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Sorrento Bowling CluB’S Quarterly newS Magazine

Did you know that Lauris Berry, Shirley Palmer, Roslyn Newick and Kerry Hutchinson played in the Osborne Park Club Spring Gala and fun day? Their team, “The Bumble Bees”, won the “Best Dressed Team prize”

nuMBer 76 MarCh 2019

ContentS Around Our Club From Your Editors Around Our Club – continued Around Our Club – continued Some More “Guess Who’s” Our President’s Report Treasurer’s Report Sponsors’ Report Men’s Pennant Report Women’s Pennant Report Men’s Match Committee Report Women’s Match Committee Report Some of our Social Bowlers in Action The Joe Stow Heart Foundation Day The Duncraig Physio Mixed Fours Event Croquet Newsletter Croquet Members in Action Why is Our Club so Successful? Opinion Piece: One Red Supports Five Gold Thank you, Chris First Club Admitted to Club’s WA’s Hall of Fame Political Correctness on the Bowling Green About Growing Older... Getting to Know Our Members Our Ladies Gala Day Ladies Gala Day 2019 Raises $3661 What Causes “Elderly” People to Fall? Tribute to Val Thornett Lifetime of Volunteering Rewarded Member Reward Draw Understanding the Male Psyche Consistency Guess Who Answers Who Made the Delicious Shortbread? Our Darts Club Wind up The “SBC Crab Award”

5 7 8 10 12 14 17 17 19 19 20 27 30 32 32 34 35 37 39 40 41 42 44 44 47 48 48 51 52 54 55 55 55 55 57 60

around our CluB

Ken Giles and Pat Dichiera both shop for shirts at Big W

Clive Webber in his Father Christmas outfit

Alan Susta looking a bit serious

Greg Taylor and June Branston enjoying the evening. We are still awaiting a copy of one of Greg’s prize winning photos to publish in our magazine “What the F....! Am I expected to eat it all?” Right: Judy Campbell and Michelle Murray enjoying an evening at our Club

around our CluB – Continued

Ian Goodenough, the Federal member for Moore, hears more about our Club’s needs from Ian Marshall, Ian Wittber and Brian Lucas

Above: A big thank you to Chloe and James Lucas for donating and setting up our Club’s Christmas tree

Did you know that in January Patrick Murray, son of Tim and Michelle Murray, got married to Rachel Bateman? Rachel is very lucky to be marrying Patrick. Everyone has always been impressed with how this young man behaves. He is always polite and respectful and Tim and Michelle can be very proud of their well-liked son. He is also a good bowler! Everyone tells me Patrick is also very lucky to be marrying Rachel. We all wish them well.

FroM your editorS Welcome Welcome to our first Sorrento Bowling Club magazine for 2019. Denise and I hope that your year will be a great one with lots of bowls, croquet or darts. We hope that 2019 is proving to be a good year for all our readers and that you have recovered from your Christmas and New Year celebrations. In the 12 years (since February 2007 that we have been doing the Club’s newsletter we have produced 58 newsletters. We are running out of ideas so all suggestions, contributions etc are always most welcome. Apologies We need to apologise to the Thursday sandwich makers who continue to make delicious sandwiches for the Men’s Pennants teams. When we were thanking our volunteers in the December Magazine we inadvertently left out Trish McCarthy and Val McIntosh for which we apologise. Ken Giles tells me that the correct list is Marilyn Baker, Sue Hogan, Shelley Gray, Pippa Lucas, Mary Rolls, Helen O’Brien, Nora Giles, Val McIntosh and Trish McCarthy who provide sandwiches on Thursdays and our Croquet ladies Kerry Bomford, Thora Lay, Di McGivern and Jan Craddock who help on a Saturday with the pies and sausage rolls. In spite of all our attempts to avoid mis-spelling we managed to call Keith Cooper “Keith Copper”. Judy Campbell was so excited when she found another proofing error in our Christmas magazine but could not remember what it was she found. Apparently she proof reads the West Australian every day and gets very excited Remember that day I DREW THE SHOT when she finds an error. We are An’ the Skipper jumped with Glee? , told that once she has completed I was really at my TOP that Day this exercise she passes her copy In Nineteen Seventy Three!!! onto five of her neighbours so – Skew Wiff Watt that they don’t have to buy their own paper.

around our CluB – Continued

Ron Taylor hard at work – as usual

Robyn and John Godfrey entertaining John’s cousin Julie Wright from Tasminia

“Mr and Mrs Claus” (aka Annette Campbell and Egon Mikolajczyk)

Robin Rowe making sandwiches for the State Triples

Ian Wittber and Ray Stapledon enjoying the State Triples Our efficient Bethany Clark who has the ability to multi-task

Marilyn Baker, Nora Giles and Helen O’Brien hard at work making sandwiches for the Men’s Pennant teams

Right: John Brown and Brian Saul offering advice to the State players!

Some more “Did you hear” and “Did you know”? Did you hear that Pat Dichiera lost his car keys just before Christmas? After a major search these were found in the garbage bin. We also had Alan Anderson leaving his empty car running all afternoon in the car park. There were a few queries about how many litres of petrol his very expensive French car uses per 100 km when it is stationary. Did you hear that you can now have an app. on your phone which enables you to know and track the whereabouts of your children or grandchildren? This proved to be very useful when Denise and I were looking after two teenage grandies in Sydney. When we told Spider Webb about this useful application he said he had already installed it on his wife’s phone! Did you know that at the Yanchep Bowling Club there is a “Valley of Death” rink? If your bowl goes into this groove it never comes out. Some of our Pennant bowlers found this narrow channel to be a major problem when they played there last year. Did you know that your Editor, Neville Odell, is related to royalty? So please treat him with respect in future. His great-great-greatgreat-great grandfather was Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart, Prince of England, Scotland and Ireland, Count of Albany who was also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie”. Pictured alongside. There is a story about an illegitimate son conceived with a Lady Douglas! Who knows? Did you hear that some scientists have discovered that by giving mice a combination of Viagra and a flu injection they were able to reduce the occurrence of postoperative metastasis by 90 percent in laboratory mice with lung cancer? In the meantime the sex lives of the mice has improved and they are not getting flu! Did you know that in our Women’s Triples Championships final between Wendy Saul/ Sharon Eggers/Barbara Lorencs and Carmel Hyde/Fran Bracknell/ Lorraine Hyde only 16 shots were scored over 15 ends? The final score was nine to seven! There is a full report about this closely contested game in the Match Committee report. Did you know that a Lifeline Survey showed that one in three Australians had no one to talk to if they felt alone? In the UK they have now appointed a ‘Minister for Loneliness’ because loneliness is reaching epidemic proportions. So if you know someone who might be lonely please reach out.

around our CluB – Continued

Nora and Ken Giles celebrating Nora’s 80th birthday. Thanks to Ann Orton who in her capacity as “Head Honcho and Top Dog” for the prestigious “Rent a Crowd” group organised this special event Left and right: If you go to the gym you too could have a body like mine according to our Lady Santa’s on our last Pennant day before Christmas

“Low and slow!” Check out that perfect action from one of our best bowlers 0

Jenny and Frank Gandras enjoying a drink with Louise Warren

If you need a good divorce lawyer try the above as they do a good job!!

SoMe More “gueSS who’S”

No 1 Above: “The Terminator!” Guess who? One of our members taken in 1991 when he was a bit younger!

Did you manage to identify Brian Self and his wife, Joan in our December 2018 Magazine?

No 2 Above: Thanks to Brian Self who sent in this photograph of one of our members and his wife!

See if you can identify the other members on this page. Answers on page 55

No 3 Above: Who is this glamorous young couple taken in 1973?

Did you hear that there is a bowler who is so keen that he drives 600 km from Kalgoorlie each weekend to play Pennants in Perth? Did you know that Sorrento’s Shane Loftus was part of the 2017/18 winning State Fours Championship, alongside Daniel Brown, Daniel Trewhella and Ken McKay. To celebrate the occasion, Jaffa erected a trophy shelf above the pennant boards to display the coveted trophy. Well, Shane has done it again by being part of the 2018/19 winning State Triples team, also comprising Daniel Brown and Daniel Trewhella. The trophy stand has now been dubbed “Lofty’s Ledge. Did you hear that the Sorrento side of Trevor Orton, Steve Draper and Steve Mortimer did very well in the State Men’s 2nd Division and Under Triples hosted by Osborne Park Bowling Club? The team played extremely well in tough, hot conditions in January winning five matches to reach the final where they were beaten by a strong team from Perth Tatts. Did you know that Peter Morgan propagates and grows the most beautiful frangipani trees? His wife, Kerry tells me some of his mates have nicknamed him “Petal”. The flower of the frangipani is used in the making of leis on Pacific Islands. In Polynesian culture the wearing of a frangipani flower can indicate a women’s relationship status. She wears it over the right ear if available and over the left if not (don’t get them confused). Peter tells me he is currently working on what’s referred to as a “Rainbow” plant This is a plant that you graft different coloured plants on to the one plant with the aim of having a different colour on each branch.

The darker red on the right is called “Dark Knight” and the red, yellow and pink one is called “Darwin Sunset” Do you know how to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory? The last rink is playing the 21st end. The score is 21-19 in favour of Ian Marshall. The aggregate is safe. Ian is about to have the last bowl of the match. He is only one shot down and has effectively won the game 21-20. Should he play his last bowl? Why not? Uh oh! He has given the opposition two shots. Game drawn.

Did you hear that lightening can strike twice in the same place? In a previous newsletter we mentioned that Ross Cunningham, after winning $100 on a Wednesday afternoon, managed to incur a $100 speeding fine! Well it happened again! After returning from his NZ holiday and teaming up with Brian Kiely he won $100. A few days later guess what arrived in the post? Another $100 speeding fine! Did you hear that in a recent Pennant fixture, our Umpire Coordinator Jim Ironside, was called to measure on two occasions on the same rink, and on almost (but one) consecutive ends and despite multiple attempts on each occasion was unable to separate the two opposing bowls, resulting in two tied ends? Tied ends are quite rare and mainly occur when two opposing bowls are resting on the jack. Did you know that Roslyn Newick managed to hit a randy kangaroo with a full blooded drive on the first tee at her golf club? In her own words it played out as follows: “On target with my first drive of the day one of the big kangaroos, who had just had a happy moment with his partner, was hit on the lower leg joint by my monster drive. I was so disturbed as I watched him lie down with his leg angled. The remainder of my game was painful for me as well as the roo. Two hours later coming up the 9th I’m on the lookout for him and found him. My team tell me they will call the Vet. Oh yeah! It will be a bullet!! – Denise and Neville Odell

our PreSident’S rePort

resident John Abercrombie presented his report to those attending the Half Yearly General Meeting on 27 January 2019. John said that the past six months have been very rewarding and productive for the future of Sorrento, as evidenced by winning the Clubs WA’s Medium Club of the Year for the third consecutive year and soon to enter their Hall of Fame, and also winning Bowls WA’s Metropolitan Bowling Club of the Year. John then expanded on other progress and initiatives undertaken. He highlighted that Sorrento was bucking the membership trend of many clubs by achieving a significant 14% increase and taking total membership to a record high of 783 members, including 400 bowlers and croquet players. Factors influencing the Club’s growth included its fully maintained website and social media initiatives; on-going promotion of the Club by existing members; running more social events and hiring out facilities; and of course our tremendously successful recent letter box promotion.

John emphasised the importance of Sorrento investing in its infrastructure and maintenance. Annually he said the Club invests $70,000 on building maintenance, renovations and equipment replacement and around $220,000 on maintenance and refurbishment of greens and croquet courts. Further investment is evidenced by recent and scheduled infrastructure projects including a 7-metre western building extension; an eastern veranda extension; additional shade cloth and an additional water fountain; installation of electric roller shutters for the bar; upgrading of audio/visual systems; and the purchase of new furniture. Marketing and communication are areas of considerable energy within the Club he said and it’s important to ensure members are kept well informed with all Club news. John acknowledged the tremendous efforts of Denis Croker and Neville and Denise Odell for the Club’s great website and quarterly news magazines. Sorrento’s outstanding individual and team sporting performances continued with Elizabeth Marshall, Chris Lander and Pauline Bourne representing Western Australia in the Over 60s State team and Shane Loftus being part of the State Fours and State Triples winning teams. In announcing new additions to the Club’s office bearers, John said how pleased he is that Pauline Marsden has re-joined the Governing Council in the role of Office Manager and also welcomed Dan Grieg to Men’s Match and Tim Murray to Men’s Selection. John thanked the Club’s more than 130 volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to make Sorrento the great club that it is and it is the envy of all Bowling clubs in Western Australia. He thanked his Governing Council colleagues in managing and leading the Club and assured members that the Club’s ongoing success is their top priority. He thanked attending members for showing their ongoing commitment to supporting the Club. In a very special moment, John expressed his pleasure and delight at announcing Graeme Whitehorn as the Club’s newest Life Member. A detailed report on Graeme’s achievements and contributions is on page 52. During the meeting John distributed a two-page information flyer and in a Power Point presentation highlighted the history of the Undercover Artificial Surface project and the considerable time and effort which had been invested to try and bring the project to fruition. He explained that the proposed undercover artificial bowling facility project commenced in 2015, when a group of members prepared an Artificial Surface report.

An independent consultant completed the feasibility study in 2017 (a requirement to obtain grant funding) reporting that providing two-thirds of the then $1.3 million could be sourced through external funding, then the project is feasible. Funding was based on repayments over 20 years. Ray Green gave a great kick start to proceedings offering a $100,000 donation should the project proceed. Presentations and representations were made to the City of Joondalup and local and federal members of Parliament. However, while supportive, they gave no firm commitment to funding the project and a LotteryWest grant for funding was unsuccessful. City of Joondalup indicated that they would need to manage the project which increased cost estimates substantially and removed some cost saving initiatives planned by the Club. Subsequent detailed analysis has been undertaken, including a professional survey that revealed a number of new challenges. These included a larger footprint which is required to allow for an eight-rink, bi-directional green which necessitates an extension of our current lease and boundary, impacting on surrounding trees; and relocation of septic tanks and considerable earth retaining. These factors coupled with more detailed cost estimates and the addition of an alfresco area to join the clubhouse increased the total cost to $2.6 million. The Governing Council he said has been thorough in considering all factors and also safeguarding the financial interests of all members and the Club as a whole. On balance, John said that the likelihood of raising over $2 million through grants in today’s economic and political climate was small and also the Club’s capacity to repay a substantial investment over a reasonably short time frame through debentures remains uncertain as does likely community usage of such a facility. The project he said is not finished and remains the Club’s vision but time frame expectations need to be realistic and borrowings sustainable. The Club he said will continue to look for opportunities for external funding of the project but in the meantime other less expensive development opportunities will be considered. He thanked members of the Governing Council and members of the Undercover Artificial Surface Report Group, (UASRG) namely Russell Lockwood, Jan and Kevin Cook, Tony and Pauline Bourne for their involvement and time spent in researching this project. – John Abercrombie

treaSurer ’S rePort

embers will be pleased to know that our Club finances are in a very healthy position. Turnover, costs and profit margins are all in line with budget and we have a very healthy cash balance. Cash on hand and in bank amounted to $180,271. After paying our creditors, provisions and other payables which amounted to $79,588, we have a net cash position of $100,683. During the six months $20,870 of fixed assets were acquired in accordance with the capital expenditure budget. As at 31 October 2018 the net asset position was $430,175 – P Dichiera

Editor’s Note: Pat Dichiera has been our Treasurer for six years. We are indeed lucky to have a person of his calibre to look after our financial future. He spends many hours each week performing this important function. In a recent Auditor’s Report they commented on how well our controls and systems are working. Thank you Pat!

SPonSorS’ rePort

his year has seen the successful continuation of support from our very important Sponsors. We have continued to run several “named” events that have been well supported and enjoyed by members, especially the winners, who have appreciated the extra prize money made available. More details about these events has been included in the Match Committee reports. It is important for our members to remember that our Sponsors provide a considerable monetary benefit to our Club and we should do our best to support these businesses. It is understood that for various reasons you may wish to stay with your current barber, physio, financial advisor etc but we should all give thought to providing our loyal and generous sponsors with our business/patronage and if possible, by passing on their names to family members or friends. Remember that our Sponsors make a significant contribution towards helping to keep our Club successful.

Summary Sheet of Sponsor’s Names and Addresses Our sheet of Sponsor’s names and addresses has been recently updated so please take a copy and put it up on the door of your refrigerator so that it acts as a reminder when you have a problem

Duncraig Fresh IGA A huge thank you to our very good friends at Duncraig Fresh IGA and their supplier – Mars Confectionary for a fantastic donation to our Club. This is much appreciated. Pictured alongside is our President John Abercrombie receiving the donation from Neil Butler the manager. Showtime Limos Please note that if you need to hire a limousine for a special event you need to call Justin Hunt at Showtime Limousines 08 92584200. The number shown previously was incorrect. Glengarry TAB Proves Lucky Rhett Butler, Tim Murray, Brian Lucas and Pat Murray were delighted to return to the Club on 24 November 2018 and celebrate a great win by Premier Division against Cambridge with the rest of the division and the Club. Being selected as the winning team for the Glengarry TAB $5 bet vouchers were a bonus. Tim was entrusted to lay the all-important bet on behalf of the team. Some months later Michelle Murray asked Tim what the Glengarry TAB betting tickets were at the bottom of the clothes draw. Not that alcohol played any part, but Tim had forgotten to place the bet. He dutifully, subsequently and scientifically placed 20 wins on horse No 6 in race No 6 at Pinjarra. You guessed it, the horse came home in first place delivering a dividend of $23 per win and returning his team $115 each. Thank you to Glengarry TAB for donating the Tab vouchers each week and also horse 6 (presumably called “lucky”). Sponsor lucky draw The monthly lucky draw of receipts placed in the box by members who have supported a Sponsor has continued to be of interest to members who want to win the $50 prize awarded each month. Winners have been as follows: • November 2018 winner Monique Kopec • December 2018 winner Herbert Eisenmann • January 2019 winner Liz Young Monique, Herbie and Liz all supported Duncraig Fresh. Well done! Once again Duncraig Fresh has shown up as a winner in this Lucky Draw. It is great to see our members supporting a very good long term sponsor. Don’t forget though keep your receipts for whatever sponsor you use and you to could be a winner of the $50. – Barry Stewart

Men’S Pennant rePort

wo thirds of the way through the season and the Club is on track to achieve its pre season goals. The Selectors, at the start of the season, believed we could achieve four promotion and no demotions. Winning a couple of Pennants would be the bonus. The Club will achieve automatic promotion if we finish on top in any division at the end of the qualifying games. Our other teams who make finals will also have an opportunity for promotion. Recap of the season so far: Midweek: Premier and 1 Blue are now both in the top four after being undefeated since the Christmas break. 2 Blue and 3 Blue are both on top of the ladder and 3 Gold 2 are 2nd. The remainder of our sides are either mid or towards the lower end of the table. Saturday: The Premier side have so far performed admirably winning 50% of their games, the table is very tight with only 5 points separating 3rd and 9th on the table i.e. playing finals or being relegated. 2 Blue and 4 Gold are on top 2 Gold 3 are 2nd and the remainder of the sides are mid table so hopefully no demotions. Brad Barbershop Carine Pot Winners: Midweek: • Round 8: Brad Ball, Ross Cunningham, Peter Crow and Frank Tyson. • Round 9: Greg Taylor, Murray Hulbert, Brian Clausen and Geoff Murray. • Round 10: Frank Bomford, Steve Bomford, Ray Green and Ken Hollick Brian Saul, Gavan Ebsworth, Peter Snow and Wayne Morrell. Saturday: • Round 9: John Brown, Graeme O’Brien, John Abercrombie and Jim Ironside. • Round 10: Rhett Butler, Tim Murray, Brian Lucas and Mal Burton. Please diarise our Pennant Wind-Up: which is scheduled for Saturday 30 March from 6pm at our Club. A meal will be provided. – Rob Tozer.

woMen’S Pennant rePort

e are now at the business end of the season with only 6 games left to play

PREMIER have moved from 10th to 8th position another couple of wins will see them further up the ladder. 1 GREEN are two points clear on top with four other clubs

breathing down their neck so very important to keep winning games. 2 BLUE are well positioned in 3rd place and in reach of top spot 3 BLUE have been playing great bowls currently they are sitting 4th, if they keep on the way they have there is no reason not to finish on top. Congratulations to 3 Blue team of Shirley Palmer, Pat Torre, Mary Cressey and Michelle Torre on winning an 8 badge. Well done, Ladies, many play Pennants for years and never achieve this. Saturday Divisions 1 RED are on top, equal points with Melville 2 ORANGE are in 8th spot, not a lot of points between them and 4th place. Well done to all Divisions keep up the good work. It has been unfortunate that we have had to rotate players in 3rd Division but in fairness to all players we have had no choice. Pot winners for season to date • Pauline Bourne, Robyn van Mosseveld, Shelley Jeffs, Coral Smith • Vonnie King, Clair Hanlon, Fran Bracknell, Jenni Bartlett • Lorraine Hyde, Jan Paniperis, Kaye Martin, Jenny Lockwood • Angela Gunson, Barbara Lorencs, Barbara Hill, Sharon Eggers • Jan Cook, Wendy Saul, Kerri Hutchinson, Carmel Hyde • Carole Ford, Larraine Brickell, Liz Young, Lorna Glew • Vonnie King, Denise Odell, Fran Bracknell, Kath Harris • Charmain Harris, Lauris Berry, Sonia McGrady, Anna Wimbridge • Charmain Harris, Lauris Berry, Sonia McGrady, Anna Wimbridge • Barbara Lorencs, Angela Gunson, Barbara Hill, Sharon Eggers • Carole Ford, Larraine Brickell, Helen Ironside, Lorna Glew • Shirley Palmer, Pat Torre, Liz Young, Michelle Torre – Jan Cook

Men’S MatCh CoMMittee rePort TREVORS CARPETS Mixed Handicap Fours Windy but fine conditions greeted the 16 teams who competed in the TREVORS CARPETS Mixed Handicap Fours on Sunday 16 December. Once again, Ray Green from TREVORS CARPETS is to be applauded for his generous donation which he makes each year for this and other Sorrento events. The event was open only to Sorrento bowling members and some innovative combinations of bowlers were needed to meet the handicap conditions of a maximum of 14 points. After a “spider” (won by Sharon Eggers) play commenced with one of the first round 0

of matches decided by a one-bowl “bowl off” between Rhett Butler and Shane Loftus, who both demonstrated why they are skippers and not leads, with the nearest bowl almost two metres from the jack. The players then adjourned to lunch, and resumed with another “spider” which this time was won by Rob Tozer. After the second match a short comfort break was taken and then the third and final round commenced. After the first two games three teams: skipped by Stapledon, Bob Mulroy Trevor Orton, had won matches

only Ray and both

Unfortunately, Ray Stapledon’s team’s form deserted them in the final game and they lost, The team of Neville and Denise Odell, Egon Mikolajczyk and Bob Mulroy, with +29 shots, were declared the overall winner. (Pictured above left) The runners up were Mike McGeehan, Lee Leach, Gavan Ebsworth and Trevor Orton with +24 shots. (Pictured left)

Other results: • Overall third were Cheryl Greig, Bob Jeffs, Shelley Jeffs and Colin Jasper with 2 wins +10 shots • Overall fourth were Ken Giles, Wendy Saul, Brian Saul and Pauline Bourne with 2 wins + 4 shots • Overall fifth were Phil Webb, Keith Cooper, Kevin Coffey and Sharon Eggers with 2 wins +2 shots • Winners of the “First Touchers” (awarded during each match on each green after a whistle) were Jan Cook, Egon Mikolajczyk, Ray Green, Wendy Saul, Mike Hodge and Brad Williams

Thanks to Gavan, Ken, Kevin, Bob and others who helped on the day. A great day enjoyed by all and once again our thanks to Club sponsor Ray Green and TREVORS CARPETS. Please use TREVORS CARPETS – The Builder’s Choice – for your next floor covering needs.

“Abba”, “Staple Gun” and “Alphabet” win the Triples John Abercrombie, who only joined the team at the last minute, Ray Stapledon and Egon Mikolajczyk have won the Men’s Triples Championship for 2018-2019. In a dramatic final under lights on Friday 30 November, they held off the fast-finishing trio of “Butcher Bob” Jeffs, ”Spider” Webb and Stan “Van Caravan” Mosseveld. Egon’s team started brilliantly and led 14-2 after eight ends, before the slowing greens and better bowling brought Stan’s team closer and closer until after the 16th of 17 ends, Stan’s team were only three behind. A brilliant bowl from Stan, which Egon narrowly failed to match tied the match at 17-17. An extra end was required, and if Stan’s last bowl had fallen in and not out, the outcome would have been reversed. A great game, which was enjoyed by the crowd (who mainly watched from inside the building due to the cool and windy conditions), and yet another dramatic finale to this year’s championships. Congratulations to all who took part. Australia Day– Sponsored by Showtime Limousines A bumper field of 86 bowlers nominated for the annual AUS vs ROW match on Australia Day. The weather was magnificent, and with a donation from SHOWTIME LIMOUSINES to add to the prize pool, some keen competition was anticipated. Many of the players took the trouble to deck themselves out in “national costume”, with a range of beach wear, flags and other imaginative outfits seen. Players from England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Italy, Holland, South Africa and Zimbabwe competed

auStralia verSuS the â€œreSt oF the worldâ€? BowlS CoMPetition

Charmain sounding her vuvazela

Kerry helping Evan with his headband

Tracy looks very happy representing Zimbabwe

Carmel, Lorraine and Jan with Charmain in the background

Monique looking very French

Peter takes representing Australia very seriously but Kerry is all smiles

against players from Australia and Tasmania (which I thought was part of Australia, but John Godfrey thinks otherwise…). Eleven matches were scheduled with a random draw of players throwing up some interesting battles to be fought. One of the more interesting teams comprised Peter Morgan resplendent in his Collingwood attire having Russell Ellen in his Essendon kit on the same AUS team; possibly the first time in history these sworn rivals had competed in the same side. Brian Saul (AUS) found himself up against his wife, Wendy (ROW) and the same applied to Shirley (ROW) against Roger Palmer (AUS), and Larraine Brickell (AUS) against her husband Stan (ROW). But Pauline and Tony Bourne, and Denise and Neville Odell were drawn in the same ROW teams. Paul and Sarah Kain (ROW) brought their mum and dad Peter and Mary who were visiting from the UK, along and they were formed in a team on their request. At the end of the afternoon, the Rest of the World teams – bolstered by the addition of four Australian-born bowlers who “defected” to balance the team numbers up – emerged triumphant by seven matches to four and 233 shots to 197. Prizes were awarded for overall first to fourth, and all four were captured by ROW teams. [A more vocal rendition of “Come on Aussie, come on”, or “Aussie, Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi Oi” is obviously called for next year! • 1st • 2nd • 3rd

Trevor Hughes, Denise Odell, Neville Odell and Tony Sabatino Brad Williams, Tom Dowling, Pauline Marsden and Steve Mortimer Mary, Sarah, Peter and Paul Kain (+8), on a count back from Tracey Nel, Ken Leach, Roger Palmer and Bob Mulroy (+8) who won the 4th prize

Ray Stapledon was unfortunately taken away from the game by ambulance with chest pains, with Alan Walton stepping in for him. At last report, Ray was recovering well. A great day for all, and next year’s event is already being anticipated. Mixed Pairs A brilliant start by Pauline Bourne and Ross Cunningham has enabled them to take out the delayed 2018-2019 Mixed Pairs Championship 19-9. They defeated Nerrida Porteous and Bruce Eagles in the final, held under sunny skies on Wednesday 30 January. A four to Pauline and Ross on the first end set the tone for the early part of the match, and they consolidated by winning 5 of the first 6 ends to lead 11-1 before Nerrida and Bruce found their range. But the deficit was too great and Pauline and Ross coasted home to win. Congratulations Pauline and Ross, to Nerrida and Bruce for making the final, and to all who contested this event.

Winners

Runners-up

Men’s Pairs A very tight match was witnessed in this final. After 10 ends Neville Odell and Bob Mulroy led 6-4, before Gavan Ebsworth and Trevor Orton picked up a four, followed by a single. But Neville and Bob proved too steady over ends 13-16, grafting six shots to lead 12-9 coming to the last. But despite holding one shot with only the last bowl to be played, it proved beyond Trevor to manufacture the three he and Gavan needed to extend the match. Neville and Bob won 12-10 in a high-quality match. Congratulations to Neville and Bob and to all who participated.

Winners

Runners-up

Twilight Bowls – Sponsored by BARNES WEALTH At the half-way mark of the Twilight Bowls season, a total of 136 bowlers have played at least one game, with 26 “regulars” having played 8, 9 or 10 games. The average

attendance is 48 players. 7 wins have been recorded by Brian Saul (+97 shots), John Sturk (+91), Frank Tyson (+77), Trevor Orton (+69), Neville Odell (+68) and Bob Jeffs (+34). Now that 10 rounds have been completed, the annual $100 prize which is based on the “best 10” cards submitted during the season can commence. Regular updates of this table will be provided. Why don’t you join us at 4:30pm each Wednesday? Community Bowls 20 teams have enrolled for this year’s Community Bowls season. Thanks to Roger and Shirley Palmer for organising and supervising each week, and to Keith Cooper and Colin Bangs for their work on the barbecue. “Wild Turkeys” are the leading team with 13 wins 1 draw and no losses from their 14 matches, followed by “Yesterday’s Heroes”(10-3-1) and “Untouchables”(11-0-3). Neil McCormick and his wife Erin from “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” are to be congratulated for their efforts in making each night go off so successfully. – Trevor Orton

woMen’S MatCh CoMMittee rePort Women’s triples championship Our Women’s Triples Championships were held on in November. Ten teams took part in sectional play giving us two sections of three and one section of four with a format of 13 ends played in each of the three games. Because of the uneven teams we allowed for a best loser out of the sections to accompany the winners through into the semifinals to make up the teams to four. It was a good day of bowling for our ladies on the green, and the four winning teams progressing through to the next round in early December. Our semi-finalists, with a format of 15 ends, were Barbara Lorencs’ team against Robyn van Mosseveld’s team and Lorraine Hyde’s team against Pauline Bourne’s team. With good bowling from both rinks, Barbara Lorencs and her team were in top form and this allowed them to pull away from Robin van Mosseveld and her team and win the game to take them to the finals. Lorraine Hyde and her team showed some excellent bowling and forged ahead of Pauline Bourne and her team to win the game and proceed to the finals. This game had a slow start with Lorencs winning the first five ends with one shot in each. Hyde came into the game on the sixth with one shot. This continued with one shot scores and only on the 14th end did we see a two shot score from Hyde’s team but this was not enough to give them the win they needed.

After the 15th end Barbara Lorencs, Sharon Eggers, and Wendy Saul won by two shots up to take the title away from Lorraine Hyde, Fran Bracknell, and Carmel Hyde. Congratulations to the winners, and to all the ladies who took part in the event.

Winners

Runners-up

100 up Championship In early October we held the 100 up Championship. Our format was sectional play and we had eight sections of three players. A great day with everyone enjoying their time on the greens showing off some excellent bowls. After the first day we had eight winners to play in the quarter finals of the knockout rounds.

In the next round in mid October again we had some great bowling by the competing ladies all eager to get through to the semi-finals. Our semi-finalists were Nerrida Porteous, Liz Marshall, Pauline Marsden and Wendy Saul. As the day went on Nerrida took charge of the game against Liz and went on to win her place in the finals. Pauline and Wendy battled it out showing us how close it can become with both playing championship bowls, but only one winner and Wendy took her place against Nerrida to play in the final.

The final game had to be delayed, due to unforeseen circumstances, so it was early December that we watched the most amazing play from both Nerrida and Wendy. This was such a close game of bowls, Wendy Saul at one point taking charge of the game and delivering some great bowls onto the jack. Nerrida gave chase and quickly caught up to make it 96 to Wendy and 94 to Nerrida on the last end. What a finish with Nerrida just sneaking past Wendy to end up with a score of 7 to Wendy’s 3 giving the game to Nerrida our Champion of the Women’s 100 Up for 2018. Thank you to all the women who took part in this event. Women’s Fours Championship A full report on this event will be included in the next newsletter Novice Singles Championship. Our Novice Singles Championship was held at the end of January. The last Women’s Novice event took place in 2016. There were no entries over the last three seasons, so it was a delight to see two of our new lady bowlers take part this year. Kerry Morgan and Tracey Nel took to the greens on a glorious day. They were both in good form, showing us a very close game throughout the morning, with both women delivering some excellent bowls, and enjoying their time on the green. Unfortunately, we can only have one winner although you could say they both deserved to win, but the trophy went to Tracey Nel with a score of 21 shots up to Kerry Morgan’s 19 shots up, so very close. Thank you to all the spectators who came out to support these ladies as they take on their journey into the world of bowls. Being newcomers to the Club they were thrilled to see that other members were interested enough to come out to watch the game and support the event. Thank you also to Charmain Harris who marked the game and Tony Friedlieb for umpiring. – Lee Leach

SoMe oF our SoCial BowlerS in aCtion

“Deep in thought”

“O Dear” “A technique we would all like to have”

“The Wise Men”

“Give me time” “Two happy Skippers”

“Mimico in action” 0

“Legs 11”

“Oops – dropped it”

“Two unhappy Skippers”

the Joe Stow heart Foundation day

hen I first joined Sorrento in 1998 Joe and Barbara Stow ran social bowls. Joe just loved the social bowlers and he and Barbara ran it for over a decade, every Friday and Sunday. Joe was an extrovert in every way. His outgoing nature made him the life and soul of the party. He and Barbara always welcomed new bowlers and helped them along for the first few weeks. If you had just joined, you were made to feel very special. It was then a case of “You’re on your own kid” so you had to sink or swim! Joe also had nicknames for a lot of people and was happy to be called “Fat Cat” as this was his favourite TV programme. He always sat in ‘Fat Cat’s Corner’ and after a while everyone started to sit there. We never spoke much about bowls and Joe would tell some jokes and everyone joined in and lots of laughter could be heard. In 2006 Joe passed away from a sudden heart attack so that is why we now, every year, have the “Heart Foundation Charity Day” in his honour. His wife Barbara continued to run social bowls until her heart gave way in 2013. The 36 bowlers, at this year’s event, helped raised $300 for the Heart Foundation who fund life saving heart research, and work to improve heart disease prevention and care for all Australians Winners were: Clive Webber, Jenny Gandras and Betty Stern. Runners up were Jenny Bartlett, Frank Tutt and David Mountford. – Barbara Spence

the dunCraig PhySio Mixed FourS event

n the last Friday before Christmas our social bowlers enjoyed an afternoon of bowls sponsored by our long-term supporter – Duncraig Physiotherapists. Les Roberts has supported the Sorrento Bowling Club for over 20 years. Thank you Les. Please remember if you need a physiotherapist please contact Les.

• • • •

Congratulations to the winners of the first prize: Doug Eissenhammer, Kevin Scammel, Steve Platt, and Ian Johnston. Helen Byfield, Louise Warren, Jenny Gandras and Alex Third won the second prize. – Barbara Spence

uMPire’S Corner Declaring the Head There is often confusion over what declaring the head entails. The Laws of the Sport of Bowls simply requires that the number of shots scored must be agreed by the opponents and then signalled (declared) to the Skips (or marker in singles). The question then

arises that if it becomes apparent a mistake has been made by one or both opponents, can the declaration be changed? This situation is not specifically covered by the Laws except that there is a requirement that where a situation is not covered, players and umpires must use common sense and a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play to decide the appropriate course of action. As such, the above situation should be resolved by allowing a change in declaration, provided the opponents agree. If opponents cannot agree the umpire should be called. Hats Blowing in the Wind With recent windy conditions it is not uncommon to see player’s hats blowing across the green. What happens if the hat disturbs the head? Where a hat disturbs the head on that player’s rink it is treated as if that player disturbed the head. i.e. the opposing team (or player in singles) has the right to return the bowls or jack to their original positions. Where a hat disturbs the head on another rink, it is treated as a foreign object and both opponents must agree on the former positions of the bowls or jack. If they cannot agree they must declare the end dead. -– Jim Ironside

CroQuet newSletter Christmas Lunch Croquet members, their partners and friends enjoyed a very cheerful Christmas gettogether held in the Club hall. Trish and Ross Cunningham once again cooked a delicious roast for us, and our members provided a variety of side dishes, resulting in an excellent meal all round. Father Christmas visited to distribute gifts to those members who had been “good” during the year, but it was not surprising to discover that there were a few “naughty” people among us, who received a lump of coal! They will have to try harder to be good this year. Everyone participated in a game of darts, with a few darts actually managing to hit the board! Unfortunately, there are no budding dart players in the croquet section for the Club to recruit into the Darts teams at this stage – we will have to keep practising! Once again, Gelair Pty. Ltd. (Laurie Glossop and Mary Gardner) donated a bottle of whisky for our annual attempts to roll a $2 coin nearest the bottle. This was very popular once again, with visitors to the Club joining in on the day to test their skill. The whisky was won by Phil Gates, a guest of Janet Fuller’s, who very generously donated it back to the Club. Thank you, Phil! The prize for “the best dressed” for the day was won by Jan Craddock, who looked terrific and enjoyed the fun of dressing up.

CroQuet MeMBerS in aCtion Below: Glenda Laidler

Terry and Jan Craddock Mary Gardner was not a good girl so no present from Santa! Right: Janet Fuller and Frank and Kerry Bomford enjoying the hospitality at the Geraldton Croquet Club

Rest of World Players. Di McGivern, Janet Fuller, Chas Brader, Cheryl Saul, Jenny Wilmot and Jan Craddock

Croquet Aussie Players, Kerry Bomford, Hilary Brader, David Ward, Thora Lay and Terry Craddock

Croquet under Lights Croquet members are currently playing on Tuesday evenings in conjunction with Community Bowls and sharing in the Sausage Sizzle/Hamburger suppers provided by the bowls club. The croquet section also enjoys participating in the “Theme Nights” devised by the bowlers – and have awarded prizes to Glenda Laidler for her “Christmas” theme costume; and to Di McGivern for her “Australia Day” theme. The final theme night will be “St. Patrick’s Day” on 12 March. We invite, and strongly encourage, all Club members and/or their guests to join in a game of croquet before the supper on Tuesday evenings – croquet is played from 4:30pm – 6:30pm and then again under lights from 7pm until everyone has had enough. It is an easy game to learn and is more fun than it seems! Come along to give it a go!!! Australia vs The Rest of the World In-keeping with the bowlers, the croquet members participated in this event too. We had five genuine Aussies; and six players from the “rest of the world” (by birth). Most players participated in the “dressing the part” code – Aussies and Internationals alike – and the competition on the courts was fierce! Not surprisingly, the “Rest of the World” team ran out clear winners by winning nine of the twelve games played. The afternoon concluded with drinks and snacks in the Club Rooms, joining in the “Australian Day” atmosphere created by this friendly rivalry. Welfare update • Judith Skeet, who damaged her neck recently, is now home from hospital but will need to continue wearing her back brace for at least another few weeks. She has her family giving her moral support as she needs it; in addition to having carers visiting her at home on a daily basis to deal with her medical and other needs. • Terry Harvey is suffering a urinary tract infection and is currently taking strong antibiotics, which are making him feel tired and weak. The medication seems to be taking a long time to combat the infection. • Bill Long (Barbara’s husband) suffered a heart attack just before Christmas and has further operations and treatment since then. He is showing improvement, although he is still on dialysis as his kidneys have been adversely affected by the sedatives that he has been on. He still has a long way to go to full health but he has physiotherapists and a speech therapist working with him. The family are currently trying to get Bill moved to Joondalup Hospital. • Liz Wood suffered a very serious fracture to her upper femur following a fall, but she is working hard to migrate from the Zimmer frame to a walking stick. Alan is a very supportive and caring husband, but he has been able to continue playing

croquet at least once a week. • Mary Gardner has been diagnosed with a frozen shoulder, and is waiting to see a specialist for treatment. • David Ward is playing croquet as often as he can whilst also undertaking dialysis. He will undergo a “live” kidney transplant from his sister on 7 February. He hopes to be back in full swing by the end of March. • Thora Lay has had her left shoulder and left hip injected with cortisone to try to get them to work more effectively with less pain. She reports that the injections have helped her shoulder, but the hip is not responding as it should. Her love of the game has enabled her to continue playing croquet despite the pain. All members of the croquet section wish all our “patients” above a very speedy recovery; and look forward to seeing them return to full health; and to the croquet courts very soon. – Kerry Bomford

why iS our CluB So SuCCeSSFul?

s momentum at Sorrento continues to surge, with

• Seven Club of the Year awards in seven years, including a hat-trick from Clubs WA and the inaugural club to be admitted to the “Hall of Fame” • A host of individual honours under its belt, success in both the Men and Women’s Premier divisions and the most bowling members of any club • and record membership at a time when many clubs are struggling,

Some members were asked to give their opinion on why we are such a successful bowling club. These are their edited opinions:

Listening to bowlers who have joined us from other Clubs, the consensus seems to be that we are a welcoming and friendly group. We also are well-run, members know where they stand, our Committees work well, the quality of our greens is envied, and we have nearly 40 long term sponsors. Once the planned renovations are completed there will be no stopping us! – Jan Paniperis Our Community bowls is a great example of how we involve the community with up to 80 bowlers enjoying a game and having a lot of fun socialising with each other on the green and in the club house. Our facilities are so good that we are often complemented on our greens and friendly club which in turn must go a long way to explain our recent increase in membership as the word is spread amongst the community. – Roger and Shirley Palmer We have a lot of enthusiastic members who are friendly and positive who always put a welcome mat out for new members. Our excellent and well-run committees aim to involve members in our club competitions, coaching courses and social events. We also communicate well with members through our website, newsletter, emails and social media. Our Club is well managed, and our volunteers are a tremendous team that keeps the club at a high standard. – Lee Leach It has always been our mission to be recognised as the best bowling club in WA and I believe we have achieved this goal. I’m proud of our Governing Council, our volunteers, the staff and members of Sorrento who have helped us win numerous Club of the Year awards. We are a community, we pull together and support each other, and we want the best for everyone whether they are bowlers, social members, recreational bowlers or members of our Darts or Croquet Clubs. That is why we are successful. – Pauline Marsden When we joined Sorrento, 14 years ago, we were made to feel very welcome by Joe and Barbara Stow who ran the social bowls for many years. Our Club continues to provide a great and friendly atmosphere. We continue to be amazed at the number of dedicated volunteers who contribute hours of their time to making sure everything runs smoothly and the greens and grounds are in tip-top condition. We

also need to thank all our Life Members for their contributions over many years as this has set the basis for our current success. Special thanks must go to Brian Lucas for his more than 20 year and on-going contribution to our Club and to Trevor Orton who does such a splendid job.. It has been great to be part of this successful club. What a good decision we made in 2005 to join Sorrento! – Neville and Denise Odell Anyone can walk into our Club and bathe in the companionship that greets them. Bowls, Darts, Croquet, Scrabble, Mah-jong and other card games are available for all our members and their friends. Our wonderful volunteers who tend to our club make it such a special place. It is also great when young people celebrate a special event and want to play bowls as well. We have helpful caring members who are only too happy to help with coaching and love what they are achieving. Delicious meals are available from Silver Fern every Friday. Thanks must also go to Ian Lucas for our well run and friendly bar. I consider Sorrento to be my second home and I’m honoured to feel this way and I’m sure a lot of members feel the same way. Thank you, SBC! –Annie Taylor I believe the success of our Club is due to several factors. In general, members are respected and treated equally, whether they are premium bowlers or just social members. We have a wide range of bowls and social events that members can get involved in and enjoy. We are fortunate that over the years the Club’s senior management has planned and worked tirelessly to ensure the Club’s success. The hard work of the various committees and volunteers keeps the Club running smoothly. – Jim Ironside

oPinion PieCe: one red SuPPortS Five gold

few years ago, while having a drink with my opposite number after a game of lower-grade Pennants, I made the casual remark that “Sorrento has never had a team in the Premier Division”. Quick as a flash the bloke I was sitting with fired back with “you are lucky”. He then added, “and if you ever do, you’ll regret it”, and that aloofness and incivility went hand in hand with elevation to the top shelf. Now that Sorrento has male teams in Premiership Division on both Saturday and Thursday, I am yet to find reason why I should agree with my opponent’s view. My staunch belief is that our Club’s camaraderie and culture was proven, for example,

beyond doubt on Saturday 24 November during and after Sorrento’s nail-biting and monumental Premier Division away win against the ladder-leading Cambridge squad. Despite waging their own herculean battle against the home team’s “hot shots” it became obvious it was indeed Sorrento v Cambridge right across the board. When a Sorrento 5th Division Lead, towards the end of an equally tense contest on an adjoining green and rink, put his first bowl right on the jack a couple of our observant Premier Division players took the time to let out a mighty roar of encouragement. In an environment that, by its elitist nature can breed an air of superiority, how many other clubs fielding Premier League teams could boast that sort of allegiance? On returning to our Club later that afternoon the Premier Division players, especially the ones who have joined Sorrento this season, would have been chuffed by the raucous applause from those still gathered in the bar area. There is definitely a need for our boys, if they are to survive in the “big league”, to have a degree of privacy and their transportation to and from away venues on a bus driven by the enormously dedicated and unheralded Danny Condon is vital to their success. What is discussed in that “think tank on wheels” is professional planning at a basically, amateur level and it’s essential a strong sense of good old-fashioned Club loyalty keeps our group intact. It’s still early days, I guess, but I believe our Premier Division players have the strength of character not to allow a “them and us” syndrome to develop at Sorrento. If that indeed turns out to be the case, that’s got to make us the envy of every club that ever set foot on a green. – Jim Woodward

thank you, ChriS

he recruitment of Chris Lander has been a significant reason for our success. I have known Chris since 1976 when he was leading in “One Red” at Scarborough. I again ran into Chris and his wife Ros when their boys took part in a basketball program that I was running at the Duncraig High School. While I take no credit for recruiting Chris, whenever I saw him, I kept asking “When will you be joining Sorrento?”. I was overjoyed when he eventually decided to join us. He has been innovative and supportive in many of the contributions he has made in 0

the last three years. His suggestions for improvements in the conduct of tournaments and other initiatives together with his vast experience has enabled Sorrento to benefit and progress. His list of achievements out-ranks that of any other member but this has not affected his attitude to any member that he meets, and he willingly assists bowlers ranked many divisions below him. Chris’ personality and willingness to work hard for the advancement of Sorrento has been tremendous. Put simply, Chris is the rock of Sorrento. Make no mistake, his generosity in terms of his overall and unflinching service to Sorrento at both the highest level and benevolent attitude and availability to players of lower grades, seeking help, is an ornament to his character. We are indeed lucky to have Chris as a member of our Club and we hope to see him back in action again soon, for his authority, class and enthusiasm reverberates right across the green when the Premier Division squad is locked in the heat of battle. –Trevor Orton

Well this year Sorrento becomes the first club of any type to be admitted to Club’s WA’s Hall of Fame. This tremendous recognition of our outstanding performance follows from the Club winning Medium Size Club of the Year on three consecutive occasions (2016, 2017 and 2018) on top of winning the award in 2013. Unfortunately, because of our success, Sorrento is not eligible to apply for the Club of the Year award in 2019, but we

AN CLUB IN ALI D TR

Y AWARDS TR US

any of us are old enough to remember Barry Jones answering questions on BP Pick a Box. Barry’s general knowledge was so good that no one could beat him and for the sake of revitalising the show he had to go.

WESTERN AU S

FirSt CluB adMitted to CluB’S wa’S hall oF FaMe

2018 AWA

RDS FOR

EXCELL EN C E

Clubs WA 2018 Awards for Excellence CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Sorrento Bowling Club CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING

Club of the Year - Medium Category 2018, 2017 and 2016

Thank you for your dedication and contribution to the WA Club Industry

Karen Giles 9^_[\ ;n[Ykj_l[ E\ăY[h

Clubs WA Industry Awards for Excellence

can apply the following year. This news was particularly disappointing for Brian Lucas who had all but completed the Club’s application and was quietly confident of winning it again this year. Such is life. Now we know how Barry Jones felt. – Neville Odell

PolitiCal CorreCtneSS on the Bowling green

ohn Gray showed us some insights in his book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. But perhaps not enough to navigate the troubled waters of gender equity. Why have a simple, common sense philosophy when we can have reams of laws and regulations that make sure that the subject is so complex? Has it been this way since the formation of mankind – sorry personkind? Whilst playing in a Mixed (now known as “Any Gender”) Fours game of bowls, I heard a Skipper, throughout the afternoon, complementing the female members of his team with “Good Shot Luv”, “Well done Girls” and “Good shot Dearie”. My first thought was “Is this politically correct and what other terms may be used without fellow bowlers taking offence?” What about “My Dear”, “Girlie”, “Honey”, “Darling”, “Mate” and “Sweetie”. Are these acceptable? According to the experts we need to avoid language or behaviour that any particular group of people might feel is unkind or offensive. The Cardiff Metropolitan University says we need to avoid the use of the word “girls” as this is a sexist word, which should never be used about adult women. Apparently, if a women Skipper calls her Lead “Lovey” it is OK but when a man does this it is unacceptable. What if a female Skipper uses terms like this when addressing her male Lead? Referring to “Women” as “Ladies” is now also considered to be politically incorrect. Since the gender revolution, some women are insulted to be called “ladies,” feeling that the word suggests inferiority, hypocrisy, or condescension. Wimbledon still has the “Gentlemen and Ladies Singles” but some ladies don’t like to be called “Ladies” and prefer “Women” as in “Women’s Singles” or the “Women’s 100 Up” and take exception when referred to as “Ladies”. Apparently according to some we only have “Women” in our Club and no “Ladies”! Ditto with the words “Men” and “Gentleman”. It is interesting to note that “Lady” is also used somewhat disparagingly to address a woman (as opposed to “Miss” or “Ma’am”), so you’ll sometimes hear things like, “Lady, I don’t care what you think...” especially in movies

As the politically correct movement gains momentum we will need to take even more care not to offend fellow bowlers. Remember to ask a fellow bowler about their ‘partner’, instead of using gendered terms like ‘girlfriend/boyfriend’ or ‘husband/wife’. You might choose to do this to avoid assuming the person’s sexual orientation or gender, or even that they have chosen to be married. Australia used to have a culture or special friendship called ‘mate-ship’, Depending on the strength of the relationship, a strong friend might greet you with “How are you going, you old bastard”. Unfortunately, in bowling clubs amusing greetings and banter has virtually disappeared due to political correctness. Rule of thumb – think about what you are about to say or do to someone else and consider whether it could be construed as offensive. If it could, then don’t say or do it. My mate “Skew Wiff” Watt has written this little poem to help us sum up the situation this difficult situation:. BoWling With “MuM” i used to call her ‘Sweetheart’, if she got a shot quite near, And if she got a ‘touChER”, i’d call out “Shot! My Dear!” i’d say “good-on-Ya - lovey!” And other words so sweet, i’d call her “honey! – “Darling!” And words you could not beat. But yesterday i ‘Blew’ it! When she landed in the ‘DitCh’, i said “You’ve left me Speechless, And i don’t know what to say!” – Neville Odell

aBout growing older... First

Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me; I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve travelled a long way, and some of the roads weren’t paved. When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. I don’t know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. One of the many things no one tells you about ageing is that it’s such a nice change from being young. One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it’s called golf.

Second Third

Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth

And, finally ~ If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old. – Thanks to Ian Wittber for this contribution

getting to know our MeMBerS

he best way to – PERSISTENT.

describe

Keith

Cooper

Because when you consider the salient aspects of Keith’s long life such as, for example, darts, bowls, raffles and romance he is, without doubt, persistence personified. Born at King Edward Hospital, on November 1, 1938, Keith went to school and grew up in the Leederville area, and worked for a short time in his grandmother’s fruit and vegetable shop in Oxford Street as he was inexorably drawn towards his first dartboard. That association began when Keith was 17 and has continued to this very day.

The colossal number of darts trophies on display in Keith and his wife of 55 years, Margaret’s home bears testimony to his success at such venues as the Oxford Hotel in Leederville, the Saint Hotel at Innaloo (formally the Morris Hotel), the Barleycorn Hotel in Nollamara, the Girrawheen Tavern plus the Osborne Park and Sorrento Bowling Clubs, to mention a few. Taking pride of place in Keith’s trophy collection is for being the singles Champion of Champions at a competition in Mundaring in 1984 and it was during these heady days that Keith gained selection in the WA State Squad. But somehow during that hectic period Keith managed to stay focused on the other pursuits young blokes of the day followed. At the Canterbury Court Ballroom in James Street, Northbridge one night, a young lass caught Keith’s attention and he bravely summoned the courage to ask her for a dance. However, his advance was forthrightly rejected. Not long after Keith thought he spotted the same girl on a city bus. He decided to again speak to her but, to his horror when he said “hello Margaret”, he suddenly realised it was a girl who had similar looks to the one with whom he had hoped to strike up a conversation. And that’s how things stood for Keith until he received his National Service call-up papers and was despatched to the recruit training facility at Northam. After realising the damage loud rifle fire was doing to his eardrums (a problem which still haunts him to this day), Keith volunteered to become a cook in the Sergeants mess – skills he has retained as the sausage sizzle man at Sorrento’s Community bowls nights. On one of his nights off from the military, Keith decided to attend another dance, this time in Northam, and who of all people should be there was local lass, Margaret Hughes as it turned out. Keith this time got his dance and the rest is history. Keith and Margaret were married in 1963 and have a son, Greg, who now lives at Port Kennedy. As his darts and then bowls with Osborne Park and later Sorrento flourished, Keith had two stints as a roof tiler, punctuated by a reluctant period as a carpenter that his father had organised, and he finished his working days with a 37-year stint with Western Power. Keith began bowling at Sorrento in 1987 with Margaret following suit 10 years later before retiring from the sport in 2012 because of family commitments. Keith has his name engraved in gold on the honour board for being a winner of our Club’s championship fours in 2009-10 along with Ron Rogers, Bill Trebilco and Ray Dunn and again the following season with Ron, Ray and Ian Linford.

Keith should get a mention in the triples championship column alongside John Hammond and John Stewart in 1997-98 but Ray Stewart’s name remains on the honour board despite his late withdrawal from the team. Tradition is part of any great club and in this regard the diligence shown by Margaret and Keith for almost a quarter of a century will take a lot of beating. For about 48 Friday nights a year since the early 1990s when they took over the role from Con Stephenson, the Coopers have been raising money for the darts and bowls clubs by way of their now legendary meat-tray raffles. From humble beginnings of two meat-trays from the Supa Value store at Glengarry, the meat-trays have expanded into five on a good night and are supplied and subsidised by Barbaro Butchers at Greenwood. They are also collected without fail by Keith. A good night means around 180 tickets at $2 each have been sold with profits going to essential items such as trophies, dart boards, bowling mats and jacks plus the television sets scattered around the clubhouse. As each Christmas approaches, Keith and Margaret get their raffle hams ready with the latest batch numbering around 40. A few extra ones go to hampers and gala days. Keith and Margaret’s meat-tray modus operandi is simple, but also highly effective and a touch quaint. Ever since they began collecting money for the meat-trays, they have used an old (very old) biscuit tin with origin undetermined which in its heyday used to contain Danish Butter Cookies and is emblazoned with a few Hans Christian Andersen pearls of wisdom and the words “Forever Friends” on its lid. Towards the end of each Friday night’s collection the tin, with close to $360 dollars of mostly coins inside, tends to become a bit heavy. On two occasions it has been accidentally dropped on the floor, scattering its contents in all directions. But on both occasions, under Margaret’s astute surveillance, the books balanced – emphasising that the honesty of Sorrento’s members as well as the spirit and culture generated by people like Margaret and Keith persists. – Jim Woodward

our ladieS gala day

Lots of excitement around the jewellery and raffle stalls

Larraine Brickell and Helen Teasdale offering welcoming drinks

Shona Carter, Moira Dean and Kaye Martin doing a roaring trade at the plant stall Left: Shirley Palmer, Liz Marshall and Lauris Berry at their beautifully set out book stall Left: Sonia McGrady, Liz Young and Betty Stern selling tickets for the wine raffle

Buenos dias! Our resident Mexican lady, Jan Paniperis. Bienvenido!

ladieS gala day 2019 raiSeS $3661

n January we held our annual Gala Day. This year again we were full with 35 teams from clubs in the Metro area, and one team who came all the way from Meadow Springs, making a total of 36 teams. It was good to see Meadow Springs going away with the runner up prize, of $300, just losing out to Wanneroo for the top prize of $500. The morning winners received $120, and the afternoon winners $120 with all the winners going home “happy bowlers”. As usual on this special day we welcomed our visitors with a cocktail of champagne and orange juice and a delicious morning tea consisting of scones, cakes and breads getting them in the mood for their adventure ahead. There were plenty of stalls for our visitors to browse through and lots of raffles on offer with our Monster Wine Raffle, and our Multi Raffle Table which brought a generous amount of money into our funds for the day. We thank Aero Bowls-World for donating a beautiful new bowls bag towards our raffle, and a thank you also to K’Sara Boutique for donating a “Beauty Pamper Pack” and these were greatly appreciated. We are so lucky to have a great team of helpers for this big day. Thank you so much to the women and men who help make this day such a success. The Match Committee, and Kitchen duties were tremendous and an awful lot of work goes into setting up games, and lunches for 144 ladies. Thank you to everyone involved, you made this day a great one for all our visiting teams who enjoyed their time at Sorrento. – Lee Leach

what CauSeS “elderly” PeoPle to Fall?

number of our members have had bad falls over the years so I did some research and thought the following article may be of interest to some of our members: • Dick Currie tripped over the garden hose whilst washing his car and ended up with nine screws and a seven inch steel plate to hold the ankle together • Ron Rogers slipped on a sloping surface in his bowling shoes and broke his leg and ended up in a wheel chair for many months

• Judith Skeet fell in her lounge and fractured her spine and had to spend nearly six weeks in hospital • Yours truly was careless and fell on some steps and then had a second fall in a dimly lit area. After lots of physio and eventually steroidal injections, I’m nearly right! I also heard about a retired bowler, on new medication, who bit his wife in the middle of the night. She had to have a tetanus injection. A few days later he fell out of bed and ended up gashing his leg on the bedside table necessitating 17 stitches. According to my research falls occur for one or more of the following reasons: A Decline in Physical Fitness. Many adults become less active as they get older, which exacerbates the physical effects of aging. Failure to engage in even mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility. Impaired Vision. Age-related eye diseases can make it difficult to detect fall hazards, such as steps, puddles and thresholds. Even if a senior is in top physical condition, failing to see obstacles or changes in ground level can lead to a nasty tumble. Medications. Some medications can increase a senior’s risk of falling. Side-effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness and low blood pressure, can all contribute to an accident. Sedatives, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, opioids and some cardiovascular drugs are the most common culprits. Chronic Diseases. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Arthritis cause weakness in the extremities, poor grip strength, balance disorders and cognitive impairment. Surgical Procedures. Hip replacements and other surgeries can leave a person weak, in pain and discomfort, and less mobile than they were before the procedure. Environmental Hazards. The majority of falls occur in or around homes. Factors such as poor lighting, clutter, areas of disrepair, loose carpets, slick floors and lack of safety equipment can jeopardize a senior’s safety in their home.

Behavioural Hazards. A person’s fall risk is influenced by their unique lifestyle and behaviours. This includes the types of activities they engage in, the level of physical demand these activities require, and their willingness and ability to adapt their routine for enhanced safety. For example, laundry is a normal daily activity for many people, but it can involve a great deal of exertion for a senior, especially if they transport a heavy laundry basket. This can be risky on its own, but if they also refuse to wear secure, non-skid footwear or attempt to navigate stairs, they put themselves at greater risk. A fall rarely occurs due to only one of the reasons above. When any of these factors combine, it can lead to a serious, possibly life-threatening injury. Even if a loved one is lucky to escape a fall uninjured, the experience can leave them shaken. he fear of falling again can cause them to withdraw and become more sedentary, which often leads to further physical and even mental decline. To keep safe and healthy, learn how you can modify your home and lifestyle to prevent fall-related injuries. – Thanks to Graeme Whitehorn for this useful article

triBute to val thornett

t is with deep regret that we advise club members of the passing of our dear friend–Valerie Thornett. Val was a keen bowler and liked to lead for the Ladies Second Division. She also led for a winning Club Championship Fours side which gave her great pleasure. In the photo at the end of this tribute we have the winning team consisting of Lee Leach, Anne Lilley, Emily Dunn and Val. In her time at our Club she assisted in maintaining our library. Val met her husband Mike on a badminton tour and they married soon after. They had two boys – Grant and John and two grandchildren. Val fought long and hard to overcome the cancers that she endured. Her first type of cancer was Mantle cell lymphoma from which she made a full recovery and returned to bowls for another 12 months. In the following year she endured a 12 hour operation on her upper jaw to remove a

squamous cell cancer. Slowly Val deteriorated and became bed ridden. Valerie died peacefully in Glengarry Hospital Palliative Care on 9 January 2019. Never to be forgotten. – Jim and Helen Ironside

liFetiMe oF volunteering rewarded

t our half yearly General Meeting held on 27 January 2019 the Sorrento Bowling Club officially recognised the years of contribution by longserving member Graeme Whitehorn, awarding him Life Membership of the Club. Life memberships are not awarded lightly. Recommended applicants must meet, as a minimum, a challenging set of requirements outlined in the Club’s Constitution. In Graeme’s case, as with our other life members, an outstanding contribution, well above expectations has made the task much easier. Graeme built a home in Duncraig in 1992 and transferred from Hollywood-Subiaco Bowling Club where he had played bowls for eight years. Graeme’s bowling experience goes back to 1970 when he joined the Geraldton Bowling Club after an injury prevented him from continuing to play cricket.

Sorrento was extremely fortunate because not only did we acquire an enormously talented bowler who had extensive experience skippering and playing 1 Red (equivalent to Premier Division) but he was also a qualified bowls coach and great all-round helper. Naturally when joining Graeme took over a rink in Sorrento’s top side and was immediately co-opted to begin coaching Pennant sides and new bowlers. Graeme was part of the Club’s inaugural First Division winning Premiership team in 1995/6. Graeme fulfilled the role of Secretary to the Men’s Bowls Committee for over 10 years between 1996 and 2017. Few members will be aware, but Graeme with the support of Club member Neil Adams and wife Veronica started the Club’s first newsletter back in 1998 and continued doing so for four years. For many years Graeme acted as Sorrento’s delegate on the Northern Region bowls committee and subsequently onto the Metropolitan Bowls Council. He also helped organise the visit to Perth by the South African Bowls team. Graeme was also active on the social committee in the early 1990s, volunteered for a plethora of jobs around the Club and supported the Club over a 25-year period and also made several generous financial donations. For health reasons in 2016, after 22 years in the role, Graeme handed over his coaching responsibilities, and in 2017 retired from both administrative tasks and pennants. After 27 years with the Club and recently receiving an OBE (“Over Bloody Eighty”) badge, Graeme is taking things a bit easier but keenly watches and supports the Club’s development and achievements. Graeme recently said “I’ve loved contributing in a meaningful way to many areas of this great Club and I look forward to continue supporting Sorrento in whatever capacity I can. I’ve seen a lot of positive changes over my time at Sorrento bowling club, and hopefully more to come as it has been a big part of my life for so many years.” Graeme is a great example to all Club members. Well done Graeme on a well-deserved Life Membership. – Brian Lucas

MeMBer reward draw

ur Member Reward Draw continues to be a major draw card on Friday nights at our Club and compliments the Meat Raffles and the catering from Silver Fern Catering. Your member donation contributes to the weekly jackpot as well as the bonus prizes each week. During 2018 the Joker was won three times • 23 February Alan Davis won $5000 • 3 August Brian Collins won $4700 • 23 November Jill Pryer won $2900 With weekly member bonus pay outs of $130, a further $8190 was returned to member participants. In the 13 months from Jan 5 – 2018 to Jan 24 – 2019, a total of in excess of $20,000 has been returned to members. Profits from the Joker draw go into the clubs operational budget. The Club Treasurer was in tears in 2018 with an unprecedented 3 ‘big’ payouts. The growing member support and participation ensure this fun event will continue to be part of your Friday nights. I would like to try and set up a roster system where 4 different pairs of people do the selling of the stars for Chase the Joker on a Friday night. The main task is setting up and collecting members’ donations and distributing and collecting the stars. This takes about 2 hours from start to finish (5pm – 7pm) on Friday nights. You will be given all the support and assistance once you are on-board. I am happy to do the microphone, if required. Frank Gandras assists with the card cutting and Bob and Judy are there to assist and support. This would mean you would only need to run the ‘Stars’ once a month and there is backup available if you cannot do it on the assigned night. If you are able to assist with this role please talk to Kevin Coffey or Ian Lucas. New members are welcome! Thank you – Kevin Coffey

underStanding the Male PSyChe

his is a story which is perfectly logical to all males: A wife asks her husband: “Could you please go to Woolworths for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have avocados, get 6?” A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, “Why did you buy 6 cartons of milk?” He replied, “They had avocados.” (If you’re female, I’m sure you’re going back to read it again. Males will get it the first time.) – Thanks to Brian Lucas for this contribution

ConSiStenCy

revor Orton wrote this for the newsletter a while back. It is worth repeating: to be consistent you have to be conservative and perhaps a little boring. You have to concentrate on every bowl. You have to practice. the more bowls around the head you have, the more chance you have of winning shots or of preventing your opponents from scoring significant numbers of shots.

gueSS who anSwerS

id you manage to identify the people on page 12?

Number 1: Number 2: Number 3:

Tony Sabatino Robyn and John Godfrey (according to Brian Self) Pat and Hilda Dichiera

who Made the deliCiouS ShortBread?

eville bought shortbread on Gala day and ever since then I have been nagged to find out who made it. I have enquired from several people who served on the cake stall but have not had any success. It was made in a round cake tin and cut into wedges and was crispy and just lovely. Was it you? Please don’t be shy – just send me the recipe so that things can return to normal and I only get nagged once or twice a day again! –Denise Odell

Rod Garnaut Shop 12 Alexander Heights Shopping Centre 200 Mirrabooka Avenue, WA 6064 P: +61 (8) 9343 9000 E: rod.alexanderheights@helloworld. com.au

our dartS CluB wind uP

e started this year’s presentations by acknowledging 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 As you can imagine there is a lot of effort put in to this event so I would like to thank Ross and Trish from Silver Fern catering for a great feed and those who helped setting up the event. Our Darts Club, which has operated for over thirty years, is a very successful Club. This doesn’t happen by accident and requires the service of the dedicated committee members, delegates and team managers. I would like to thank the following: • Brian Lucas who has been in the Darts Club in many capacities over many years. He is our current Treasurer and puts in many hours balancing our books. • Ian Marshall who is our Secretary. Thank you Ian for all you do for our Club. • Brian Lucas and Divyesh Shah who were the recorders. • Tony Jones and Dave Maunders who were delegates to the Darts Association. • Phil Webb and Kishore Dudhia who were delegates to the Blue Water Darts. • Last but by no means least is the dynamic pair – Keith and Margaret Cooper who work tirelessly selling raffle tickets (see separate article about Keith Cooper). In the 2017/2018 season we had mixed results but I believe the competition was enjoyed by all. We had four sides representing us this year. This is one more than last year even though we had a number of our members who decided to travel during the winter months and a few of our top division players not playing 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 Red, which was captained by Dave Maunders, defeated Sorrento Blue in the first semifinal and went on to win the 3rd Division Premiership. We also had two teams entered in the Bluewater Association with Sorrento White, captained by Ian Marshall, runners-up in the 3rd Division Premiership Trophy presentation Sports and bowling association 3rd Division Red won the Premiership Jason Higgins Tom Dowling Mike Stanley Stuart Davie Stewart Banham Stan James Malcolm Mills Dave Maunders (Capt.)

dartS wind-uP – January 2019

Blue Water 3rd Division Runners-up

Kishore Dudhia who won the “180 trophy”

Club singles winner Chris Paterson and runner -up Doug Lorencs receiving their awards from David Wallace

Doubles winners Phil Webb and Kishore Dudhia and runners-up Keith Cooper and Davindra Chavda receiving their awards from Dave Wallace

Bluewater Darts Association 3rd Division –White Premiership Runners-up Kevin Cook Mike Stanely Kishore Dudhia Lothar Poelchow Don Martin Ken Leach Eddie Tassone Tony Jones Keith Cooper Ian Marshall (Capt.) I would also like to congratulate Kishore Dudhia who scored 180 Club Event Trophies. • Singles Champion • Singles Runner-up • Singles Plate Winner • Singles Plate Runner-up • Doubles Champions • Doubles runner-ups

Chris Paterson Doug Lorencs Juris Lorencs Brian Lucas Phil Webb and Kishore Dudhia Keith Cooper and Davindra Chavda

Bluewater Association • B grade Highest average • B grade Most pegs • B grade Highest peg • C grade Highest average • C grade Most pegs • C grade Highest peg

Chris Paterson Juris Lorencs Doug Lorencs Kevin Cook Kevin Cook Don Martin

Sports And Bowling Club Association • 3rd Div. Blue Highest average Lochlan Best • 3rd Div. Blue Most pegs Lochlan Best • 3rd Div. Blue Highest peg Lochlan Best • 3rd Div. Red Highest average Stuart Davie • 3rd Div. Red Most pegs Stuart Davie • 3rd Div. Red Highest peg Stuart Davie

(59.98) (30) (118) (39.71) (30) (83)

(52.02) (26) (76) (50.13) (25) (69)

A special presentation was made to Keith Cooper who had a peg of 127 during the finals I would again like to thank all those who attended and wish teams all the best for the coming summer season – Wayne Gray

the “SBC CraB award” Did you know that our 2 Blue Saturday Men’s Pennant side has introduced the weekly “Crab Award”? This is presented to the player who has the most “unmemorable” bowl/s or event during a Pennant game The weekly winner of the “Crab” must display the crab whilst bowling, throughout the next week, until it is passed on to the next lucky winner of the award.

1st Winner Alan “Dreads” Walton for two short and narrow bowls at a really critical stage of the game

3rd Winner Dion Smith for rolling three kitties into the ditch when the Skipper wanted a short end

5th Winner Alan “Dreads” Walton (for a second time) for bad 4th Winner management because Warren Elliott for bowling he allowed the crab a wrong bias that landed to be presented to at Dion’s feet as he was Warren Elliott on a bowling on the adjacent Thursday game rink 0

2nd Winner Brian Keily for claiming a wrong bias was because of the stickers but on inspection it was found that his bowls had none

6th Winner Dion does it again with a wrong bias