Tibbits

Well done to Neil McLaughlan

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he September round of the over 60’s Drawn Versatility Fours Carnival was held at the Osborne Park Bowling Club on Monday 21 09 09 and was well attended by over one hundred and twenty bowlers, including eight from the Sorrento Bowling Club.

The day was one of strong winds, flying hats, occasional light horizontal rain showers, with wind gusts sufficient to occasionally lift mats from the green.

The winning team included Neil McLaughlan from Sorrento, along with I.Wooldridge, C. McNeill, and D. Murray from other metropolitan clubs and Neil assures me that his teams scores were such that they could have won three out of four of the individual game prizes.

However, as only one prize could be allocated to any one team they had to settle for the major prize of the day which 29

awarded them $800. There are no prizes for guessing who’s name is first on the board for the next Over 60’s Carnival due to be held at the Mount Pleasant Bowling Club on Monday 19 October.

Cancer Council Charity Day Friday 25th September

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ith 64 bowlers attending and playing, the day was considered a great success.

The Cancer Council provided small prizes along with our regular monthly sponsor FARMER JACKS of GREENWOOD. These prizes were added to by members of our own club and we thank all donors of prizes very much.

With 64 players we were able to play games of Fours which seemed to keep all members happy, especially the organisers. After 21 ends the results were very close with winning rinks scores as follows; 13 points, 15 and 3 bonuses, 16 and 1 bonus, 16 and 2 bonuses and 16 and 3 bonuses. Then came the nearly winners on 17 points, beaten by 17 points and 1 bonus but the winner at the end of the day with 17 points and 4 bonuses was the team of Mike Ong, Alan Wood, Marj Clark and their skipper Ray Smith.

The objects of the day were firstly to have an enjoyable game of bowls which most players did but secondly and just as importantly it was to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Western Australia. Raise funds we did and a cheque for $571 is on its way to the Cancer Council, this is in excess of last year’s amount of $543.

Thank you one and all for your participation and adding to the success of the day.

Thanks particularly to Barbara and Barbara my trusty and reliable offsiders.

– Chris Tibbits

Sorrento Bowling Club Opening Day – Irene Gatter Trophy

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unday 20th September dawned overcast and bleak. Many members thought long and hard about getting out of their warm bed to attend Opening Day and fight out the Irene Gatter Trophy or even enjoying one of Joan’s extraordinary breakfasts.

BUT members did honour their commitment to our Club and were not disappointed as the weather held off until the final game had finished.

Breakfast was attended by over 120 members and partners, invited guests and friends of the Club. Again Joan and her team excelled themselves with plenty of food for all.

At 10.30am the season was opened by Club President Ian Marshall, Mayor of Joondalup Troy Pickard and BowlsWA President Frank Lilley who all bowled one bowl each to a “movable” Jack. The challenge between men and lady bowlers then 30

began in earnest with 96 players taking to the greens for the morning round in search of the Irene Gatter Trophy. For the ladies the best morning team was Margaret McIntosh, Hazel Arter, Wendy Stobie and Skipper Vonnie King with a score line of 20 beats 10. The best men’s team was Kevin Scammell, Des Bennett, Tiger Hogan and Skipper Keith Cooper with a score line of 21 beats 9.

After lunch we assembled for the afternoon round of games with 66 players taking part. The ladies must have enjoyed lunch more than the men (or was it the men’s drinks during lunch) as the overall scores were much closer than in the morning.

The best score for the men’s team was by John Forkin, Remo Abbondanza, Lindsay Baker and Skipper Ron Prosser who won their game with a score line of 20 beats 6.

For the ladies it was the team of Jenni Lockwood, Emily Dunn, Sylvia McLaughlan and Skipper Pauline Bourne who won with a score line of 22 beats 7.

The final results were; 299 shots to the Ladies and 318 to the Men. The Captains and the Match Committee wish to thank all those who helped in organising the day to make it the success that it was.

Overall a great day was had by all and we look forward to a successful season for The Sorrento Bowling Club and its members.

– Chris Tibbits

Report From Ladies Selection Committee

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his year so far started out well but the last couple of weeks have seen us scraping to get enough players to fill the teams. I would like to thank those who have helped us out.

We were holding our own in many colours but, if we keep having disruptions to teams, it will be difficult. As of lst December, 1 White in 3rd place, 1 Green in 1st place, 2 Green in 10th place, 3 White in 2nd place, 4 Blue in 2nd place and 4 Yellow in 7th place.

Saturday Pennants are going well. Most of the girls are enjoying it. 1 Teal are in 4th place and 3 Blue are in 5th Place.

–Vonnie King

Report from Men’s Selection Committee

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ell, here we are, nearly a third of the season over. We have nine teams on a Thursday (100 bowlers) and eight on a Saturday (124 bowlers) totalling approximately 180 players over the two days.

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On the whole, we are not doing very well. Saturday teams are looking better than Thursday teams, where we are struggling in the higher divisions, which surprises me, as two second divisions were relegated and I thought that now they were in 3rd division, they might be more competitive, but it is early days yet.

We have a few new pennant bowlers in the 6th division and they are doing very well, sitting in third place after five rounds. So if more social bowlers want to join us we try and give them a chance to play, even if we have to rotate sometimes. If we can get enough extra bowlers interested in playing pennants we could try and enter more teams next season.

We managed to get through the double headers (21st/22nd November) without any forfeits (unlike many other clubs) even though we were stretched.

I know many people have genuine reasons for pulling out of a game, but if you have problems playing in a particular team, it would be beneficial to have a word with a Selector rather than making yourself unavailable to get out of a team situation.

It was pleasing to see at the novice singles played last weekend, that out of the 18 entrants, 17 are playing pennants this season.

Well that is all for now. Happy Bowling. – Ron Burroughs

Croquet Report

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hank you to the members who took part in a Busy Bee clean up day at the Croquet club held a couple of months ago. We were rewarded with a great barbeque mid day and thank Joan for all her hard work in preparing this.

Six of our members took part in the Nedlands Fun Tournament held in September.

This was a Golf Doubles event and we congratulate Judith and Glenda on achieving third place in their group. This tournament is an especially well run event, and we

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look forward to participating next year.

Robert and Vince entered the Doubles Golf Croquet Flex-Tournament held at Victoria Park recently. Also four of our members took part in a ricochet doubles event held at Como Club at the end of November. It is important that Sorrento Club be recognised in participating in these outside tournaments.

Our Trophy day and a double birthday celebration were held recently at Kingsley Tavern. It was great that 34 of our members attended this function where trophies won during the year were presented.

Congratulations to the following members who gained awards for their participation in this year’s events held at out Club.

Ricochet singles

- Geoff Bloomfield Ricochet Doubles - Geoff Bloomfield/Alan Wood Golf Singles - Alan Wood Golf Doubles - Alan and Liz Wood Stan Braybrook Trophy Pat Hobson Member of the year for contribution to the Club Joan Rowley Netherclift Trophy (Most improved player Glenda Laidler this year) The WACA web site has now been updated with our current details. To view, go to croquetwest, click on Clubs and then Sorrento. A couple of photos can also be sighted.

We are glad to see that our President Kate Taylor is now on the mend after having a knee replacement. Also some of our members are still not in the best of health, and we wish you all a speedy recovery and we look forward to your return to the Club.

We welcome back Jim and Edna who have been absent for some time recuperating from illnesses.

Vini has recently returned from a trip around the world. We welcome you back Vini!

Our croquet members would like to express their heartfelt sympathy to Tony and Pamela Fowke and family in the sad loss of their son in recent days. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.

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And as this year comes to its end, And family gather round, Let the joy and peace of Christmas And good health be ever found.

Best wishes for the New Year, And good news each morning dawn Even though old Santa’s reindeers Have left their droppings on your lawn!

–Liz Wood

Darts Update

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he 2008/9 darts season has concluded with outstanding performances by the Sorrento Bowling Club.

All four pennant sides made the grand final, with our Second and Third Divisions finishing on top of the ladder and going on to win their respective grand finals.

Premier Division also finished the season on top of the ladder. However, unfortunately they and fourth division were narrowly defeated in the grand final, after putting in solid performances.

Team and individual player presentations were made at the Club’s Trophy Presentation and Wind-up day which was held in November. The day was wonderfully catered for by Joan, Cedric, Marie and Dell and each was presented with a small gift of appreciation.

The Dart Club also announced at the dinner that it would be donating 150 dinner

The Cheesecake Shop Warwick

Proud sponsors of the Sorrento Bowling Club Jack Dodia 9246 2397 Warwick Grove Shoppping Centre, Beach Rd, Warwick 6024 34

plates (costing around $650) to the Club to replace its aging crockery.

Trophies were presented by Mr. David Wallis, one of the Dart Club’s Life members.

Trophies were presented to:  Club Singles Champion Paul Clark  Club Singles Runner-up Howard Jones  Club Singles Plate Winner Douglas Lorencs  Club Singles Plate Runner-up Keith Cooper  Club Doubles Champions Paul Clark & Tom Dowling  Club Doubles Runners-up George Omond & Phil Michael  Club Doubles Plate Winners Howard Jones & Nigel McVee  Club Doubles Plate Runners-up Ray Downham & Club Boston  Premier Division Highest Average 79.11  Premier Division Most Pegs 78  Premier Division Highest peg 146

Paul Clark Paul Clark Bob Sarich

 Second Division Highest Average 68.95  Second Division Most Pegs 61  Second Division Highest Peg 152

Tony Kay Tony Kay Douglas Lorencs

 Third Division Highest Average  Third Division Most Pegs  Third Division Highest Peg

Douglas Lorencs Juris Lorencs Rosco Howlett

52.5 37 86

 Fourth Division Highest Average 43.37  Fourth Division Most Pegs 24

Bruce Cross Tom Dowling

 Fourth Division Highest peg

117

Tom Dowling

 Highest Peg for the Season

152

Douglas Lorencs

The Club’s summer competition kicks off on 12th January and will comprise eight rounds of four-a-side competition. All games will be played at the Sorrento Club.

Anyone interested in playing in this competition should contact Brian Lucas on 0419938869.

– Brian Lucas

New Club Website

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he Club launched its new website in September. Located at

www.sorrentobowlingclub.com.au, This site offers a wealth of information about the club and what’s on offer.

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The site outlines information on bowls and croquet, including a calendar of coming events. Through this site, you can access links that show pennant fixtures and results.

The site also provides information on Club activities, social and community bowls and general information such as minutes, newsletters and notices. Application forms for membership, pennants and community bowls can also be down loaded from the site.

So, if you have access to a computer, make sure you put sorrentobowlingclub.com.au into your favourites and use the site as your portal for information about your Club.

– Brian Lucas

Pilbara Day

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eptember 13th was sunny even hot, it was certainly a day to remember! Because it had been raining constantly for weeks, we had planned the day and invited all the contacts we had that had played two years ago at Sorrento and prior to that at Melville Bowling Club.

Bernie Hooper, who has now joined our club helped Vonnie and I organise the event.

He was the powerhouse on the phone and getting in contact “with strays” we had not seen for years.

The ladies from the club helped Joan prepare a great lunch for us after we had an interesting game of scroungers. We had lots of tomato plants (surprise surprise!)as prizes, and a booze raffle that was won by a lovely lady, now playing at Yanchep – Liz Ritchie.

The 60 strong presence was then ready to face Sorrento in a great match. We had folks from Armadale, Yanchep, Rockingham. Osborne Park and lots of other Metro Clubs. They had all played in the Pilbara League which consists of Port Hedland, South Hedland, Karratha, Dampier, Tom Price and Parraburdoo.

All the games were strongly fought out and Hedland won the day by 6 shots, so retained the hunk of iron ore which is our trophy. I must own up though and tell you that the team that got us over the line were a team of Sorrento-ites who were kindly lent to us!, to level up the draw.

Everyone of the 60 strong, said they would love to play next year and if all the folks who said they would come and didn’t, we should have around a hundred next year.

Thank you Sorrento members for making the Pilbara day such a pleasant fun filled day. Hopefully you will all play in 2010.

– Moira Dean.

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Our beautiful gardens

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have loved gardening since I was 8yrs old. I distinctly remember planting an apple seed, and being overwhelmed when a tree started growing. Since then I have “planted” wherever I’ve been. So when I joined Sorrento and dear Bob Frisby asked for help, well what do you think! When I think of the effort put in and the pleasure he got out of his beds of petunias, it was so worthwhile. He always used this long, long hoe that he reckoned saved his back. “Bob’s Chimney” is on the left of the path when you come through the entrance gate.

Thinking about it so many people are represented in the garden, ex president Ben Dinning used to tend to the roses and when he passed away, his wife Shirley spread his ashes under the roses, that’s probably why the grow so well. Vickey organised a nature frangipani (hymeaasporan) also for him. Joan Whitham had the bright idea of planters at the front of the club to brighten up the verandah, it met with some opposition but when “planted up”, look stunning. The opposition wore an “I told you so expression “ when one of the smaller planters was thrown against the glass door-but that has never happened again. Joy and Gil Barr were the first to give me a plant- it is still there a grey Cinneraroo Martina on the left of the path.

Aileen Owen arrived with a palm one day, and it is going strong in the bed under the gum trees. I got great help and coordination from Roger O’Reilly, he was the assistant to the greenkeeper at that time. His donation to the garden 4 tiny 2inch lavender plants from his garden, they are by the greenkeepers gate.

One mad day I “LIT” the blackboy, it was looking very sickly and the greenkeeper was on holiday-nod-nod! Roger got the hoses and we lit the blue touch paper and retired! It went up like a rocket grey smoke completely covered the club. A guy rushed over from the tennis club and asked who the vandals were-we both looked at one another and said “they went the other way”. That very morning the pre-school 37

had a fire and the fire engine came to check out the smoke, and then to crown it all a station wagon bearing a channel nine logo drove past. Roger & I couldn’t stop laughing. He said he had not had as much fun at work in years.

When we had our 30th Anniversary of the club, I wanted to plant something to match the occasion, Pat Frawley gave me some seeds she had germinated, I brought on a few and potted them on & up in pots. The three Chinese Tallow Trees, in the lawn garden by the hedge now represent 10years of SBC. Audrey Chappel put in the frangipanis, which are finally getting started in the bed, by the front gate, Fran Bracknell donated some herbs and gaura shrubs.

Annie Taylor came along to help when husband John died, it was so lovely to work along with someone who just went with head down & bum up. She is wonderfully motivated and full of fun, we work well together. Her tree is a Himalayan Ash,in the middle bed on the right as you approach the front door.

When we had the “Police Carnival” it was noted that the only area that let the club down on appearance was the area at the back of C and D greens. Annie & I decided we would plant natives and attract birds & use much less water. Our choice of Banksias & Kangaroo Paws, as a start, is slowly taking shape, she planted some everlastings before her winter break and they germinated well and flowered this year.

The weeds grew too, and one day we had a “weedathon”, gently easing out the weeds from the everlastings.

Keith & Sharon came to help and Sharon was heard to say” we will be on the Wildflower bus tour stop in the next few years”, lets hope. So much effort from myself, Annie, Ken and Beth who dead heads the roses, and we all do it for the good of our great club and it is certainly uplifting when people actually say how lovely the gardens are.

There are a few drawbacks of course!. The old back isn’t so good these days, and butts in the garden drive me nuts, still all in a mornings work.

Volunteers are welcome to help on Monday mornings, even an hour of your time would be appreciated.

–Moira Dean

The etiquette of bowls

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eil McLaughlan has suggested we publish something in each newsletter about the etiquette of bowls for both existing and new members. Here is his first contribution”

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1. Don’t drop bowls from bank to green.

2. Keep quiet and still when players are on the mat.

3. Stand well back while opponent bowls.

4. Don’t prattle - watch all bowls and know their positions.

5. Lead and Second - retire two metres behind the mat.

6. Don’t step onto the mat and indicate which way you intend playing. Wait for Skip’s instructions.

7. Don’t earbash your opponent with your past successes.

8. All at the head assist with kicking bowls back.

9. Don’t complain about your Skip’s game - He/she only has two bowls and the rest of you have six.

10. Take an interest in your Skip’s bowls when their turn comes.

11. Don’t query your Skip’s instructions.

12. Acknowledge good shots from your opponents and thank them if they do the same to you.

13. Don’t applaud unlucky bowls.

14. Don’t deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest (playing prematurely).

Darts Donates Crockery

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he kitchen recently received 150 new dinner plates that were donated by the Dart Club at a cost of around $600. These plates were urgently needed to replace the Club’s aging crockery.

Some members may not realise that the Dart Club regularly donates items to the

Farmer Jacks 130 Coolibah Drive Greenwood Open 7 days a week 7am to 9pm

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ETC Engineering and Technology Consultants 61 Loftus St Leederville WA 6007 9328 5500 Thanks to Wayne Gray for his sponsorship

Wendy’s

Whitford City For delicious ice-creams, drinks, desserts and snacks contact Kishore Dudhia Kiosk 16 Telephone 9401 7917 40

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Club. Past donations have included the current pennant boards, the television sets located in the games area and the main hall, a significant number pots and pans for the kitchen, the Club’s sound system, bowls mats and much more.

The Dart Club plans to donate a large TV for the games area once the internal design of the building has been determined. This TV could also serve to present pennant teams, coming events and sponsor promotions.

– Neville Odell

The Dentist A guy and a girl meet at a bar. They get along so well that they decided to go to the girl’s place.

A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and then washes his hands.

He then takes off his trousers and again washes his hands.

The girl has been watching him and says: “You must be a dentist.”

The guy, surprised, says: “Yes .... How did you figure that out?”

“Easy..” she replies, “you keep washing your hands.”

One thing leads to another and they make love.

After it’s over the girl says: “You must be a good dentist.”

The guy, now with an inflated ego, says: “Sure - I’m a good dentist. How did you figure that out?”

The girl replies: “Didn’t feel a thing.”

– Brian Lucas

For Sale Sorrento Club Shirt (only worn 4 times) $35 Contact Ron Parker 9305-8575

Please support our Sponsors Thanks to Dr. Mal Washer for allowing us to photocopy this newsletter 3 Boas Avenue. Joondalup.

WA 6027.

Phone: (08)9300 2244 42