Sorrento Bowling Club Magazine Issue 82 July 2020

Sorrento Bowling Club’s Quarterly News Magazine Our Welcome Back “Blue Skies” Edition

Number 82 July 2020

Drought Breaker: Brian Staples won the competition to be the “First member to drink the first beer” after the re-opening of our Club on 6 June 2020 1

Contents

News from your Editors 4 When Members were in “Lock down” 7 Trevor Orton’s Programme Before and After COVID-19 13 Men’s Captain’s Report 14 Women’s Captain’s Report 16 Getting to Know Our Members 17 Message from John Goddard 18 Obnoxious Remarks Heard on the Green 20 The Day of the Penguins 20 Why Our Emphasis on Club Awards? 21 Warnie’s Idea for New Balls a Little late 22 Bowl Me Over Crossword - Wendy Flack 24 Thoughts for Today 25 Back to the Good Old Days 26 More Nick names for Bowlers 28 “The Good”, “The Bad” and “The Ugly” 29 Some Businesses in Trouble 31 No More Bowls 33 Thanks to Our Governing Council 34 Umpire’s Corner – What’s Your Decision? 40 Wendy Stands the Test of Time 41 Coronavirus Consequences 43 How to keep fit 44 An anonymous Donor 45 Men’s Pennants and Pennant Pot Winners: 2019-20 47 Greens Renovations 48 Synthetic Green Proposal Alive and Well 49 Au Revoir Nerrida 53 Triple Treat for Sorrento 53 Sponsor’s Report 56 Answers to Wendy’s Crossword 58 Answers to Quiz on Big Things in WA 59 Women’s Match Committee Report 59 Read Titles from Left to Right 61 Our Croquet Club 62 Our Darts Club 62

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 We welcome all our hand washing, self hibernating and social distancing members to our third Quarterly Magazine for 2020. This edition is also a bit earlier than planned/usual. There will be one more edition this year and that will be our Christmas edition. It is wonderful news that we will be back to normal by mid June. Hope you all managed to keep well and fit in these difficult times. We are indeed so lucky that we live in the best country in the World and also in the best State in Australia. You will notice that • We do not have all our usual committee reports so we have had to fill up the pages in this edition with all sorts of other things • We have a new contributor, Wendy Flack. She is proving to be a great help in finding bits and pieces for our magazine • We have two delightful poems from our nonagenarian bush poet Skew Wiff Watt (also known as Grahame Watt). The one poem “No More Bowls” was written during our shut down. We have decided to keep this clever poem and hopefully this will help us remember the bad times when our Club was closed • We have some more articles on “Getting to know our members”. It is indeed a good time to find out a bit more about our fellow members • We have also tried to develop a “Before” and “After” theme and

Better Days Ahead ‘There’s better days ahead” Said the Prophets years ago, When the Pyramids were Pebbles And progress mighty slow. “There’s better days ahead” Said the Sailor Francis Drake, “We will beat the Great Armada If the Lookout stays awake”. You can see that right thru History Whenever there’s a Fight, By looking on the bright side Everything will turn out Right. Today we have that ‘Virus’, And a Battle to be won, The Night is dark and fearsome As we run from everyone.

But don’t give up, don’t run away And hide beneath your Bed, For we will win this battle, And there’s “ Better Days ahead”. – By “Skew Wiff”

hope that this will help members remember both the good and bad times • Jim Woodward has again written a number of articles for our magazine. Thank you Jim! With Brian Lucas’ help we managed to identify members who do not have emails addresses or easy access to a computer. About 50 printed copies of the June magazine were then sent to these members. A number of members called to thank us for posting them a printed copy. The following note was received from Fred Stimpson: Thank you for not forgetting me and I guess many others by posting the excellent Sorrento magazine to us. What a great publication you have created again. I enjoy reading every issue and can only imagine the amount of work required to compile this each quarter. I shall be remaining a member although not a playing one. Many thanks again. The cost of postage was covered by a donation received from a member. There are still some printed copies available and these will be at the Club when we open the Club house again. Some more “Did you hear/know” Did you know that in 1551 Nostradamus wrote this? There will be a twin year (2020) from which will arise a queen (corona) who will come from the East (China) and who will spread a plague (virus) in the darkness of night on a country with seven hills (Italy) and will transform the twilight of men into dust (death), to destroy and ruin the World. It will be the end of the World economy as you know it.

When Members were in “Lock down”

Neville Odell listening to Mozart on his ear phones while trying to get his marigolds to grow

When things go wrong at bowls people have been heard to say “I’m going to take up knitting”. Well Nerrida has! She makes these squares into lap rugs for kids in wheelchairs and the Salvos

Denise Odell doing a 2000 piece jigsaw in her spare time when she is not doing her crosswords and Sudokus

Barry Bradshaw has been playing Bocce against Bruce Eagles. He tells us he “cleaned him up”

More Members in “Lock down” Kerry Hutchinson has found new ways to work on her bowls delivery with a mat and some large tennis balls. Their dog Buddy thought it was the best thing ever and that the balls were just a game designed for him. The aim of the drill was to knock a cone with the bean bag on top of it, and have the bean bag land into a frisbee at the back. Not as easy as it looks, as the weight has to be pretty well spot on! Success came after a few attempts and after Kerry remembered that tennis balls don’t have a bias

Charmain Harris has been practicing her delivery in a "roll" up on her daughter’s lawn during her five month holiday in Africa. Seems the toilet paper shortage doesn’t extend to South Africa!

Carmel Hyde has been keeping herself active and set up an indoor rink. Carmel also loves gardening and enjoys walking her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dogs, Narlie and Bronte. A game of table tennis with her son (maintaining social distancing across the table) is always a lot of fun but she wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reveal who won! Always keen to maintain his fitness, Shane Loftus has added "weighted" shots into his workouts

Glen Larcombe's bowls take a rest while she sews 100 nurses' laundry bags and scrubs caps thanks to donations of material from Pauline Marsden, Larraine Brickell and June Gregory

Trevor Orton hibernating with the family cat

Bob Jeffs decided it was a good time to grow a beard

Did you know that Keith Tompkins has been volunteering at the “People Who Care” organisation for the last four years? This is a volunteer based organisation offering a diverse range of services and support for those who are frail, elderly, disabled or experiencing financial hardship. “People Who Care” offer volunteering roles with flexible schedules to suit every lifestyle and they are always seeking additional help across the board. Good on you Mate! Did you know that Ken Giles and Trevor Orton spent many hours sorting and marking all the old bowls used by the Community bowlers? They have photographed each bowls logo and taped this to the wooden holder so that it makes it easy for the bowls to be replaced in their correct boxes. Did you know that Eric and Hilda Tompkins celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in April? Unfortunately these two 87 year olds could not get out to party due to the virus. Congratulations to you both! Did you hear that earlier this year some of us played against an old guy whose bowls were older than he was? We wonder what percentage of bowlers play with bowls older than themselves. Did you know that Frank Tyson in his normal exuberance was so excited about a fine toucher that he tried to mark the jack instead of the bowl? Apparently he had a problem as he only had white chalk! Did you know that the average cost of rehabilitating a seal after an oil spill in Alaska is $80 000? At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers. A minute later, in full

Trevor Orton’s Programme Before and After COVID-19 Before

After

Wednesday Twilight bowls

Rest day

Thursday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

Friday

Master Builders Tournament

Rest day

Saturday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

Sunday

100 Up

Rest day

Monday

State Over 60’s Sectional

Rest day

Tuesday

Coaching the Women’s 1 Green

Rest day

Wednesday Master Builders and Twilight

Rest day

Thursday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

Friday

Rest Day

Rest day

Saturday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

Sunday

Men’s Championship Sectional

Rest day

Monday

Over 50’s at Osborne Park

Rest day

Tuesday

Police/Sorrento and coaching

Rest day

Wednesday Twilight Bowls

Rest day

Thursday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

Friday

Rest Day

Rest day

Saturday

Men’s Pennants

Rest day

view, a killer whale ate them both. Did you know that in April Denis Croker, Bob Jeffs. Colin Bangs, Colin Jasper, Brad Marshall and our green keeping staff braved the virus and took down the shade cloth which was casting shadows onto the greens. We are indeed lucky to have members who are always prepared to help around our Club. Did you hear about the conversation John Goddard had with his brother before the liquor restriction was lifted? Well it went like this: “Hey Bro I need you to come down to Hopey and give me a hand. The government have asked me to drink a carton a day, I am starting at 3 o’clock and still can’t do it”. Thank the Lord they changed the rules. Did you know that people who develop relationships at work are more likely to enjoy long lasting love and that most marriages develop from workplace romances? You did! Well then it should have come as no surprise when our popular bar staff, Ian Lucas and Chloe Van Ross, recently announced their engagement. Congratulations to Ian and Chloe. We wish them every happiness and a long and joyous life together. – Neville and Denise Odell

Men’s Captain’s Report

very year we have an award for the top division team and we call this award “The Brownlow”. The award has now been going for 19 years. This year because of the Club being closed and also not

been able to get together we did the count via email to the 24 bowlers that played in 1 White. It was done in three sections, first six rounds, a couple of days later we did the next six rounds and then we did the final four rounds. Voting was done by the players but they couldn’t vote for themselves. It was out of 10 with a maximum of 30 points for each player. The winners for the 2019/2020 season were as follows: First Chris Lander 349 points Second Ross Cunningham 337 points Third Rhett Butler 335 points Fourth Shane Loftus 332 points Fifth Brian Lucas 330 points Well done to Chris for a great season and also to every player that played in 1 White. We managed to play 16 games before it was called off with 14 wins, one draw and one loss. Just an outstanding effort from all the 24 players used throughout the season. The 2020/2021 season is going to be exciting as we will have a Men’s Premier side and a 1 Blue side which is the first time in our Club’s history. There will be a lot of competition between the players who will be hoping to get one of the 32 spots up for grabs. When our greens opened again we needed supervisors to help set everything up. Many thanks to everyone that helped especially Trevor Orton and Rob Tozer who both did a superb job in organising games for the members. On two occasions I was able to help on a Sunday morning but the efforts of Trevor and Rob was just magic. Also thanks to the members who have supported the Club by playing on Thursdays and Saturdays since opening.

A big thank you to the Governing Council for the way you have organised our Club during the closure. On a couple of occasions I was not in agreement with them but to their credit that has been rectified. On behalf of all bowlers I would like to thank Kevin Coffey and Brian Collins and the many helpers who have worked tirelessly on replacing the rubbers on A green and B green. These guys have put in a huge effort and saving our Club thousands of dollars. Well done guys. It is great that we are now allowed to have a few beers in our Clubhouse and enjoy each other’s company. In the meantime, keep safe and support our Club whenever you can. – John Godfrey

Women’s Captain’s Report

t has been an honour to have been Ladies Club Captain for the 2019/20 Season. Thank you for entrusting me with the role. Some of you may know that I live in the Swan Valley which, as you will realise, it’s not just “around the corner” from the Club and the distance has prevented me from randomly “popping in”. However, with the immense assistance from other committee members, namely Lorraine Hyde (Vice Captain), Jan Cook (Chair of Selectors), Lee Leach (Chair of Match) and Pauline Bourne (Secretary) the events within the season have all been very successful. Thank you to all volunteers for Opening Day, Fashion Parade, Gala Day, Invitation Day and all the other incidental days and tasks that make the Club run smoothly. Your assistance and efforts have been invaluable and deeply appreciated. The end of the season has been like no other and with “lock down” our pace of life has certainly slowed. Personally, I have had a lot of

time to reflect and consider. Some five years ago I came to Sorrento and was welcomed with open arms. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with a great group of women. It is therefore with some trepidation that I must inform you that I will not be renewing my membership of Sorrento for the coming season. I have thought about this long and hard and if things do not work out “I’ll be back!”. – Nerrida Porteous

Getting to Know Our Members

ew member, Gary Bayne started playing bowls this season, competing in Saturday Pennants and filling in for Thursday Pennants towards the end of the season. He tells us that his parents played bowls and he vowed to never take up the game because of their comments about selection etc. However, when the bug bit Gary joined Sorrento as his good friends Roger and Shirley Palmer are members. Roger and Gary have been friends for more than 40 years. They sailed catamarans for eight years from 1981 most Saturdays racing off the beach out from Whitfords nodes and in winter at the Nedlands Yacht Club. Gary has found our Club to be a friendly, welcoming place and believes the frustrations of playing bowls are remarkably like those of golf! A true club man, Gary has been involved with cooking the BBQ for Community bowls on Tuesday nights, as well as helping a few times with social groups of bowlers. He especially enjoyed the Irish group who kept him supplied with beer.

With seven grandchildren under seven years old (including 18-monthold twins) Gary is kept busy outside of bowls. – Wendy Flack

Message from John Goddard

’day to you all. I trust everyone is keeping safe and healthy in these funny times. Magnificent day last Thursday (21 May) thanks to Trevor who was able to squeeze me in as the spare for the Thursday triples. We actually played as a four against Ron Rogers and his team. A great game with the result coming down to the last two ends. Thanks to Matt, Evan and the other JG for a fun day out. Many thanks to Alan and Ron for presenting us with a brilliant green for the day. Thanks also to the volunteers who work behind the scene to make play possible. Just terrific to be able to catch up with some members out having a roll. Restrictions are being lifted by the day, so perhaps we could be looking towards the start of next season. As I have mentioned before it is important to play your position and play to a plan. Build the head. With planning toward having the shot or shots at the end of the end not necessarily every bowl. Fairly easy game plan. Gain as many shots as safe as possible every end or lose the least amount of shots when you do lose an end. “Perfect Bowls” by Peter Belliss would be a good book to guide you though no matter what level you are playing at. Practise with a purpose when you can. Practise the shots you are not proficient at. Have some goal in what you do. Get all bowls in a group or beat the previous bowl may be some thought process to be used to improve. Have a think about some of your poorer efforts last year and

practice those shots. If you get a chance a couple of 40 bowl drills would help quantify how you are going. Finally thanks to Nerrida for her time at our Club and we wish her all the best at the Valley B.C. Safe travels to those who may get a chance to go to the warmer climes in the next couple of months and we look forward getting things back to normal for the upcoming next season. Looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality. Good bowls and better health. – John Goddard

Obnoxious Remarks Heard on the Green

re the following obnoxious remarks/comments from a grumpy Skip really necessary? “If you’re short again I’ll cut your throat”. “If you don’t put a sock in that guy’s mouth I’ll come down to the mat and put a bowl in it”. “Where the hell have you been all day”. (The immediate response to this remark was “I’ve been looking for a good Skip!”) – From a bowler on the receiving end of these comments

The Day of the Penguins

s 6 April dawned, my 80th, I felt rather maudlin as I should have been in Scotland to celebrate with my few remaining relatives and friends. I answered a call on my phone and it was one of my dear

bowling friends, she asked me to go to my outside front courtyard. The sight of 20 life sized penguins and a board telling all and sundry my age and a greeting on it from my bowling “GURLFRIENDS”. . What a hoot, I couldn’t stop laughing. A passing cyclist looked over the fence and saw this elderly lady in P.J’s having a laughing fit in the middle of the penguins. The poor young fellow almost fell off his bike and that set me off again! On entering the house the phone was ringing again and it was Helen from Curtin radio to wish me a happy birthday. I told her the whole story with lots of mirth, she in turn told Peter Waltham who relayed the events over the radio. What followed was visits (while socially distancing) from family, friends, neighbours with children and grandchildren arriving to have photo shoots with the penguins. It almost took an operation to get the smile from my face. My grateful thanks to all who participated in giving me a birthday filled with love, laughter and sheer joy. – Annie Taylor

Why Our Emphasis on Club Awards?

Club member recently asked me whether I thought the Club was placing too much emphasis on winning awards and whether this was a distraction from other priorities. Now that we have time to

think about things please consider the following: Members need to be aware that winning awards, offered by independent bodies such as Bowls WA, Clubs WA and Bowls Australia, is testimony that your Club is doing particularly well and is highly regarded. These awards place Sorrento at the top of high-performance clubs and recognises the dedication and hard work put into the Club by our many volunteers. I know that this recognition gives our volunteers immense pride as it should all Club members. Sorrento’s performance over the past decade has been outstanding, winning four Bowls WA Club of the Year awards, four Club’s WA Club of the Year awards and entering its Hall of Fame plus in 2019 being runner up as Bowls Australia’s Best Bowling Club in Australia. These awards show Sorrento’s consistently high performance which is unmatched by any club in WA. This recognition attracts and retains both sponsors and members. So, please take the time when next in the Club to have a look at the awards displayed above the bar and reflect on what these mean to volunteers and Club members. Pride is a very important attribute of any successful club. – Neville Odell

Warnie’s Idea for New Balls a Little late

hane Warne’s recent suggestion that cricket balls should contain a similar bias to lawn bowls could have been just the ticket for Trevor Chappell in 1981. Warne reckons that by inserting a bias into cricket balls would mean bowlers no longer have to rub sweat and saliva into

them, thus avoiding contamination during this coronavirus pandemic. At the MCG on the 1st of February 1981, Chappell, on his brother Greg’s instructions, sent down one of the most dastardly deliveries in the history of cricket. With New Zealand needing a six off the last ball of a 50 overs game, Trevor Chappell rolled an underarm ball down the wicket which Kiwi batsman Brian McKechnie was only able to tamely block rather than lift over the boundary. Imagine if the ball Chappell used had contained a bias weight like a lawn bowl. He might have been able to get it turn one way or the other, completely bamboozle McKechnie and hit his stumps. That would have been a delivery for the ages and while it would not have changed the result of the match had it hit the stumps, at least Chappell could have been credited with a degree of skill instead of wearing international scorn. Australian cricket ball manufacture Kookaburra says it is developing a wax applicator to enhance the shine and aid swing. But Warne has offered an alternative. “Why can’t the ball be weighted on one side so it always swings,” he said. “It would be like a taped tennis ball or like in lawn bowls. Also, you wouldn’t have to worry about anyone tampering with it with bottle tops, sandpaper or Brylecreme.” Probably won’t happen Warnie, but it’s an idea Trevor Chappell (who by the way is now 67 and in the prime of his life to be a lawn bowler) would have relished. – Jim Woodward

Bowl Me Over

Bowl Me Over Crossword - Wendy Flack

Across 5. Our highest Mens Saturday team next season 7. Ladies Veterans Runner-up 10. Runner-up in Mens Singles Championship 15. This Ladies Tuesday team gained promotion (two words) 16. Position in a fours team 17. Renowned for his hairstyle

Answers on page 58

Down 1. Called but never questioned 2. Only day when no bowls is played at Sorrento 3. Number of members selected in State Over 60s 4. Service with a smile 5. Ladies Singles Champion 6. Chase this on a Friday night 8. Drive for show, draw for ... 9. Animal representing the club 11. Cooks up a storm 12. Practice roll ups are done on these 13. These two ladies married two brothers 14. The men are bound to get one of these on a bus trip

Thoughts for Today • Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem • I used to spin the toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe • I need to practice social distancing – from the refrigerator • Still haven’t decided where to go for my holiday yet – the living room or the bedroom • Every few days, try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pyjamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom • Home schooling is going well. Two students suspended for fighting and one teacher fired for drinking on the job • I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks this year, we’d go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone • This morning I saw a neighbour talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into the house, told my dog and we laughed a lot • Quarantine Day 50 Went to this new restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business • My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee, it cleans the toilet • I’m so excited – it’s time to take out the garbage. What to wear, what to wear? • I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to Puerto Backyardia. I’m getting tired of Los Livingroomia • Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks women with hand sanitizer for good clean fun • Day 50 of Home Schooling: My child just said: “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year.” I’m really offended – Alan Rolls

Back to the Good Old Days Our Club During COVID -19

Our Club Back to Normal

Before

More Nick names for Bowlers

he origin of nick names can be traced back to the early 1200s. Originally derived from the word “eke” meaning “to lengthen” and then “ekename” meaning “an additional name” and eventually being referred to as a “nickname”. Hannibal Lecter made famous in the film “Silence of the Lambs” was referred by the surviving husband of a captured couple as “Gladiator”, but more on that later. Bowlers love giving their fellow bowlers a nick name. An old member named Eric Wood was referred to as “blocka”. Some origins for nicknames heard on the bowling green include: • “Toaster” because he pops up now and again • “Blister” turns up when jobs are done • “Torpedo” because she always takes your bowl out • “Buster” because when he plays the wind normally comes up • “T-bone” because his last name is Angus. • “Suitcase” because everyone carried him • “Captain Custard” because he is so old that’s all he can eat In our December 2019 News magazine we listed 40 nicknames of members. We missed a few so here goes with some more: • Mick Martin known as “Magic” because his parents were expecting a girl • Barry Stewart known as “Coach” because he likes to offer advice on the green • Pat Dichiera known as “Stud” because this is what he believes • Trevor Philip Orton known as “Teepee” because of his initials • Ron Rogers who is known as “Trigger” after Roy Roger’s horse • John Smith who is known as “Slim” because he is tall and thin I have looked through the Club’s phone list and did you know we have

eight kings in our Club? For some reason we do not have any queens! We have Yvonne King, Nathan King, Rodney King, John King, Clive King, Justin King, Rebecca King and Vanessa King. We also have eleven Murrays in our Club. We actually had four Murrays (Tim, Pat, Mike and Clinton) win the 2005/6 Men’s Fours Championship. Our Murrays are: Geoff Murray, Patrick Murray, Timothy Murray, Keith Murray, Kevin Murray, Sue Murray, Chris Murray, Jenny Murray, Megan Murray, Michelle Murray and Shane Murray. We also have a lot of Brians. We have Brian Brewer, Brian Byrne, Brian Collins, Brian English, Brian “Tiger” Hogan, Brian Keily, Brian Lucas, Brian Self, Brian Staples, Brian Saul, Brian Toop and Brian Warrick! I thought this might be of interest to members whilst they are hibernating! If there are any compliments about this article please see Ken. For any complaints see Neville! – Ken Giles

“The Good”, “The Bad” and “The Ugly”

h, what to do when there is nothing to do! I spent last week planting weeds and now I am just waiting for them to grow – so I can pull them out. But this got me thinking – not the weeds but the

time on my hands. While in lock down and hibernating, I thought it a good time to reflect on whether I would be regarded as a good or as a bad Club member? So how would I arrive at such a judgement? As a guide I have selected three categories that I think will help me make my assessment. Members may like to try this for themselves. Under each category, I will use the following factors to help in my assessment. Where do you think you would you fit? “Good” members would: • Enter Club championship events • Play in social events • Come for supper/dinner on a Friday night • Greet other members when they pass • Know the names of at least 100 members and the bar staff • Undertake volunteer duties • Be prepared to bowl with members that are not as good as them About 65 visits a year would be excellent. How many boxes would I need to tick to qualify? “Bad” members would: • Only play bowls and have no interest in anything else • Not participate in any other Club activities • Visit the Club only occasionally • Not provide the Club with their email address • Generally, ignore other members • Not enter raffles • Attend without the wife/husband/partner Would 40 visits a year be considered a poor effort?

“Ugly” members would: • Smoke without due concern to others • Drink too much beer whilst playing in an important game • Always arrive late for events • Chat while others are on the mat trying to deliver • Criticise other people’s delivery and/or offer unprofessional coaching advice • Use your mobile phone for various purposes whilst on the green • Not include their wife/husband/partner in activities Would 20 visits a year make me an ugly member? Well, now for my deliberations. I looked in the mirror and upon reflection considered that I am not an ugly member. As for the other two categories – I think that I am …… no wait, like a lawn bowl that would be biased. Better that you decide. – Ray Stapledon PS: I will donate a bottle of wine each for the first two members who demonstrate to me that they are indeed good members.

Some Businesses in Trouble

t is with great sadness that I have to mention the loss of a few further local businesses around town:

• • • • • • • •

The bra manufacturer has gone bust The specialist in submersibles has gone under The manufacturer of food blenders has gone into liquidation A dog kennel has had to call in the retrievers The Heinz factory has been canned as they couldn’t ketchup The suppliers of paper for origami enthusiasts has folded The tarmac laying company has reached the end of the road The bread Company has run out of dough

No Mo

They’ve closed th The doors a ‘NO ENT R Which is tack I went an’ t An’ She said “I You spend too mu You’ve been th I said “I’ll just go cra I’ll have to bo I’ll have to So I shifted ou Put the TV Put the couch u Ripped the ca Then I moved And I reall I put the freez And the ta At last I h Where I cou A bowling r A rink just There’s only b As I bowl h The Missus So there’s no

ore Bowls

he flamin’ Bowls Club, are locked an’ all, RY’ says a notice ked up on the wall. told the Missus, It serves you right, uch ‘flamin’ time there, here day and night”. azy without a roll or two, owl at home here, o try ‘Make Do’. ut the lounge chairs, V out the door, up on the sideboard, arpet off the floor, d into the kitchen ly had to think, zer in the bathroom, able in the sink. had a lane-way, uld bowl for free, rink in my house, t made for ME. been one drawback here all the day, s up an’ left me – o-one here to Play. – By Skewiff Watt

• The clock manufacturer has had to wind down and has gone cuckoo • The Chinese has been taken away • The shoe shop has had to put their foot down and booted their staff • The launderette has been taken to the cleaners • The pet shop has gone to the dogs • The butcher’s had the chop • The Venetian blind shop has closed, so it’s curtains for us all • The wall paper shops taken a pasting • The florists are now pushing up the daisies • The fish n chip shop has been battered • The milkman’s lost his bottle and finally, the bread man’s toast – Author unknown

Thanks to Our Governing Council

or quite a long time now the Sorrento Bowling Club has been the envy of other clubs throughout the Perth metropolitan area and its reputation has spread to outlying country areas throughout the State.

The number of awards we have won is proof our Club is indeed something quite special. This has been achieved not necessarily through our performance on the green – in fact quite the opposite. What has made Sorrento stand out from the others has been its core values and culture, which encompasses friendliness and fair play. Anyone who has travelled extensively to other clubs to play Pennants knows full well that this is true.

I am sure that all members who have been following COVID-19 developments understand the complexities and compliance requirements placed on organisations and appreciate the volume of work that has necessarily been going on behind the scenes. While we all got a bit frustrated that COVID-19 life was not resuming the way we had hoped I am sure that we all appreciate that the restrictions put in place were and still are for our welfare and the welfare of those who surround us. Where else in the world would you rather be right now? As individuals we might sometimes feel its OK breaking some of the rules like social distancing on the basis that we are with members who we trust. Should a COVID-19 case emerge however, then suddenly well we are not at all OK with it. Remember when people were arguing that COVID-19 is only a flu and the restrictions are over the top? I think that this can cause some frustration and tension for those people who are entrusted and indeed obligated to ensure that the rules are not breached. This is the burden that Governing Council members have been shouldering for the past three months and we should be grateful that they have stuck to their guns. On behalf of our members we thank the Governing Council members and Bar Manager for all the work they have undertaken during the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closure. President ABBA could not have done more with his frequent and informative updates. The following provides a good insight into what the GC and Bar Manager, supported by some great volunteers have been up to: Liaison â&#x20AC;˘ Liaised with Government departments, Bowls WA, Bowls

• • • •

Australia, City of Joondalup and Clubs WA to seek advice in the lead up to the Club’s initial closure Monitored Government and Association advice regarding relaxation of restrictions and subsequent reopening and advised members of the Club’s closure and future scenarios Developed and implemented strategies to comply with Government requirements as restrictions were eased Developed COVID-19 policies and procedures necessary to enable the Club to reopen Kept members informed of developments and progress

Financial • Conducted a financial analysis and plan assuming a lengthy closure • Monitored cash flow implications of the Club’s closure • Conducted possible COVID-19 scenarios and prepare strategies to maintain the future financial sustainability of our Club • Continued to pay staff, bills and tax, as well as comply with ATO and other Government requirements • Applied for available and applicable Government and Lottery West Grants and the Cash Flow and JobKeeper subsidies Suppliers and Contractors • Negotiated with suppliers and contractors to reduce or suspend expenditures and other payments • Returned stock wherever possible for credit • Negotiated changed working requirements with contractors • Continued to maintain the building and arrange for access to site for required contractors Staff • Negotiated reduced hours for staff and safe working conditions to maintain our Club and greens to enable a quick resumption of operations when restrictions were lifted

• Ensured grounds, greens and Croquet facilities were maintained • Undertook training and developed COVID-19 procedures in preparation for the Club’s reopening, including Hygiene Officer accreditations • Learned about, and implemented, assistance packages such as cash flow incentives and JobKeeper programmes • Implemented the new BePoz point of sale and CRM systems, including the training of staff and members who will operate this new system Bowls WA • Responded to Bowls WA’s President’s Forum agenda that proposesd further changes to the Thursday Men’s Pennant format, changing the affiliation fee model and other reforms that the Club does not support. This involved communications with many other clubs to gain support and ongoing discussions with Bowls WA General • Continued to function while practicing social distancing, hygiene and good cleaning practices • Held ongoing discussions with the City of Joondalup about a proposal for a synthetic green • Prepared and presented our Club’s submissions for the Bowls WA’s President and Ladies Forums • Ensured that members were kept informed of developments through regular e-newsletters

Some comments received from members during these difficult times: On behalf of all the members we would like to thank you for all your regular and informative emails during these

difficult times. We are both missing the Club as others have been and it has been great to get regular updates. This crazy time makes us realise how lucky we are to have such a great community Club. Keep up the good work on our behalf. Looking forward to bowling again sooner than later. – Roger and Shirley Palmer Thanks to Pauline and others including those on the Governing Council for keeping all of us informed of the day to day situation regarding bowls and the corona virus. It has been a very trying time for us all and I think a lot more patience will be required from all the members before life becomes anything near normal again. – John Goddard Like many members I was disappointed we were unable to use our greens during what is traditionally the best time of the year weather wise. As our President pointed out recently the Governing Council does not make the rules but is obliged to ensure we conform to those imposed by our elected members of parliament. During COVID -19 our politicians have been guided by the best available medical advice. We are fortunate that our Governing Council has continued to steer the SBC ship during these trying times. Abba’s regular updates have kept us informed about what is going on behind the scenes. We can all look forward to eventually returning to a Club which is very much alive and financially secure. – Tony Friedlieb

I would like to acknowledge the great work done by the Governing Council of Sorrento Bowling Club during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have had to make some difficult decisions, not pleasing everyone, to keep our club operating while also abiding by restrictions imposed by the Government State of Emergency and Bowls Australia. It simply was not possible or right to keep club facilities open when social distancing and self-isolation was required by all of us to prevent the spread of this virus in the community and especially amongst the more vulnerable members of our club. Thank you and well done all those who have put in a lot of time and effort. We have now been rewarded by seeing an earlier than expected, albeit gradual, return to restricted roll ups and limited competition. – Egon Mikolajczyk

Umpire’s Corner – What’s Your Decision?

n this photo, the speckled blue bowl has been delivered and come to rest on top of the jack and leaning against a toucher, both of which were already in the ditch. Is the speckled blue bowl a toucher and if not, is it a dead or live bowl?

The Laws of the Sport of Bowls states that “no bowl will become a toucher if it plays onto or comes into contact with the jack when the jack is in the ditch”. Therefore the speckled blue bowl is not a toucher. However is it a dead or live bowl? Provided that any part of the overhanging non-toucher bowl is still on

the rink when it comes to rest, the bowl is still live. However should the bowl subsequently fall or be knocked into the ditch by further play, the bowl becomes dead and should be removed. Any movement of the jack resulting from the bowls actions in this situation is valid and it remains in its new position. – Jim Ironside

Wendy Stands the Test of Time

f Wendy Flack’s enthusiasm for bowls matches her love of Test cricket then Sorrento has in its ranks a player of exceptional value. You don’t have to talk to Wendy for very long to unearth her deep understanding and passion for the purest form of cricket. Very much like this author, Wendy has only scant interest in shortened versions of the game and the hype and razzmatazz that accompanies them. “I’ve been a long time Test cricket fan,” Wendy admitted. “You either love it or don’t understand it. I was a member of the Perth Scorchers for their first two years and couldn’t believe people shouting out for sixes to be hit in the second over – that really did me in.” Her respect for Test cricket can be traced all the way back to Corrigin in WA’s central wheat belt where Wendy was born in 1963. Also growing up in Corrigin, where his father ran a store, was Terry Jenner, a troubled but vastly talented leg spinner who went on to take 24 wickets in nine Tests and 389 wickets from 131 first class matches. His best effort was on Australia’s 1973 tour of the West Indies where he played in the last four of five Tests, taking a career best 5-90 at Port-of-Spain. Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran and Rohan Kanhai were among his victims. But back in Corrigin, long before all that, Jenner was best friends with Wendy’s mother’s brother, Ray Tyers. Years later again, this time

in Perth, Wendy’s youngest son Shaun attended a coaching clinic at the WACA where Jenner was handing out a few tips on the difficult art of leg spinning. Brimming with confidence, young Shaun walked up to Jenner and said “you know my nan”. Wendy was also smitten at an early age and vividly recalls how she, at the age of 14, used to chase autographs at Sheffield Shield matches at the WACA and later at Gloucester Park during the Super Test era. She has never forgotten how her autograph book was almost swallowed up by Joel Garner’s huge palms when she presented it to the giant West Indian fast bowler to sign. And Wendy wasn’t very far back in the queue when she attended a Ricky Ponting book signing one day at a shopping centre in Mt Lawley. Also, in her autograph book, is a cherished signature from Mike Hussey whose father Ted was a mentor to Wendy’s son, Shaun, at the Wanneroo Cricket Club. While her husband, Peter, was a member of Sorrento’s highly successful Division One White squad last season, having moved from Wanneroo, and will be part of Sorrento’s reinstated Premier Division squad next season, Wendy has only just taken up the sport. She met Peter when she moved to Esperance at the age of 19 and took a job as a receptionist at a Law Firm. They married and had three children in

the far-flung southern town before Peter’s job with Co-operative Bulk Handling took them from Esperance to Wongan Hills, Geraldton, Morawa and back to Corrigin in very quick succession. Wendy readily admits moving to Sorrento was the perfect move, after Peter, who had been chairman of selectors at Wanneroo, yielded to a bit of pressure from Chris Lander. Peter has integrated well and Wendy has already made her mark in this virus affected season, playing firstly as a lead and then Second in the Club’s 2nd and 3rd Division sides on Tuesdays. She also won the Ladies Novice Championships. She had the confidence to recently enter a State 100 up competition and like everyone else at Sorrento can’t wait to get back on the green. Wendy clearly has the patience of a Test batsman and early indications are that she is in for a long innings at our bowling club. – Jim Woodward

Coronavirus Consequences

ust in case you were wondering how COVID-19 has affected others spare a thought for the following:

• CEO’s are now playing miniature golf • A large multi national company has had to lay off 25 politicians • A stripper was killed when her audience showered her with coins while she danced • I saw a Mormon with only one wife • If the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them • Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America • Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children’s names

• A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico. • A picture is now only worth 200 words • When Bill and Hillary Clinton travel together, they now have to share a room And, finally, I was so depressed last night thinking about the Chinese virus, the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Centrelink, my retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a Call Center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck. – Thanks to Mike Berecry for this contribution

How to keep fit

hen the Neurologist asked my husband Peter how he kept fit before his stroke he was surprised to hear that Peter on: • Mondays mowed the lawns at the Sorrento Bowling club for a couple of hours and walked the dog • Tuesdays mowed around ten lawns in the neighbourhood and walked the dog • Wednesday walked between 18,000 to 20,000 steps and walked the dog • Thursday played nine holes golf in the morning and bowls in the afternoon and then walked the dog • Fridays pottered around home and walked the dog • Saturdays played bowls and walked the dog • Sundays he did a bit more pottering and walked the dog The specialist was suitably impressed! Since his stroke Peter now

walks five kilometers a day, tends to his garlic plants, white onions and broad beans, does a bit of wood turning making games for his grandchildren and the family next door, makes cutting boards and cheese boards for the granddaughters, hangs the washing out for me, washes the dishes at night. He still does his 10000 steps a day. In his spare time, he reads three books a week. He is always prepared to help Ken Giles with any social groups that are booked in for bowls. The ladies are always impressed when he helps in the kitchen washing dishes. Peter never stops! Still it is good that he can do all these things. It could have been vastly different. He is an incredibly lucky man. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Val McIntosh

An anonymous Donor

n May, an anonymous donor left four sets of bowls at the door of the bowling club. While these were old bowls and will be put into the pool of Club bowls used by visitors, they were enclosed in bowls bags that contained some items that may be of interest to our members.

One of the bags belonged to a former member of the club, Mr Brian Cooper OAM, former mayor of Wanneroo and Freeman of the City of Wanneroo, who last bowled at Sorrento approximately 15 years ago. Another of the bags belonged to his son, Cameron, who was a member of the WA Blind Bowlers Association. Another belonged to a Mr J Allen, a member of the Kitchener Park Bowling Club. (Kitchener Park BC was on Roberts Road, Subiaco and was demolished when

the Eastern extension of Subiaco Oval took place over 25 years ago.) The fourth set belonged to a member of the Salisbury Bowling Club in South Australia. Inside the bags were a number of cleaning cloths, five measuring tapes, three telescopic measures, and a number of club badges from various clubs around Australia. As a bonus, there was also three jacks, which have been added to those in circulation in the Club. There was even a box of chalk… If anyone wishes to purchase any of the donated measures they can be bought for a donation to the club once the club resumes trading. See me or call me on 0439 721 457 to purchase them. – Trevor Orton

Men’s Pennants

s I write this it is pleasing to be able to talk bowls again and see some activity on the greens. Given the abrupt conclusion to the Pennant competition it made “Pot Voucher” presentation difficult. There are some unclaimed vouchers which may be claimed from the bar when it opens for business. In summary then, of the 33 Pennant games played, Ron Rogers and Brian Collins were successful winners five times and Phil Oldershaw, Gavan Ebsworth, Colin Jasper and Wayne Morrell, four times. The greatest winning margin was on Saturday 18 January when 2 Blue played Wanneroo at Wanneroo where Ian Linford, Richard Bone, Peter Morgan and Jim Welch won by 37 shots and the team winning 114-47. On Saturday 11 January two rinks both won by 20 shots and were rewarded with vouchers accordingly. Congratulations to all the winners over the year and thanks to our

valued sponsors, Safeway Security Screens and Brads Barber Shop. Enjoy your bowls over winter. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Warren Elliott

Pennant Pot Winners: 2019-20 26 Oct 31 Oct 2 Nov 7 Nov 9 Nov 14 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 23 Nov 28 Nov 30 Nov 5 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 9 Jan 11 Jan 11 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 23 Jan 30 Jan 1 Feb 6 Feb 8 Feb 13 Feb 15 Feb

T Orton, S Draper, B Jeffs, S Mortimer. G Burdon, S Bomford, D Currie, R Colyer T Friedlieb, L Burnett, P Malan, J Hobbs B Mulroy, E Mikolajczyk, H Eisenmann, J Sanders J Brown, A De Cinque, J Abercrombie, J Ironside B Saul, P Blake, K Coffey, J Smith S Wright, J Portwood, C Webber, T Simmons P Oldershaw, G Ebsworth, H Eisenmann, D Smith B Eagles, T Murray, R Bone, J Welch E Tassone, T Parker, J Wright, T Bourne A Walton, P Murray, C Grisbrook, W Elliott J Collishaw, T Hughes, K Partridge, B Clark P Oldershaw, E Mikolajczyk, G Ebsworth, D Smith R Rogers, C Jasper, B Collins, W Morrell R Rogers, B Collins, L Baker, B Stewart J Brown, R Munt, J Abercrombie, D Smith B Mulroy, G Ebsworth, B Bradshaw, D Greig R Rogers, B Collins, L Baker, W Morrell I Linford, R Bone, P Morgan, J Welch C Lander, R Cunningham, W Elliott, F Tyson B Eagles, C Jasper, R Munt, J Ironside S Rixom, M Hulbert, T Murray, G Murray D Cowell, M Berecry, C Campbell, K Hollick T Orton, S Draper, A De Cinque, S Mortimer B Saul, K Giles, A Davis, J Smith R Rogers, C Jasper, B Collins, W Morrell

20 Feb 22 Feb 27 Feb 5 Mar 7 Mar 12 Mar 14 Mar

P Oldershaw, J Collishaw, B Steven, P Dichiera B Mulroy, G Ebsworth, A De Cinque, J Ironside G Burdon, R Taylor, S Brickell, A Taylor G Burdon, R Taylor, S Brickell, A Taylor I Linford, R Bone, P Kain, J Welch P Oldershaw, J Collishaw, B Steven, P Dichiera R Rogers, C Jasper, B Collins, W Morrell. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Warren Elliott

Greens Renovations

eplacing the rubbers at each end of each green is part of an ongoing scheduled greens upkeep and improvement. With our five greens this means replacing a total of 20 end rubbers. Currently the cost of materials alone is in the vicinity of $1200 per end. When you do the maths it is a considerable expenditure. After a trial installation of rubbers on one end of B Green, an installation system was worked out and in May a group of 11 hardy souls attacked the job to replace the rubbers on A Green. Adhering to WA State COVID 19 restrictions the workforce assembled. The skills sets and experience of the group members were amazing and the task was managed over a number of hours without too much pain or injury. The group consisted of Murray Newman, Glenn McCarthy, Roley Gee, Ross Cunningham, Bob Jeffs, Denis Croker, Ron Rogers, Colin Jasper, Kevin Coffey, Brian Collins, Colin Bangs and Alan Gallagher. We had volunteers who hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been asked but wanted to assist, turn up, which was great. Thanks to Danny Condon and Tiger Hogan for the support as well as Alan Walton for his assistance with cutting timber components.

Due to the laws regarding the restrictions placed on licensed clubs, the group was unable to stay on site for a quiet drink or feed. So about 10 workers adjourned to the footy oval and had a quiet beer to celebrate a job well done. To a man each person from this crew has committed to continue with the next phase of renovations which will hopefully be completed before next Pennants season. The next challenge is to complete ‘B’ Green and ‘D’ Green by end of July. We could do with a few more helpers to share the load so if you are able to spare 3 hours to help, please let Kevin Coffey know. Thanks to all the helpers who made this task a lot easier. –Kevin Coffey and Brian Collins

Synthetic Green Proposal Alive and Well

t a meeting held in April 2019, City of Joondalup Mayor, Counsellors and staff informed Sorrento’s Governing Council that our long awaited proposal to erect a covered synthetic green on E green was to be put on hold due to the absence of suitable infrastructure within the Percy Doyle Reserve Complex (primarily high pressure water, sewerage, and mains gas) and also a lack of Council funding to support the project. Council conceded that there is little prospect of the project ever proceeding. The meeting was also informed that this lack of infrastructure meant that any future construction or additions to our existing building could not exceed a footprint of more than 500 square meters of enclosure building area. This is essentially the floor space of the existing clubhouse. The City of Joondalup did however indicate that they may favourably consider a proposal to install an uncovered synthetic green because

without a roof it would not be classified as enclosed. They also said the City would consider support for an extension to the eastern end veranda and modifications to clubrooms to facilitate an alternative eastern entry into the clubhouse. A revised proposal was subsequently developed to provide a synthetic green on E green with an estimated cost of $513 000. The proposed works on E green included: • Realignment of link mesh boundary fences along eastern and northern boundaries adjacent to the green • Removal of existing limestone retaining walls and the installation of new retaining walls to the northern and eastern ends of the green • Removal of the existing grass and replacement with a new eight rink Evergreen Gold Plus synthetic surface • Installation of floodlighting • New shade frames to northern end and modification of existing shade frames to southern end of the green • Reticulation and relocation of leech drains Supporting this proposal was a second project proposal to extend the eastern-end veranda. This project coupled with an upgrade to the eastern end of our clubrooms was estimated to cost $161 500. These works include: • Extension of eastern veranda/pergola • Replacement of the existing northern entrance adjacent to the BBQ area with a larger and more accessible club entry between the existing BBQ area and the storage sheds, requiring an adjustment to the fence line and adequate signage. This would provide members and patrons direct access to the BBQ, hall and new facilities in lieu of walking through or around the clubrooms • Removal of existing office to create new entry and connection to covered area including automatic double sliding doors and display

cabinet work, overcoming the need to use the existing emergency door. In June 2019 both project proposals were submitted to City of Joondalup, as the building’s owners, seeking in principle planning approval before proceeding further with funding options and grant applications. In December 2019 Club officials attended a pre resubmission meeting for a Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Funding (CSRFF) Grant at Council offices, presenting both project proposals for review. The CSRFF funding program aims to increase participation in sports and recreation with an emphasis on physical activity. It is a combined funding partnership based on equal contributions from State Government, City of Joondalup and the Sorrento Bowling Club. The City of Joondalup representative recommended that the Club only proceed with the synthetic green proposal as it meets the CSRFF funding criteria to increase the capacity of the sporting facility. The other project could be submitted at a later date under a different type of grant application. At this meeting we also discussed some possible changes to our proposal to try and reduce costs. Options discussed included: • Installing a synthetic green on A and/or B greens which are smaller and would not require floodlighting. The City advised this option would not be supported because E green is the only location that can support increased participation because the playing surface can be extended beyond the current six rinks and the green’s availability can also be expanded through the installation of flood lighting • Increasing E green to eight rinks in an east/west direction only

thus reducing infrastructure to the northern boundary which involves removing existing retaining walls, relocating the boundary and installing new fencing and retaining walls. The City indicated that they would look favourably upon this option The proposal was subsequently modified and repriced to include the changes proposed and a CSRFF application was submitted to Council in February 2020 at a revised estimated cost of $464 342. The time frame for the remaining processes to be followed are: • February 2020 CSRFF grant proposal assessed by a Council • August 2020 CSRFF grant proposal assessed by Council • October 2020 CSRFF grant proposal assessed by State. • February 2021 Announcement of CSRFF grant outcome The Governing Council has been buoyed by Council’s recent interest in the proposal, receiving numerous requests for clarification and further information, which hopefully indicates that they may intend to recommend the proposal to the State government. They have also undertaken detailed site visits with contractors to verify our estimated costing for the project. Due to the financial commitment associated with this project, until the CSRFF grant outcome is known all other development projects have been deferred. Although we remain hopeful that we will be successful, the Club has developed other projects designs and cost estimates that are ready to seek funding approval if by chance we are not. The impact of COVID-19 on Club reserves will need careful consideration over the coming months. – Wayne Gray

Au Revoir Nerrida

A rare and previously unpublished photo of last season’s Bowls Captains – Nerrida Porteous and John Godfrey

n behalf of the ladies at Sorrento a few words about your decision to leave and return to The Valley Bowling Club. Whilst we understand the reasons for your departure you will be missed around “Our Club”. Remembering five years ago when you joined us to play in our Division One White and that year we were promoted up to Premier Division. Since the promotion we still remain part of Premier so thank you for being a part of our team during your stay with us.

In 2018/19 you took the award for Sorrento “Women Bowler” of the year, hopefully this gives you some great memories to take away with you. We have enjoyed your company, always a great story teller, plenty of laughs and these times will stay with us at the Club. Good Luck with your new adventures at the Valley Bowling Club, their gain is our loss. Best Wishes! – Lee Leach

Triple Treat for Sorrento

here is a common thread surrounding new chums Paul Kain, Allan Barron and Murray Hulbert and their decision to join the Sorrento Bowling Club. All three started the game long before most

other members of our Club and have all been journeymen before settling with us. But now the trio have had a taste of Sorrento’s hospitality, they are keen to make the Club their playing home. And with Sorrento having been stung by a quick exit from its initial Premier Division season, Paul, Allan and Murray are reveling in the fact the Club has bounced straight back into the big time. Paul, at the age of seven, followed his parents into the game, where in Huddersford, Yorkshire, there was a strong junior bowling league. His competitive nature came to the fore early, when, after competing with around 150 junior bowlers, he was fortunate enough to represent his town at district level against other towns and cities. From the age of 14 Paul was old enough to play in the open age competitions and leagues and also represent his country at a national level. Paul then decided to, as he puts it “leave sunny England and move to sunny Perth.” Then came a spell of 10 years out of the game before Paul and his sister Sarah decided to join Sorrento. “It was a choice between Joondalup or Sorrento, and luckily we chose Sorrento,” he said. “We enjoy the people, staff and the welcome we received. We also enjoy the club on the social side too, as it has that very good community feel about it. We cannot wait to have many more good times and see everyone that I have met when the Club opens again.” Like Paul, Allan Barron was introduced to the game of lawn bowls as a child by his parents, who were founding members of the Innaloo Bowling He made rapid progress, winning the State High Schools Bowls Championship, run by the Sunday Times and Manning Bowls Club. It was the only junior event held back then, no junior squads, as kids weren’t meant to be playing “an old man’s game”.

Allan is pictured alongside with his wife Sharyn). AB, as he is known, continued to play bowls at Innaloo until he was 18 after winning the club singles at age 17. He then decided to play cricket with a bunch of work colleagues after starting work at the National Bank and had a five year break from bowls. But he was persuaded by his good mate, and fellow bowler Peter Aungier, who played many a club championship and State event, to return to bowls. Keen to get into Red Division, as it was called then, Allan won many Club Championships in pairs, triples and fours and another club singles. However a change of leadership at Innaloo and the direction the club wanted to go, not to mention the distance he had to travel, Allan decided to transfer to the Morley Bowling Club “I enjoyed a wonderful 15 years at Morley, winning all club championships, including two singles” he said. “But the best highlight was coming equal third in the State pairs with my good mate Peter Aungier. “After a couple years of nagging by Shane Loftus, I joined Sorrento Bowling Club and have been welcomed by all members with open arms. It is not hard to see why the club is so successful on and off the green as it’s superbly managed. There are also no factions, as is the case with most clubs, and no one is bigger than the club. I am looking forward to our Club opening again as I miss my bowls and my mates”. Murray Hulbert started playing bowls in his late 20’s after dislocating his shoulders playing football. Like Allan, he joined the Morley Bowls Club and played there for five years, a highlight being winning the club triples. He then moved house and, for convenience, changed clubs to

Warwick where he won his first Division One midweek premiership. But after a couple of years he moved to Wanneroo where he stayed for more than 10 years. There were many highlights during this time but the main ones were playing in a 1 Red (Premier) Saturday premiership and also winning a club fours with his father in the team. Murray also won a club singles, which meant he could enter any Masters Tournament. In recent times, Murray again moved house and, after, some encouragement from Sorrento players joined the Club. “So far I have found the Club to be a friendly Club and each week I am getting to know more members,” Murray said. “In my first year at Sorrento I was lucky enough to skipper a team that won the club fours. This season I was again lucky to skipper the same team in the club fours and also won the men’s pairs, men’s triples and the mixed pairs with Pauline Marsden. Doing all that in one season was just great.” Murray cannot wait for the 2020-2021 season to start and to play Premiership Division. He heaped praise on Trevor Orton and Rob Tozer for organising games during the pandemic. – Jim Woodward

Sponsor’s Report Trevors Carpets Ray Green, owner of Trevors Carpets, has decided to discontinue his sponsorship. Ray has informed the Governing Council that it was a commercial decision. He said how much he has enjoyed his

involvement and sponsoring of the Club for near on ten years. Ray and Trevors Carpets have not only been a great sponsor but also a great ambassador of the Sorrento Bowling Club. Ray will remain a full member of the Club and hopefully we will see him back on the greens as soon as possible. Ray is not only a loyal Club member, he is a fine bowler and a great bloke. When things get back to normal, we will celebrate with Ray and Maureen and thank them collectively for what they both have contributed towards making our Club the “Best Bowling Club in WA”. Eyes On Optometrists Please note Eyes On’s latest advert below.

Eyes-On Optometrists by G&M Eyecare in Currambine will remain open with the health and well-being of their customers as their number 1 priority. They have implemented increased levels of sanitisation and hygiene, as well as social distancing procedures to ensure the safety of their customers and team. They are also currently offering free home delivery on all contact lens orders. For more information or to book an appointment please contact the team on 9304 0506

Balcatta Mowers This sponsor is managing well based on a report from a member who wanted his lawn mower serviced and was told that there would be a 57 two week delay.

Duncraig Physio After some confusion about whether physios were open or not things have returned to normal for this long-term sponsor. Brad’s Barber shop Doors were closed for a couple of weeks however they are now open so if you dodged a haircut or self isolated a couple of hairs you can now get it sorted at Brad’s. He is an important sponsor so we should try and support him. Connect Hearing I recently had dealings with this group and found them very helpful and they had some very good deals going Dickies Trees Thanks to Dickies Trees for sponsoring a Nominated Pairs competition Nudges Garden and Home Maintenance Nudges ( Nigel Rutland) does a good job on lawns as I recently found out while talking to him I got a better understanding of his business, as he will attend to minor tree lopping, household maintenance jobs, keep the hedge looking good and after our once in a decade storm, may come in handy. – Barry Stewart

Answers to Wendy’s Crossword Across: 5. Premier 7. Barbara 10. Peter 15. One Green 16. Skip 17. Dreads. Down: 1. Umpire 2. Monday 3. Four 4. Debbie 5. Pauline 6. Joker 8. Dough 9. Swan 11. Ross 12. Pegs 13. Hyde 14. Fine

Answers to Quiz on Big Things in WA Did you manage to find all the answers? If not here they are: 1. The Big Apple 2. The Big Banana 1988 3. The Big Mushroom 4. The Big Orange 5. The Big Lobster 6. The Giant Ram 1985 7. The Big Wheelbarrow 8. The Leeuwin Way Whale 9. The Big Prawn 10.The Big Crocodile 1987 11.The Big Bobtail 2012 12.The Big Marron 13.Cow On The Corner 1973

Donnybrook Carnarvon Balingup Harvey Dongara Wagin Port Headland Eucla Learmonth/Exmouth Wyndham Kalamunda Denmark/Walpole Brunswick Junction 1973 – Graeme O’Brien \

Women’s Match Committee Report

ow lucky were we to have managed to get through most of our Championships just before COVID -19 put a halt to Club activities? We have all the Trophies, medals, badges ready to be presented when we can organise our Awards Night Ceremony at the Club. A good season throughout with the last event played being the Women’s Veteran Championships won by Lorraine Hyde who gave us all a very enjoyable day watching her play unbeatable bowls. We still had one event on our Calendar that we didn’t manage to complete, this being the Women’s Handicap Triples which has always been popular with the ladies. It was due to be played at the beginning of April,

but was postponed due to the virus. Now that restrictions are being lifted there is the possibility we could reschedule this event and get the ladies back on the greens to take part in this fun day. We shall put up a sheet on the noticeboard to explore the level of interest in playing this event in the next few weeks. There are still sunny days during our winter months so if you are interested in this proposal please put your name on the sheet. The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Match Committee are now running the Wednesday afternoon Nominated Pairs, (any Gender) Format 2x4x2. So please come along and join us for an afternoon of fun on our beautiful greens. We will look forward to your company. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lee Leach

Read Titles from Left to Right

“The English patient had caught it on the beach. I should have stayed home she said. Now she was in quarantine in the dark house of splendid isolation. Still hope springs eternal. With a little bit of common sense and personal hygiene horror stories must end soon. Always remember clean hands save lives and, when in doubt, don’t go out!” (Thanks to Alan Rolls)

Our Darts Club

Before COVID-19

After COVID-19

No more prawns! Only a lettuce leaf! When will the prawns return?

Our Croquet Club

In the absence of the usual detailed Croquet report from the Croquet Captain we decided to look back in the archives and found this photo