Sorrento Bowling Club Magazine Issue 72 March 2018

Sorrento Bowling Club’s Quarterly Newsletter

Thank you to Ray Green of Trevors Carpets for his generous donation towards our proposed “Under Cover Bowls Facility”

Number 72 March 2018

Osborne Park 9202 4545 Paul Waite

Joondalup 9300 3633 Kate Atkin-Smith

– The best knowledge – The biggest range – The right advice

Trevors Carpets

Contents From your Editor Around Our Club Captain’s Report Sponsorship Partners Committee Report Some New Year Resolutions for Lawn Bowlers Men’s Pennant Report Women’s Pennant Report 11,11,11 Croquet Corner News Some More of our Partners Bowls Welfare Report A Kiely Young Piglet Men’s Match Committee Report Spraggon George’s Australia versus “Rest of World” Women’s Match Committee Report Womens Championship Fours 2018 Darts Report New Sorrento Bowling Club Website Joe Stow Heart Foundation Day Irregular Verbs Undercover Bowls Facility Proposal Teamwork A Visit to Tasmania 1st Division White Motivational Talk The Over 60’s Triples.

A Venue for your next Party?

A Thank you to Our Volunteers Raising the Flags Christmas Cricket A Big Thank You Our December 2017 Aussie Bonza Christmas Party What Bowlers Do When They are Not Playing Bowls The “Skew Wiff” Bush Poet The Sawtell Streaker The Importance of Balance

4 5 13 14 17 19 19 21 21 23 26 27 27 30 32 33 35 36 37 38 40 42 43 43 44 45 45 46 48 48 49 52 54 55 56

From your Editor

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elcome to our first quarterly newsletter for 2018. Hopefully you have all been receiving our new more frequent electronic newsletter. This enewsletter is designed to deal with current and exciting issues which are only covered briefly. If you are not receiving our e-newsletter please make sure that Pauline Marsden has your latest e-mail address.

Life is short.

Smile while you still have teeth!

This printed newsletter will continue in its current format and as in the past will provide more detailed information and more photographs on past activities. Please note that we would like to discontinue printing this newsletter and have it available only on our web-site. Please let us have your feedback on the above so that we can continue to review how best to communicate with members, prospective members and our Sponsorship Partners.

Please remember that feedback is most welcome. Any comments on content or suggestions for future newsletters are always most welcome. We don’t currently get much feedback on articles so we are sometimes a bit unsure about what members like to read about our Club and other information about bowls, croquet and darts..

Apologies In the Christmas newsletter we managed to thank Tim Martin and his lovely wife Michelle for organising Scroungers every Sunday when we should have thanked Tim and Michelle Murray. Apologies to all concerned . We do try hard to get everything correct but we sometimes miss the obvious and managed to get confused between Mick Martin and Tim Murray!

Apologies to Barbara Lorencs as I inadvertently left her photo out of the last newsletter. Barbara won the Women’s 100 Up competition. Her photo has been included on page 5.

Around Our Club

Barbara Lorencs winner of the 100 Up competition held last year

Members enjoying a get-together after the Duncraig Village Dental competition

Thanks to Ken Giles who organised and helped a group of Father Christmases to enjoy a game of bowls

Brian Clausen in action

Brad Ball and his Dad Norm Ball from Kardinya playing Pennants against each other

Jim Barry and Bruce Eagles Winners of the Over 60s State Pairs

Around Our Club – Continued

Brian Clauson, Brian Kiely, Bruce Eagles and Ray Green who were Runners up in the Men’s Fours

Members enjoying an Aussie Christmas

Danny Condon and Murray Newman sorting out the new score boards

Evan and Sandra Cosh

Clair and Denis Croker

Steve and Sue Mortimer

Shirley Palmer misses the Joker

Unfortunately some of our Sponsorship Partners adverts were a bit fuzzy in the last newsletter. This could be either your Editor or his computer getting old. The Adobe InDesign software that I use is way out of date and needs upgrading to the latest version but this looks like a monthly subscription of $30 which I’m not too keen to pay.

We got a comment about the colour of some members faces. Again your Editor tries to correct images that are too yellow or too pink. Some photos taken with mobile phones or I-pads need to have the colour temperature adjusted.

Some “Did you knows and did you hear?”

Did you hear that the Thornlie Bowling Club were “super impressed” with the way the Sorrento players presented themselves in their 1 White clash both on and off the green and before and after game? Our guys were apparently very humble after this 8-0 victory over the Thornlie Boys. It is great to get positive feedback. We must be doing something right!

Did you know that the plastic guide dog on the bar near the till is for donations to Guide Dogs WA? Apparently a lot of people did, and when it was emptied recently, the sum of $1242 was counted and donated to this organisation. This is a fantastic effort by our members and visitors, so keep that change pouring in. Perhaps even some larger donations – the ones you have to fold to put in – will enable us to make another similar, or even larger donation in the future. Keep up the good work.

Did you know that our Gala Day in January raised $3246 for Club funds? What a marvellous effort by all the volunteers who helped make the day a great success We had a full house with 36 teams from various clubs throughout the metro and one team from Collie. The day started with cocktails, on arrival, followed by morning tea and the first game of bowls. A gourmet lunch awaited the ladies at the end of their first game, beautiful salads and quiches, followed by ice cream and wafers for dessert.

The amount of preparation that goes into this annual event is huge. Beginning with the distribution of flyers, collating of nominations and games, the delicious salads the women create, the numerous fund raising stalls, cocktails to welcome our guests and the table decorations that add to the atmosphere of our Gala Day. Special thanks to our

sponsorship partners – √ Bethanie who donated $200 towards our prize money. √ Aero Bowlsworld who donated a bowls bag for our raffle. √ K’Sara Boutique who donated a gift pack for our raffle √ Wendy’s Booragoon, who donated the ice cream for dessert. √ Barnes Wealth Management who donated pens to gift out to our visitors. √ Duncraig IGA for their donation.

A big thank you goes out to all the women and men who helped make this day a big success as an awful lot of work goes into setting up games and lunches for 144 ladies, and it is all down to the support we get from our Club members., so thank you again to all who took part in making this a successful day.

Did you hear that in our Christmas Eve pop sticks competition two of our “top” bowlers (who shall be known as “Pooky” and “Pain” to hide their identities thereby helping them avoid embarrassing questions) managed to lose to Tiger Hogan and Glen McCarthy 23-0? They then lost their second game 20 -3. This gave them a total score of 3 shots for and 43 against for the 24 ends. What a way to finish an otherwise successful year!

Did you know that Barbara and Juris Lorencs will be celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary this year? We don’t have an exact date as they are being a bit cagey and want to maintain a low profile.

Did you hear that last November Ray Stapledon got a phone call inviting him to join a “hot shot” Men’s Fours team to play in our Club’s Championship? He initially turned it down as he had a previous engagement. What an opportunity lost! Off the phone his wife quickly told him to cancel this previous special appointment as he might never have another opportunity like this to impress as opportunities of this nature only come up once in a lifetime! He immediately got back onto the phone and accepted the invitation. The rest is history and he is now a member of a winning Championship Fours team.

Did you know that eating vegetables is very good for you? Each serving increases your life span by two hours, Alternatively sitting on the couch for one hour reduces your life span by about 15 minutes

Did you know that on 25 November 2017 one of our Life Members, Bill Leyland, celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends? Unfortunately a week later he ended up in hospital for a week but May tells me he is fine now. Well done Bill! It is great to see Bill and May enjoying a quiet drink on the veranda.

Some “Did you knows? ” from Alan Rolls: √ Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end. √ Zero is the only number that cannot be represented by Roman numerals. √ The roar that we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in our ear. √ The banana can’t reproduce itself. It can be propagated only by the hand of man. √ The moon moves about two inches away from the Earth each year. √ For every extra kilogram carried on a space flight, 530 kg of excess fuel are needed at lift-off Did you know croquet might look genteel but it’s a very competitive sport? There are three versions of the game; golf, association and ricochet. It’s not a game for the faint-hearted. Croquet is fun but according its fans, it’s a lethally-addictive sport when it comes to the competitiveness of getting your balls through the hoops. And like lawn bowls, the sport is attractive to people of all ages with younger members rapidly making their mark on a national and international level. Croquet is a marvellous game as the different variations allow newcomers to quickly start with the simplest version (golf) and progress as they wish to the more complex forms of the game.

Did you know that in the 22 years from 1994 to 2016 Graeme Whitehorn coached, lectured and mentored over 500 men and women bowlers? Graeme kept detailed records in his archives and it is interesting to see that these feature the well-known names of Steve Draper, Richard Bone, Jim Welch, Paul Graham, Des Byrne and Mike Carrigy some of whom were coached more than 20 years ago. Graeme remembers one of his personal achievements and best decisions was asking his dear friend Graeme Heard to join the coaching group in 1997. He remembers “Heardie” as a man who loved coaching and sharing his ideas amongst members. On behalf of all the bowlers you have helped, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the thousands of hours you have dedicated to helping your fellow bowlers. We wish you a long and happy retirement Did you hear that Col Cramond forgot his 30th wedding anniversary? All he got for his wife on that special day was a ham and salad roll!

Did you hear that Jim “Mad Dog” Spencer went to Mt. Lawley Bowling Club for his

Around Our Club – Continued

Going Above: Daniel Tyson. age 10, showing his Dad how to bowl Below: James Tyson, age 6, displaying a good follow through Going

Gone

A close game!

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Annie Taylor’s tree in flower

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Pennant game only to discover he was supposed to be at the Mundaring Bowling Club?

He only missed the first end which Sorrento managed to win with out him by making sure their six bowls were better than the opposition’s eight bowls!

Did you know that in 1982 a lawn bowls fours match was held at the Sunbury Bowling Club in Victoria, going nonstop for 82 hours and one minute? Crowds of up to 2000 people came to the match, a marathon 526-end game in which each player bowled 1052 bowls. It wound up around 2pm on Australia Day, having started at 6am on 23 January. More than $1000 was raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital. At night the lights stayed on and umpires kept officiating. The players banked five-minute breaks for every hour played, and stopped every five or six hours for a meal. As the record neared it was increasingly difficult for players to concentrate with one of the players wandering off in apparent hysteria hallucinating and rambling. The efforts from the marathon game were recorded in the 1983 Guinness Book of Records.

Did you know that Jan Paniperis organised six information presentations last year?

A number of members sent in comments about how much they enjoyed these mornings: I have found all the talks so far very informative and hope there are more to come. You have done an excellent job and thank you- Tricia Smith Thanks Jan for your informative talks for 2017. We found them a great benefit.

Looking forward to next year’s talks. Stan and Larraine Well done with organizing the talks. They have all been very interesting and informative. Thanks - Alan & Maureen Gallagher Would you please pass on my thanks to Jan for her excellent work in regard to the Monday information sessions? The concept and types of information the members are receiving is fantastic- Pauline Bourne 12

Fortunately Jan is planning to continue to organise these talks during 2018 Did you know that Sorrento did very well in the Yanchep Gala Day? Lee Leach, Jan Paniperis, Barbara Hill, and Pauline Marsden won overall with 6 +37 points? Shelley Jeffs, Robyn van Mosseveld, Liz Marshall and Jan Cook also did well as runners up.

Also in the count were Lorraine Hyde, Fran Bracknell, Clair Hanlon, and Carmel Hyde winning a round prize.

Did you hear that when Bob Jeffs was marking in the State Singles he had to mark for a Bob Leeds and a Jeff Thompson? They were both impressed that Sorrento had arranged a marker with matching names.

Advertising in the Newsletter In future Club members who are in business and provide their services to the Club for free, or at a reduced cost, will be allowed to advertise their business/services in our newsletter at no annual cost.

Thank you Thank you to Ian Lucas, Bruce Eagles and Denis Croker who continue to supply photographs of members in action. This is a great help as I’m not always there to take the required photos. I would also like to thank Jan Paniperis, Alan Rolls and Denise Odell who continue to help with the proof-reading and editing.

Contact details If you need to contact me my details are as follows: (08)9309 3108 or e-mail me at: nevodell@bigpond.net.au –Neville Odell

Captain’s Report

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ince Christmas and New Year we are now back into Pennants, our Club championships and also State events.

Congratulations to Pauline Bourne and Brad Ball for reaching the last 16 and Shane Loftus for reaching the last eight in the State Singles. You all were a credit to yourselves and our Club.

Congratulations to all the winners of Club Championships in both men and women events and all the runners up.

Well done to Shane Loftus who has been ranked number 8 in the top twenty bowlers 13

in WA and also to Pauline Bourne ranked number 15 in the ladies.

Over the next few months we have quite a few events coming to our Club. These include Men’s Country week, Ladies Invitation Day which is a Trevors Carpet event, plus organised events after Pennants have finished which will be advertised for other clubs to participate. Because we have so many events planned we need volunteers to help run these events. You don’t have to be available all day, just a few hours would be a great help. If you can in anyway help, please contact Rob Tozer, Trevor Orton or myself.

I now have on display behind the bar, men’s polo club shirts. The shirts all have a pocket and are available in navy or royal blue. The cost of the shirt is $45 and are available from behind the bar or you can see me. I can be contacted on 0409 108 122.

– John Godfrey

Sponsorship Partners Committee Report

Retention of Partners We now have 39 Sponsorship Partners as we have been very successful in retaining Partners/ Sponsors over the last few years. This has been achieved through: √ Advertising signs on the greens, above the bar and above the dart boards √ Regular contact and visits √ Holding “named” events for our Platinum and Silver Partners √ Including Partners’ logos onto score cards √ Running a monthly draw from Club members’ receipts after they have used a Partner’s services √ Advertising Partners on our website √ Having Partners’ business cards and brochures available on our special rack as well as in plastic holders on the tables around our Club advertorial and advertising Partners in our printed quarterly newsletter which is also available on our website √ Advertising our Partners in our annual Fixture Booklet as well as our Club Information Booklet provided to new members 14

√ Providing our members with a summary of our Partners contact details for placing on the door of their refrigerators √ Providing links to Partners’ websites on the new Sorrento Bowling Club website.

Spraggon George Spraggon sponsored our Australia Day bowls event on Friday 26 January 2018. As is the tradition an “Australian” team took on the “Rest of the World”. More details in the Men’s Match Committee Report.

Duncraig Village Dental

Thank you to Duncraig Village Dental who sponsored this “named” event on the last Friday afternoon before Christmas.

A great day was had by all. Winners on the day were Brian Staples, Shirley Palmer and Helen Eisenmann. After the event all the bowlers enjoyed a gettogether as everyone brought a plate of eats to share

Trevors Carpets A special word of thanks to Ray Green of Trevor Carpets. Over the last six years he has donated $10000 per annum for four competitions.

In addition he donates $10 for each logo that is embroidered onto our uniforms. He also covered the cost of the new score boards. To cap it all he plans to donate $100 000 towards the new proposed undercover green.

I would also like to thank Murray Newman who helped with the evaluation of the different options available and with the final selection from the various options available. $50 Monthly Lucky draw November winner: Sharon Eggers who supported Duncraig Fresh IGA 15

December winner: January winner:

Frank Tutt who supported Eyes On Herbie Eisenmann who supported Duncraig Fresh IGA

Raffles The Christmas Sponsor’s raffle raised a profit of $530. A special thank you to Miss Maud who sponsored the first prize of one night’s accommodation at Miss Maud’s hotel including a smörgåsbord dinner and breakfast valued at $250 and a hamper of Miss Maud products. The following letter was received from Rob Tozer who won this prize: Great Night at Miss Maud My partner Cate and I won the night’s accommodation and all the trappings in our Club’s Christmas raffle. We decided to take our wonderful prize on Australia Day and to enjoy the fireworks without the hassle of departing this event to get home. The prize included a night’s accommodation, a smorgasbord dinner and breakfast and a lovely hamper of Miss Maud products. After we checked in we were presently surprised to find we had been upgraded to a beautiful Queen Suite. The smorgasbord meals were delightful and took me back thirty years when smorgasbord’s were all the rage. The staff were great and very attentive to our questions and needs. It was a lovely prize and our Club is very fortunate to have a sponsor like Miss Maud.

– Rob Tozer

Thanks also to our Dart Club who donated two Barbaro Butcher’s hams as prizes and to 9 Oceans Fish and Chips who donated a meal voucher. Jan Paniperis once again made up the three beautiful hampers and we thank her for her on-going help.

Thanks also to Ian Lucas who arranged for additional prizes of Champagne and wine from Liquor Barons Duncraig as well as some sets of Italian glasses.

Thank you I would like to propose a special thank-you to Jan Paniperis, Brian Lucas and Barry Stewart for their on-going help. Making sure our 39 partners are well looked after is time consuming and help is always required.

– Neville Odell 16

Some New Year Resolutions for Lawn Bowlers

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emember the New Year’s resolutions that you made? Well, after three months how are you doing? If you didn’t write any, here are some suggestions for the bowls season: I ……………………..........................(write your name) resolve that I will:

√ take grass, not from the bins but as mentioned on page one of the “Bowls Coaching” manual

√ never criticise fellow bowlers and hope they do likewise when I bowl rubbish √ watch my body language, not act like a contortionist holding my head, pulling faces or waving my arms around when I see a bad bowl

√ appreciate that most bowlers know when they’ve bowled a bad bowl and

not big note myself by shouting out “you’re short again” or “you need more grass”

√ check the bias before bowling, to avoid a $50 fine (like in some 1st division games)

√ not criticise our Selection Committee,

appreciating how difficult it is to pick compatible teams when 22 bowlers are suddenly unavailable 17

“If I don’t get the position I like, I will like the position I get”

√ not make myself unavailable without good reason √ try to avoid short bowls, remembering that the jack seldom jumps forward √ not be a hero and drive when there is only have one of our bowls in the head √not go walk-about or talk-about during a game, remembering the importance of watching every bowl

√ arrive at the correct time and not keep other bowlers waiting √ congratulate my opponents, irrespective of whether they had a lucky day √ remember that every bowl counts √ not criticise the greens, either at home or away, recalling we all played on the same patch of grass

√ encourage my team mates (all 12 or 16) during the match √ be ready to bowl immediately it is my turn √ not follow my bowls to the head to avoid embarrassing myself when I get there before my bowl arrives

√ not have a niggle at the head when asked to draw √ not “yahoo” and clap a lucky wick, being gracious even when the opposition has good fortune

√ not to make any more stupid resolutions which I’m unlikely to stick to anyway

Thanks to Trevor Orton and Brian Lucas who helped me produce this list.

Thanks also to Dave Grandlund for giving us permission to use his delightful cartoon and for taking time to change “gas” to “petrol” in order to make his cartoon suitable for use in Australia.

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Men’s Pennant Report

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ith two thirds of the season completed the Club has a great opportunity for our two top sides on Saturday to achieve automatic promotion. Our 1 White side is on top of the ladder and our 2 Gold 3 side is 2nd at the end of Round 13.

In the Midweek competition at the end of Round 12 our 1 White, 2 Gold and 4 Gold sides are well placed to hopefully play a significant role in the finals.

I would like to thank the ladies who filled in before and after Christmas when we had difficulty fielding all our sides. Also, to the lovely ladies who continually provide our afternoon tea many thanks!

Brad’s Barbershop Pots Midweek: Round 10: John Sanders, Barry Stewart, Peter Snow and Juris Lorencs.

Round 11: Brian Kiely, Brian Clausen, Greg Taylor and Chris Lander.

Round 12: Wayne Gray, Stan Van Mosseveld, Warren Elliott and Jim Spencer.

Saturday: Round 10: Ken Foggo, Dick Currie, Stan Brickell and David Cowell.

Round 11: Jim Welch, Col Cramond, Craig Grisbrook and Brian Collins.

Round 12: Steve Mortimer, Brian Kiely, Steve Draper and Trevor Orton.

Round 13: Ken Hollick, Steve Platts, Les Float and Clive Webber.

– Rob Tozer .

Women’s Pennant Report Women’s Tuesday Pennant Premier are now sitting in 5th spot after a couple of convincing wins.

1 Green are 2nd on the ladder, 2 Blue moved to 5th place after a good win last week, 3 Blue are in 8th position.

Women’s Saturday Pennant 1 Red are in 2nd place 2 points behind Manning 1 3 Blue in 3rd position and only 10 percentage points behind Scarborough in 2nd spot The pot winners for January were: Annie Taylor, Clair Hanlon, Shelley Jeffs and Jenni Lockwood Wendy Saul, Sonia McGrady, Kaye Martin and Anna Wimbridge Nerrida Porteous, Lee leach, Barbara Hill and Coral Smith February Winners Cheryl Greig, Janet Siney, Helen Ironside and Mary Cressey 19

– Jan Cook

Umpires’ Corner

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he measuring equipment you see on the umpire’s trolley consists of a range of specialized and Bowls Australia approved devices designed to compare distances between the jack and relevant bowls, ranging from a fraction of a millimetre to several meters. Approved measuring devices have varied over the years and can also vary between countries, states and even clubs. Approved devices do not measure actual distances in terms of millimetres, centimetres etc, but must be able to be mechanically fixed at a particular distance (between jack and bowl) to allow comparison with other bowls in contention.

People often ask me why umpires don’t use laser measuring devices similar to those used in the building industry. Currently there is only one laser measurement device approved which is limited to a two bowl differential (comparison) measurement. The device is priced around $400 and I believe it would not be as precise as the callipers and trammels currently being used. It also requires a flat target plate to be placed just touching the bowl being measured.

An interesting old measuring device, which was in use some years ago was recently brought to our attention by Stuart Wright. The device (see photo below) consists of a metal dome shaped base which is carefully and centrally placed over the jack prior to measuring. Fixed on top of the base is a small rotatable metal tape measure, similar to those in current use by some of our members. The metal tape is then set to the length of the first bowl and then rotated around to the other bowl(s) to determine shot.

The main concern with this device is the precision needed in placing the dome base over the jack without moving the jack and ensuring the jack is dead centre. You would need the skilled hands of a brain surgeon to get it right. The dome base is also too small to fit over the larger yellow jacks used on carpet and synthetic greens. Sorrento players can be assured that our umpires’ equipment is as accurate as any approved measuring devices available.

– Jim Ironside 20

11,11,11 During the Women’s Fours Championship our score was 11, 11 on the 11th end, Pauline Marsden commented on Memorial day. I mentioned that perhaps we should have a minute’s silence. Within a split second Pauline replied with a cheeky smirk on her face “Would you like to give it a go?”

It was unsuccessful as we all started laughing about the quick-witted reply from Pauline as she was about to take the mat to deliver the jack to her Skipper. It was a great game and played in true Club spirit with each team out to win but all eight of us holding together as “true blue” Sorrento Club members.

– Robyn Rowe

Croquet Corner News Social Ricochet with Halls Head Club - November 2017 A group of seven ricochet players from Halls Head Club travelled to Perth for a social day of Ricochet coquet. Sorrento fielded a matching group of seven players by drawing numbers, each Halls Head player was partnered by a Sorrento player. A great day of croquet was enjoyed by all, with Sorrento members proving to be excellent hosts!

The Halls Head players who travelled to Perth by train were met at the station by Di and Judith. Kerry was at the club at the crack of dawn to set up the courts; while Trish, Thora, Glenda, Kerry, Judith, Di and others produced excellent fare for morning and afternoon teas; and a delicious lunch of cold chicken, salad and fruit for lunch. The precedent has now been set for future social and competitive games with and against Halls Head Club.

Attracting new members - Sunday 19 November 2017 The Croquet section is continuously trying to attract new members and one way of doing so is to host social groups to the Club. One such group was the Greenwood Ladies’ Social Club who visited our club to play an hour of bowls followed by an hour of croquet. While a group of 15 ladies and men arrived and played bowls, this number decreased to 11 for croquet as a few of the men decided that a few beers were required to revive them from the ravages of bowls! Those who did try croquet seemed to enjoy it immensely and we are hoping that a few of them enjoyed it enough to return for more!

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Sorrento showing some skill in Busselton

Frank and Rosemary Coleman enjoying a cuppa at Busselton

Croquet Christmas function

Janet Fuller, Judith Skeet, Frank Coleman and Di McGivern at a recent competition in Busselton

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Trish Klemp and Rosemary Coleman at Busselton

Some More of our Partners

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A small, complimentary, advertisement appeared in the December edition of the local community directory, and we are hoping that this will bring some positive responses.

If any member of the Club has family or friends who would like to find out more about our game, we would appreciate your referrals. We are happy to arrange Sunday gatherings for families who may appreciate a fun day out together – there is a single Green Fee of $10 for the whole family! Please contact Kerry (0403 270 510) or Glenda (0400 917 942) to organise a day.

Busselton Handicap Doubles Golf Croquet Spring Tournament - November 2017 This two-day event saw six Sorrento croquet players entering to wave our flag. Janet Fuller and Di McGivern drove down in the morning while Frank and Rosemary Coleman followed in the afternoon taking Trish Klemp and Judith Skeet down with them. Play commenced each day at 8:30am going through continuously to 4:30pm on Saturday and 3:30pm on Sunday – followed by prize-giving.

Trish, Judith and Di partnered Rosemary, Janet and Frank respectively and, although they were not placed in the first three spots, played well and certainly did not disgrace themselves. All agreed that it was a worthwhile trip where the experience of playing against some of the top players in the State was very rewarding!

Croquet Christmas Luncheon The Croquet Christmas lunch was held on a Sunday this year, enabling members and guests (family, friends, past members and members of SBC) in the work force to attend. This proved to be a successful strategy with 36 very merry men and women sitting down to a delicious meal expertly catered by Silver Fern Catering with amazing Bar service provided by our ever-cheerful Ron – thank you all SO much.

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all with lots of fun, laughter and frivolity (as expected) at this happy celebration. The “between-courses” entertainment challenged guests to send a gold coin towards a bottle of Chivas Regal whiskey – kindly donated

by Mary Gardiner’s business “Gelair Pty.Ltd.” The best shot of the afternoon was made by Alan Gallagher who celebrated his Festive Season with the help of this grand prize. Well done, Alan!!

Pat Hobson very generously donated eight terrific prizes and arranged a “lucky dip” competition – each guest was given a playing card from the “blue” pack of cards and then Pat asked guests around the table to draw matching cards from the “red” pack.

The eight lucky winners went home feeling very fortunate indeed! We all look forward to next Christmas to repeat the occasion!

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Association Croquet State Team The WA Selectors recently released the names of the WA State Team that will travel to Adelaide to play in the Interstate Championships on 18th March 2018. Sorrento member, David Ward, has been selected as reserve for the Men’s team. Congratulations, David!

‘C’ Grade Golf Croquet Pennants One team of players comprising Di McGivern (Captain), Kerry Bomford, Janet Fuller and Frank Coleman, with Judith Skeet as reserve, was entered in the 2017 Pennants Competition. Kerry partnered Janet; and Di partnered Frank in the Doubles with both pairs performing well in their matches. Sorrento placed 4th in the Overall Club Championship.

Croquet Coaching Di McGivern became an accredited Foundation Level Coach for Golf Croquet following a coaching course that ended with a practical component in January 2018.

Other News of Members √ Terry Harvey has been confined to a hospital ward since mid-November, but has at last undergone surgery to replace his right hip. He will remain in hospital until around mid-February and then will have to re-build his leg muscles to bring his walking back to normal. We have missed having him on the croquet courts and look forward to welcoming him back once he is back up to strength.

√ We also send our best wishes to a past member, Elsie Palmer, who has recently also undergone a hip replacement operation.

√ Judith Skeet has had a ruptured muscle in her arm and was unable to play croquet for several weeks. Fortunately she has recovered and is back on the courts again.

√ Kerry Bomford has been sailing the high seas (all the way to Esperance) in an

attempt to regain her sanity which was lost due to being Captain of croquet. She broke a toe a couple of weeks before sailing, but we suspect that this was so that she could drink on board and use the toe as an excuse for her uneven gait!! She will deny this, of course. Just to keep an eye on her, Thora Lay went along as did a number of bowlers and other friends to keep an eye on Boma.

√ Trish Klemp has planned to take a slow boat to China (actually a very fast aero-

plane) starting out on 11 March. We wish her a safe journey and an enjoyable, interesting tour.

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√ Di McGivern will take a cruise to the South Pacific on 11 March – returning on 25 March.

Dates for the Diary 18 February Sunday Sausage Sizzle for all to try their hand at croquet 9 March Croquet Social Luncheon 7/8 April Croquetwest “April Fool’s Tournament” hosted by Sorrento

Croquet Club 18 April Platinum Day (Croquet and Bowls) organised by Joondalup City

Council 27 April Bowls and Croquet Presentation of Awards Notes: 1. Kerry is trying to stimulate greater interest in Ricochet Croquet and so has initiated a Ricochet-only session on Thursday afternoons from 4pm onwards. Members are urged to come along to learn, and enjoy, this code.

2. David Ward is an accredited coach for Association Croquet and would like to see more members learning to play AC. David will play for WA in the forthcoming AC State Championships to be held in Adelaide from 3 March.

3. Every Tuesday afternoon/evening, the croquet players are joining their bowling counterparts in a Sausage Sizzle at about 6:30pm. Croquet is played from 4pm – 6:30pm and then again after the supper under lights. There is a wonderful, festivallike atmosphere with the bowlers playing under lights and with party music! Do come along to enjoy an evening of fun with fellow members of the Club.

4. Members are encouraged to read news and learn about Events that are planned to be held during the year on the Croquetwest website: www.croquetwest.org.au/

Bowls Welfare Report

– Kerry Bomford

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lease note that it has been decided to discontinue the Bowls Welfare Report in this Quarterly newsletter. There have been concerns expressed about privacy issues and in addition my information is often out of date.

I will continue to contact members who are unwell. If you need information about a member please contact me on 92065834 or e-mail me on jcj.murphy@bigpond.com –John Murphy 26

A Kiely Young Piglet

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kiely young piglet named Martin Rixon, while clausen for food, stumbled upon a magic ball, lying next to an ancient bone in a warren near the start of Australia’s longest river. The magic ball said “don’t get angry and I dreds to ask but I know you’re a cunning ham. Will you rub draper or Morecombe on me until my bell comes off and I’m luke warm, tyson string around me and loftus into the air so that I might sore like an eagle and land on one of the Murray’s three grissbrooks?”

To which the Kiely young piglet said “no”.

– Thanks to Brian Lucas for this contribution

Men’s Match Committee Report Mixed Pairs Championship The final of the 2017-2018 Mixed Pairs Championship was played in mid November, and what an exciting final it was, with only 21 shots scored in the 18 ends played. Only three “2’s” were recorded in the whole 18-end match, including a two on each of the last two ends.

The semi-final between Nerrida Porteous and Bruce Eagles and the Wendy and Brian Saul pair resulted in a 6-shot win to Nerrida and Bruce, who progressed to the final. The other semi-final saw an extremely tight match with Pauline Bourne and Ross Cunningham going down very narrowly to Pauline Marsden and Chris Lander in a high-quality match.

In the final, scores were extremely close for the entire match, with the biggest margin being three shots, which Pauline and Chris led twice: 7-4 (10 ends) and 8-5 (12 ends). The next four ends saw singles scored by Nerrida and Bruce for them to hit the front 9-8 with two ends to play. But a double to Pauline and Chris saw them hit the front by one with one end to play. Nerrida’s final bowl of the 18th end was a resting toucher played on the wide hand. Bruce drew a second shot with his first bowl to see them holding match. Despite Chris’ attempts to dislodge either of the two shots, they stayed to see Nerrida and Bruce triumph.

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A crowd of around 30 witnessed and showed their appreciation for a high quality match, which was played in good spirit. Congratulations to the 28 teams who competed in this event. It was gratifying to see such good numbers. Thanks in particular to the “last-minute” recruits who came into this event at short notice. We hope that this level of response to our Club’s championships is demonstrated with all future championships.

Men’s Championship Fours The final of the Men’s Fours Championship for 2017-2018 was played in December in warm and humid conditions, on a 14-second green. The teams skipped by Brad Ball and Bruce Eagles progressed to the final with contrasting victories. The Ball combination (Rob Tozer, Ray Stapledon and Chris Lander) leaving it very late to snatch victory from Jim Ironside, Bob Jeffs, John Sturk and Peter Robson by a single shot. Bruce Eagles’ side (Ray Green, Brian Kiely and Brian Clausen) had a more comfortable win over Herbie Eisenmann, Brian Self, Brian Saul and Ron Rogers.

In the final, initial jousting between the teams saw a tight 3-3 score line after five ends with two ends killed.

The two teams then traded ends with one team and then the other leading narrowly. It had appeared that the Ball side had established a small break after picking up a four on the 12th end, but the Eagles’ crew were able to come back with a couple of weighted shots

by Bruce forcing a tied score line at 14-14 after 14 ends. Two consecutive 2’s – one from a trail by Chris Lander and the other by Brad Ball put their side four shots up with two to play after 16 of the 18 ends had been completed.

Despite their best efforts, a single to each side over the concluding two ends meant that Brad Ball’s team won the match by four shots.

Congratulations to all 64 players who took part in this event. It was pleasing to not only see the numbers competing was significantly up on last year, but that both sides competing in the final comprised players from lower divisions – a pattern that allows lower-division players to experience both the pressure and the enjoyment of compet28

ing against better-credentialed bowlers.

Twilight Pairs Two-thirds of the way through the 2017-2018 Twilight Bowls “season” and so far 122 different bowlers have enjoyed two hours of 2-4-2 bowls each Wednesday afternoon.

On average, almost 50 bowlers turn out each week. Leading the way to the season-end $100 prize is Neville Odell with 11 wins out of 13 matches and +77 shots, with Trevor Orton also on 11 wins, but only 68 shots to the good hot on his tail. Frank Tyson (Neville’s partner, mostly) is next best with 9 wins.

Ken Giles and Keith Cooper have recorded the best win of the season, a +25 shot result.

(And no, I won’t tell you who they beat…). Multiple weekly wins have been recorded

by Wayne Gray, Peter Balcombe, Trevor Orton, Denis Croker and Colin Bangs, with many minor prizes supplements by generous sponsorship from IGA Duncraig. There are (or were, at time of writing) still seven weeks to go, so why not join us at 4:30pm each Wednesday. Any gender, any ability.

Men’s Pairs Championship

The championship final of this event was decided in somewhat unusual circumstances, when play had to be suspended due to rain after 10 of the 18 ends have been completed.

At that stage, Ross Cunningham and Peter Morgan led 10-7 over John Brown and Brian Kiely.

Eight days later, the final was concluded with Ross and Peter recording a 22-15 win. The turning point in the match was the consecutive scores of 3 and 5 shots in the first two ends after the match resumed. Despite recovering with a 4 on the next end, John and Brian could get no closer. Congratulations to Ross and Peter, and thanks to all 50 players who took part.

Australia vs The Rest of the World A bumper field of 75 bowlers turned out for the annual Australia vs The Rest of the World match on 26 January. This event was partnered with SPRAGGON GEORGE Real Estate, who provided some additional prize money.

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Spraggon George’s Australia versus “Rest of World”

Ken Giles

Carmel Hyde

Monique Kopec

Frank Tyson

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Trevor Orton

Danny Condon

Jan Paniperis

Spraggon George’s Australia versus “Rest of World”

Spraggon George’s flag flew proudly

Cheryl and Steve Benn

Peter Snow wore his Aussie bowling shoes

Robyn Rowe in her Australian outfit

The31winning “Rest of World” team supplemented with 10 Aussies

An array of national and quasi-national costumes were on display, with Carmel Hyde’s two Australian Flags stitched together winning the best-dressed prize. The smaller number of “foreigners” were supplemented by 10 Aussies, and 10 matches played.

After a bit of an organisational hiccup to start… (sorry!)… play got under way and continued under sunny skies.

When the 18 ends were over, the result was an overwhelming 8-2 result to the internationals, with Tony Sabatino (with Derek Lay, Colin Bangs and Brad Williams) proving the biggest winner: 31-18. Prizes were also awarded to the second and third best ROW team, and to the best of the losing teams. But all agreed that we were all winners, regardless of place of birth.

– Trevor Orton

Women’s Match Committee Report Women’s Championship Pairs This event was held in late November and early December. Eighteen teams took part in the Major and Plate Event. Throughout the days of the competition our greens were in excellent condition, and we experienced lovely weather for the play.

In the final game of the Plate Kathy Gobbart and Robyn Cooper played against Barbara Hill and Shelley Jeffs. Both teams got off to a good start, but Kathy and Robyn were on top of their game and went on to win the match. Congratulations to the winners and the runners up.

Our Major final saw Lorraine Hyde and Jan Paniperis against Robyn Van Mosseveld and Pauline Bourne, it was a close start with both teams scoring alternatively and Lorraine and Jan just a couple of shots in front of Robyn and Pauline. Halfway into the game Robyn and Pauline took charge and went on to become the winners of the Women’s Pairs Competition.

Well done and Congratulations again to the winners and runners up. Thank You to all the ladies who entered, and we hope that they will continue to support our Club Championship’s events.

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Womens Championship Fours 2018

Clair Hanlon

Robyn Cooper

Helen Ironside

Beryl Tutt

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Jenni Lockwood

Jan Paniperis with Carmel Hyde and Pauline Marsden watching on

Kaye Martin backed by her team and the opposition.

Women’s Championship Fours

On Wednesday 10 January we had 10 teams take part in the Women’s Championship Fours.

Kathy Gobbart’s team were the reining champions having won the event over the last couple of years. Eight teams played two games on the first day, an alignment round meant that we had to carry forward a couple of teams to the following week to play their second game.

Wednesday 17 January saw the reining Champions Kathy Gobbart, Jan Cook, Sharon Eggers, and Liz Marshall, challenging Pauline Bourne, Lee Leach, Lee Bunny, and Coral Smith in the Major Final. It was a well contested game between the teams, but Team Bourne prevailed to take the title of the Women’s Fours Championship for 2018.

The Plate Final saw Barbara Lorencs, Robyn Cooper, Robyn Woodward, and Beryl Tutt challenge Lorraine Hyde, Jan Paniperis, Carmel Hyde and Pauline Marsden. Team Lorencs got off to a good start, but their opponents soon caught up to make it an even score at one point. End of match saw Team Lorencs the winners of the Plate.

A big thank you to all who took part in the event, please continue to support our Club championships, Women’s Championship Singles A the end of January we held our Women’s Championship singles. Twenty women took part from all divisions, the format being a Major and Plate, 21 shots up and 25 shots up in the final. It would have been good to have had more entrants, but we have a few of our lady bowlers out of action at the moment due to injuries or illness.

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A great day for our first two games with the weather and greens complementing the play We continued with the knockout and final the following Sunday. In the Major final we had Kathy Gobbart against Pauline Bourne, two of our top women bowlers, displaying great bowls. Kathy Gobbart held the lead throughout the game to become our Women’s Single champion for 2018.

The Plate final saw Liz Marshall playing against Nerrida Porteous, a great start for Nerrida way ahead of Liz for the first few ends but not too long after that Liz came back into the game and a brilliant end with both players neck and neck with 24 shots up, sadly only one winner, and Liz Marshall managed to draw the winning shot to win the game with 25 shots up.

We are now well into our Women’s Events for this season with three remaining competitions on the calendar, the next being the Triples. Hopefully some of the absentee women who have been recovering from surgery or illness will be well enough to come take part in this event. To those of you who will be out for the rest of the season we wish you well and hope your recovery is uneventful, we will look forward to seeing you all back later in the year and back on the greens for some good bowling.

– Lee Leach

Darts Report

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any people either aim naturally and don’t think about it or don’t actively aim at all. Either way, you should pay attention to aiming. By truly concentrating on the board you can feel your focus being drawn into the diagonal lines. Then try to imagine your target area is bigger than it really is.

Experiment with the following aiming options and make sure to practise. The key to consistent aiming is practising until it becomes second nature. Here are few things you should know about aiming your darts: 35

Find a sight line on your darts Some people use a sight line on their throwing hand to help them aim. For example, you could use the first or second knuckle on the thumb of your throwing hand. Some people use the tip of the dart. Others use the small finger of the throwing hand to line up properly. The ultimate goal with a sight line is to line up your shot consistently.

Lead your dart throw with your elbow Just like some pitchers in baseball lead their pitch with the elbow, you can lead your dart throw with your elbow. You start by being aware of where your elbow is pointing.

Make sure your elbow is pointing slightly up and directly at the dart board. When you start your throw your elbow leads the process followed by the basic mechanics of your throw.

Aim directly at your target Some people try to aim to the left or right of the real target. This is just lazy darts and can lead to technical and mental problems the longer you throw. If you are aiming at triple 20 and you miss to the left then aim directly in the middle of the triple 20 again.

Don’t try to aim to the right to overcompensate for the last throw.

Know your dominant eye.

Everyone has a dominate eye and it’s important to make sure you lead your aiming with that eye. If you don’t know which of your eyes is dominant take turns throwing three darts with each eye closed. Which ever eye you have to struggle to keep closed while you throw your darts is your dominate eye. Make sure you lead with this eye and you will naturally gain confidence as your throw. Go to following link for more information: http://www.nicedarts.com/aiming_your_darts.html

New Sorrento Bowling Club Website

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ver the past months, the Sorrento Bowling Club has been developing a Marketing and Communications Strategy designed to allow the Club to better communicate, not only with you the members but also the broader community.

As part of this strategy, in December 2017 we launched a new website, replacing the previous aging site. Our new website is designed to appeal not only to Club members but also prospective members and patrons by promoting the vast array of other benefits offered by the Club. Bowlers however will not be disappointed because they have access to not only our Club’s comprehensive bowls information but also other connections to a 36

wealth of third-party bowls related bowls information.

I’m your web master and my aim is to keep the site rich with current, relevant and complete information. Feel free to give me a call on 9402 2632 or e-mail him me on denisclare@iinet.net.au if you have any questions or would like to discuss the new site.

The website is a great way to access your Club’s information. Members do not need to go to Bowls WA or other information sources any more, they can be access directly through our new website. We encourage you to have a browse and spent some time exploring the site.

The website is supported by information channels such as this quarterly newsletter, regular e-Newletters and e-mails and our Facebook page, plus our notice boards and face-to-face conversations. We welcome members to spend some time browsing the site to become familiar with its rich repository of information, be that about our sports (bowls, croquet or darts).

For bowlers who would like more information on what’s happening in bowls around WA and Australia see the “Related Bowls Information” tab under Pennants What’s on (up coming events) in the Club, for fixture information, Chase the Joker or the latest menu for Café Sorrento. Follow the link to “whats-on”. About us (governance and related management related documentation); get involved (sponsorship and volunteering); and function hire information just follow the links The new website is still evolving and will continue to grow and endeavour to keep all members up-to-date with what’s happening in our Club.

Follow us on Facebook. You will find the link at the bottom of our home page – Denis Croker

Joe Stow Heart Foundation Day

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ongratulations to Harry Bandow, Bev Carrigy, Carole Ford and Doug Pittaway who won this annual event.

Runners up were Frank Gandras, Ray Routledge and Kevin Scammell.

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It is now a tradition that all the proceeds from this day are donated to the Heart Foundation.

A total of $390 was raised thanks to additional donations from participants.

Some of our newer members will not have known Joe and his wife Barbara. They ran social bowls for many years and would attract 70 to 80 bowlers every Friday and Sunday. Joe was so committed that if you had not phoned your name in by 12.30pm he would call you to see why you were not coming and you would have to have a very good excuse!!!

He loved giving people nicknames – Joy Hennessy was ‘Mrs. Have a Chat’, Marge Clark was ‘Mother’, Herbie was ‘The Love Bug’ and there were several others which I can’t remember. Joe was known as ‘Fat Cat’. This was because of his shape and because he liked to go to bed at 7.30pm which was the time ‘Fat Cat’ came on the TV and he liked to watch it in bed.

Unfortunately, Joe had a heart attack on 12 December 2006 which he didn’t survive.

He was a great loss to our Club, especially the social bowling section. Barbara carried on running social bowls for quite a while but her health deteriorated and she passed away on 18 November 2013. We still miss this lovely couple with their happy smiles and jolly attitudes.

-Barbara Spence

Irregular Verbs

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s with any language there are irregular verbs. In English we have ‘I am’, ‘you are’, ‘he is’. Well bowls also has its collection of irregular verbs. Here are a few: 1. I use tactics – You use gamesmanship – He cheats 2. I can’t read the greens – You’re struggling – He stinks 3. I use the bowls in play – You get wicks – He has horse-shoes up his a** 4. I put in a useful back bowl – You’re heavy –He’s lucky his bowl didn’t go in the ditch – Gavan Ebsworth 38

Remember when we could make purchases on LAY-BY? WELL IT’S BACK. LAY-BY your next holiday and pay over 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 10 months. Interest free. Saves having to pay out a large lump sum of money in one hit. Spread out monthly payments. Lock in price to avoid increase due exchange rates, fuel and air fare hikes. Far less impact on your finances. Set up cost $100 plus 2.5% and final payment made no later than 2 weeks prior to departure.

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Undercover Bowls Facility Proposal

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he Governing Council and Russ Lockwood met with Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob and South and South-West Ward Councillors on 31 January 2017 to present the Club’s proposal to erect an undercover bowls facility on E-Green and install an adjoining alfresco area linking the new facility to the clubhouse.

The purpose of this presentation was to garner in-principle support for the development of an undercover bowling facility to be constructed on E-Green and that a second phase of the project would be to erect an adjoining undercover alfresco area, linking the new facility to the existing clubhouse.

The Councillors were advised that:

√ Similar facilities are in place in many bowling clubs across Australia and have

proved to be very successful from a community engagement aspect as well as financially.

√ Our proposal would establish the first facility of this type in the State (although other steel constructions have been built in other Local Government Authorities) and would be the first for a bowling club within the City of Joondalup.

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√ The focus of the facility would be to encourage members of the community to

engage in healthy activity, participate in community activities, and of course have enjoyment. It was noted that while Pennant bowls participation has been declining across Australia over the past 30 years (but not at Sorrento where numbers have remained strong), there has been a major expansion in the participation of casual community bowlers (particularly bare-foot).

√ The facility would also be used by Club members, particularly social bowlers during the winter months.

√ The project is supported by SunSmart objectives. Australia has one of the highest

rates of skin cancer in the world. Shade, being the best way to provide maximum protection against UV radiation, is an important component in the design and creation of safe and healthy communities.

√ This facility would provide an ideal opportunity to schedule lower division Pennant

games, providing protection from the elements for many of the sport’s older players. In addition, the Club was in negotiations to find ways of increasing disability access and options will be increased with the new facility.

√ The technology currently exists to cover the bowling surface with lightweight

outdoor flooring which is tough enough to withstand heavy-duty impact. This dynamic event flooring is pedestrian-friendly, easy to install and remove. The portable flooring is suitable for a range of surfaces including synthetic turf surfaces.

√ We are confident that the completion of this project will expand bowls well be-

yond the traditional bowls membership, encouraging community engagement and support many of the objectives sought by government at all levels. From a Club perspective, the facility will significantly expand the presence, capacity and longevity of the existing facility and provide a prominent sporting facility for the City of Joondalup.

√ The project is supported by Bowls WA, Bowls Australia and the Cancer Council.

– Brian Lucas

Editor’s Note: The Councillors were impressed with the Powerpoint presentation with one commenting that it was the best presentation that he had seen from a sporting club. Well done to Brian and the Committee.

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Teamwork

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n the game of bowls there is no one position or role that is more important than any of the others. The success that is achieved by the ‘team’ can only be credited to a ‘teamwork’ approach. When we look at each of the positions individually we can see that the skills required can be varied, but each role when performed well can be critical in the outcome achieved.

The ideal Lead needs to possess an immaculate draw shot as their role is to build a foundation for the team members following. In fulfilling their role they are placing their bowls as close to the jack as possible. It is a common myth that they must achieve the shot bowl but their role is performed admirably if they are close to the jack, or if not, past the jack more often than not. A temperament to not attempt to play weighted shots is required along with an acceptance that their bowls are quite often going to be dislodged during the process of the end they are playing. They must also possess a deft touch in the rolling of the jack to the lengths requested by their skip and for the benefit of the team. A Lead who demonstrates these skills is invaluable to their team.

The Second is a bowler who not only possesses an immaculate draw but is also able to play that draw with a weight that sees them invariably finishing close to, but beyond the jack. Often they will be asked to play ‘reaching’ bowls or on occasions a drive.

They must be capable of correcting the situation if the Lead has failed to set a foundation. A second who can consistently do this is invaluable to their team. The Leads and Seconds are often described as ‘the engine room’ of the team.

The Third should be a bowler capable of playing ‘all’ the shots required and able to at times cover or protect against the oppositions opportunities to make scores. They need to have a good communicative relationship with the skip and represent ‘the engine room’ up the front as required. The Third is accepting of the responsibility and importance of the skip to ‘play their own game’ when it comes to shot selection and shows support of the shot selected on all occasions. They must be an astute reader of the head and have a good eye for assessing the shots up or down prior to measuring. A Third who is capable of doing all this is an invaluable member of the team.

The Skip is a bowler who possess’ the ability to play all the shots played in the game of bowls. They need to be cool and calm under pressure and are the main source of motivation and support for the rest of the team. They need to work tirelessly on obtaining the best possible performance from the other 75% of the team and have sound people skills as a pre-requisite.

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The consistent high performing bowler has no place in a Skipper’s role without first possessing a demeanour of positive body language and motivational people skills.

They are quick to share in the success of the team with the members and to shoulder the blame in defeat. They are excellent communicators and inclusive in shot selection and decision making. The Skip that is capable of demonstrating this behaviour is invaluable to the team.

The ‘team’ is proud in success or defeat to be representing our Club and embraces Sorrento’s on and off green culture at all times. It shares its success with the club and its members across all divisions and levels.

Remember: Trust, Embrace, Acknowledge and Motivate = T.E.A.M. All capable of doing so are indeed part of the ‘team’.

– Chris Lander

A Visit to Tasmania

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uring our trip to Tasmania I was invited by my cousin Julie who is a member of the Claremont Bowls Club in Hobart. The club is situated on the River Derwent right next door to the Claremont Golf Club I will just add that the view from the club rooms of the Derwent River was just first class. And also near the Cadbury’s Chocolate factory.

In the photo from the left is my brother Garry, Julie’s friend Rhonda my cousin Julie and myself. We had a great afternoon and had a few drinks after the game But the ladies beat us, it was great fun with plenty of laughter. Later on Garry and Rhonda realised that they went to school together – John Godfrey

1st Division White Motivational Talk

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he 1st Men ask team member to do a short motivational talk just prior to an important game. Your Editor was told about the excellent talk done by Geoff Murray and thought it was worth recording.

“Gentlemen, let’s gather round in a circle. I’m not going to go over old ground, 43

we know the vision we have, we know the final objective. (Gain promotion to Premier Division) You’ve heard Chris and Tim talk about our four exams, (key games), well we’ve passed two of those exams and today (against North Beach) is the third.

Imagine if you will that we’re climbing Mount Everest, via the South Face.

We’ve reached Camp 4, at 8000 metres; we have two obstacles in front of us, the South Summit at 8690 metres and the final ascent to the summit at 8850 metres. We can see the summit from here, we want to stand on that summit, breathe that rarefied air and say We Did It. Now I have these sixteen ice-picks (laughter, a bit of an in-joke) and being mountaineers we’re roped together for safety and with our trusty ice-picks in hand, we set off for the South Summit.

Fast forward to today, we’re at North Beach Bowling Club and we’re about to face our third exam. We’re not tied together by rope, but by our belief in our final objective and our support for each other.

Gentlemen, today you hold your destiny in your own right hands, or in Bally’s (Brad Ball) and Morg’s (Peter Morgan) cases, in their left hands and I have just ONE question to ask you. DO YOU WANT TO STAND ON THAT SUMMIT? Yes I SAID, DO YOU WANT TO STAND ON THAT SUMMIT? YEEESSSSSS THEN LET’S DO IT

The Over 60’s Triples Neville has asked me to do a short write up on the State Triples. Well here goes!

one shot win.

We enjoyed good wins in the sectional and the knockout games and got down to the final day. Our first game was against Reg Humphryson’s Wanneroo team. We were all tied up at the finish and had to play an extra end. When Bruce got up to play his two bowls, Wanneroo held a good shot close to the jack. Bruce with his first sent the jack into the ditch, then drew shot with his second. That bowl remained shot and we came away with a

In the final against Gary Caffell’s team we were in trouble early, they jumped away 44

and lead 11-4, however, we gradually pegged them back to be one shot down going into the last end. On the last end we were holding three good shots and game with Gary to play the last bowl for the end. After a lengthy discussion with his brother Pat, he went back to play. He played a full blooded drive, collecting our bowls perfectly, they all disappeared from the head, leaving his team with shot and the championship.

– By Chris, Bruce and Brian

A Venue for your next Party?

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ook no further! Whether you wish to play bowls, have a barbecue, use the hall including kitchen, or have a combination of all these facilities, the Sorrento Bowling Club is here for your benefit. In addition, a wide range of drinks are available at very competitive prices.

Thanks to Ken Giles’ merry band of volunteers we can provide bowls and greens. A great way of showing off our great greens especially at night under our lights. Club manager Ian Lucas regularly receives praise from our visitors for the very friendly way he and his staff look after our guests. If you are looking for the best in catering why not try Ross and Trish of Silver Fern.

We recently hosted a birthday party for a group referred to us by our Sponsor Brad Anderson. We were delighted to receive the following e-mail following this party: Huge thank you for Saturday night. Everybody had far too much fun, the lawn bowls were fiercely competitive and fun after a proper lesson on technique.

Feedback from friends and family has been amazing so thanks once again for the hospitality from Sorrento Bowling Club.

Also, Ross and Trish were fabulous. I would definitely recommend them because everything was delicious and they had everything running so smoothly.

To make a booking just go to sorrentobowlingclub.com.au and follow the easy prompts under “function hire”.

– Tony Friedlieb

A Thank you to Our Volunteers

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nce again I pay tribute to our army of volunteers at our Club. Everyone that I contact, for what ever reason, is always happy to oblige.

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Judging from the e-mail we received (see above) from a Saturday night social group, when volunteers Shelley and Bob Jeffs, Carmel Hyde, Monique Kopec, Alex Third, Evan Cosh, Alan Walton, Ian Wittber, Phil Bilich and Derry Ellis looked after this group showing them how to bowl. There were 70 people in the group so everyone was kept busy. Well done guys!!

Not only this night, but all other days and nights that this happens our volunteers are always prepared to who help out in different position in different areas of our Club.

Our volunteers are doing an excellent job promoting our Club. Thank you – Ken Giles Volunteer Co-ordinator

Raising the Flags When I first started on the Match Committee I, of course, had to learn the order of raising the flags. I was told by a member of the Governing Council that a very easy way to remember was to imagine that the Club was being attacked by a group of pirates.

When coming though the front gate, the first flag they see is the Australian flag (that then tells them that the recent storm has very much blown them off course).

The second flag they see is our Western Australian flag (they are now very confused as to which direction they must now navigate).

The third flag is our Sorrento Bowling Club flag. (The captain very quickly mentions to his crew that they must leave IMMEDIATELY, the crew were a bit puzzled as they could see members drinking a much needed drop of whatever in their pots, one crew member replied “I see a good drink in there Captain let’s go and clear out the bar”. ) The captain once again replied very quickly and told his crew to concentrate on what these people in front of them were doing, “are you kidding ??” said the Captain. “They are rolling canon balls at each other and not even using a canon, quick let’s disappear and set sail out of this area!!”

– Robyn Rowe

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Please support our Partnership Sponsors

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Christmas Cricket

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he Australian Freedom of Information Act gives members of the public rights of access to official documents of the Government of the Commonwealth and of it’s agencies. So at great expense we lodged a request to find out exactly what happened to Saulie in Tasmania. We were fortunate to obtain a copy of the hospital report which read as follows: Case #113 25 December 2017: Patient’s name: Mr. Brian Saul Case history: Sporting Injury playing back yard Christmas Cricket “The patient was a wonderful and chirpy 80-year-old male who was playing cricket with his family. The patient was noted to have been running, after a well hit cover drive, when he was noted to have had a moment trying to field the ball. It appears that the patient’s off-season training regime did not cover ground fielding, at speed, and whilst moving downhill as he has dived, probably unintentionally, and landed on his right shoulder. Patient noted pain in his right shoulder and returned to the dressing rooms (house) where he was attended to by his team mates prior to the arrival of the Tasmanian Ambulance Service.”

A Big Thank You

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e don’t say thank you to our Governing Council often enough. They all do a tremendous amount of voluntary work around our Club. At time we just take this for granted and never fail to chirp or criticise if we think they are not doing their jobs properly. We are indeed lucky to have people of this calibre to run our Club!

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Our December 2017 Aussie Bonza Christmas Party

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ur Aussie Bonza Christmas Party was a tremendous success as can be seen by the photos taken on the night by Neville.

Everyone dressed in keeping with the Aussie theme and made it a night to remember.

Organising the event was a big effort by Pauline and her many volunteers made up of male and female members and non-members. They did an excellent job of decorating the tables and putting up the decorations.

The Two Jackaroos table proved to be the best singers of the “Twelve Days of Aussie Christmas”. Abba won the Christmas Crackerjack competition in a close tussle with Sharon and Mary. His knowledge of Aussie Christmas food gave him the edge. The Christmas Word Finder quiz was won by Stephen Bomford.

As usual, Trish, Ross and their helpers put on a great Christmas dinner for everyone to enjoy and Scott Vance kept everyone on the dance floor with Beatles and Elton John songs. Ian and the bar staff kept the beer and wine flowing.

– Alan Rolls

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Our December 2017 Aussie Bonza Christmas Party

Anne and Trevor suitably dressed for the occasion

Our beautifully decorated entrance

Tony Krsticivic and Linda Ager with Pauline Marden

Veronica and Graeme Whitehorn

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Trish and Glenn McCarthy

Monique Kopec

Alan and May Rolls

Annie Taylor and Jenny Gandras

Jan Paniperis

Aussie Bonza Christmas Party – continued

Pauline Marsden

Neville and Denise Odell

The “DJ”

Sharon Eggers and Kevin Coffey

Moira Dean

Larraine Brickell

Julie and Tony Sabatino and Ken and Nora Giles Egon and Annette giving a rock ‘n roll demo

Shelley & Wayne Gray

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Left: Anne Orton, Pat Stapledon, Nora Giles, Denise Odell, Mary Rolls, Hilda Dichiera, Julie Sabatino and Val McIntosh

Lorraine andCarmel Hyde

Jem and Bev Shoreland

What Bowlers Do When They are Not Playing Bowls

Play Scrabble Sleep

his T ! g n i f r u s o G on i D e b o t d i a s is n Smith in actio

randg h t i w h s i f h c Cat ns i l l o C n i l t i a K daughter

dren l i h c d n a r g r e t n Look af belong to Ego andies

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Ride their “motor bikes”

More About “What Bowlers do in their Spare Time”

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Collect ring p

Contrary to what people think, the Club member who has had his head deep in the rubbish bins, is not looking for his breakfast. He is recovering the “ring pulls” from empty cans. The results are small, so you can imagine his surprise when Frank Gandras presented Pat Stapledon with two bags containing thousands of these “ring pulls”. How many bins had Frank been in?

None, because we have discovered that he has others collecting for him! However, his efforts are very much appreciated by the “Wheelchairs for the Disabled” organisation. Well done to you, Frank, and to all your friends!

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d par n a p u d e s s e r Get d

Go boating

Ros Newick with her Lake Karrinyup C grade Club Championship Trophy

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nd pa a p u d e s s e r d Get 53

Play golf

The “Skew Wiff” Bush Poet

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number of members have asked me who the famous bush poet is who writes such clever poems for our quarterly newsletter?” Well here is a bit of information about my long-time friend Grahame “Skew Wiff” Watt.

I first met Grahame when I was looking for some funny poems and stories about lawn bowls for my second book “A Tad More Grass” which Denise and I were selling to raise funds for Alzheimers Australia.

This scholar and gentleman was born in Kyabram and turned 80 on the 8th day of the 8th month 2008.

He and his delightful wife Janice have two children and twelve grand-children.

Grahame worked as a refrigeration mechanic at the Kyabram fruit cannery until its closure. He then did all sorts of work including being a poet and entertainer and soon acquired the ‘nom-de plume’ of “Skew Wiff” which suits his humorous verse down to a “T”.

He has won several bush poetry competitions in Australia and in 1991 he was “The Limerick Champion of Australia”. He has self-published three books of verse.

Grahame has also made a CD of his poems and this won “CD Album of the Year” at Tamworth. He always enjoys reading his poems, storytelling and singing at old age homes and bowling clubs.

As he and Janice were regular bowlers many of his poems are about lawn bowls. One of his classics is called “The Streaker” which follows a true happening at the Sawtell Bowling Club in NSW when they had a streaker at their Club on Ladies’ Day. A young bloke stripped off and dashed across Sawtell’s front green where the ladies were in full swing. He came in from one end, raced up the green, out onto the road, hopped into a car and disappeared. It was the highlight of their bowling season. For those of you who might have missed this poem I have included it below.

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The Sawtell Streaker It was Ladies day at the bowling club, The sun was shining bright, A perfect day for bowling, With the girls all dressed in white.

Colleen took a piece of chalk And chased him down the track, She said, “I’ll mark his toucher!

I think he moved the Jack!”.

There were cries of “Good shot Betty”, And very quiet applause, There were draw shots and a drive or two, All within the laws.

A lady said “It’s not my husband, I had a look and I can tell”, And Saucy Sal, the redhead said, “He’s not a member at Sawtell!”

The day was quiet, as usual, No trouble so it seems, But you’d never guess what happened, Not in your wildest dreams.

As the Streaker disappeared from sight, Shirley was heard to say, “That streaker brought back memories, I’d forgotten ‘til today!”.

Just as Doreen played a fine shot, The best that you have seen.

A man devoid of clothing, Dashed across the green.

Now on Ladies’ Day there’s trouble, You’ll see lots of wayward bowls, They simply cannot concentrate, They wander off – Poor Souls!

“A STREAKER! YES! A STREAKER!”, The ladies screamed as one, As the Streaker flashed his hairy chest, And showed his pale white bum.

Their form is quite erratic, Their shots are getting weaker, They’re praying for a nice warm day, And another young buck Streaker.

He made a dash across the green, The girls could only stare, As he displayed his twiddly bits, With everything quite bare.

Well the ladies got excited, Some fainted with the fright, Some looked away in horror, Some cheered with sheer delight: Judy made a mighty lunge And tried to grab the bloke, Margy called excitedly, “I nearly had a stroke!”.

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The Importance of Balance

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hen going through some old files Deon Smith’s Mum found the following article on the importance of getting your balance right when bowling, It was interesting to see that this was written by A,C. Walton of 61/7 Harman Road Sorrento. Our first thought were that this was Dreads’ great grandfather but we have been unable to confirm this or when it was written!

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