Number 64 March 2016
Sorrento Bowling Club Newsletter (Including Darts and Croquet)
P.R. Webb & Co. offer quality workmanship and reliable service. Our business is owner operated so we ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. We are registered and insured. Our services include: • Small repairs • Colour Consultations • New and Existing Homes (internal and external) • Fences • Commercial work
Left: One of our lovely roses cared for by some of our volunteers
Contents Some notes from your Editors Our Melbourne Cup Day 2015 A tribute to Bev Cherry President’s Report Christmas Dinner – December 2015 Some photos from our Christmas Dinner Our Christmas Sponsor’s Raffle Report from the Sponsorship Committee Ladies Gala Day 2016 Ben/ Barry’s/ Beautiful/ Bacon/Beetroot/ Burger Balcatta Mowers Mixed Drawn Fours Men’s Triples Winners Men’s Match Committee Report Our Father and Son Evening Women’s Match Committee Report Winners Ladies Triples Championship Umpires’ Corner Men’s Pennant News New Years Eve Masquerade Night The “Biggest Comeback” Another 8-badge Women’s Selection Report When one starts to go deaf! Greens and Grounds Croquet Corner News Darts Club Report Do not upset your bowls Junior Jack Attack Sorrento Masters Singles – 2015 Men’s Bowls Welfare Report A special tribute to our Volunteers Our Volunteers in Action More Volunteers in Action Today’s riddle for seniors Some “Words of Wisdom” Answer to riddle Guess Who?
4 6 8 10 17 18 20 21 23 24 24 25 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 37 38 39 42 44 46 47 49 49 50 53 55 55 57 57
Some notes from your Editors – Neville and Denise Odell If you would like to comment or contribute to our newsletter please contact Denise or Neville on 9309 3108 or e-mail us at nevodell@bigpond.net.au
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’day to all our readers! Hope you had a great festive season and that 2016 is proving to be a good year. In this edition of our newsletter we pay tribute to “Our Volunteers” and we farewell Russell’s bowls. Spell checking We still manage to misspell a few names/words. Not too many I hope thanks to Jan Paniperis, Denise Odell, Alan Rolls and our Microsoft Word’s spell checker. Trevor Orton sent us the little verse, alongside, which shows how difficult spell-checking is and why we sometimes get it wrong!!! Some more “Did you Hear/ Know”? Did you know that scientists are developing an anti-ageing drug that could result in people being able to live healthily well into their one hundred and twenties? Can you imagine that! We already have enough grumpy 80 year olds in our Club without having a bunch of motley 120-year-olds stomping around the place – whinging and carrying-on. Did you know that statistically, six out of seven dwarfs are not Happy?
Eye halve a spelling chequer; It came with my pea see; It plainly marques four my revue, Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Eye strike a key and type a word And weight four it two say, Weather eye am wrong oar write; It shows me strait a weigh. As soon as a mist ache is maid, It nose bee fore two long, And eye can put the error rite; Its rare lea ever wrong. Eye have run this poem threw it; I am shore your pleased two no, Its letter perfect awl the weigh, My chequer tolled me sew
Did you hear that a group of bowlers, following a row with their new landlord, used an angle grinder to cut through steel gates at their local bowling green in revenge for his new £5 fee? The ‘trespassers’ were 30 members of the Newsome Sports and Bowling Club in Yorkshire. This club had been using the green since 1905. The group cheered as they stormed through the gates and then enjoyed a celebratory game of bowls. Did you hear that the Board of Bowls W.A. has invited Tim Murray to fill a vacancy for the period up to their July Annual General Meeting. Tim has had a diverse and extensive career specifically in project management and strategic planning. Tim is well known to bowlers in W.A., having played at the highest levels in Pennants. Did you hear that your Editor had to chauffeur Tiger Hogan, on the way back from Nollamara, when the passenger door on the left front refused to open? Tiger had to sit on the back seat, in all his glory, where he passed endless comments about the distance between the front of my car and the car ahead? Did you hear that Russell Lockwood has sold his harlequin bowls? It is indeed a very sad day for members who will no longer be able to participate in their favourite sport of sledging his “Tri-coloured Aero bowls”. They are on a journey that will end in Hobart Tasmania which is the furthest away that he could manage although a fellow from NZ was a very keen bidder among 230 people who apparently wanted his bowls. For those that felt sick while watching the flick, Spare a thought For I am distraught, Because here I sit broken hearted, I’ve played with Tri Colours but now they’ve departed.... – Russell Lockwood
Did you know that Frank Tyson’s wife – Claire, organised a “special surprise” for his recent birthday. She arranged for his parents to fly from South Africa to Perth without Frank knowing about it. She collected them from the airport and smuggled them into the garden. Well done Claire! Arranging surprises is not easy!. Did you know that Colin Stainsby travelled 28000 miles around Australia? He tells us that he went to play bowls at a club on the East Coast. One of the members asked him where he was from and when he said “Sorrento” the immediate response was “You must know Saulie”. Talking about Brian did you know that Saulie was the Singles Champion at the Bayswater Bowling Club in 1987,1988,1989,1997 and 1999?
Our Melbourne Cup Day 2015
Did you know that Bob Mulroy and his wife Olga will be celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 26 March 2016? Well done Olga!!!
Australia. Your Editor tried Googling “naughty skirts” but got directed to all sorts of weird and wonderful sites. Some words of thanks
Did you know that our Dr. Wim Wouts is a plant pathologist and an international expert on nematodes? Having been raised in one of the major seed potato producing areas in the Netherlands he had long been intrigued by the potato cyst nematode. He gained a scholarship at the University of California, which allowed him to pursue a PhD. In his thesis Wim proposed a phylogenetic system, based on the morphology of fully developed females, that encompassed both cyst- and non-cyst-forming . So now you know! If you need more information Google “Wim Wouts”. Did you know that Tiger Hogan has been baby-sitting a tiger snake for his children? There is no truth in the rumour that his next assignment is to baby-sit a tiger shark! Did you hear that Pat Dichiera, on a recent trip to Singapore, thought that the $45 for some wine was for a bottle? He was a bit shocked to discover, when the bill arrived, that it was the price per glass! Did you know that “Naughty Skirts” need to be “smuggled” into Australia? When Jenni and Jan required an outfit for our Melbourne Cup day they needed a friend in England to order their naughty skirts from Japan. Jenni then had to arrange for these to be collected and brought to
Once again we would like to say thank you to all our contributors. Without your input we would not be able to produce a 60 page newsletter. Special thanks to Beth McCormack who had to wander around in the dark up on the bank to take the photograph of the Men’s Triples being played under floodlights. Also thanks to Ray Stapledon, Mike Berecry, Richard Fermoyle, Derek Smith, Ian Wittber, Allan Rolls, Sue Hogan, Barry Stewart and Jan Paniperis for their funny stories. Unfortunately most have been declared “unsuitable”, for our newsletter, by my dear wife who is still the “arbiter of good taste”. – Neville and Denise Odell
A tribute to Bev Cherry
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ev was one of the most loving and caring ladies you could ever meet. She would do anything to help her family and friends. I had only just joined the Sorrento Bowling Club and Bev asked me to play with her in the Ladies Pairs. I was honoured to play with her as she was in a much higher division than I was. Straight away we just clicked together and played well together for many years. Both Bev and I had toy poodles, and we made a pact together never to tell anyone else just how much we both spoiled our dogs. It was fun telling each other what they had done. Bev would not even go away if she thought her dog was ill. Bev also loved Andre Rieu’s music and would travel many miles to attend one of his concerts. While I was away in America, Bev went to visit my Mum and Dad and as my Dad was not well, I really appreciated her going to see them for me. Bev’s husband passed away recently and knowing she was not well herself, showed great courage in the face of such sadness. I really miss our chats; we had a lot in common to talk about. It is difficult to find a true friend, but even harder to lose a friend like her. Everyone who knew Bev will really miss her and her lovely smile. – Kath Harris ..
President’s Report
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recently read an article titled “Membership is Dead”. Based on considerable research the article’s author stated that “A number of powerful generational, cultural and economic forces are colliding to create a perfect storm that will make the next 5-20 years some of the toughest ever faced by associations” (read bowling clubs). Clubs it said “who don’t adapt face a slow decline into obscurity as they are replaced by newer, more innovative, less bureaucratically challenged, less change resistant competitors. While the idea of membership will continue, the antiquated models of recruiting, retaining and engaging members cannot survive in an increasingly and ever changing operating environment”.
The article went on to explain how most memberships comprise people from the “Silent Generation” and “Baby Boomers”, who are ageing, and then discussed considerable issues surrounding the engagement and attraction of the “X” and “Y” generations. ClubsWA reported in its last newsletter that over the past five years the industry has seen a general downturn in the number of volunteers coming through clubs, stronger liquor and gaming regulations, tighter restrictions on compliance and a struggling economy. These articles lead me to consider the legacy that we, the members of the Sorrento Bowling Club, will leave for future generations. Will we fail to change and wither on the vine or will we adapt and flourish? A few members may say “doesn’t matter, I probably won’t be bowling then” but others will see the challenges that lie ahead and have the determination to respond. Your Governing Council is very much about the sustainability of the Club and much of the work, time and effort that is invested into this aspect of Club operations I think largely goes unnoticed. Council has met regularly and has made good progress. Given the restricted meeting space offered we have been meeting off-site. The main difference between our new structure and the previous Executive Committee is its focus on strategic rather than operational issues. Operational issues are now the domain of your two Vice Presidents, the Office Manager and Treasurer. Committees have been given more autonomy to progress their operational business. The GC’s efforts have been directed towards the formulation of a new ten-year vision for our Club; amending the Constitution and By-Laws to reflect the new Associations Incorporations Act; stewardship of the Club; membership, compliance and finance. 10
As President, I have placed emphasis on establishing and maintaining relationships with the City of Joondalup, local politicians and councillors, BowlsWA and ClubsWA, other bowling clubs and sporting clubs and government departments. I have stated on many occasions that managing the operations of our Club is not a simple matter. Sorrento’s management has to have sufficient knowledge and expertise to deal with the same issues experienced by complex businesses. These include: • Taxation and financial management laws • Managing and safeguarding essentially a cash-based business that turns over around $1 million annually • Complying with enabling legislation such as the Associations Incorporations Act, Liquor Control Act, Occupational Health and Safety, public liability, harm minimization and good governance • Operating a commercial bar featuring a large inventory whilst complying with the Liquor Control Act, health and food handling laws • Adhering to industrial relations laws and employment practices for the staff and contractors that we employ • Controlling and maintaining life-cycle management and replacement of a large inventory of assets • Navigating a risk management program that has seen other bowling clubs fall into peril......... and this is all before a bowl has even been put down, a dart thrown or a game of croquet held. Some members sometimes only see what is in front of them or react to a single issue or decision that they may not personally agree with and feel that their elected members are not doing the right thing. These members, who while often vocal, are thankfully in the minority and don’t seem to spare a thought for the people who they have elected to deal with the complexities of running such a complicated venture. They should also remember that their elected members do this without any financial remuneration and often are not even compensated for their personal out-of-pocket expenses. I thank all those members who have volunteered their time and effort over the past six months. Now I believe is an appropriate time to look back at some of our achievements for the last few months. Planning The Club’s strategic plan has been updated and is titled “Continuing to Thrive Through 2025”. This document plans for the Club’s future over the next ten years and builds upon the work established in the “2020 Vision” which was written in 2008. The Plan looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that lie ahead in the next ten years. This document is available. If you would like a copy ask Ian Wittber. 11
As part of the development of this Plan, I have met with the Mayor of Joondalup and our councillors, Russ Fishwick and Sophie Dwyer, to discuss where the Club is heading and to secure their support. Numerous meetings have also been held with the leaders of BowlsWA and ClubsWA. Recently Sorrento formed a Presidents’ Forum with six other bowling clubs to discuss common interests and look at ways to work together. Members will be asked to consider and hopefully approve a number of amendments to our Constitution. These changes respond to feedback from Department of Commerce; changes to comply with the incoming Associations Incorporations Act and further simplification and modernisation of the Constitution; and the creation of an additional class of membership. The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor have advised their concurrence with the proposed changes. Thanks to Frank Lilley for undertaking much of this work and for also revamping the Club’s By-Laws. Finance As a Club we remain commercially sound even though we haven’t seen the financial growth that I would have liked over the past six months. The GC has developed a Capital Investment Plan that considers our priorities for capital investment given our scarce resources. This Plan prioritises $60,000 worth of capital projects to ensure that our reserves and cash surpluses are targeted to projects where they are most needed. Membership Declining membership is a major challenge for bowling clubs across Australia. To address the financial detrimental effects of this decline, bowling associations in some other States have introduced a single annual flat fee for clubs replacing the present individual capitation fee structure. A flat fee is also on BowlsWA’s agenda for the up coming Presidents’ Forum. While a flat fee may be good for the associations in shoring up their financial base, unless well planned and implemented it could place an added burden on individual clubs. One issue faced by the associations is the shift by some clubs to not capitate players who bowl but do not play pennants. Our number of bowlers has declined slightly to 300, our croquet membership has remained steady but our social and darts membership has grown to around 235, taking our total membership to around 560 – a membership that most clubs would envy. We are still regarded as the largest bowling club in the State in terms of capitated bowlers. However, as we have been saying for some time, our bowling members are not getting any younger and we need to encourage more people to play bowls and croquet if we are to continue to prosper. Our aim is to increase our membership by 140 to 700 over 12
the next few years, with 400 bowlers, and recruitment targeted at the 45-60 age group. To be successful, we need to continually reinvent ourselves so that we are attractive to this age group and develop communications strategies that get the message out there. More use will be made of social media. A Membership Marketing Plan has been developed and as part of the strategies developed, Alan Bishop has generously distributed around 4,000 brochures to households to improve the Club’s exposure within our catchment area. But please remember that all members have a hand to play in introducing new people to our Club, be they family, friends and neighbours or just casual acquaintances. The improvement of member safety has been a focus over the past six months with defibrillator training provided to 70 members and with the support of Darren Anstee we have also undertaken a number of safety audits and invested around $8000 to reduce safety risks. Club Environment Members will hopefully notice that things are continually happening around the place. Solar panels are now erected on the roof to reduce power costs and make us more environmentally friendly. Additional furniture has been acquired. More brick-face walls have been clad. A new large LED large screen TV has been installed to replace the faulty plasma on the eastern end of the building and the dance floor has been resanded. The darts area has been upgraded and modernised thanks to a donation from Azure Capital. Phase 1 of the kitchen refurbishment has been scoped and work will commence as soon as planning approval is granted. We have also been reinforcing with Joondalup Council their commitment to commence the building extension to the western end of the clubhouse in 2018/19, a project for which the Club has been requesting for the past 22 years. We have been working to improve communications with members. The Club’s website has been redeveloped; social media strategies are on the way; Neville and Denise continue to do a great job on the newsletter; John Murphy has erected two Pennants shield boards on the northern side and has placed a strong focus on member welfare; and the information nook to the western end has been redesigned and is being implemented. Bar Operations and Club Usage Significantly more income is derived from bar profits than through membership fees. 13
Maintaining an effective and profitable bar is vital to our success. Recently we replaced the bar till system with a new more robust and commercially based system. After some teething problems it is working well and we are clearly focused on improving our gross and net profit margins through efficiencies; better purchasing and pricing strategies; and managing rostering and staffing. It is great to see the Club so vibrant on Tuesdays with the ladies concluding their Pennant games; twilight bowlers departing to play their games; community bowlers on their way; and the early bird dart players starting to arrive. The challenge is to replicate this level of activity on other nights and to generally increase club usage. Sporting Performance This is always a challenge. Across the board we are performing pretty well. A couple of Thursdays ago the men’s teams won nine out of their ten divisions – a great effort. Thanks to the members of our Management Committees; our Match Committees; our Selection Committees; and to our officials and coordinators all of whom work diligently and freely give up their time to get the best from our sporting endeavours. We are doing well and can always do better. At the end of the day, success still relates to the time and effort put in by the players and the teams in which they play. Greens and Grounds Our greenkeeper and the Greens Committee have done a great job to get our greens back to the reputation that they deserve. The job is not yet done and members are asked to be sympathetic to the needs of our greens to ensure their ongoing sustainability. We now have four greens under lights and soon I am sure we will see the greens bathed with bowlers playing under lights on warm barmy nights. The proposal to install a synthetic green has been forwarded to Joondalup Council for their consideration and funding consideration. Even if they do not agree to help fund such a facility they will need to agree to long term tenure over the current facilities in order to facilitate other funding options and enable a reasonable return on investment to be offered. Our greens and grounds volunteers are doing a wonderful job and the surrounds looks superb. Our Club and greens reputation is further enhanced by hosting events such as the Masters’ Singles, State pairs and singles and other competitions; and Country Week. Our Club has secured the hosting of the Master Builders bowls competition in 2017 and submitted an expression of interest to host the Australian Over 60s National Sides Competition for October 2016, involving 230 participants from throughout Australia. 14
Finally I would like to thank our sponsors for their on-going support. In closing, there have been many other initiatives undertaken over the past 6 months including a revamped a renewed sponsorship effort; volunteers survey; a range of charity bowls events and Gala Day; reviews of office procedures and processes; technology and telecommunications upgrades; and many more. Wasn’t it great to see the spirit and compassion exhibited by Club members in raising over $4300 to support the Bush Fires Appeal? It must be recognised that so much more has been done at an operational level that while not highlighted in my report, is so vital to the Club’s success and ongoing sustainability. Our March newsletter will include a feature article to draw attention to the work of our 100 plus regular volunteers. Discerning and caring members who look around the Club on any given day will see ladies making sandwiches in the kitchen prior to Pennants; the men cooking the barbecues and coordinating community bowls; members working in the gardens and on the greens, undertaking repairs around the clubhouse; working behind the bar; working in our numerous committees and subcommittees and officiating at our events; working in the office and much more. Sure there have been challenges and frustrations, more quite frankly than I care to dwell on, but then I reflect, as all members should do, on the tremendous efforts and commitment of our wonderful volunteers. It’s really hard to name them for fear of missing someone out. But you know who they are. If you notice a member having a bit of a whinge, challenge them to put up or shut up. Let’s grow the 25% of our members who currently volunteer and share help share their load. As Arny says “we can do it”. – Brian Lucas
Men’s Captain’s Report
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ecently we have had the Men’s State Pairs and Men’s State Singles at our Club and I would like to thank all the volunteers, Men and Ladies, for making both events a success and placing Sorrento Bowls Club high on the agenda for more Championships in the future. A big thank you to our greenkeeper Alan and his staff and all the volunteers who help. The whole club looks so magnificent, and the amount of comments we receive is so encouraging. It’s a credit to you all. Thank you to all the male bowlers for wearing your Pennant shirt for Club 15
Coaching with Kathy
(former State champion and long term State player – current Over 60’s champion) Group sessions for 8 – 16 players – 5 hours of tuition with video analysis – $50 per player Individual lessons – $50 per hour with video analysis
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Championships. It’s a much better look than everyone wearing different shirts. Men’s Pennants on Thursdays and Saturdays are going great. Keep up the good work and let’s try and win some promotions for 2015/2016. As you all are well aware, I have been doing a survey on wearing blue trousers and shorts or sticking with the traditional white and I would like to thank everyone for voting. At the last count there were 114 names on the survey. I will be presenting the outcome of the survey at The half yearly AGM. Once again thank you for your support.
– John Godfrey
Christmas Dinner – December 2015
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n Friday 12 December we held our Christmas dinner with the menu provided by our very own Silver Fern caterers. The hall was decorated in red and white and the people attending were encouraged to attire themselves in these same colours. The majority of members did just this, with many demonstrating an admirable sense of style and creativity with the outfits they chose to wear. A surprise visit by Santa was organised– a jolly, bearded, rotund fellow who spread Christmas cheer and a few ‘ho, ho, ho’s’ around the hall. He appeared to have a bit of a sweat upon his brow (and other parts), so was clearly finding the weather in Perth a bit warmer than was usual for him. He was accompanied by three very cute and cuddly Christmas plum puddings who handed out chocolates to the assembled crowd and generally brought smiles to the faces of everyone there. When Santa and his trio of puddings went outside to have their photo taken, a little girl came up and asked if she could have her photo taken with Santa on his own. While this was happening, she shyly asked Santa if he could bring her a Barbie for Christmas. Our Santa was stoked that she found him so convincing 17
“Last year’s plum puddings were so awful, I threw them in the ocean. That’s probably why the ocean in full of currants.”
Some photos from our Christmas Dinner
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Our Christmas Sponsor’s Raffle
Brian Self announcing the 29 raffle prize winners
Robin Rowe was excited to win the $100 meat pack
Some of the 1600 tickets sold by Jan Cook and Brian Self to achieve a net profit of $2163 after all expenses Carmel Hyde was first out and won the $250 accommodation voucher donated by Quality Resorts- Sorrento Beach
Derry Ellis managed to win four 20 prizes! Well done Derry!
Jenny Gandras in her Christmas hat
Ian Lucas looking pleased with his prize
– either that or she was just so desperate for a Barbie that she was prepared to ask anyone who bore even a passing resemblance to the genuine St. Nick. Following a sumptuous repast of Christmas fare, a musical duo entertained. However, the numbers of people who chose to dance was somewhat diminished, probably due to very full tummies after so much food. A great time was had by all and Thanks to Hannah, Ross,Trish, Yanita and thanks go to all the people involved in organising the function – well Gemma for a lovely meal done!!! – Sharon Eggers
Report from the Sponsorship Committee
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ince our last report in the December 2015 newsletter your Sponsorship Committee have been very active. Our main objectives have been to ensure that our 29 sponsors • are visited regularly • their signage on the greens and above the bar and Darts areas is up to date • are supported when meat packs and other raffle prizes need to be purchased. • have all received our “Certificates of Recognition”, free social membership and copies of our newsletter. A link to our website is now sent to each Sponsor and printed copies are dropped off during regular visits • are given an opportunity to include some advertorial in our newsletter and to be featured in a Club competition and/or raffle. A summary sheet of all our sponsors is now available for members to display on their refrigerators or to have to hand along side their telephones. A monthly draw of invoices/receipts from members, who have used one of our sponsors, is now being held. The first invoice or receipt drawn out of the box receives a $50 prize. The lucky winners have been as follows:
• November 2015 • December 2015 • January 2016
Shelley Gray who supported Eyes On Maurice Pellerade who supported Duncraig IGA Rick Munt who supported Brads Hairdressers
We are also ensuring that all our Sponsors are well represented in our new “Sponsor’s 21
Corner” through displaying their business cards, pamphlets, brochures and catalogues. Thanks to John Sturk and Bill Long who installed the new board. We also plan to host our Sponsors to an evening of bowls and barbecue early in 2016. Our Christmas raffle, which coincided with the Balcatta Mixed Drawn Fours competition, was a great success. We used the following donations from Sponsors as additional prizes:
• • • • • • • • •
a $500 accommodation voucher from Quality Resorts – Sorrento Beach a large esky from Carlton Breweries a pair of bowling shoes from Aero World a magnum of sparkling wine from Cellarbrations Duncraig a dinner for two at the Cafe Sorrento donated by Ross and Trish Cunningham a case of Coke donated by IGA Duncraig a Christmas hamper donated by Brian Self two Christmas hampers donated by our Darts Club four golf umbrellas from Carlton Breweries
In addition we purchased four hams, a bottle of Scotch, two cartons of beer, a $100 meat pack and seven bottles of wine at a total cost of $525. We ended up with 28 prizes which attracted 1600 ticket purchases and this resulted in a net profit of $2163 for Club funds. Brian Self and Jan Cook must be complemented on this great fund raising effort and also special thanks to our sponsors for their generous donations. Finally we all need to thank Brian Self for his work on the Sponsorship Committee. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, he has had to resign. Brian has worked hard on our Committee. We also need to acknowledge his generosity. Brian has contributed $300 towards the costs of printing this newsletter, $500 for additional prizes for the IGA Duncraig Twilight Bowls, a number of meat packs and other raffle prizes and $50 each month to cover the special Sponsors Lucky Drawer of invoices/receipts from members who have supported one of our sponsors. Jan Paniperis has kindly agreed to take his place as Sponsorship Manager and we welcome her to the Committee. Rob Lees has also joined us and as a result of his efforts we now have Ricciardo’s Ristorante in Duncraig and Modern Pergolas and Decking as new sponsors. We are still trying to find a funeral parlour, a ladies’ hairdresser, a pharmacist, a white goods supplier and a fish and chip shop. If you have any suggestions please let us know and we will follow up. – Neville Odell 22
Ladies Gala Day 2016
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n Friday 8 January 2016, we held our annual Gala Day. We had 32 teams entered from clubs all over the metro area and several country clubs as well.
We ran the usual stalls and raffles with a bit of pre-selling of our monster wine raffle taking place the day before. The wine raffle alone raised over $1000 this year – probably a record for this one stall. Many of our women members gave up a lot of time to make this huge event run smoothly and successfully. However, as in the past, this event would not get off the ground without the help and support of many people. First of all the heartiest of thanks go to our sponsors and supporters without whom the day would have been much less successful. • Lotterywest for the donation of scratchies for our Multi Raffle • Kishore Dudhia from Wendy’s Warwick who donated the beautiful ice cream we had for dessert at lunchtime • Vanessa at Bowls World who donated the bowls bag and shoes for our major Christmas Sponsors raffle • Warren in the meat department of IGA Duncraig for the donation of a splendid meat pack to go with donated vegetables for one of our very lucrative raffles • Various club members who donated all kinds of items for various stalls today. Thank you so much to you all. Your generosity made this day so successful. Secondly, thanks go to the Ladies Management Committee for all their help and support with getting the day’s show up and running – a special thanks to the Match Committee for the bowling game side of the day and the kitchen organisers and helpers for the delicious food all day. Thirdly a huge vote of thanks goes to all the women and men who helped with the following tasks: • Setting up and decorating the hall and the preparing of the stalls • Preparation and delivery of the food. A special thanks Trish and her helpers in the kitchen • Making and serving drinks • Running stalls – thanks to all who donated to and manned the stalls • Running the games of bowls, match and umpires and the many players who took part • Doing the dishes for over 140 people • Operating the bar The winners for the day were a team from Dalkeith Nedlands who were thrilled to find 23
themselves at the top of the ladder. The heat was a bit of a challenge and two teams pulled out after lunch, making a bit of a headache for Match officials – however, this was soon sorted out. The overall profit for this year’s event was a little over $4000. It was then decided that $1000 of this would be donated to the Lord Mayor’s Bush fire Appeal to assist those who recently lost so much in the Yarloop bush fire. – Sharon Eggers
Ben/ Barry’s/ Beautiful/ Bacon/Beetroot/ Burger
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eville has asked me to tell you about our “Thursday slack night”. In the past I normally ate as many sandwiches as possible after Pennants, as I knew I was only going to get the usual regular bacon and egg burger at home. This was fairly straight forward standard Thursday night fare until our son, Ben, came along one Thursday and said: “I’ll do that”. Ben stoked up the BBQ. Then the tomatoes and onions were sliced then diced until he had two nice little piles. The two piles were then mixed with a little pepper, salt and chilli powder (I had to slow him down there). This mixture was then placed on the hot plate in three little piles. The bacon was put on the grill and then came the eggs. As the tomato/onion mix cooked Ben flattened the piles and sort of “volcanoed” the mix. He then cracked an egg on top mixing it with the other ingredients until these were made into bun sized piles. A slice of tasty cheese was then placed on top of each pile. In the time the bacon cooked the cheese melted into the mixture and the buns were lightly toasted. “Ben and Barry’s Beautiful Bacon/Beetroot Burger” came together with additions of beetroot, cucumber (optional), lashings of BBQ sauce and finally some fresh lettuce (mandatory). A beer or chilled wine and a big plate and some paper serviettes is recommended!Ben did such a good job he has been invited back every Thursday. I now eat less post Pennant sandwiches. – Barry Stewart
Balcatta Mowers Mixed Drawn Fours
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his new sponsored event, held on 18 December 2015, turned out to be a great success. Forty eight members turned out to enjoy a great Friday afternoon of social bowls sponsored by Balcatta Mowers. The bowls was followed by some food 24
and drinks (everyone brought a plate) and an opportunity to be present at the Club for the drawing of the Christmas raffle.
Winners of the $100 first prize was the team of Frank Bomford, Ted McGrady, Ken Evans and Bev Carrigy. Runners up were Clair Hanlon, Frank Tyson, Liz Marshall and Charmaine Harris. Well done and thank you to Balcatta Mowers for your on-going support.! – Jackie Maxwell
Men’s Match Committee Report Men’s Triples At the request of our management, the Men’s Triples was conducted over two Friday nights and two Sundays. The first Friday night saw all twenty teams in action under threatening skies and the occasional sprinkle of rain. The greens were very slow, but no complaints were aired and all matches completed. After alignment matches were played, and the second round concluded on Sunday 8 November, the semi-finals were played on “Friday the 13th” with Tiger Hogan, Graeme O’Brien (subbing for Peter Snow) and Ron Rogers going down to Brian Kiely, Chris Lander and Brian Saul in one semi-final. In the other major semi-final, Steve Mortimer, Warren Elliott and Greg Taylor defeated Bob Jeffs, Spider Webb and Stan Van Mosseveld in an extremely close match. The finals were played the next Friday with Steve, Warren and Greg playing too steadily, for a fast-finishing Saul trio, to win 18-13. The Plate final saw Ken Vercoe, Keith Cooper and John Godfrey recover from a one to ten deficit, to draw level after nine ends and steam away from Herbie Eisenmann, Alan Walton and Juris Lorencs to win comfortably. Thanks to all players for being willing to embrace the night matches as part of a Club Championship. 25
Men’s Triples Winners
Winners of Men’s Triples: Greg Taylor, Steve Mortimer and Warren Elliott
Winners of the Plate: Ken Vercoe, Keith Cooper and John Godfrey
Runners up: Brian Kiely, Brian Saul and Chris Lander
Runners up: Herbie Eiesenman, Alan Walton and Juris Lorencs
Above: The Men’s Triples, for 2015/16, being played under floodlights for the first time 26
Our Father and Son Evening
Maureen, Nikki and Mandy Green and Kane Scott Trevor and Anne Orton and their son Cameron
Jim, Glenn, Robyn Woodward and Saskia Kalwij
The “Boma’s” – Frank, Nadine, 27 Kerry, Tania, Brendon and Stephen
The Sabatino family– Amber, Tony, Julie, Cait, Nigel and Zac
Winners – Neville Odell and his son-in-law Allan Shewell
Jay Inglis, Alan Inglis,Thora Lay, Tracy Inglis, Derek Lay and San Inglis
Robin and Derry Ellis
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Patrick and Tim Murray
Sandon Page, Kane Scott and Ken Hollick
Winners of the Mens’ Fours
Winners of the Mens’ Fours Plate
A Pom, a Kiwi and two Aussies in their countries shirts
Men’s Fours Congratulations to Brian Collins, Brian Lucas, Mick Martin and John Godfrey who won the Mens’ Fours. They beat Trevor Orton. John Collishaw, Gavan Ebsworth and Neville Odell in a closely contested final. The Plate event was won by Brian Saul, Keith Cooper, Graeme Heard and Ian Marshall. Australia vs. The Rest of the World The annual match between Aussie-born and “alien” Australians was held on Saturday 23 January, with 48 bowlers participating. Ten more Aussies than RoW-ers turned up, so five bowlers had to change sides to keep the numbers even. Six matches of fours were played, with each side winning three matches. But the Rest of the World team triumphed by virtue of their 16 shots margin. The winningest rink was Herbie Eisenmann (Germany), Bob Steven (Scotland), Alan Walton (Ethiopia – well he looks like an Ethiopian at least) and Jim Welch (England). The next best were Brett Owen (NZ), Mike McGeehan (Scotland), Warren Elliott (NZ) and Brian Self (Wales). All of the matches were played in a great spirit, and everyone tells me they had a good time, so it looks like we go around again next Australia Day. IGA Duncraig Twilight Bowls Thanks to IGA Duncraig who are sponsoring our Twilight Bowls. Thanks also to Brian Self who is donating $50 a week towards the prize money.
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Father and Son The annual father-and-son night attracted a field of 20 members with assorted sons, sons-in-law, grandsons, neighbours and even a couple of non-bowling friends to
the club on 29 January. Two matches of 6 ends each of 2-4-2 pairs were played in hot and humid conditions. The matches produced a couple of noteworthy highlights. Rob Tozer’s son was going to be late, so he was requested to bowl right-handed (he’s a leftie) in his match with Ric Munt. While he acquitted himself well, he and Ric lost narrowly. The other remarkable events were the 19-3 score line that Tim and Patrick Murray chalked up, and the 8 shots scored on the final end by Spider and Patrick Webb (to snatch the win by 2 shots!). Overall, only two teams managed to win both games, with Neville Odell and his son-in-law Allan Shewell’s +10 being just too much for Lindsay and Scott Baker’s +7. Tim and Patrick Murray won the first round, and Brian Staples and Mark Steels won the second. All said they had a good time, and special thanks to Ross and Trish Cunningham for keeping the kitchen open so that the hungry bowlers could have a bite to eat after their matches. Duncraig Physio Easter Carnival Please make a note in your diaries for our Easter Carnival which will be sponsored by Duncraig Physio and held on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday. Mens’s Novice Singles The Men’s Novice Championship which was scheduled for 22 November, 2015 had to be postponed. It will now be held on Sunday, 20 March, 2016. Letters inviting all qualifying novices will be sent out prior to this event. Sorry for any inconvenience – Trevor Orton
Women’s Match Committee Report
S
ince the last report a number of Championship competitions have taken place. Seventeen players took to the greens for the Women’s 100 UP on 7 and 14 October. The Major winner was Trish Cunningham and the Runner Up Nerrida Porteous with Barbara Lorencs winning the final of the Plate from Robyn Woodward. Interestingly, Barbara first entered the “Sorrento Championship Record Book” twenty years ago when part of the team that won the Plate in the Fours. The Mixed Fours Club Championship on 4 and 11 of October was a family affair with Ian Marshall, Brent Marshall and Liz Marshall joined by Fran Bracknell winning the Major Championship. The Runners up were Trevor Orton, Neville Odell, Denise Odell and Kath Harris. The Plate winners were Carole Ford, May Macliver, Brian Joy and Alan Walton. The Mixed Pairs Club Championship began on 18 and 25 October, with Jackie Maxwell and Rick Munt winning the Major final against Trish Cunningham and Ross Cunningham. Unfortunately, due to some players having commitments in 30
Overall winners: Vonnie King, Barbara Lorencs and Jackie Maxwell
Winners Ladies Triples Championship December 2015
Runners Up: Jean Middleditch, Clair Hanlon and Carmel Hyde
Plate winners: Lorraine Hyde, Kath Harris 31 and Barbara Hill
Runners Up in Plate: Jan Paniperis, Fran Bracknell and Pauline Marsden with Josie (R.I.P.)
State Championship games the Plate is still to be completed. Quarter and Semi final games are scheduled for 20th March and the final will be played on Sunday 3 April. The Women’s Championship Pairs took place on 11 and 18 November with 16 teams taking part. In the Major final Pauline Marsden and Pauline Bourne played Jackie Maxwell and Barbara Lorencs. The match proved perilous for the Paulines with Jackie and Barbara taking the title. The Plate winners were Carmel Hyde and Fran Bracknell. Twelve teams contested the Women’s Championship Triples. The Major Winners were Barbara Lorencs, Jackie Maxwell and Vonnie King who came in as a replacement for Judy Campbell. Vonnie proved to be a great asset to the team. In the final they won by two points against Clair Hanlon, Jean Middleditch and Carmel Hyde. The Plate winners were Kath Harris, Barbara Hill and Lorraine Hyde. The Gala Day on January 8th was a resounding success with 34 teams entered. Please see Sharon Eggers’ report on this event. This year we ran the Novice Club Championship Singles and the winner was Robyn Rowe and the Runner Up Cheryl Greig. Cheryl commented that she was grateful to have the opportunity to put on a Club shirt and play in a competition. Robyn who is normally a gregarious character, with her laughter heard all over the greens, was unusually quiet as she concentrated on her game. Which goes to prove “Silence is Golden”. Both Robyn and Cheryl are up and coming players who will be an asset to our Club. We currently have 30 entries for the Trevors Carpets Invitation Day on Friday 19 February. Thanks to the generosity of Ray Green, this competition has increased in popularity with State selected players very keen to take part in this prestigious event. Thanks to Kevin Cook, the Chair of Greens, for his support and to Alan McFayden for the high quality of the greens. The Match Committee appreciates the way in which Jim Ironside, the Co-ordinator of Umpires, has ensured we have an Umpire at our competitions. – Pauline Marsden
Umpires’ Corner
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ith the recent extremes in weather conditions some controversial incidents have occurred in Pennants relating to commencement and stoppages of games. The following summarises the “Laws and Rules” covering these situations. 32
With regard to a delayed start of a game due to extreme weather (heat, rain or lightning), Bowls W.A. Pennant rules clearly state that any game not commenced within 60 minutes of the scheduled start of play shall be abandoned. Once play has commenced and subsequent formal (Umpire) stoppages occur due to extreme weather, the game cannot be abandoned before there has been a cumulative 60 minutes of stoppages. Once cumulative stoppages reach 90 minutes, the game must be abandoned. Between the 60 minutes and 90 minutes of stoppages Team managers shall consult with the Umpire of the Day who as sole arbiter shall make the decision whether to abandon or continue play. It should also be noted that the greenkeeper, or his representative, has the right during a game to advise the umpire that he is closing the greens, if he believes they are likely to become damaged by further play. Where a game is formally stopped by the Umpire of the Day, an end in progress where all the required bowls have not been played shall be declared dead. (Law 32.2) Where a game is temporarily stopped by agreement between Skips (e.g. to shelter from a passing shower) but not formally stopped by the Umpire, Law 32.2 does not apply and an end in progress is not dead and shall be continued when the players return. For further information refer to your Bowls W.A. Fixture Handbook – Metropolitan Pennant Competition – General Conditions – Rule 8.2 (Page 7), the relevant Conditions of Play for your particular competition and the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Law 32. – Jim Ironside
Men’s Pennant News
Please note that the Wind-Up for the end of the Pennants season will be held on Saturday 12 March at 6.30pm. All Thursday and Saturday players are invited. The meal will be catered by Silver Fern i.e. Ross and Trish Cunningham. The Pennant Player of the Year will be announced and there will be other individual cash awards based on Pennant results. Pots Winners ( Thanks to Brads Hairdresser who sponsor these prizes): Thursday: Round 9: Ron Taylor, Derry Ellis, Alan Taylor, and Roger Haber. +23 shots Round 10: Frank Bomford, Jim Woodward, Neil Mclaughlan, Ken Vercoe. +21 shots Round 11: Trevor Orton, Craig Grisbrook, John Collishaw, Jim Ironside. +31 shots Round 12: Phil Oldershaw, Tony Sabatino, Graeme Heard, Steve Mortimer.+19 Round 13: Jem Shorland, Rob Horgan, Jim Hatt, Danny Condon. +28 shots 33
Saturday: Round 10: Alan Rolls, Ron Taylor, Alan Taylor and Derry Ellis. +24 shots Round 11: Keith Tompkins, Barry Bradshaw, Colin Campbell, Phil Bilich. +23 shots Round 12: No Award majority of games washed out. Round 13: Tom Dowling, Ron Magerl, Hugh Milloy and Dick Merton. +17 shots Round 14: Rob Lees, Glenn McCarthy, Ken Hollick and Ken Foggo. +27 shots Finally on behalf of all the men bowlers I would like to say a special thank you. Every Thursday and Saturday, during the bowl’s season, a team of women are to be found in the kitchen making sandwiches for all the Pennant bowlers. These ladies are the quiet achievers who are just in the background working away to make our Club what it is. Thank you Marie Smart, Marilyn Baker, Nola Mullumby, Helen Ironside, June Huckle, Jean Baker, Wendy Stobie, Emily Dunn, Helen O’Brien, Nora Giles, Pip Lucas, Shelly Gray, Mary Rolls, Sue Hogan, Thora Lay, Kerry Bomford and Bev Carrigy. Special mention must be made of Sue Hogan, Kerry Bomford and Thora Lay who do the buying and the preparation. Tiger Hogan also needs to be thanked for peeling the eggs! Apparently, according to Tiger, this important task requires considerable skill to avoid getting egg shells into the sandwiches. – Rob Tozer
New Years Eve Masquerade Night
O
ur New Years Eve function was a great, fun night. Everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion with lots of masks of all shapes and sizes. The Stray Dogs band kept the music beating away with all the hits from the 60s and 70s and lots of singing and wonderful dancing from the crowd. Each time I come to the Club for social evenings, Melbourne Club events and the like, I am always impressed by the wonderful work done by a few dedicated people to make the place special and welcoming.
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Many thanks to Jan Cook who always has a smile and a hello and also Trish Cunningham, Jenni Lockwood, Frank and Jenny Gandras, Betty Stern and Margaret Cooper, whose combined effects made New Years Eve night at our Club a great place to be. – Mary Rolls
The “Biggest Comeback”
T
he Men’s Saturday team of 3 Gold arrived at North Beach for round five of the season. Usually when we play there, we are on their ‘Carpet’ so it was a bit of a surprise that we were to play on the grass surface of ‘A’ green. Those readers who have played on this green will know that the wind can be a little tricky with it being influenced by the bushes to the west and south. Our rink consisted of Roland Hill (Skip) Fred Stimpson (Third) Tony Bourne (Lead) and myself as Second. We lost the first end by one shot – no dramas, there is a long way to go but the next end we went down by four. We managed to win the next end by one, making us 5-1 down after three. I thought to my self, this is going to be a tough game. Over the next seven ends we only managed two shots on the eighth with the score being 3-20 after ten ends. We were getting slaughtered. This was strange territory for me as the rink I’m normally involved with very rarely loses. I had been keeping an eye on the aggregate and it was fairly close, so I knew that we had to try and do something to minimise our rinks loss and give the team a chance of a win. Luck seems to be on your side when you are doing well but deserts you when you are not. Our opposition to their credit was playing top quality bowls and the luck seemed to be with them. When their Lead rolled the jack into the ditch and Tony put in a short end, we were holding three shots but their Skipper played a great shot to kill the end. When we had shot, they would move the jack and our ‘Up’ shots were just missing. Nothing was going our way. Then it all changed. Firstly, we managed to win the 11th end and Tony, who had been putting in some good bowls, started to find form. Fred started to suggest playing a different shot to what Roland wanted. Okay, they were not all successful but we suddenly stopped playing predictable bowls. The opposition had, for the most part being playing on the wide side. Fred’s tactics forced them to rethink their shots.
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Roland was playing a great Skippers game, not only in his shot making but having the courage to listen to his Third and go with it. I remember saying to Tony after we had won a few ends on the trot, “if we can reverse the scoring of the first half, we can win by a couple of shots”.
Luck found us again. There were two ends during the run home that the opposition had multiple scoring shots but an errant bowl from them moved the jack in our favour. This kept our momentum going with the most crucial period being the 12th to 16th ends when we scored 14 shots in five ends. Mind you, when they got a shot back on the 18th end to lead by two, I thought our run might be over, but we hung in there to gain another seven shots over the last three ends. All credit most go my fellow bowlers for never giving up and having the belief we could win. Although I did not have a great game, this inspired me (in the second half at least) to put in the occasional good bowl. Credit must be given to the other rinks, in particular Rob Tozer’s team who were in control all day, for playing well and giving us the belief we could win. – Derek Smith
Another 8-Badge
I
t was Thursday 26 November and Sorrento 3 Gold journeyed to Merriwa. Some strong bowling by the Merriwa mob saw them well ahead on two of the rinks which had the aggregate in peril early into the game. The rink of Pat Dichiera as lead, Des Byrne keeping score at 2nd, Merv Spence at 3rd and Skip Russ Lockwood were having a better result and were several shots up. At about seven ends into the game it was Merriwa’s mat and young Pat Dichiera bowled two bowls inside his opposing Leads bowls, Sorrento two up, Des drew his first bowl inside Pat’s best for three up and then he played a magnificent bowl to draw the shot for four up. Merv took to the mat inspired and placed two more right in the head for six up. What was Kevin Adams the Merriwa Skip going to do? His first bowl was on line but just clipped a short bowl and deflected away from the head. We were still six up. Russ’s first bowl joined the bowls in the tight head as a counter for seven up. Kevin was determined and with extra care bowled a fantastic line but his bowl slipped through, Sorrento still seven up. Skipper Russ bowled again and it was on the edge of the counters, was it enough? Yes an 8-badge right there. High fives all round and very sporting congratulations from Kevin’s team. Unfortunately Sorrento went down on that day with only the 8-badger’s rink having a win and their feel good smiles masked the disappointment of losing the aggregate. – Russ Lockwood 36
Women’s Selection Report
I
t is pleasing to look at the ladder and see Sorrento well placed in most of the Divisions on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. Having achieved Premier status, following our flag win last year, we have achieved results beyond expectations in the top division by holding fourth spot out of ten teams at this stage, with a margin of nine points over the seventh placed side. 2 Green also hold fourth position and have a comfortable margin above the demotion area. 3 Green are doing extra well and hold top position. 4 White are third and hold a six point margin over the bottom two sides. Well done to the players in those teams and continue it on for the remainder of the season. At the moment the one division that is battling is 1 Green North who hold only a 5 point lead above the second last side and we trust they will hold or improve this position because losing this division would result in 2 second division sides and none in first division, which is not desirable. Saturday Pennant teams are also performing very well with 1 Red holding second place and 3 Purple in third position. Congratulations on the effort put in. I take this opportunity to highlight section 5 of the selection policy with particular emphasis on the fact that Selectors cannot always watch other players bowling .There is a need for Selectors to ensure their own game is at the required level by concentrating on what they need to do so it is imperative that Managers or players bring to the Selectors at the next Selection meeting any issues that may be concerning them. Do not raise them on the day of the game or during a game. Bear in mind we play bowls for enjoyment and volunteer for positions to help out the club, so assist in allowing that to happen by approaching the whole group of Selectors, not individuals, and at a time that doesn’t affect the day of bowling. – Jan Cook
When one starts to go deaf!
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ne would presume that an Invitation Day would proceed free of any hassles or problems as after all, this Invitation Day at Innaloo, has been held, for many years, free of any dramas so why any this year. How wrong could they have been! It came to the notice of the three Sorrento teams present, that one of their ladies was very very very keen to win a prize in one of the many raffles, monster raffle or even on the money sheet. This lady (KATH HARRIS if you must know) rushed from her seat to claim what she thought was her prize from the money sheet. How wrong can one be – the name called was not K Harris but rather a Fay Harris. Sheepishly, our 37
Kath quietly retreated back to her seat. Did this have any effect on our Kath – no – not really. Did she blush? Of course not! Only a little giggle or two. After lunch, whilst the ladies were still seated and engaging in some general chit-chat, Innaloo decided to continue on with the monster raffle draw as there were some fifty or more prizes to give away. You guessed it – whose name came again but Fay Harris and our K Harris jumped up again only to be sent back to her seat as the prize was not hers. More laughter and giggling with our Kath being heard to say “That’s twice I have been to claim a prize and twice I have been sent back to my seat”. The afternoon round finished around 3 30 pm with all the ladies once again returning to the main hall for afternoon tea and the completion of the drawing of the monster raffle and hamper draws. Towards the end of the draw, out came Fay Harris’s name again and once again our one and only Kath Harris fronted up for the prize – and yes – she was once again advised that this prize was not hers but Fay Harris’s. Poor Kath – she was dumbfounded – how could this happen to her three times in one day. Kath, just in case you don’t already know this, what you did is called “old age” and it happens when one starts to lose their hearing ability! – Anonymous
Greens and Grounds
O
ur “A” green is progressing well and we are looking forward to it being in play during February. As previously advised the North Western section of “A” required some levelling and as this will require more top dressing than other areas, we will commence using it East/West until the grass grows through sufficiently. This problem has occurred due to mowers and laser levelling machines making contact with the plinth and because there was only sand below they rocked up and down ending up lower than the grassed area. We have now placed a piece of material that fits hard up against the brick wall and fits under the plinth to hold it so movement is minimised. During March we will be hosting the Men’s Country Week and it is likely that we may host some of the Ladies Country Week which follows straight after the Men. Other events such as the “Duncraig Physio Easter Carnival”, the “Trevors Carpets Day” and other events will impact on when we can commence to renovate “E” and “B”. We wish to do these before the growing season finishes but one may have to be delayed until early spring if we don’t have sufficient time to do it before winter. The “Thumbs Up Club” and other volunteers continue to carry out a number of things that members may be unaware of e.g.: • removing excess top dressing that falls into ditches and replacing that material with the white beach sand, 38
• • • • • • • • • •
putting in place shade cloth and taking it down at the season end, making trial rinks, boundary pegs and markers, cleaning ditches , mowing the Croquet court and painting the boundary lines, untangling wind socks, cleaning up the hill area under the big tree, assisting with water pipe placements on watering days, regularly checking reticulation output, painting as required and fixing scoreboards.
There are also tasks such as making liftouts for paper cups near the water fountains. However our main function is to look after the gardens. Our regular Monday group consists of Ken Vercoe, Bob Jeffs, Bill Long, Colin Bangs, Roger Haber, Tony Bourne, Gavin Ebsworth, Ray Stapledon, Russ Lockwood and Robin Rowe. A new member Dennis Croker will fill Ken Vercoe’s role as from next week (thanks for joining in Dennis). Ken is not finishing as such, but just lightening his workload. Our positions are purely voluntary and if one cannot attend then we cover as best we can for the absence. Should anyone have the time we would only be too pleased to have them join us. If you have special skills and time we would like to know, so you could help out our other volunteers who regularly help out with things like welding, building ramps repairing machines, roofs etc. My personal thanks go out to the green-keeping Staff for returning our greens and surrounds to a state that we can be proud of. Also thanks to the members for assisting us in doing that by accepting without complaint some of the restrictions that were put in place. “Good Bowling”. – Kevin Cook
Croquet Corner News
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Busselton Tournament On 27 November, 2015 four members of the Sorrento Croquet Club made their way to Busselton to take part in the Busselton Handicapped Golf Croquet Doubles competition. Many nerves showed over the weekend, with it being Pat’s first Country Competition and Thora’s first “out-of-theclub” competition. Games were won, and games were lost, but Judith and Thora took the flag for Sorrento by winning two games against A Grade
players. They were congratulated on their wins by us and by members from several other clubs. The person who organised our accommodation assured us that it was within walking distance of the croquet courts. So, on a hot, windy, smoky afternoon we set off in the car to find the Busselton Clubhouse; 2 km later, the Tortoises in our group decided that there was no way they would be walking to the club - but the Hares were still keen. After eventually finding the club, even the Hares had given up on walking and after seven games on Saturday and another four on Sunday we were all thankful for our trusty motor transport. On arrival at the accommodation it was decided that the loudest snorer in the group should have a room to themselves, as no one wanted to be kept awake by the noise of her snoring. After stalking the ball all day on the croquet courts this person proceeded to stalk the other members of the team with her phone on “record” mode for most of the night. It was agreed by the end of the weekend, that with all the booze consumed, not one of us was the quiet sleeper we thought we were. However, she who was initially accused was the winner in the end because she got to have a huge room all to herself. The Busselton Club members made us very welcome and the tournament was well run and the weekend was one of many laughs and much fun. Forthcoming Events Wednesday 24 February: Croquet Section Social Lunch. The first of the section’s quarterly events will be a Luncheon on Wednesday 24 February at the Greenwood Tavern from 12:30 pm onwards. These events are usually well attended with about 25 of the 30-odd croquet members choosing to attend. Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February: Narrogin “Guns ‘N’ Roses” Competition. Entries close on Monday 15 February. Entry fee $25 per player. Sunday 6 to Monday 7 March: Bunbury Central Croquet Club 63rd Annual Doubles Golf Croquet Competition – 3 pm start. Entries close on Saturday, 14 February. Entry fee $20 per player. Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 March: York Croquet Club Over 65s Progressive Doubles Golf Croquet Competition – Level play. Entries close on Saturday, 5 March Entry fee $25 per player. Saturday 16 April: Trophy Presentation Night Dinner at Sorrento Club from 7pm. 40
Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 April: State Ladies’ Golf Croquet Championships. Saturday 7 May: Association Croquet Singles – Div. 2. Sunday 8 May: State Squad Golf Croquet Practice (9am – 4pm) Wednesday 31 August to 11 September 2016: Australian Croquet Association (ACA) National Gold Medal Tournaments and Golf Croquet Inter-State Shield (ISS) Matches. Western Australia will host the Men’s and Ladies Singles; and the Interstate Cup; this year. Sorrento Croquet Club has been selected as a co-host to some of the games included in these events due to the quality of its greens and its Club facilities. Other Clubs also included as co-hosts are Forrest Park, Cambridge, Nedlands, Como and Gosnells. Some of Australia’s top croquet players will be in action during this period and spectators are encouraged to attend. Sorrento Croquet Section will send invitations for schools to attend as spectators in an effort to stimulate the interest of younger players in this sport. Tuesday 6 September: Men’s Singles - National Tournament. News of Geoff Bloomfield It’s been four years since Geoff had the stroke that caused his dementia. In October last year he was moved from Birralee Nursing Home to Oxford Gardens in Joondalup. It took a while for him to settle in, but recently he said that the staff at Oxford Gardens are very nice. They in turn have told us that Geoff has promised them that they only need come to him and he will set them right with a loan. Once a bank manager, always a bank manager! Geoff is in a wheel chair and has lost the use of his left arm, He enjoys singing along with performers who come to the Nursing Home, really enjoys going on group outings – just recently they went to a beach. He also enjoys watching television in his room and listening to his many classical music CD’s. Get Well Message Recently Tony and Pam Fowke have been “in the wars” – both landing themselves in hospital at the same time! (They must try to improve their timing of these events!) However, we are very pleased to report that they are both back home again now and enjoying strong support from their family and friends. Everyone in the Croquet section wishes them continued improvement in their health; and we look forward to having Tony back on the croquet courts in the near future - and to having Pam’s company again at the Friday night “roasts”. Get well soon! – Diana Mcgivern 41
Darts Club Report
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he 2014/2015 Annual Darts Wind Up Dinner And Trophy Presentation was held on Sunday 22 November and I believe everybody had a good time. Thanks to Ian Marshall who stood in for me at the presentations. The following guests were acknowledged: Life members David Wallace and his wife Margaret, Keith Cooper and his wife Margaret, Brian Lucas and his wife Pip, Shelley Gray, wife of Wayne Gray, life member and President of our Club. We would like to thank Ross and Trish from Silver Fern Catering for a great feed and Wayne’s wife Shelley, who arranged for the prawns and helped set up this event. Our Dart Club has operated for over thirty years and is a very successful club. This doesn’t happen by accident and requires the service of our dedicated committee members, delegates and team managers listed below: 1. Brian Lucas, who has been with our Club in many capacities over many years, and is our current treasurer and puts many hours into the club. 2. Tony Jones who is the Club Secretary. 3. Ian Marshall who is the Club Recorder and has taken on board the task of arranging the darts away bus trip. 4. Bruce Cross, Kishore Dudhia and Tim Best who are the Club delegates to the Sports And Bowling Club Darts Association. 5. Phil Webb and Ian Marshall are the club delegates to the Blue Water Darts Association. 6. Last but by no means least is the dynamic pair, Keith and Margaret Cooper. Keith and Margaret work tirelessly selling raffle tickets and balancing their books, enabling our Club to have functions like this Annual Dinner. The Darts Club 2014/2015 season was very successful and the competition was enjoyed by all. We had three teams entered in the Sports and Bowling Club Association with the fourth division winning the flag. We had four teams entered into the Bluewater Competition with our A grade winning the flag and C grade Gold making the grand final but unfortunately did not win. The following coming events were announced: • The annual Bowls vs Darts competition was cancelled this year but we are planning a Darts Sunday function early in the new year to start off the winter season and celebrate the end of summer season. • The Dart Club AGM to be held on Thursday 18 February 2016. 42
• The date for the Darts trip will be announced in the new year when arrangements can be confirmed. At this point of time we are looking at travelling to Kellerberrin.
Listed below are the presentations made at the “Wind up”:
Bluewater Darts Association A grade winners: Tony Kay (captain), Phil Webb, Doug Lorencs, Juris Lorencs, Brian Lucas, Brian Collins, Glenn Holman, Gary Rogers and Wayne Gray. C grade runner ups: Tim Best, Ebony Easterbrook, Charlie Johnson, Linda Johnson, Penny Teague, Darren Stevens, Mark Johnson Sports and Bowling club 4th division winners: Darren Stevens, Penny Teague, Tim Best, Mark Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Linda Johnson and Ebony Easterbrook 180s scored Bluewater Competition: Glenn Holman, Brian Lucas and Gary Rogers 180’S scored Bowling Club Competition: Darren Stevens Club event trophies. • Singles champion • Singles runner-up • Singles plate winner • Singles plate runner-up • Doubles champions • Doubles runner-ups
Gary Rogers Phil Webb Brian Lucas Ian Marshall Brian Lucas, Darren Stevens Glenn Holman, Divyesh Shah
A special presentation was made to our 2014 doubles runner up Liz Marshall who unfortunately last year had her trophy presented to her husband. 43
Bluewater Association • A grade highest average • A grade most pegs • A grade highest peg • C grade white highest average • C grade white most pegs • C grade white most pegs • C grade white highest peg • C grade gold highest average • C grade gold most pegs • C grade gold highest peg
Tony Kay (64.25) Phil Webb (27) Gary Rogers (153) Brent Marshall (40.83) Brent Marshall (16) Kevin Cook (16) Kevin Cook (64) Mark Johnson (44.57) Tim Best (25) Ebony Easterbrook (80)
Sports and Bowling Club Association • 3rd Div black highest average • 3rd Div black most pegs • 3rd Div black highest peg • 3rd Div red highest average • 3rd Div red most pegs • 3rd Div red highest peg • 4th Division highest Average • 4th Division most pegs • 4th Division highest Peg
Bruce Cross Bruce Cross Bruce Cross Bob Mulroy Bob Mulroy Ron Kuziela Mark Johnson Mark Johnson Darren Stevens
(45.90) (27) (96) (42.62) (23) (89) (46.30) (32) (104)
The last presentation was for The Perpetual Highest Peg Trophy and this year it went to Gary Rogers with a peg of 153. I would like to again congratulate the trophy winners and wish good luck to all the teams that are competing in this year’s winter competition. – Wayne Gray
Do not upset your bowls
S
cientists, at a number of leading universities, have established that it is very important not to upset your lawn bowls under any circumstances. Some may consider their bowls to be deaf lumps of plastic with no inner feelings but beware – they are sensitive, temperamental, capricious and petulant and don’t like to be abused. Based on a bowl’s traits and behaviour experts consider them to be of the female gender and they are often described as “beautiful”. Remember they will treat you badly and will punish you accordingly if you are nasty to them so please bear the following in mind: 44
• Do not refer to them as deaf or stupid lumps of plastic. Using the F-word when • • •
• •
•
• • • • • • •
they don’t do what you want them to do is not recommended. Don’t always use the same two bowls. If you are playing two games on a day use two for the first game and the other two for the second game. This will avoid hurt feelings. Don’t send them down the green on the wrong bias as this will embarrass them when there are hoots of derision from adjoining rinks. When you return home after a bad day on the green (and too many beers) don’t throw your bowls into the wheelie bin as one bowler did only to find that when he awoke from his drunken stupor the next morning the Council had already emptied his bin. Don’t take your bowls bag out of your boot without checking that it is zipped up. A mate of mine did this in the street and his bowls ran down the storm water drain. He had to call the Council to retrieve his bowls.. Don’t take the wrong bowls bag home. Your bowls will feel lonely and neglected if they end up in a strange place overnight. I managed to take one wrong bowl home and had to take a train into Perth to meet up with the bowler who had taken my bowl. Imagine how upset the other three bowls were until they were re-united. Don’t leave your bowls in an unlocked car or locker. A bowler had one bowl stolen out of his locker. When he approached Taylor International to make a replacement, to match the remaining three bowls, they declined but feeling sorry for him gave him a discount on a new set. Talking about lockers remember these are for bowls and not for dirty items of clothing, especially smelly socks. Don’t put your bowls into a pillowcase and use this to bludgeon your opponent as suggested by Danny Katz, the columnist in the West Australian’s TV Times. Don’t make remarks about other people’s bowls as this may upset your bowls if they overhear your nasty comments. Avoid remarks such as “Your multicoloured bowls make me nauseous”. Polish your bowls regularly, as this makes them feel wanted and loved. Only use high-quality polish and never toothpaste. Don’t arrive at a bowls match without your bowls. This makes your bowls feel neglected, and they may repay you for your negligence and they have long memories. Ensure your bowls are always surrounded by loving friends. They do enjoy company. It is useful to be a bit like Col Cramond and have several sets available. If rain falls, pick your bowls up and place them in a warm, dry place. There’s not much in life worse than bowls that go cold. When you retire your bowls, give them to a loving family. There are usually lots of retired bowls at the club, so why not let your bowls join them there. 45
• And finally do not under any circumstance (after a game) leave your old black
(ordinary) bowls near to or touching any new coloured bowls This could lead to sexual tension, discrimination and name calling on a grand scale.
As Winston Churchill once famously said “We will fight them on the greens, we will fight them in the locker room AND – IN THE DITCHES!” – Thanks to Trevor Orton and Grahame Watt who helped in the compiling of this list
Junior Jack Attack The Junior Jack Attack kit is designed for children aged six to fourteen. It provides an opportunity for every child to play and compete, regardless of their sporting ability.
T
he Sorrento Bowling Club recently facilitated a Junior Jack Attack series at the Creaney Primary School Kingsley. Junior Jack Attack is a Bowls Australia initiative designed to spread lawn bowls across the generations. Clive Adams from Bowls W.A. assisted with the programme and Kevin Coffey volunteered to help during the series. I would like to say it was largely Kevin’s enthusiasm, his ability to work with the children and the teacher in charge that made the series such a success. Kevin also initiated a letter inviting the children’s parents to spend some time with us on the green at Sorrento. Participating in events such as this raises our Club’s image within the immediate community and may provide us with future benefits.
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– Brian Clausen, Coaching Co-ordinator
Sorrento Masters Singles – 2015
T
he event this year has experienced a reflection on other bowling events around the State, in that entrants were harder to find, and the fact that other clubs put big prize money events within the same period, makes attracting players, just that much more difficult. At the end of the day, we gained 64 starters, equally divided over the two Sundays, meaning that we did not need to have any alignment rounds, and subsequently, was able to complete the event over three days, rather than the usual four. This is helpful, in that some players do not enter the event, because they have work commitments, and to take two days off if they reach the finals, is not always possible. Both days had a very good field of players, with majority of the State’s best players being in attendance. Both Sundays went without any hitches, with all players turning up on the allotted date. The three rounds each Sunday got us down to the last eight, with all finals being conducted on Monday 7 December 2015. We had six entrants from Sorrento, namely Ross Cunningham, Bruce Eagles, Chris Lander, Juris Lorencs, Tim Murray and Ron Rogers. Bruce Eagles won his first two matches, and was then beaten by Wayne Neilson, a previous winner. Also, Brian Saul filled in at the last minute to replace a withdrawal, and almost won, which would have affected a family BBQ. Well done to these members and I thank them for their participation and support. The quarter finals saw some very fine bowling, as did the semi-finals, with the final drawing a good crowd, with a fine exhibition of bowls, and a very close game to entertain the spectators. Finally, Lewis Grigg won over Thomas Mitchell. Congratulations to Lewis, who at 23 years of age, is one of the “younger” brigade of bowlers. I must once again, thank all of the members that assisted by being markers and umpires over the three days. Without their help, the event would not proceed as smoothly as was the case. I must also thank Ian Marshall for his support, and assistance during the whole process. The future of this event is in some doubt, unless we can generate increased participation, without having to the make personal calls and e-mails to virtually every qualified player to make up the field. Some have suggested that we opt out of a straight knock-out championship, to a sectional play event. Two surveys in recent times, have returned a split verdict. However, I have had a number of interested persons make suggestions in regard to what should occur, and how the event could be improved or 47
Some photos from the Sorrento Masters Singles 2015
This is what happens when you know what you are doing
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altered to make it an exciting and sought after event, and will arrange a meeting in the near future to discuss this issue with those people. Some have marketing expertise, and others are heavily involved in the game and administration of bowls, so a broad view should be evident when we meet. As to my continuing involvement, this is up in the air, as I have been running event for close to twenty years, and feel that it is time for someone else to step up, and possibly give event the boost that it seems to require. – Ian Wittber
Men’s Bowls Welfare Report
I•
have made contact with the following members regarding their health status:-
• • • • •
Ian Marshall has had an operation on one of his ankles and is recovering well. Charlie Beggs is doing well and has been travelling around and will be off to QLD in the near future. Tony Bourne after a trip to the USA ended up with very bad bronchitis. Mike Thornett is looking after his wife full time as she has mouth cancer. Marty Angelo and John Hatt are both are OK though Marty is not playing bowls because he has difficulty in stepping on and off the greens due to pain in leg joints. Gordon Kirkham is suffering from a lung problems but is quite positive of recovery but won’t be playing bowls until he has improved.
On behalf of all our members I wish those with an illness a quick and full recovery. –John Murphy
A special tribute to our Volunteers
O
ur newsletters often feature the great work undertaken by our regular volunteers and our February 2014 newsletter stated that: “One of the attributes of the Sorrento Bowling Club that sets it apart from other clubs is the high proportion of our members who freely and regularly volunteer their time and effort for the benefit of the Club and its members. In 2013 between 130 and 150 of our members were regular volunteers, equating to one in four members – an amazing statistic that other bowling club Presidents envy.” 49
Our Volunteers in Action
Arranging Social bowls
Repairs and alterations around the Club
Feeding the masses
Our Umpires in action Putting up the shade cloth
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More repairs
Our Club Coaches
Helping the new bowlers
The situation has not changed much since then. We have decided to again feature some of our volunteers in this article. What we would really like is for all our members to appreciate how vital volunteering is to the on-going success of our Club. Our volunteers manage operations such as our Governing Council, manning the Office, maintaining membership and organising Men’s and Women’s Bowls as well as Darts and Croquet Men’s Match, Men’s Selection, Women’s Match, Women’s Selection, Community Bowls, Umpires and Coaches all need volunteers. Keeping our Club looking great can only be achieved with your help. Volunteers are required to help with the Greens and Grounds, the Clubhouse. Feeding the masses after Pennants and before Community bowls as well as luncheons and sausage sizzles requires on-going assistance as well as looking after members through the Bar Committee, House and Social, Welfare, Sponsorship, raffles, our website and information technology and operational health and safety. The cost to employ people, to do the work our volunteers do, would be significant. We would need additional bar staff, handymen, staff to work on the greens and grounds and within the clubhouse, more catering staff and of course a full-time Club Manager. This would cost in the region of $250000 per year. This employment will not increase the Club’s revenue and so the cost would be borne by members, resulting in fee increases for ordinary members from the current $240 to over $600 per year. Naturally an increase of this magnitude would be unsustainable and the Club would become unviable. So when you look through the remainder of this article, we ask that members not only appreciate the work of our volunteers but understand how vital they are to the ongoing viability of our Club. Importantly, have a think about what you can do to support your Club. We are not asking a lot – a few hours here and there, undertaking tasks aligned to your skill set, interests and convenience. After all, it is your Club and all members have a personal responsibility to make it a great Club. Another important point to consider is the following. Dr. Michelle Jongenelis, from Curtin University, tells us that volunteering is a health-enhancing behaviour, particu51
Message from Ken Giles Once again, on behalf of the Committee and myself, I would to thank all the people who are willing to help out in any job or in any way whatsoever. We have a rough estimate of about 150 volunteers and they are the strength of our Club and their efforts are very much appreciated.
Serving on various Committees for bowls, croquet and darts is an important volunteer activity
Our Selection Committees needs volunteers Volunteers from our Croquet Clubalways prepared to lend a hand
Match Committee in action
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Maintaining members details
Feeding the masses with soup and sandwiches
Keeping our financial records
Community Bowls and other events need plenty of volunteers
More Volunteers in Action
Organising Community bowls every Tuesday
Volunteers are required for sausage sizzles
Arranging Championship 53 events
Feeding the masses needs volunteers
Our volunteers keep our gardens looking good
Feeding the masses
Raising funds for our Club is important
Selling raffle tickets generates funds
Working in the gardens and greens keeps our Club looking great. Thanks to our “Thumbs Up Club�.
Fund raising at Gala Days
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Working in the Office
Selling raffle tickets
Window washing
larly among older people. There is evidence that older people benefit from volunteering because it can optimise well-being across the three domains of social, physical, and cognitive health. For example, it has been found that volunteering can prevent or reduce depression, and it has been associated with higher levels of self-rated health and lower mortality rates. Many studies have also found that volunteering gives older individuals a sense of meaning that enhances their quality of life. Finally if you would like to volunteer please contact Ken Giles who will put you in touch with the correct person to assist you initially with any tasks or duties. We are currently looking for members who would like to volunteer in the following areas: • Assisting with the conduct of bowls events for non-club members. This mainly involves showing people where bowls are located, getting score cards, explaining how the game works and then keeping an eye on them for a while until they get the hang of it. • Assisting with the conduct of evening bowls events for Club members, such as JackAttack, family bowls etc. • Assisting with the making of sandwiches for Saturday Pennants. – Brian Lucas and Neville Odell
Today’s riddle for seniors
H
ere is the situation: You are on a horse, galloping at a constant speed. On your right side is a sharp drop-off. On your left side is an elephant travelling at the same speed as you. Directly in front of you is a galloping kangaroo and your horse is unable to overtake it. Behind you is a lion running at the same speed as you and the kangaroo. What must you do to get out of this highly dangerous situation? Answer on page 57.
Some “Words of Wisdom”
I
recently asked some of our “good” bowlers to give me one bit of advice they would like to offer new bowlers. We now have the following “words of wisdom”: “Get into a rhythm quickly and don’t change the length of the end unnecessarily” – Trevor Orton “Don’t let windy conditions put you off your game. Just be aware of changing wind and you’re in business” – Ian Marshall 55
One of the advantages that bowls has over golf is that you seldom lose a lawn bowl. – Sharon Eggers
“Everyone has a role to play in a team. If each person plays their role and supports the other members of their team in their role success will follow” – Kathy Gobbart “No matter what – keep a smile on your dial” – Clair Hanlon “Remember to take grass! Bowls that cut across the head are usually of no value” – Keith Cooper
“Take time selecting your line prior to delivery. Remember once you have found the correct line you only have to worry about the length” – Graeme O’ Brien “The Lead must try and get their two bowls near the jack. They must not try anything else unless instructed to do so by their Skipper” – Bob Mulroy “The Lead and Second must work closely together to get bowls into the head, thinking in terms of four bowls and not two” – Brian Lucas “While one of the aims of bowls is to win, it is also important to just relax and have fun. Don’t think it’s all about you” - Brian Saul “Recognise your mistake in an ineffective bowl, look at why it happened and absorb the knowledge. Let the mistake go and look forward to a new effective bowl – Sharon Eggers “The most important member of the team is the player on the mat” – Bruce Eagles “If you are well behind on the scoreboard, break the remaining number of ends into segments and set targets to achieve for each of these segments e.g. win four of the next five ends or improve your score from 8 to 14” – Richard Bone and John Abercrombie “Keep your lips zipped! If you can’t say anything encouraging keep quiet” – Fran Bracknell “Wait until the Skipper calls before concentrating on a particular shot or hand”. – Tim Murray 56 – Compiled by Neville Odell
Answer to riddle Get off the merry-go-round and go home, you silly old bugger!
Guess Who? Brian Self has offered a prize of two bottles of wine to the first person who can identify the couple in the photograph on the left!
An alternative to playing bowls or croquet 57
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