Sorrento Bowling Club Magazine Issue 80 March 2020

SORRENTO BOWLING CLUB’S QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE

“Rest of the World” team wins the annual Australia Day Competition!

(With the help of some Australians)

NUMBER 80 MARCH QUARTER 2020 1

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Contents News from your Editors 4 When You Wish Upon a Star 5 Around Our Club 8 Melbourne Cup Day at Sorrento 9 Around Our Club – continued 11 Another Lovely Day at Sorrento 12 Around Our Club – continued 15 President’s Report 16 Men’s Captain’s Report 19 Women’s Captain’s Report 20 Our Volunteers 23 Men’s Match Committee Report 23 Australia versus the “Rest of the World” 26 Women’s Match Committee 28 Men’s Selection Report 34 Women’s Selection Report 34 Roles in Bowls 35 Why Skippers need Smart Phones 37 Joe Stow Heart Foundation Day 39 A Tribute to the Remarkable Marie Smart 39 Croquet Report 41 Umpire’s Corner 45 Sorrento Does Well in State Events 46 How Tin-Ribs got his name 49 Sorrento’s Superman 50 Sorrento Women’s Gala Day 53 A Tribute to Another Great Member 54 Legacy Day Open Fours 56 Getting to Know Our Members 56 Dart Wind-up 57 Sponsors Corner 61 3

If you need to contact your Editors, Neville or Denise Odell, call 9309 3108 or send us an email at: nevodell@bigpond.net.au

News from your Editors Welcome Well here we are with the first Quarterly news magazine for 2020. You will note that this is edition number 80. Denise and I started from edition number 19 in February 2007 when we took over from Ian Wittber.

So this is our 61st newsletter in the 13 years we have been Editors.

We try not to repeat ourselves but we would once again ask for contributions especially about our new members as well as those members who never get a mention.

Hopefully the weather will continue to improve. In October last year our friend Grahame Watt wrote “When You Wish Upon a Star”. It is such a clever poem we thought it was worth publishing alongside. Also please remember the farmers when rain affects the game.

When next time you 'grumble' at bowling, As a shower of rain stops the game, Just think of the 'Wheat Cockies' pleasure, If only his farm got the same.

– Skew Wiff 4

When You Wish Upon a Star I wished on a Star last Friday, I wished for a Cloud- Oh! So wide For the Land to be covered in Raindrops, And the Rivers to rise with the Tide.

I wished for the Land - re-invented -For Rain - to put out the Fire, So Koalas and Wrens ‘nestle’ safely, And ‘Joeys’ have Mums they require.

I wished for Green Bush and Green Pasture, And Water-Holes filled to the brim, Where ‘Yabbies’ and ‘Tadpoles’ are happy, And ‘Platypus’ learn how to swim.

I wished for a season of ‘Dampness’, Where ‘Flooding’ and ‘Down-pour’ is rife, For Red-Gum and Wattle to flourish, And the ‘Goodness’ of Rain to bring Life.

I wished on a Star last Friday, Yes! down on my knees once again.

– Now I hear the ‘Patter’ of Raindrops, And I smell the Sweet Fragrance of R AIN.

By Grahame “Skew Wiff” Watt: October 2019 5

Thank you We continue to get some favourable comments about our newsletter.

Thank you to those who have sent in a comment: “Another great newsletter” – Brian Lucas “Once again I enjoyed reading the quarterly magazine.

Congratulations to both you and Denise. I especially enjoyed the bowls/cricket report written by Jim Woodward” – Tony Friedlieb “I was away when Bill Leyland died and was saddened to receive the news through the newsletter; but very pleased to read such a thoughtful tribute by Brian Lucas. I remember all the characters of ‘Table 13’ very well. Your terrific newsletter is always much appreciated” – Phil Oldershaw “Another enjoyable read” – Denis Croker “I enjoyed your latest newsletter. It was interesting to read about happenings in our Club that I did not know about. I also like the way your photos stand out from the pages” – John Collishaw “You and Denise do a great job producing our quarterly magazine”– Helen Teasdale Apologies Oops we’ve done it again! Apologies to Robyn van Mosseveld for calling her “Robin”, Kerry Morgan for getting her name wrong and to Eric Tompkins for misspelling his name. We do try hard to get member’s names correct but sometimes we miss things in the final editing.

Our biggest problem is getting the spelling of Krsticevic, Mikolajczyk and Sjepcevich right, remembering who is “Graeme” and who is “Grahame” and making sure we put a second “e” into Shelley!

Some more “Did you hear/know” Did you hear about one of our top bowlers (who shall remain nameless) 6

who arrived early before a Pennant game to have a roll up? It was just as well that he did as the green was so fast that his first four bowls ended up in the ditch. His fifth bowl was a wrong bias. His sixth in the ditch! Fortunately his seventh was good and stopped on the green.

Did you know that in the 1990s Pauline Marsden used to write a newsletter for the Karratha Bowling Club? It was called “Kitty News”. Pauline also drew the illustrations. In the February 1992 edition it was interesting to note that Cancer Council sunscreen was available for $3! She included all sorts of useful information in her newsletter. For example: “Right decisions are the result of long experience and long experience is a result of long inexperience” “It has often been said that a big worry drives out a little worry, and since there is always a bigger worry coming along .... you really have nothing to worry about” Did you know that Graeme O’Brien is a good singer? His niece, brother and father are also good singers so it must run in the family.

Did you hear that when the bush fires were burning in Yanchep, Shane Loftus decided to pop in to see how Leith Oldham was doing and perhaps have a beer with him? When he arrived at Leith’s house he was surprised to see Leith running around naked trying to cool down under the sprinkler system.

Did you know that the oldest computer can be traced back to Adam and Eve? Surprise! Surprise! It was an Apple with extremely limited memory. Just one byte! Then everything crashed!

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Around Our Club

Have you ever seen four score boards all with equal scores? This happened last year when a Men’s Pennant team played a Ladies Pennant team in a practice game. There was a great deal of chirping and banter at this critical stage of the game. Unfortunately one of the Men’s team conceded a seven and that was the end of that!

Frank Tyson getting ready to support the Springbok Rugby team at the World Cup in Japan

Anne Orton, Judith Skeet and Trevor Orton celebrating Judith’s “80th Birthday” party. A great time was had by all on this special occasion

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Melbourne Cup Day at Sorrento

Anyone for a strawberry?

Above: Carmel Hyde, Glen Larcombe and Charmain Harris all looking very glamorous Right: Pat Dichiera, John Abercrombie and Jan Cook selling tickets

“Patchwork Patti” and her Quilting Group 9 enjoying Melbourne Cup Day

Did you know that Australia, the sixth largest country in the world has more than 900,000 kilometres of road spread out across the country, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development? The circumference of the Earth is about 40,000 km so our roads are equal to about 22 trips around the world!

Did you know a recent study found that the average Australian walks about 1500km a year? A similar study found the average Australian consumes 100 litres of alcohol a year. Putting that in context, it means on average AUSSIES get 15km per litre. Makes you proud to be an Aussie doesn’t it?

Did you hear what happened on the green during a Ladies Championship pairs competition when one of the Leads (Denise Odell) took out the other Lead’s bowl (Annie Taylor)? Annie then started smacking Denise about her head and neck with a damp bowling cloth. Another player from the next rink raced over and shouted out “What is your problem lady!” Annie replied “I don’t have a problem but this lovely lady, without my action, would have had a bee travelling up inside her hat”.

Did you know Judith Skeet recently celebrated her 80th Birthday. She was joined by family and friends for a fun night and a drop of Red or two. Judith has always loved her Croquet and being a Club member. She has been Croquet Vice Captain, Croquet Captain and was on the Club’s OH & S committee until a recent injury.

Where ever possible Judith will help and offer advice in these areas. Judith’s motto is “For the good of the Club”.

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Around Our Club – continued

Brian Self. Ron and Barbara Rogers looking cold in Scotland! “We never thought that the summer in Scotland could be so warm”

Juris and Barbara Lorencs Runners up in the Mixed Pairs

One of our volunteers Denis Croker hard at work Jan Paniperis, Barbara Lorencs and Wendy Saul - Runners up in the Women’s Triples Wendy Saul, Lee Leach, Pauline Bourne and Coral Smith - Runners up in the Women’s Fours 11

Another Lovely Day at Sorrento Sunday 24 November was a special day at Sorrento when Trevor Carpets and Prince Designs sponsored a special day to raise funds for Romm Niblett’s disabled son. Romm was thrilled about the day and commented on how supportive and friendly everyone was for this event. Well done to all involved.

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Did you know that at the beginning of the Pennant season Carole Ford invited all the 3rd Division ladies to her home for lunch, drinks and a good chat? A good time was had by all. This was so that they could get to know one another, introduce new members and become a team of 12! This proved to be a great initiative with the 3rd Division showing good results. (Thanks to Shona Carter for this contribution) Did you hear that at one stage of a bowls game very early in January 2020 the score was 20-20 on the 20th end?

Did you know that the winners of the Women’s Fours Championship had a number of firsts? It was • Jenni Lockwood’s first competition win • Shelley Jeff’s first competition win • Robyn van Mosseveld’s first Fours win • Sandy Everest’s first Sorrento Club win!

We bade farewell to Peter Balcombe and his partner Kim Elliott who have moved to Dunsborough. We understand Frank Tyson is already having withdrawal symptoms now that he no longer has a Scrabble partner!

Peter has already found some new drinking buddies at the Dunsborough Bowling Club.

Are they in fact twins? On 22 April 1952, at King Edward Hospital Subiaco, a miracle happened. Two babies were born that may have been switched at birth – mistakes do happen. The surprising and coincidental thing is that both babies have grown up and, would you believe it, are members of Sorrento. Curious? Well it hasn’t been revealed prior to this breaking news, but they are Shelley Jeffs and Murray Newman.

Can you see the similarities? Could they be twins? I will have to leave that to you to decide, believe it or not.

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Around Our Club – continued

Tim and Pat Murray – Runners up in the Men’s Pairs Championship

Judy Campbell, Kevin Coffey and Bob Anderson helping at our regular Friday Member’s Donor Award evening

Winners of a “50-Badge” – Sandy Everest, Wendy Saul, Carmel Hyde and Kerry Hutchinson

Pauline Bourne, Ross and Trish Cunningham and Jan Cook enjoying a glass

Sue Waldram, Annie Taylor, Sheila O’Reilly and Clair Hanlon enjoying a few nibbles etc.

Chloe Van-Ross prior to cutting up onions for the HYAGM. We didn’t 15 get one of her in tears unfortunately

Did you know that the best seven doctors anywhere are sunshine, water,rest, air, exercise, diet and lawn bowls?

Thanks Aussie Jingle Bells Dashing through the bush In a rusty Holden Ute Kicking up the dust Esky in the boot Singing Christmas songs Its summer time I’m in my singlet, shorts and thongs

Once again we need to thank Brian Lucas, Jim Woodward, Trevor Orton, Clive Adams, Jan Paniperis and Denis Croker for their on-going help with our magazine. We also need to thank to all our regular contributors as well as members who send us funny stories off the internet. Thanks also to Ian Lucas, Denis Croker and Lee Leach for their help with taking photographs. Finally thanks to Brian Saul for this little rhyme: alongside.

– Neville and Denise Odell

President’s Report It gives me great pleasure to present my half yearly report today the 26 January 2020 Happy Australia Day. I would like to say that the past six months have been very rewarding and productive for the future of our Club in achieving our future goals and objectives as set out in our Strategic Plan “Continuing to thrive through 2025” I would like to expand on some of the progress and initiatives undertaken.

Membership Overall membership numbers have remained consistent over the past few years. Affiliated membership has been granted to the Marmion Cricket Club and the Northern Warriors Football club. The Club’s membership numbers remain the highest in the Metropolitan area.

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Major projects • The seven metre building extension of the existing club house was completed with official opening by the Mayor of Joondalup • The eastern veranda extension which was funded by the Club was completed • The installation of croquet lights was completed • We upgraded our audio/visual systems and security • We purchased new furniture which was funded by a 50% grant from the Federal Government • We purchased and installed a new point of sale and Membership System (BEPOZ) Honour Board This has been on the GC’s agenda for quite a while. Progress is ongoing with a completion date of April 2020. It is envisaged that all State representatives, State and Master’s event winners will be acknowledged.

Synthetic Green A CSRFF grant application to the City of Joondalup will be submitted middle February. If this grant is successful then we can pursue further funding from the Federal and State Governments. Under this Funding arrangement the Club will be responsible for one third of the total cost.

Marketing and Communication Ongoing commitment by our Marketing and Communication team ensures that members are kept well informed with all Club news. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the efforts of Neville and Denise Odell for their continued commitment in presenting the quarterly news magazine. Also Denis Croker and his team for their efforts in maintaining our website, e-newsletter and computer systems.

Sponsorship I would like to acknowledge Barry Stewart for his role in maintaining and obtaining old and new sponsors. We are very lucky to have com17

mitted sponsors, so please use our sponsors when you require anything our sponsors provide.

Club achievements Congratulations to • Elizabeth Marshall, Chris Lander, and Pauline Bourne on representing Western Australia in the over 60s State teams • Nerrida Porteous and Lee Leach on being members of the team that won the Over 60’s state Triples • Barbara Lorencs on being a member of the winning team for the Over 60’s State pairs • Trevor Orton, Steve Draper and Steve Mortimer on winning the Second division and under State triples • Colin Jasper, John Goddard and Geoff Murray on winning the Over 60’s State Singles Winning five State championships is a great achievement. Well done to all.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the organisers of the Women’s Gala Day held in January. Thirty six teams from Metro and Country areas participated and the amount raised was $3463.

Finally, as you all are aware the Sorrento Bowling Club was runner up to the Townsville Bowling Club in the Australian Bowling Club of the Year award. Four members of the Governing Council attended the Awards night which was held on the Gold Coast. It was an amazing night, although we did not win, every bowling club in Australia now knows what a great club Sorrento Bowling Club is. The Broadbeach Bowling Club and the Townsville Bowling Club approached us to form a sister bowling club relationship and have already been in touch to formalise this concept.

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Our Volunteers Again, I would like to recognise all the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort in making this Club what it is today. We now have over 130 volunteers – the envy of all Bowling clubs in Western Australia.

We arranged to have three “Volunteers Forums” which were held late last year. These forums were of great value to the GC and all the volunteers present. It gave the attending volunteers an opportunity to present their wants and needs. The GC is still analysing the results of these forums with an opportunity to implement many of the suggestions provided by the Volunteers. I cannot thank you enough for your support.

I would like to thank my Governing Council colleagues for their support and commitment over the past 6 months. We have managed to lead this Club to the best of our abilities, and I can assure everyone that the ongoing success of this Club is our top priority.

In conclusion I would like to thank you the members in making our job as interesting as it is. Thank you.

– John Abercrombie

Men’s Captain’s Report

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s I write this report, our Men’s 1 White team is currently undefeated after 11 games along with our second side – 2 Blue also undefeated. There would not be many teams over the years that have got through the whole season without losing a game but rest assured we are not getting ahead of ourselves. Both sides would like to go all the way without losing a game.

As I am the team manager of 1 White I can see our players forming as a team, planning their approach to the game ahead of them. Each week a player will give his perspective on how we approach the game 19

and on home games we have a meeting in the BBQ area welcoming any new player in and talking about how we should approach our game today. We then form a circle on the green arm in arm, have a few hurrahs, then altogether yell out SWANS. Each game we play away these days, clubs have music playing whilst they play bowls. I would say all of our players quite like it, they find it relaxing. Sorrento tried it a few weeks ago through our speakers and I was told in no uncertain terms to turn that #*+?/! music off by two people. So now we won’t be playing the music through the loud speakers. Ian Lucas has suggested we use one speaker. Chris Lander has come up with the music and it will only be played on A Green.

Remember it’s soothing music not the head banging type of music.

Congratulations to all the ladies and gents who have won Club and State events, Congratulations also to Shane Loftus who has just been chosen in the Men’s State Squad. Well done Shane you thoroughly deserve to be there.

This year has been a telling year for our Club with changing the format on Thursdays. A lot of people don’t like it and quite a few bowlers have pulled out of Pennants, making it hard to field teams that are required each Thursday. I am asking all those male bowlers who have pulled out to reconsider. It wasn’t Sorrento Bowling Club’s idea to change the format. I really don’t think it will be in next season so please reconsider as we need to have you available for the sake of the Club.

– John Godfrey

Women’s Captain’s Report

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y report is really one of thanks but also to let you all know what is going on behind the scenes. The ladies of Sorrento Bowling Club continue to be great Club members. All give their best on the 20

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greens and so very many of them contribute in many and varied ways in other activities.

At the beginning of the season we started with our annual Fashion Parade. After a sumptuous morning tea, ladies from our Club strutted their stuff on the catwalk (well the dance floor anyway) showing garments from K’ Sara. Thanks go to both the models and of course the boutique for their contribution. And then lunch was served. Soups made by willing Sorrento Bowls Club ladies were enjoyed by all.

Funds raised were just under $1000. Well done and thank you.

Our main fund raiser is undoubtedly our New Year’s Gala Day. This year 36 teams from both Metro and nearby country clubs competed.

As you can appreciate, the Match Committee headed by Lee Leach worked avidly for many months advertising the event and chasing up teams to make sure we had a full house. On the day their work didn’t stop. Collecting money, preparing cards and collating scores is a very time-consuming job that requires accuracy and in many cases diplomacy when more teams than were expected arrived.

Feeding 144 competitors and 20 or so helpers is no mean feat. The ladies who did the catering planned the meal, shopped for the ingredients, prepared delicious and varied salads and even more interesting desserts and then served the meal in a timely manner.

Thanks must go to Ross Cunningham (delicious ham), John Smith, Brian Saul, Kevin Cook (dish washing hands) and dear Ron Taylor who was invaluable making sure the microphone worked, the money was counted etc. It was a long day but so well done. In the meantime, several ladies, having received donations from all members, were engaged putting together hampers and other stalls for raffle prizes and sales. Our Gala Day raised nearly $3500. Well done and thank you.

This year the Sorrento Bowls Club has hosted many State events. This, 22

although prestigious for the Club which is great, puts a workload on the Match Committee. But they have done their job in such a professional manner that, along with our great greens, the requests keep coming.

Thank you to Match and thank you to the ladies that make and sell the sandwiches.

On Friday 13 March we will hold our Invitation Day. Generously sponsored by Ray Green of Trevor’s Carpets this event is always successful. Open to Division One Bowlers, the standard of bowls is very high.

And once again the catering ladies – Jan Cook, Coral Smith, Wendy Saul, Jenny Lockwood, Kerry Hutchison and Pauline Bourne (I apologise if I have omitted anyone) will all roll up their sleeves and put together a sumptuous meal. And of course, Lee Leach and her team are already planning to make the day run like clockwork. We have 36 teams confirmed and several on the waiting list.

It is a pleasure to be the Women’s Captain of such an enthusiastic bunch of ladies.

– Nerrida Porteous

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Our Volunteers

ony Friedlieb has asked that we say a special thank you to Ken Giles and his team of willing volunteers who help out with social groups. They have been run off their feet during the last 3 months of this year.

Last year in the seven weeks before Christmas there were 26 groups booked to play a session of bowls. Ken would always love to hear from members who are prepared to give up an hour or two to assist with these prospective bowlers.

– Neville Odell 23

Men’s Match Committee Report Mixed Pairs Championship

A brilliant start by the “lefties”, Pauline Marsden and Murray Hulbert, saw them take out the Mixed Pairs Championship for 2019-2020. Pinpoint draw shots from Pauline and solid support from Murray in the early ends enabled them to lead 15-1 after 11 ends of the match in early November 2019. Despite a strong finish from their opponents, Juris and Barbara Lorencs, the margin was too great to peg back and they ran out winners 19-11.

Pauline and Murray progressed to the final by accounting for Lee Leach and Ron Rogers in a closely-fought semi-final, winning five shots in the last three ends to prevail 23-18. In the other semi-final, Barbara Lorencs’ final bowl proved decisive more than once and they came from behind to defeat Kerry Hutchinson and Trevor Orton 19-15.

Men’s Triples Championship

A mid-match “spurt” carried the team of Leith Oldham, Brian Lucas and Murray Hulbert to victory in the 20192020 final of the Men’s Triples. They defeated Phil Bilich, Ken Giles and Tony Sabatino 16-11 on a Friday evening in November. Tony’s rink started well and led 7-2 after seven ends and 8-3 after nine and an upset was in the offing. But four consecutive end wins, yielding 10 shots, turned the match around for Murray’s side 24

and the latter led 13-8 after 13 ends. Despite Tony’s rink battling on, they were left with the daunting, and as it proved, impossible task of scoring a full count of six shots on the 18th and last end. Congratulations to the winners, and to all who took part in this event.

Men’s Pairs Tim and Patrick Murray met Murray Hulbert and Bruce Eagles in the final of the Men’s Pairs Championship for 2019-2020 on early in December. The finalists were • the Murrays who had defeated Mason and Bryce Gunson and • Hulbert and Eagles who had a very narrow victory over Peter Snow and Ross Cunningham (substituting for the unavailable Denis Croker) In the final, an early score of four proved decisive for the Hulbert / Eagles combination, as it took them to a 3-shot lead, which Patrick and Tim could not reel in, with the margin between the two pairs never exceeding five shots throughout the match.

Despite closing to within three shots with one end to play, a single on the final end was enough to see Hulbert and Eagles through 15-11.

Australia versus the “Rest of the World” Australia Day saw a bumper field of 76 bowlers compete in the annual Australia versus “The Rest of the World” match. The day was sponsored by AUSSIE CLOTHESLINES AND LETTERBOXES. A couple of Aussies had to become honorary “aliens” for the day to balance the numbers and 10 matches were arranged.

A lot of players accepted the invitation to dress up in “national” costumes, with Charmain Harris’ socks the tipping point in her win 25

Australia versus the

Annie Taylor

Denise Odell and Charmain Harris

Sylvia and Neil McLaughlan

Carmel Hyde

Glen Larcombe

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Jan Power-Tuke

Ken Foggo

Bernie and Dorothy Smith

e “Rest of the World�

Jackie Maxwell and Rick Munt

Ken Giles, Tony Sabatino, John Abercrombie and Frank Bomford hard at work cooking sausages Right: Monique Kopec who thought we were celebrating Bastille Day

Runners up: Shirley Palmer, Denis Croker, Jan Power-Tuke and Bob Jeffs

Above: Shelley Jeffs looking thirsty and Lauris Berry looking happy 27

Robyn and Stan van Mosseveld

in the best dressed competition. Players also brought along a plate of after-match nibbles, with Yorkshire and Black Pudding, lamingtons, crepes, arancini balls, pavlovas and even Vegemite sandwiches among the delicious plates put out to share.

The Rest of the World triumphed (again), with six matches to 4 and 164 shots to 140 the overall result. The best performed team was the ROW triples team of Ian Johnston, Trevor Hughes and Neville Odell with a +13 score. The best of the Aussies was Jan Power-Tuke’s team with Shirley Palmer, Denis Croker and Bob Jeffs (+11 shots). A very enjoyable day was held by all, and we look forward to next year’s event.

– Trevor Orton

Women’s Match Committee Championship Pairs At the end of October 16 teams took part in this event with four sections of four teams. It was touch and go regarding the weather on this day with storms forecast to arrive in the afternoon. How lucky we were to get through our games just as we finished our last round about 3pm, the heavens opened and the storm began.

The four winners of the sectional play were Nerrida Porteous and Coral Smith, Pauline Bourne and Robyn Van Mosseveld, Lee Leach and Kath Harris, and Shelley Jeffs and Kerry Hutchinson.

Unfortunately, Nerrida was not available for the knock out round and Coral did not want a substitute so they had to forfeit with Pauline and 28

Robyn going through to the finals.

On the following Sunday Lee and Kath played off against Shelley and Kerry, in the semi-final. A great start off for Lee and Kath taking in four shots in the first end, then another two in the second end, but this was not for long with Shelley and Kerry taking back their four shots in the third end and continuing through the next five ends to dominate the play. A win of 17 shots to 12 went to Shelley and Kerry and a place to join Pauline and Robyn in the final game.

Our final game was dominated by Pauline and Robyn, good bowling by all four contestants but Pauline and Robyn seemed to manage to hold their own throughout, and take the Championship Pairs Trophy for 2019. Congratulations to Pauline Bourne and Robyn Van Mosseveld.

Championship Triples In late November ten teams took part in two sections of three and one of four. This was a good day for all taking part with everyone enjoying their time on the greens under blue skies. Section winners were • Nerrida Porteous, Lee Leach and Coral Smith • Barbara Lorencs, Pauline Marsden and Wendy Saul.

• Lorraine Hyde, Fran Bracknell and Carmel Hyde.

Pauline Bourne, Jan Cook and Liz. Marshall came through as “Lucky Losers” to provide four teams for the semi-final. The forecast was 36 degrees but with our usual sea breeze at Sorrento we were fortunate to be comfortable enough to play out the event. Pauline Marsden was unable to play in the semi-final and Jan Paniperis took her place.

Nerrida Porteous and team played against Lorraine Hyde and her team.

Good play from all but Porteous’ team just seemed to get that little 29

edge over Hyde’s girls and managed to finish with a score of 14 to 7 put them through to the final.

In the other semi Barbara Lorencs and team played Pauline Bourne and her team with the Lorencs team taking the lead up until the 8th to lead 15-0.

A comeback over the next 5 ends was not enough to get close enough to win the game and Barbara, Wendy and Jan went through to the finals.

In the final Nerrida’s team took the lead in the first four ends, but only to be shot down by Barbara’s girls taking a 4 shot win on the 5th end bringing the score to 4 all. From this point on the Porteous’ team managed to hold each end and ended with a win of 17-8.

Championship Fours This event was held in early January. Eight teams started off with sectional play, comprising 3 games of 13 ends. The temperature was forecast for 37 degrees, but with the usual slight breeze at Sorrento it never managed to reach that. A fun day on the greens which were running beautifully.

Our sectional winners on the day were Section 1: Sandy Everest, Shelley Jeffs, Robyn Van Mosseveld and Jenni Lockwood. Runners Up were Jan Power-Tuke and her team of Kerry Hutchinson, Kaye Martin, and Wendy Flack.

Section 2 winners were Pauline Bourne, Lee Leach, Wendy Saul, and Coral Smith. Runners up were Charmain Harris, along with Jan Siney, 30

Larraine Brickell, and Kath Harris.

In the knock-out games the Everest team played against the Harris team and the Bourne team played the Power-Tuke team. Unfortunately, the Power-Tuke team had to forfeit due to unforeseen circumstances which meant the Bourne team advanced to the finals. The other semi-final was a little one sided as the Everest team took the lead straight away with a four-shot end, shortly after another four shots and by the 6th end it the score was thirteen to two for Everest and her team. Whilst the Harris team did deliver some excellent bowls, unfortunately they did not remain in position, being removed from the jack on several occasions. Sandy Everest, Robyn van Mosseveld, Shelley Jeffs, and Jenni Lockwood won the game to qualify to play the Bourne Team.

The final proved to be a very good game with both teams starting off strongly, the Bourne team taking the first two ends but the Everest team then grabbing a four to take the lead. The next four ends saw the Bourne team bounce back to grab the lead by six shots after the seventh end, however it was then the turn of the Everest team to rally and they finished the game strongly to record a win by six shots.

A great day of bowls played in nice surroundings, great weather and in a friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and it was a well-deserved victory for Sandy, Robyn, Shelley and Jenni Novice Singles Championship In late January we held our Novice Singles Championship with two of 31

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our newer members – Wendy Flack and Ebony Gunson taking part.

Neither had bowled before joining Sorrento but both have taken to the game and have shown great potential, this match was not to be missed.

Format was two games of 21 shots up, the winner having the highest aggregate over the two games. Conditions were perfect with great green conditions and beautiful weather for the event.

First round was amazing, these ladies showed us some excellent bowls, Ebony Gunson, only 15 years of age, was a perfect match for Wendy Flack. The first end going to Wendy with two shots up, then Ebony took control for the next six ends. Wendy then bounced back gathering up six shots on the next three ends and after the 10th end Ebony was ahead by only one shot. This did not seem like Novice play, it was very much an entertaining match with both parties playing great bowls!!

The match continued to be close and at 18 shots each it was going to be a close finish however Wendy managed to narrowly win the next three ends to run out as the winner with Ebony close behind with 18 shots up.

The second round saw Wendy get off to a good start and held a lead of 13 – 3 by the 11th end.

Ebony showed she had the ability to come back into the game on several ends, but could not seem to catch up with Wendy who reached the winning line of 21 shots up after 19 ends.

Congratulations to both Wendy and Ebony. It was truly amazing to watch both of you handle your first Club championship.

– Lee Leach.

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Men’s Selection Report

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aving just moved into the second half of the Saturday competition our 1 White and 2 Blue teams sit in first place, 2 Gold 3 in fifth and 3 Blue in third. Midweek teams are not as well situated with Premier in third, 1 Blue 1 and 2 Gold seventh. Midweek results have been impacted by a shortage of players with 4 Gold recently not fielding a team for a few weeks. Over the past two weeks player numbers have improved which has allowed us to meet our nine team commitment.

However, there are still over twenty players unavailable both Thursday and Saturday. Some of the absentees midweek have been due to the change of format. The high number of unavailable players has made it very difficult to maintain consistent rinks as you have seen and indeed some of you have experienced.

The unavailable part of our recording system seems to be working, but some players are not using the available part of the system to let the selectors know when they will return. The selectors thank those players who have stood in to help meet our commitments.

Recently it was great to welcome new players, Matt Sherrett, Ken Donnachy and Jeff Thomson.

We look forward to some of the twenty odd unavailable players back playing in the immediate future so we can seek consistency and improve our positions in the respective divisions.

– Warren Elliot

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Women’s Selection Report

e are now at the business end of the season with only 6 games left to play. Up until Christmas except for 2 Blue all Tuesday divisions were doing very well. At present 1 Green are on top as is 3 Blue - well done Ladies, it has not been easy as once again we have 34

had to make changes due to holidays and players being unavailable resulting in movement of players, this has impacted most on 2 Blue and has been difficult at times to get a balanced side, hopefully things will settle down and we can get on with playing good bowls. Premier have slipped to 7th place, they have been winning their away games but are not performing at home. Selection have made a number of changes hopefully these will work and the Division will be able to get their confidence back.

On Saturday all three Divisions have been very successful unfortunately there has been a long break in the middle of the season so let’s hope we can keep the momentum going.

All Divisions must be congratulated on their endeavour thus far even in some very trying times. Well done and let us all make a big effort for the last few games.

– Jan Cook

Roles in Bowls

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o, what’s the difference between a team of “cox-less four rowers” and a “rink of Pennant lawn bowlers”?

Alright, yes – the rowing team rows on water and the bowling team think they walk on it!

So, then what are the similarities?

In team sports it is important that each member of a team knows their role and how this contributes to the team’s ultimate success. In rowing as in both lawn bowls, teamwork is essential. In this article we have 35

compared the important roles of four rowers with four bowlers.

Each cox-less four rower will have oars on alternative stroke and bow sides, with each ensuring they sync with each other effectively to ensure they make the most of each swing. Every rower, as part of a high-powered team, needs to pull their very best oar through the water smoothly and hard - stroke after stroke without fail.

The rudder is controlled by one of the crew who has the rudder cable attached to their shoe thereby allowing them to move the boat left or right. The rower closest to the stern is known as the stroke and they must control the speed of the boat. The middle rowers of the crew are the most powerful and heaviest rowers, often called the “Fuel Tank”, “Engine Room”, “Powerhouse” or “Meat Wagon”. The rowers in the middle of the boat must focus more on pulling as hard as they can.

The most technically proficient rowers are at the bow and stern and the physically strongest and heaviest rowers in the centre. One rower makes the calls.

Rowing is a dependent sport insofar as its central truth is that when one member of the four falls into a slump, they sweep the others with them. Every little movement of each individual crew member must be as one. The commitment in rowing is not just to the sheer number hours devoted to training but also to the rower’s fellow crew members.

Similarly, a four-man lawn bowls team needs to operate like a welloiled machine with each member endeavouring to play their best bowl – bowl after bowl without fail. As in rowing the commitment is to your fellow bowlers.

Each bowler has a specific role to perform: • The Lead needs to roll the jack to the length required by the Skipper and then get one bowl on and one just behind the jack. Ideally, they should bowl on the narrow hand and not change unless told to do so by 36

the Skipper. Leads need to remember they are part of a team with a common purpose • The Second needs to wait for the Skipper to call the shot and then be willing to play the shot that’s needed or requested. They must not be short or wide especially if the Lead has been short and wide! They also need to make sure the shots are correctly recorded. Seconds need to remember they are part of a team with a common purpose • The Third needs to support and encourage the Lead and the Second and have a good understanding and cohesion with the Skipper and be able to communicate effectively. They should be able and prepared to play the whole range of shots and make clear and concise calls to the Skipper when needed or requested by the Skipper. Thirds must remember they are part of a team with a common purpose • The Skipper needs to manage and get the best out of each member of their team by encouraging team involvement. They must pick their shot and commit to it before playing it. A Skipper must call the shots their team can play and thereby build the team’s confidence. They must encourage a team culture that allows the team members to play good draw shots and accurate drives as required and to play well under pressure. Skippers often need to save when they are down three or four shots. Skippers need to remember they are part of a team with a common purpose –

Why Skippers need Smart Phones

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ver the years for some reason mobile phones and sporting identities have at times had a rather troublesome relationship. Take Shane Warne for example. Warnie got himself into more trouble than the early settlers fiddling around with the gadget other legendary Australian leg spinners Clarrie Grimmett and Bill O’Reilly didn’t have to contend with.

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And then there was leading England umpire Dickie Bird. During one Test match in England, Ian “Beefy “Botham went out to bat after putting a sizeable amount of money on a horse he had been tipped.

Anxious to know the result he took his mobile phone out to the middle and handed it to an unsuspecting Dickie. Predictably, the phone rang and when Dickie amazingly pulled it out of his pocket and answered, a voice said, “Tell Beefy his horse lost.”

Suddenly Dickie froze as though he was holding a hand grenade. He was absolutely terrified as being seen as part of a prank and what the no-nonsense and no sense of humour officials watching from the stands might do with his umpiring career.

Now, while Bowls WA doesn’t have the same clout as the International Cricket Council, who’s to know how they would react if it was made aware Skippers were taking mobile phones out with them at the start of a game of bowls? But wait a minute, the advantages of a Skipper doing just that could be enormous.

For starters, when both the Skip and the Third are rather hard of hearing, they will be able to text their instructions from the head and will not need to shout and wave their arms about. The built-in GPS will also allow a Skip with dubious eyesight to track wayward bowls and warn the team on the adjoining rink that a bowl on the wrong bias is heading in their direction.

Skippers would not have to wander off to get a drink, just text their requirements to the bar staff. When the Skipper is a bit bored with proceedings, they will have the option of listening to music, being able to watch internet porn or do some texting. But be careful when you are driving. If, like Beefy, they have a horse running, the Skipper can watch the race live and see their horse lose.

They will also be able to photograph brilliant heads and post them 38

on Facebook, or take selfies for inclusion in our newsletter. Skippers could also phone home before the game is finished and find out what’s for dinner that evening. And let’s not forget, when a team is in real trouble, a Skipper will be able to call or text a certified coach to try and get things back on the rails.

So, is it not such a bad idea that the club invests in 24 mobile phones to allocate to its Skippers? Those responsible for taking out the mats and jacks, would simply hand each Skipper a phone and wish them good luck. They’ll need it.

– Jim Woodward

Joe Stow Heart Foundation Day

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t the end of November we held the annual Joe Stow Day where the entry fee is donated to the Heart Foundation. We were able to raise $268 for this important organisation. The winners were Jenny Gandras, Alex Third, Jan Siney and Dorothy Smith.

Runners up were Wendy Flack, Brenda Richardson and Charmain Harris. It was a great day and everyone enjoyed the afternoon.

– Barbara Spence

A Tribute to the Remarkable Marie Smart

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first met this special lady in 1999 when we both arrived at Sorrento to undertake bowling lessons. I had been persuaded by my husband, who had been a bowling member for many years, and Marie’s son wanted his mother to meet new friends as she hadn’t been in WA for very long, and he thought that this was a great way of doing just 39

that. Hence started a strong friendship between the two of us and this continues to this day.

After rolling the kitty for the first lesson, we were left to our own devices for some time. I got nearer the kitty than Marie and she asked me where I was taking my line from. “The left wheel of the wheelie bin” I replied. Marie followed this line and we both did very well in getting close to kitty. We thought we were just natural bowlers, how wrong could we be because on our third lesson needless to say the bin had been rolled to another spot!

Marie was a stalwart for our Club. Her hand always shot up when volunteers were required and was always on Joan’s roster for working in the kitchen. She served on the Match Committee for six years. Outside of bowls she worked for 12 years for Camp Quality and in 2007 was awarded “Service Above Self ” for her dedication. She and her friend Joan were members of the Whitfords Lions’ Club for 12 years and Marie worked as a guide at the WA Zoo for 21 years.

Marie loved going to Gala Days and was well known for her collections from White Elephant Stalls. Most of the goods she bought were sold at garage sales and swap marts to raise funds for an orphanage in Chiang Mai where she went to for four weeks each year as a hands on helper.

Even at this stage she wants to go back in 2020.

Her doctor insisted that she retire from bowls or she would do untold damage to her shoulder. That has not stopped her doing charity work as she now virtually runs an OP shop.

Marie has not appeared in our Club since she was told not to bowl. As her friend I suspect she has to be active in a role as sitting around is not what she can do! Just salute this special woman!

– Annie Taylor 40

Croquet Report New Retirees The end of 2019 saw a rush for Croquet members to “give up their day jobs” and pay more serious attention to their croquet skills! Kerry Bomford, Jan Craddock and Terry Craddock all joined the ranks of the “time rich, money poor” brigade after long and hard-working careers.

Well done and congratulations to these players – may your years of retirement be as fulfilling as your working lives. Also, Di McGivern retired from the position of Vice President of Croquet-west after two years of service in that position.

Competitions around the State Thank goodness for Jan and Terry Craddock who represented Sorrento in two competitions held in November when, for a number of good reasons, our other “regular” competition entrants were unable to participate! Firstly, in early November, they entered the Vic Park Flexi Draw Doubles – a level play Golf Croquet Competition – meaning that they were pitting their skills against many of the State’s best players! When they realised what they had done, they experienced lots of misgivings and nervousness – but “too late” – they were entered!

In spite of their nerves, they discovered that they had a great time thoroughly enjoying the challenges with which they were faced in the games; the excellent hospitality of Vic Park Club; and the friendliness of the other players and guests. They praised Sorrento’s original work in introducing them to the game and providing on-going coaching during social play in the months that followed. This, they said, gave them the confidence to face the challenge; and they put up a good show doing so.

They also reported being “on a high” by the end of the competition having played exceedingly well in the circumstances - winning one game; and being only one point behind in a further three games! An 41

excellent outcome for relatively new players!

Their next competition, held in late November, was the Busselton Spring Golf Croquet Tournament. This was a “Handicap” event, which required them to quickly learn when it may be best to use their “extra shots” to greatest advantage. A quick demonstration game played against Di McGivern on the eve of their departure constituted this preparation!!

Now it seems that their opponents had had word of the Craddock’s prowess on the courts, as on the first day of the competition, Terry was “accidentally” locked into the Club’s toilet! With no response from his banging on the door, he quickly suspected foul play and wasted no time in squeezing his generously endowed waistline through a narrow window and rushing onto the court to join an anxious Jan just in time to start their first game! In spite of this inauspicious start, the valiant duo managed to win five of their games! A couple of future Club Champions in the making it seems?

Cheryl Saul in her travels to Tasmania in January, played a couple of games at the Sandy Bay Croquet Club in Toowoona. She was made very welcome there and enjoyed the experience of playing at another club.

Official Opening of York Croquet Club’s new Clubhouse The York Croquet Club started in 1909 and had occupied the same Clubhouse since. One day a member of the Club said “I think it is time to build a new Clubhouse!” and true to his word, he started the project. All members (and family and friends) contributed in myriad ways to the project and Hey Presto, two years later we were invited to its official opening. Kerry Bomford (Captain) and Di McGivern (ViceCaptain) travelled to York on Saturday 30th November to represent Sorrento at the opening. The Clubhouse was named “The Peter Bailey Pavilion” in recognition of the person whose dream became a reality!

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Terry and Jan Craddock

The beautiful cake at the opening of York Croquet Club’s new Clubhouse

Glenda Laidler and Charlene Crute

Kathryn Smith (3rd from left) from Cornwall UK enjoying a drink with members after a game Left:Jenny Wilmot and Terry Harvey

Right: Derek Lay and Chuck McGivern finding out if they were on Father Christmas’s naughty or nice list 43

Congratulations to York Croquet Club – we look forward to playing more competitions and using the new pavilion.

The Christmas Season The Christmas season started early for the Croquet section last year with their Annual Christmas Lunch. The event was, as usual, well attended and very much enjoyed by everyone. Santa arrived and handed out lumps of coal (for those who had not been good – with the reasons given being appreciated by all) and delicious chocolates (for those who had been good – not as much justification!) A delicious preview of the many festivities to follow during the forthcoming Festive Season.

We trust that all members had a safe and enjoyable season and that the new decade will bring good health and good fortune to all our members.

Lighting our Way There was great excitement amongst the Croquet players when a new floodlight was erected on the North-West corner of the larger croquet court and declared “ready to use”. It has already been put to good use on Tuesday nights, and it is expected that it will be used more often during the summer months.. A big “Thank You” goes to the Governing Body for supporting our request to have this light installed and all that have been involved in the installation.

International Visitors The past few months saw us welcome back Brenda and Murray from New Zealand; and give a new welcome to Kathryn Smith from Cornwall in the UK. It is always a pleasure to host international, national and local visitors to the Club as they invariably bring with them new ideas and skills for playing our sport.

– Kerry Bomford 44

Umpire’s Corner Who measures for shot(s)?

There are no laws or current etiquette rules that cover which player measures close shots. It makes no difference who measures if both players agree on the final result.

Some years ago, the etiquette was that the player holding shot(s) determined and claimed the number of shots he believed he was entitled to (say for example 3). If his opponent disagreed and believes it may be only 1 or 2 shots it was up to him to measure and prove his case.

What happens if the player accidentally moves the jack or bowl during measuring?

If a bowl or jack is accidentally moved during measuring, the opposing player must place it back in its former position and measuring continues.

Measuring to a bowl or jack in the ditch When measuring a bowl in the ditch from a jack on the rink, a string measure must be used with the string in a straight line (viewed from above) between the jack and the bowl and passing over the edge of the rink down to the nearest part of the bowl.

When measuring a bowl on the rink to a jack in the ditch, a string measure must be used with the box part of the sting measure against the bowl and the point end to the jack (i.e. – reverse of the normal measure). Again, the string must be in a straight line (viewed from above) and passing over the edge of the rink down to the nearest part of the jack. – Jim Ironside

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Sorrento Does Well in State Events Over 60s Pairs

Did you know that 32 of our members took part in Bowls WA Over 60s Men’s and Women’s Pairs?

Congratulations to Colin Jasper and John Goddard for reaching the semi final and to Barbara Lorencs and Trish Cunningham for winning the Women’s event.

Women’s Over 60s Triples Final Nerrida Porteous and Lee Leach teamed up with North Beach’s LeeAnne Green. They produced a come from behind win over a composite team of Robyn Marland, Paye Hoad and Leanne Gray. The final was played in blustery conditions and it was the Marland team that raced to a 6-1 lead after five ends of the 18 end final. Another 4 ends of trading singles then saw Robyn Marland produce a great sitting shot to make four shots and put her team in a commanding 12-3 lead after 10 ends.

It was then that the Sorrento/North Beach team dug deep and started to produce more consistent bowls despite the wind making consistency very difficult. The fightback started with a two on the 11th end and looked to be gathering momentum when they got back to 9-12 after 13 ends.

Robyn Marland seemed to steady the ship by drawing two great shots when the jack had been moved just inside the boundary line and at 14-9 with 4 ends to play a win was in sight. The Sorrento/North Beach combination were not to be denied with consecutive 3’s seeing them hit the lead with two ends to play and it was their turn to see a victory on the horizon. However, a great draw shot from Robyn Marland on the second last end saw scores fittingly level going into the last end after 46

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both teams had their own period of dominance throughout the match.

With a State Title on the line, it was Lee Leach, from the Lead position, who stepped up to deliver the final blow. A front toucher that would last through the whole end saw Lee-Anne Green, Nerrida Porteous and Lee Leach triumphant and take the title 1615 in a wonderful display by both teams despite the difficult conditions.

Men’s Over 60s Triples Final Our Sorrento team of John Goddard, Colin Jasper and Geoff Murray combined for their first Over 60’s State final. They defeated Alan Pryce, Graham O’Brien and John Andrew 19-6 in the final. In getting to the final the Sorrento team, after being behind for much of the match, had a tight win in the semi-final over Gary Caffell, Ross White and Gordon Twist. Pryce had a slightly easier win over the Jurien triple of Ian James, Brian Eather and Donald Patton.

The first four ends of the final promised a tight tussle with Pryce leading 3-2, but a three, two and single on consecutive ends to Goddard put them in strong 8-3 position that they would never relinquish.

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With Geoff Murray leading from the front and putting his team in strong positions throughout the game, Jasper and Goddard were able to build the heads to their liking and play the bowls that mattered to slowly ease the lead

out. The Pryce triple put the pressure on in the middle period of the game, but again a stretch of five consecutive winning ends to Goddard stretched the margin out to an unassailable lead. The final score being a 19-6 win to the dominant Goddard side.

Men’s Senior Masters Pairs In this annual event, now run by the Merriwa Bowling Club, Bob Mulroy and Neville Odell got to the last four after good wins against Sam Perica/John Terrell and Frank Carbone and a last minute replacement for Grant Nicol who was involved in the Men’s Masters Singles.

Unfortunately Bob and Neville lost their semi final against a Quinns’ team (Shane Smith and Roger Thomas).

Second Division and Under State Triples After finishing runners-up last year, Steve Mortimer, Steve Draper and Trevor Orton went one better this year and took out the title for 2020. The final was played against a team from Safety Bay, The Sorrento team led from the second end, winning seven of the first nine ends to lead 12-2.Safety Bay fought back and won four of the next six ends and only trailed 9-14 with two ends remaining. Some great lead bowls from Steve Mortimer, solid follow-up bowls from Steve Draper and excellent finishing from Trevor enabled the Sorrento to triumph 17-9.

How Tin-Ribs got his name

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ome of you may wonder how Jim Ironside became known as Tin Ribs. Well here goes: “Many years-ago, my Dad attended a football delegates meeting in a Town called Kondinin, about two hours from where we lived.

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On his arrival home after the meeting we informed him one of our dogs had given birth to a litter of pups and we couldn’t name one of the pups. He said not to worry as he would attend to it in the morning. The next morning he informed us he had named the pup Tin-Ribs. “Where did you get that name from?” we asked and he told us he had met a guy at the meeting whose surname was Ironside hence the name Tin ribs. It transpired that Mr Ironside was Jim’s Dad and was the new Bank Manager in Kondinin. So this short story tells us why Jim should wear this nickname with pride”.

– Ian Marshall

Sorrento’s Superman

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hen the Sorrento Bowling Club decided, in 2014, to employ a new assistant Bar Manager it did not expect Superman to step into the role.

But now, after a bit over five years in the top job, it would take a brave man to dispute that Ian Lucas is indeed someone with almost superhuman capabilities.

He might be Clark Kent when he walks in and out the door before starting and finishing a shift but during working hours as Bar Manager Ian rises to another level to more than meet the challenges laid down on an official application form. For starters, in order for anyone to satisfactorily fill the job at Sorrento, the form required that person to guarantee he could, among other 50

things , “ensure customers receive an outstanding level of service, ensure that the standards maintained by the bar meet management and customer service expectations, including attention to personal appearance and adhere to personal grooming standards” That person was also required to “set a good example for staff when serving customers and handle member and patron complaints in a timely and effective manner”. The contract went on and on including, “preparing rosters, conducting performance appraisals as well as counselling and disciplining employees as required and also reconcile daily takings whilst safeguarding cash and other valuables.”

Then, on top of all that, there was the need to continuously check and supervise the quality of hygiene and safety, recognise and seek to correct any hazards or unsafe conditions, not to mention stock-takes, the purchasing of new equipment and, of course “be familiar with the requirements of in-house promotions and functions.”

Ian ticked all those boxes but it’s the last-mentioned area that sees him pull on his cape with real gusto.

In the lead up to Christmas, and with his able lieutenant Ken Giles organising the equipment, Ian and his team, including new assistant Debbie Goldsmith, met the needs of 25 different groups who wanted to hold a function and/or play barefoot bowls at Sorrento. On one day alone, there were seven bookings.

And the feedback has been glowing. After Balga Senior High School booked our Club for a function and roll-up one of the teachers, Kim Waters, wrote the following, “I would just like to send our thanks to Ian Lucas and his bar staff for their very efficient, professional and friendly service at our Christmas function. It was a pleasure doing business with you and I’m sure you will see us again at your beautiful club.”

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Likewise, BlueScope Steel wrote to the Club, via employee Heidi Wright, saying how much they had enjoyed their function in December.

Sorrento Functions Co-ordinator Tony Friedlieb cannot speak highly enough of the work Ian Lucas puts in. “I couldn’t have done it without Ian,” Tony said. “He is willing and keen and takes a lot of pride in what he does. He is a jack of all trades and has the knack of sourcing bargains for Club, not to mention several monetary records that have been set over the bar during his tenure.”

And yet it all started so shakily. Ian was firstly employed as a casual and vividly remembers his first two shifts behind the bar. “I just couldn’t stand it, I didn’t know how to pour a beer,” he admits. What made things worse was that his two brothers came along and gave him a hard time about his technique. “But I found my feet on my third shift – and the rest is history,” Ian said.

Ian’s big break came when the then Bar Manager Paul Dennis moved to Quinn’s Rocks and he was upgraded into the position he has now held for five years.

Born 44 years ago, Ian, who resides in Sorrento, has always lived in the area, attending Glendale Primary School in Hamersley and then Warwick High School with his twin brother Adam, who is seven minutes the elder.

Tony Friedlieb’s description of Ian being a jack of all trades is spot on when you look at what he has done before joining Sorrento. Ian undertook electrical engineering at TAFE for a few years, before fixing car stereos and then mobile phones for three years.

Next came a job at Crommelins Machinery in Welshpool before he and his twin brother formed a pool fencing business. “That then became 52

my main priority but when Adam got offered other work, this job at Sorrento is now my absolute priority,” Ian said.

And Ian cannot hide the pride he takes in his current venture. “I get a real kick out of seeing other people enjoying themselves.” he says. Not only that, Ian says he revels working in an environment where there is so much camaraderie.

Sorrento is going from strength to strength and Ian is in awe of the unflinching effort put in by the Club’s volunteers. But without doubt Ian’s commitment to the Sorrento Bowling Club, and his boundless energy, makes it a certainty he never has, and never will, have any contact with Kryptonite.

– Jim Woodward

Sorrento Women’s Gala Day

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n early January we welcomed 36 teams from Metro area and Country teams to join in our annual Gala Day. On arrival our visitors were offered a glass of champagne cocktail followed by a delicious morning tea with scones, cakes and breads, just a little sustenance to get them in the mood for their adventure ahead. There were lots of stalls to browse through and our “Monster Wine Raffle”, our “Multi Raffle” and our “Money Tree Raffle”. We also had a pot of gold, cake stall, and an enormous number of books on sale at give-away prices.

The day provided a great setting with three full greens of bowlers enjoying the excellent weather and perfect greens. After the morning game we were invited to enjoy a scrumptious lunch of cooked ham and beautiful salads. Our desserts were brandy cases with cheesecake filling. How on earth were we expected to go back out onto the greens to play our second game after such a feast, but it did all go to plan.

After their last game we enjoyed drinks and a snack while the raffles 53

were drawn and the results were announced.

• Winners were from Meadow Springs taking our top prize of $500 • Runners Up were a team from Yokine and a prize of $300 • Morning winners were Kalamunda, and afternoon winners were Scarborough both receiving $120 It was a perfect day with all visitors thanking Sorrento for an enjoyable event. Thank you to • Aero Bowls for donating a bowls bag towards our multi raffle, and for attending the event with an array of bowling equipment for our visitors to browse through and buy • IGA who donated $100 for hamper prizes • The women and men who helped make this day such a success.

Kitchen duties were tremendous with an awful lot of work going on to provide lunches for 144 ladies (plus) • The Match Committee for setting up the games • The ladies who set up the stalls and made up the beautiful hampers for the raffles • The ladies who coordinated and handed out the cocktails Everyone involved. You made this day a great one for all of our visiting teams who had a fabulous day at Sorrento Bowling Club. Our profit for the event came to $3617 a great contribution to our Club.

–Lee Leach

A Tribute to Another Great Member

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e were all sad when Vonnie King told us she was giving up lawn bowls. She has always been a good sportswoman and played tennis and golf, so it was no surprise she adapted to playing bowls so well winning many events.

When Vonnie and I lived in Port Hedland we played Pennants against 54

South Hedland, Karratha, Dampier, Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

Vonnie, like us all, enjoyed “playing away”. It was fun getting on the bus to Dampier at 9.00am, stopping at Whim Creek for a toilet break, then on to Dampier, where they gave us lunch before the game. After a BBQ tea we set off back to Port Hedland with fresh supplies of grog and casks of wine which led to dancing in the aisles of the bus all the way home! We all sported bruises on our thighs as the bus swung into the night. Vonnie always says it was the best time of her life!

Vonnie loved going to the Australian Championships and she played in Tasmania in 1997, Brisbane 1999 and then in Adelaide. In Tassie she and her great friend, Lorraine Parker, got to the last eight in the pairs.

Von tells the story of being 18 to 4 down when they noticed a bush fire coming down the hill. Typical of Vonnie she decided they ought to finish the game and they quickly got three consecutive fives to win 19 to 18. That was her “never give up” attitude although she was famous for her view that “Bowls is only a game”.

In 1996, when her beloved husband, Lennie, retired they came to Perth. Sorrento was close to her Duncraig home, so she joined our Club. She proved to be a very popular person to play with and she won several Championship events. She served on the Selection Committee for several years and played Pennants for many years.

Unfortunately, a botched hip operation has cut short her playing career.

We will miss her good bowls and her great company. Vonnie, we wish you all the best in your new home and please don’t become a stranger at the Club.

– Moira Dean 55

Legacy Day Open Fours

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ll the proceeds from this annual RSL event go to Legacy WA. This organisation provides help in caring for the families of those who served their Country. This is achieved by supporting young families and children, protecting ageing and vulnerable widows, caring for dependants with disabilities and providing protection for Australian Defence force families. Brian Collins, John Godfrey, Brad Williams and Liz Marshall won the event which was held in November at the Yokine Club.

– Brad Williams

Getting to Know Our Members

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ow that we have more than 800 members it has become increasingly important for us to get to know not only our newer members but also our “older” long standing members. In this edition of our Quarterly news magazine we have an opportunity to get to know one of our top bowlers and incidentally a Club member since 1979 a bit better.

Brian Collins’ nickname is “Mustela putorius furo” or to those of us who struggle with Latin, it’s “ferret”. Ever wondered why?

He was born in Midland Junction WA on 28 June 1944 and at the age of six moved, with his family, to Katanning. During his early school years, he became very keen on boxing and quickly learned to box as a regular at the Police Boys Club. Brian built a very impressive resume 56

competing against the Albany, Bunbury and Fremantle Police Boys Clubs. He competed in trials for WA Amateur Boxing Championships held at Medina and the Fremantle Town Hall.

During these trials he had five fights, two on the same night and his last fight for the championship. Later he was asked to compete in Victorian trials to qualify for the Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games). In a sad twist of fate, a lack of funding prevented Brian from doing so and probably cost him a place in that coveted event. To Brian’s credit he was undefeated in all his bouts.

Bad luck, Brian, you would have been a great competitor in the Empire Games! We are lucky that you decided to become a top bowler instead.

– Ken Giles

Dart Wind-up

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t our Darts presentations and luncheon in November we acknowledged our Life Members David Wallace and his wife Margaret, Keith Cooper and his wife Margaret, Brian Lucas and his wife Pip and my wife Shelley. We also thanked Ross and Trish from Silver Fern Catering for a great feed and those who helped setting up the event.

Our Dart Club has operated for over forty years and is a very successful Club. This doesn’t happen by accident and requires the service of the following dedicated committee members, delegates and team manager: • Brian Lucas, who has been with the Club in many capacities over many years, is our current treasurer and puts many hours into our Club.

• Ian Marshall – the Club Secretary • Ian Marshall, Dave Maunders and Divyesh Shah, the Club Recorders • Tony Jones and Dave Maunders – the Club delegates to the Sports 57

Sports and Bowling Club Darts Assoc. 3rd Div. Blue Premiership: Kevin Cook, Ian Marshall, Charlie Johnson, Lockie Best, Davindra Chavda, Kishore Dudhia and Eddie Tassone

Sports and Bowling Club Darts Assoc. 3rd Div. Red Premiership: Runners Up Stan James, Stuart Banham, Stuart Davie, Jason Higgins, Dave Maunders and Tom Dowling

Sports and Bowling Club Darts Assoc. C Div. Blue Premiership: Kevin Cook, Lothar Poelchow, Cordon Perry, Kishore Dudhia, Eddie Tassone and Keith Cooper 58

and Bowling Club Darts Association.

• Mike Stanley and Kishore Dudhia are the Club delegates to the Blue Water Darts Association. Kishore also helped to collect team information for the presentation.

• Last but by no means least is Keith and Margaret Cooper who work tirelessly selling raffle tickets and balancing the books, enabling the Club to have functions like this one.

The Darts Club 2018/2019 season competition was enjoyed by all.

We had four Darts sides representing the Club this year. We had two teams entered in the Sports and Bowling Club Association, although it was unfortunate both sides competed in the same Division. Sorrento Blue won the 3rd Division Premiership. There were also two teams entered in the Bluewater Association with Sorrento Blue winning the 3rd Division premiership.

Trophy presentation Sports and Bowling Association 3rd Division Blue – Premiers Bruce Cross Charlie Johnson Davindra Chavda Tony Jones Kishore Dudhia Steve Duns Divyesh Shah Kevin Cook Eddie Tassone Ian Marshall Lockie Best 3rd Division Red Premiership runners up Dave Maunders Stuart Davie Stan James Jason Higgins Stewart Banham Martin Daly Tom Dowling Mike Stanley Bluewater Darts Association C Division Blue – Premiers Kevin Cook Gordon Penny 59

Kishore Dudhia Don Martin Eddie Tassone

Lothar Poelchow Keith Cooper

We also like to congratulate Gordon Penny and Doug Lorencs who scored 180.

Club event trophies Singles champion Chris Paterson Singles runner-up Gordon Penny Doubles champions Chris Paterson and Kevin Cook Doubles runners-up Davindra Chavda and Tony Jones Bluewater Association A grade Highest average Chris Paterson (66.27) A grade Most pegs Chris Paterson (25) A grade Highest peg Chris Paterson (104) C grade Highest average Gordon Penny (49.11) C grade Most pegs Gordon Penny (27) C grade Highest peg Kishore Dudhia (74) Sports and Bowling Club Association 3rd Div, Blue Highest average Davindra Chavda 3rd Div. Blue Most pegs Bruce Cross 3rd Div. Blue Highest peg Divyesh Shah 3rd Div. Red Highest average Martin Daley 3rd Div. Red Most pegs Stuart Davie 3rd Div. Red Highest peg Malcolm Mills

(49.56) (23) (76) (51.53) (25) (27)

General • The 2020 AGM is to be held on Thursday 13 February at 7pm • Mike Stanley was thanked for his efforts in designing and negotiating pricing for the new Club Darts shirts • Phil Webb was thanked for arranging the Darts trip and asked for a volunteer to arrange the coming trip 60

• The Darts Club donated a large screen TV and bar fridge to the bowling Club for the new meeting room • The new honour boards have now been installed in the Darts area.

I would again like to thank all those who attended and wish teams all the best for the coming summer season – Wayne Grey

Sponsors Corner

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nce again it is pleasing to report that our Sponsors are continuing their strong support for our Club, and, as before, members are urged to consider these Sponsors if and when they require any of the services being provided. Members will have noticed that the sign on C green for the Limos is still there even though their service isn’t, well we haven’t yet found a replacement and are still looking. If any member thinks they may know a prospect, that information would be very handy.

We recently had another sponsor come on board and their sign is on the wall by the far end TV. Unique Home Renovations is a company run

by Davindra Chavda. He is member of the Darts Club at Sorrento the sign speaks for itself so if you are considering any remodelling in your home, take the opportunity to contact Davindra. The Barnes Wealth Twilight Pairs ran through Nov/Dec/Jan and were very well attended and our thanks go to Barnes Wealth for their continued support. The Australia Day event Aussies v The rest of the World was once again a great day and sponsored by Aussie Clothes Lines to whom we are most grateful for the support given by them for this event.

Finally, the monthly “lucky sponsor draw” has been discontinued as the sponsorship for this has become unavailable. My thanks go to all the members that took the time to place their receipts in the box provided and congratulations to all that were successful.

– Barry Stewart 61

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