President’s Report

Did you know that last season Sorrento bowlers did very well in the State Over 60s? Colin Jasper and John Goddard were joint third in Men’s Pairs and then teamed up with Geoff Murray to win the Men’s Triples. In the Women’s Pairs Barbara Lorencs and Trish Cunningham won the Women’s Pairs. Nerrida Porteous and Lee Leach teamed up with a lady from North Beach and won the Women’s Triples. Well done!

Did you hear that Rhett Butler has renamed our Men’s Veteran Championship Singles (for the over seventies) as the Defibrillator Singles? When Rhett was sitting in the Club talking bowls with the boys, Bruce Eagles entered the Club and a fellow bowler approached Bruce and shook his hand and said “Well done on your singles win”. Someone then said “What singles was that?” And before Bruce could reply Rhett said “He won the Defibrillator Singles on Wednesday!” After a few seconds of silence Bruce said “What did you call it – The Defibrillator Singles – what was first prize – your own personal defrib? Everyone had a good laugh whilst Rhett picked up Bruce’s jaw from the ground. – Neville and Denise Odell

President’s Report

It is without doubt that 2020 has been challenging and demanding for us all. In February, our Club was performing above expectations, both on and off the greens. Then something that no one could have predicted, the virus COVID-19 hit Perth. This pandemic threatened the health and well-being of our members, family, and friends, along with the ongoing financial viability of the Club.

Fortunately, because of the sound financial position at the time and the speed at which restrictions were eased, the Club emerged in good shape. Although the Club is still in COVID-19 compliance the good

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times returned. Bowls and Croquet attracted many members back on the Greens and Courts. The social aspect has returned, and a high number of members are frequenting the Club, and many private events are held on a weekly basis. Our Strategic Plan Continuing to Thrive through 2025 has stood us in good stead, guiding our direction and development, which has led to our justifiable reputation as the Best Bowling Club in Western

Australia.

All members should be made aware that running a Club the size of Sorrento is a complex business. Fortunately, over the years we have built a healthy contingency fund, allowing us to come out of COVID-19 restrictions in a good and sound financial position.

Our new contemporary bar and management system, installed in May, has shown that the Club’s actual membership has grown to an amazing 930. Members will have noticed major upgrades to the bar and clubhouse with new furniture, security systems, technology, painting, and lighting and the addition of our Alfresco area adjacent to the B.B.Q. area.

It was extremely satisfying to see the return of the Men’s Saturday Premier Division. The promotions of the Women’s Tuesday Division 1 White and Men’s 1st Division Blue were well deserved.

Our Croquet members are a very resilient group who have been admirable in supporting the GC through these turbulent times. They were just as excited as the bowlers to get back onto their courts although while their courts are being renovated they are having to play on the soccer field.

The City of Joondalup have approved the Community Sports and Recreational Facility Funded (CSRFF) grant application to increase

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