Sorrento Bowling Club Magazine Issue 94 September 2023

Sorrento Bowling Club’s News Magazine

Three of our lovely ladies looking very happy after winning a prize in the Handicap Triples

No 94 – Our 3rd Edition for 2023

From Your Editors

Welcome

First your Editor would like to thank those who have asked after my health. I'm our local pharmacist’s best customer! At the current rate I will be taking about 4000 pills/medications in the next 12 months – if nothing changes! Hope they all know where to go!

In this edition we have

• Featured some of our professional journalist Jim Woodward's excellent articles. We thank him for this as everyone enjoys reading his pieces.

• Looked back to 1978 (45 years ago) and tried to envisage what the Club President might have written in his Annual report tabled at our Club's 3rd AGM.

• Compared lawn bowls and ten pin bowling and found some similarities and differences.

• Examined some remarks that were made when a streaker ran across a green at a Perth Club.

• Plus much more. We hope you enjoy reading the 3rd edition for 2023.

Some More "Did you hear" and "Did you know"?

Did you hear about the owner of a golf course on the Gold Coast was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some mathematical help. He called her into his office and said, “You graduated from the University of Queensland and I need some help. If I were to give you $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?” The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, “Everything but my earrings.”

Did you know the human brain has the most fat of all our organs? In spite of all this fat the memory capacity of our brain is 2.5 petabytes. A “petabyte” means 1024 terabytes or a million gigabytes so that the average adult human brain can accumulate the equivalent of 2.5 million gigabytes of memory.

If you were to put all the brain's capacity on a 16 GB USB drive it would require 156000 USBs. The only problem is that such a powerful system is usually hacked by a wife in 30 seconds or less!

Did you know that two of our members became first time grandmothers on 2 March (Jan Paniperis) and 21 March (Lesley Hughes)? Yes, yes, we know late bloomers, but that was their respective sons’ fault! See above for the cuteness factor. The grandmothers are of course totally besotted with the new additions to their families.

• Left: The two proud Grannies

• Middle: Louis Paniperis-Rosinel doing a "MC Hammer" impression!

• Above: Right: Eliza Hughes doing what babies do best–sleep!

Did you know that Nerrida Porteous has written and published a book called "The Stones in My Jar". If you would like to read this book, go on a journey and enjoy history with a personal touch, contact Nerrida and she will lend you a copy. Nerrida has captured Samuel Haynes' reminiscences about a bygone era of Australia. As the story unfolds, you will appreciate that this is the story of one man's fascinating life of success, tribulation and great achievement through personal determination.

Did you know the Sorrento Bowling Club is one of the host clubs for the 2023 National Championships? Between 6 October and 16 October, we will host Champion of Champions, Under 18s and Open Australian Sides Events.

Did you hear that a bowler has been accused of assault after a bizarre lawn bowls stoush about lawn bowls etiquette, at a bowls club? It allegedly ended with one man tackling a fellow bowler, who responded with a flurry of punches. Hope this never happens in our Club!

Did you know that Paul Knight got to the final of the 2022-2023 Mt Lawley Men's Masters Singles?

Congratulation Paul! We are all very proud of your achievements. Paul tells us that he had to play four games on the final Sunday. After playing the "Last 16", the "Quarter finals", the "Semi-final" and the "Final" he estimates that he played for ten hours, putting down about 400 bowls that day with the final only starting at 5pm!

Did you know that Pat Dichiera is a star cook? He tells us that he has a "Man Cave" where he does his best work and that his Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity, use of a few high-quality ingredients and that his dishes that are always full of flavour. Below are some photographs of Pat's specialities. He tells us his signature dish is called "Pat’s Calamari Surprise" and is made from calamari, red onion, cherry tomatoes and black olives. He also does a delicious risotto with bacon, onion, mushrooms, peas and carrots, a lasagne, an osso bucco with mashed potato and pumpkin and arancini balls. His mate Tony reckons he is the "Master of the Meat Balls".

Did you know that one of Adelaide’s oldest lawn bowls clubs will receive a $9.6m new lease of life from the State Government as its old home is going to be demolished as the land is required for development? The historic Torrensville Bowling Club will be relocated and a state-of-the-art 12-rink covered bowling green will be completed by early 2025. The new facility will feature new clubrooms, car parking, synthetic greens and a reassembled

canopy. Perhaps we should show this to our new Premier!

Did you know that there are a number of places in the World with very long names so if you are planning a holiday why not visit?

• Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (85 letters) in North Island NZ.

• Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters) a village in Wales.

• Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (45 letters) a lake in Massachusetts.

• Mamungkukumpurangkuntjunya Hill in South Australia

Hi Mr Editor

I’m very surprised that Jan Pan and Denise, our Sensitivity Readers, allowed you to publish an image of a women’s car park on page 6 of your June edition. It should have been pulled so that I would not have had to get offended! According to Google men are much more likely to be involved in car accidents than women– Larraine Brickell

Membership Analysis

In my opinion our members can be divided into two categories namely:

1. Full members who visit our Club regularly to play bowls and partake of refreshments and other amenities

2. Visiting Members who visit the club to play bowls and then depart and never volunteer. Which are you? – A concerned member

Some kind comments about our "News Magazine"

• Thanks to you and Denise for your latest magazine. Once again up to your usual fine standard – Trevor Orton.

• I’ve just spent an hour reading and enjoying one of your best magazines. The articles written by Jim Woodward were superb –Graeme

Whitehorn

•

Once again another comprehensive covering of what’s happening around our Club. On behalf of all members, I say thank you for your time and effort both you and Denise put in to produce the newsletter. Well done! – Ray Stapledon

Corrections and Clarification

Despite intense scrutiny, something slips through the cracks and a mistake is published. That unfortunately happened in our last magazine when your Editor changed one word and this led to an inaccuracy.

In the story on Brian Alcock, a paragraph beginning with the word “He” was innocently changed to “Brian”, thus inferring our Division 4 Gold skipper had at one stage been a wicket-keeper who stood up to the stumps to very fast bowlers and had on one occasion stumped a disbelieving Bobby Simpson. In fact, the stumping was executed by Brian’s half-brother Allan Spence.

For the time being Brian will have to be content with doing what he does best – standing behind, not the stumps, but the kitty.

–

Denise and Neville Odell 93093108 or

nevodell@bigpond.net.au

Olny 55 People Out of 100 Can Read This!

Icdnuoltblveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

– Thanks to Mike Berecry for this contribution

Getting to Know Our Members

Newplayers are the lifeblood of any bowling club – and Sorrento is no exception. Over the last 18 months or so a steady stream of new members have signed up with Sorrento. And their initial interest in the club, and the progress they have made since, proves the message of our friendly nature and culture is being heard and our coaching structure is solid. JIM WOODWARD takes a look a just a few of those who now proudly wear the Sorrento uniform.

Ian Munro

It’s still a work in progress but Ian Munro’s transition from only golf to also bowls has reached another level. Having joined Sorrento a little more than 12 months ago, Ian, with some coaching from Bruce Eagles and Richard Bone, was fast-tracked into Peter Robson’s Division 2 Gold side on Thursdays during the last Pennant season. The 62 year old Ian was introduced to bowls by his former Hillarys neighbour Gerald Hanna. Gerald also played in April’s Novice Singles championship. Ian of course won that prestigious competition by beating the more fancied Mark Douglass, also a bowler who has been at the club for less than two years, 21-13 in the final. Ian hails from Dowerin in the WA wheatbelt, as did Aussie Rules icons Mal Brown and Buddy Franklin.

Now retired, Ian spent his working life involved in commercial and industrial fencing. He has been a long-time member of the Lakelands Golf Club but says, because of his new-found passion for bowls, will have to curtail his golf from two days a week to one to accommodate Saturday Pennants next season.

In the Novice Singles final, Ian overcame a 0-4 start by drawing level 1313 with Mark Douglass after 12 ends. When quizzed about breaking that deadlock, Ian inadvertently said, “I then bowled the best I ever have over the

last five holes.” Ian really meant “the last five ends” but we’ve got to cut him a bit of slack here as his level of efficiency on the green continues to build momentum.

Michael Dixon

Having last played bowls, barefooted, at Yokine 18 years ago, Michael Dixon decided to dip his toe in the water again at Sorrento last season after his kids had grown up. Born in Mt Lawley, Michael’s main sporting passion as a young bloke was hockey, with a bit of soccer and indoor cricket thrown in. He established a career in the carpentry trade and became a TAFE teacher, a position he holds to this day, specialising in teaching apprentices how to build kitchens. The affable lead who turns 57 in November, played in a variety of pennant teams throughout the 2022-23 season plus the Novice Singles with steady improvement and his cheery nature is matched only by his enormous enthusiasm for both bowls and the club.

Peter Ninnis

There haven’t been too many good things to emerge from the Covid pandemic, but the arrival of Peter Ninnis at Sorrento is definitely an exception. Peter was an avid and skilled 10-pin bowler until the Covid outbreak but rapidly decided to give that sport away given the associated health risks associated with playing in a confined area, continual hand contact and traveling on aeroplanes to compete interstate. Peter felt there was too much hand patting after good strikes, general ball handling by multiple players and travel on aeroplanes when he went interstate to compete to remain safe. So, he decided to give lawn bowls a try. Living along Kingsley Drive, Peter was faced with a choice of turning left at Hepburn Avenue and heading to the Warwick Bowling Club or right and going to Sorrento. Fortunately, Peter chose the latter and is now a valuable new member of our Club. Born and growing up in Kalgoorlie,

Peter, at the age of 17 decided to “put the thumb out” and travel Australia. Eventually, when he settled down, he became a salesman dealing in furniture and electrical goods before transitioning to chemical manufacturing and specialising in car detailing products. Now aged 70, Peter says the coaching he has received at Sorrento, with Bruce Eagles taking particular interest in him, has wet his appetite and he is looking forward to continuing to be an enthusiastic and productive Pennant player.

Penny Hynam

Having firstly acquired a taste of Sorrento as one of our valuable sandwich makers, Penny Hynam has made the transition to a regular social bowler and a participant in the occasional club event. Persuaded by Bev Carrigy to join the sandwich making team, Penny then yielded to the pressure of taking the next step and getting out on the green. As well as Bev, Penny says she received enormous support from Wendy Flack who initially invited her to participate in a roll-up. “Everyone has been so supportive and I am just loving the social side of the club,” Penny said. Whether Penny takes the next step to Pennants, even as a reserve, is still undecided but she has developed an appetite for our twilight 2x4x2 competition, thanks to encouragement from lower grade skipper, Brian Alcock. She and Brian, as septuagenarians, also linked up in Sorrento’s mixed veteran pairs competition. Born and bred in Perth, Penny worked as a secretary and is the mother of a son and a daughter, who is the mum of 14-year-old triplets – two girls and a boy. Perhaps an appearance in our next parent and child/grandchild competition is on the cards.

Anne Sauerwein

It would not be unfair to say that Anne Sauerwein is on a mission. Having fortunately joined Sorrento from Doubleview, Anne is exactly the type of person and bowler our Club needs in its ranks. And the results are beginning to show in a myriad of situations. Having received coaching from Bruce Eagles and support she much appreciates from Wendy Flack and Kerry Hutchinson, Anne is undaunted by any challenge that comes her way. Take

the Pinjarra Bowling Club’s 73rd Anniversary tournament for example. Teaming up with Chris Lander, Paul Knight and Jennifer Page, Anne shared in a $2000 first prize cheque. Not daunted, Anne entered a State singles event and after getting through her section, went down by only one shot (2120) to a bowler from Busselton. She was also the first woman at Sorrento to win Megabowls, beating the likes of Paul Knight and Bruce Eagles in the process. She was also unfazed about joining a group of Sorrento bowlers and heading off to the Australian Open Titles on the Gold Coast in June.

Anne says joining Sorrento was the best thing she ever did and it’s all systems go for the next Pennant season. Having played 2nd and 3rd division last season, Anne has the confidence and ambition of eyeing a higher spot this approaching summer. Having moved in 2008 with her two adult sons from Sydney, where she held a position of Project Manager with a large IT Company, Anne then gained employment in the renal section of Charles Gairdner Hospital. She is now happily retired – well almost. Anne, in an absolute endorsement of her professed love of our Club, has taken over the vital job of web administrator from Wendy Flack.

Jodi Neindorf

Jodi Neindorf’s arrival at Sorrento proves someone did a pretty good job when designing a section of the Club's website aimed at attracting community bowlers. Jodi, our latest Novice Singles champion said she as well as her parents, were uncertain of where to begin their bowls journey until they began trolling the web and noticed what Sorrento had to offer in that regard. She said what Sorrento advertised had a lot more appeal than other clubs – and suddenly they were on their way. As the bug bit, Jodie then graduated to Social Bowls and, with a bit of persuasion, plus coaching from Bruce Eagles and Richard Bone, joined the Club's Tuesday's 2-Blue pennants squad as well as Saturday Pennants. To

Where Poppies Grow

The Flanders poppy has long been a part of Remembrance Day and is increasingly being used as part of Anzac Day observances. During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium. In soldiers' folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.

–Thank you to Ron Hutchinson for this lovely poem of remembrance he wrote for Anzac Day.

top the year off, Jodi snatched a win in the Club's Novice Championship after taking the scalps of Shona Buckly and Demi Konig along the way.. "My consistency paid off" she admitted. Having once worked as a Primary School teacher in Broome, Jodi these days is a part time librarian at UWA. She confessed she is a long-time bookworm but the story of her bowling exploits has only just begun.

FOOTNOTE: We will be introducing some more of our new members in the next Quarterly Magazine.

Important changes in the Laws of Bowls

What are the important changes? Bowls Australia have recently published the following law changes. I have prepared the following summary and clarification:

1.Trial ends can be utilised when moving an interrupted game between a grass green and a synthetic or indoor green.

2. A player should not take possession of the mat or deliver a bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.

3. There must be no further play in a knock-out competition if it is impossible to win the game given the number of ends left.

4. If a bowl has been played out of order by both players (Singles and teams) the order of play remains the same (as originally set) for that end.

5. A set of bowls may be changed when, (on the same day) a game is moved between grass and synthetic or indoor surfaces.

New Laws recent amendment

The new Law book that came out recently contained two new laws that would have resulted in the forfeiture of a game if a player deliberately stops or displaces one of their own team’s bowls in its original course, even when it is clearly heading for the ditch. These two laws have recently been rescinded after reconsideration by World Bowls. The situation basically reverts back to the old Laws summarised as follows:-

No bowl belonging to players on the rink of play should be lifted, stopped,

or displaced during play, even when heading for the ditch. The penalty for displacing a bowl in motion is that the opposing skip has the right to either,

1) Place the bowl where he believes it would have come to rest and replace any part of the head, if disturbed by the displacement or

2) Declare the end dead.

If a bowl at rest is displaced, the opponent must put the bowl back to its former position and replace any part of the head, if disturbed by the displacement.

– Jim Ironside

Match Committee Report

Men's Novices

The Men’s Novice Singles was played in mid April with a field of five players - Brian Alcock, Michael Dixon, Mark Douglass, Gerald Hanna and Ian Munro. Each player played two games, first to 18, in the preliminary round. Mark Douglass and Ian Munro both won their sections to progress to the final. The final of 21up was a close game with both players on 13 shots after 12 ends. Ian’s consistency with draw bowling saw him break away to win 21-13 after 17 ends. Congratulations to all players and we look forward to watching your development at Sorrento.

Men’s Triples Championship

The quarter finals were played in late March under cloudy skies. The teams playing were Knight v Eagles, Sturk v Clarke, Cunningham v Snow and Hulbert v Orton. The quarter finals were all close games and were won by the Eagles, Hulbert, Sturk and Cunningham teams. The semi finals were played after a short lunch break with Hulbert wining over Eagles and Cunningham having a close game before pulling away from Sturk.

The final between Murray Hulbert, Andy Elmer and Peter Flack against Ross Cunningham, Warren Elliott and Paul Ramsey was a very close game until Cunningham’s team pulled away just after the halfway mark of the game to win comfortably.

Bowls WA Champion of Champions

Unfortunately our Men's Singles champion, Ross Cunningham was overseas and unable to compete in this event.

Our Women's Singles Champion, Kaye Martin played some excellent bowls, winning both games in her section 21-10 and 21-6. In the alignment game Kaye continued her good form, holding the lead throughout the game until the last few ends, when her opponent picked up shots to eventually win 21-19 in a tight, high-standard game.

Our Men's and Woman's Novice champions, Ian Munro and Jodi Neindorf represented the Club at the Novice Championship held at Rossmoyne. It was their first time playing at Rossmoyne with Jodi under cover and Ian outside on the quick synthetic greens.

In his section Ian got away to a 7-2 lead early but his opponent caught up at 13-13. Ian showed great composure to win 17-13. He then had to wait three hours to play in the alignment round. A cross wind and his opponent already warmed-up and playing very well made it very difficult for Ian, going down 7-17.

Jodi was also in a section of just two players. Her opponent was playing very confidently and got away to a 10-2 lead. However, Jodi was bowling well and remained calm, consistently having bowls in the head. A couple of strong ends, including a four, narrowed the gap and she was down just 1215. Single shots were shared with both players for the next few ends, Jodi going down 13-17 in a very long and high-standard game. Congratulations to all our Champions on representing Sorrento so well, both on and off the green, and to all the supporters there for them.

Mixed Veterans Pairs

This event was played in April in the east west direction in perfect conditions on a green which was running beautifully. Twelve teams entered and all players enjoyed playing with three bowls in the 15 end morning and afternoon games. The morning results showed several good scores, some close scores and a tied game between Bruce Eagles and Liz McTaggart and Brian Alcock and Penny Hyman.

After lunch there were again, some close scores. However there can only be 3 winners who were:

• 1st place: Roger and Shirley Palmer with 2 wins and 33 shots up,

• 2nd place: Brian and Wendy Saul with 2 wins and 24 shots up

• 3rd place: Bruce Eagles and Liz McTaggart with 1 win and 1 draw. Round prizes in the form of a gift voucher to be spent at the bar went to the am winners – Stan van Mosseveld and Pauline Marsden and the pm winners were Stan and Larraine Brickell. Well done all.

The Women’s Match Committee made a donation to increase the prize money and were very grateful for all players who were called upon to make up the even numbers. Congratulations to Shirley and Roger Palmer on their win in this years Mixed Veterans Pairs.

Mixed Handicap Triples

This was a great inclusive event held on a Wednesday afternoon. It was

good to see so many entries Thanks to sponsors Quality Resort Sorrento Beach who helped increase the prize money. Congratulations to winners Wendy Flack, Liz McTaggart and Peter Flack, second place Wendy Saul, Brian Saul and Bruce Eagles, and third place Michael Dixon, Clare Deeves and Stan Brickell.

Women’s Handicap Triples

This was the final women’s event for the season. The format for the event was 2 games of 15 ends with 2 bowls per player. We had 30 players adding up to 10 teams. At the end of an enjoyable day the winners were:

1st Wendy Saul, Kaye Martin and Jan PowerTuke with 2 wins + 20. Unfortunately Kaye was unavailable for the winners photo. 2nd Pat Boardman, Shona Carter and Emily Dunne. 2 wins + 11 and 3rd were Lee Leach, Shirley Palmer and Liz McTaggart. 1 win, 1 draw + 19. Morning winners were Moira Dean, Glen Larcombe and Liz Marshall and afternoon winners were Jan Cook, Stan van Mosseveld and Jan Paniperis.

Special thanks to Stan who agreed to play with the ladies to replace a player who was unable to make it on the day. He was nicknamed "Stancy" by some of the ladies.

Men's Veterans Singles

In late April, 19 "ageing" bowlers assembled for the sectional phase of this prestigious event. Eight bowlers progressed to the quarter finals with Barry Stewart playing Roger Palmer, John Sturk playing Dan Greig, Stan van Mosseveld playing Allan Davis, and Tony Sabatino playing Brian Saul.

The winners were Barry Stewart, Dan Greig and Stan Van Mosseveld, while Brian Saul had a walkover.

In the semis Dan Greig defeated Barry Stewart and Stan Van Mosseveld defeated Brian Saul by comfortable margins. The final saw Stan's bowling consistency prevailing over Dan to retain his second Veteran's title.

Ladies Dash for Cash

Our third annual Dash for Cash saw 36 teams with players from as far away as Balingup through to Yanchep and everywhere in between!! The weather was perfect and almost as good as our grass greens.

Congratulations to:

• 1st: Jenni McLaughlin, Carol Booker, Erica Foley and Leanne Scott

• 2nd: Robyn Marland, Paye Hoad, Marlene Robinson and Bev O’Connell

• 3rd: Phyl Bobridge, Liz Kuipers, Trish O’Connell and Angela Loran

• Rd1: Kerry Godden, Mariane Coghill, P. Thomson and Jackie Criddle

• Rd2: Kathy Gobbart, Deb Whitely, Noeleen Keeffe and Heather Boyanich

• Rd3: Julie Davison, Annie Waters, Tracey Clements and Wendy Flack

• Rd4: Jan Gleeson, Ramona O’Neill, E Robinson and K Scott

• AM Winners: Irene Arndt, Vicki Warne, Roma Dunn and Kaye Battanu

• PM Winners: Pauline Bourne, Jan Cook, Coral Smith and Liz Marshall

Thanks to:

• Safeway Security Screens for their generous and ongoing sponsorship

• Wendy Saul and her team for organising the soups and morning tea.

• Jan Cook, Coral Smith, Cheryl Greig, Robyn Rowe, Shona Carter, Moira Dean and Wendy Saul for making the seven pots of soup.

• Peter Flack and his team for organising the Sorrento men to run the kitchen and serve the soup, thereby allowing 23 of our ladies to play.

• Shirley Palmer for setting up the spreadsheet and chasing up the 36

2022/23 Pennant Season

Well done to Thursday’s Men's Premier Division Pennant team who made the final but lost to Osborne Park

Well done to 4 Blue who won their Division and got promoted to Third Division

Some More Winners!

Trevor Orton presenting Murray Hulbert with the "Men’s Pennant Bowler of the Year" Award

Left: Sorrento Men's Premier Player of the Year - Rhett Butler.

Men's Triples runners up - Andy Elmer, Murray Hulbert and Peter Flack

Right: Wendy and Brian Saul runners-up in the Mixed Veteran's Pairs

teams for a full house of 144 players.

• Shirley Palmer, Larraine Brickell, and Robyn Woodward for doing the draw and preparing all the cards.

• Dan Greig for recording the scores throughout the day, balancing the results and working out all the winners.

• Helen Teasdale, Stan and Larraine Brickell, Carmel Hyde and Robyn Rowe who helped all day with raffles etc.

• Ian Lucas and his staff for all their help.

• Lorraine and Carmel Hyde for making their famous scones for tea.

• Monique Kopec for helping with all the clean-up duties.

• Shona Carter who did a sterling job standing in for the Ladies Captain and making sure the day went smoothly.

2022/23 Pennant Write up

Congratulations to:

• Division One Green Women’s team for winning their division and getting promotion to 1 White. Leslie Hughes, Jan Paniperis and Denise Odell were not able to play in the final but were there cheering their team on.

• Murray Hulbert who was the Men's Pennant Bowler of the Year with Bruce Eagles in second place and Greg Clements in third position.

• Bruce Eagles as a Skipper in Premier League finished in 5th position on the overall Skippers ladder.

• Paul Knight and Steve Mortimer who won 12 out of 18 games in midweek Premier league to get to 4th and 5th position on the player ladder.

• Peter Robson in 2 Gold who won 12 out of 18 games.

• Men's 4 Blue on being promoted to 3rd Division.

• Larry Perry (15 out of 18 wins), Bob Steven (14 out of 18) and Greg Clements (13 out of 18) all did well to be in the top five in 4 Blue.

• Murray Newman, Glenn McCarthy and Wayne Raffaele did well and were in the top five on the "Player Ladder" in 3 Gold.

• Kath Harris, Pauline Marsden, Lesley Hughes, Charmain Harris and Kaye Martin for being the Top 5 Players in 1 Green North on Tuesday and all winning 15 out of 18 games.

• Cheryl Greig in 1 Blue North on Saturday winning 12 out of 16 games.

• Men's Premier on making the Thursday Grand Final. Unfortunately, they lost to Osborne Park.

• Men's 1 Blue North team on being promoted to Premier on a Thursday. Sorrento will field 2 sides in Premier.

• 4 Gold who lost to Yokine by 1 shot and just missed out on promotion

• Saturday Men's Premier who ended 5th on the ladder.

• Ladies 1 Red Saturday team ended in the top position on the ladder and the right to host the finals but, unfortunately, lost their first game.

• Saturday Ladies' 1 Blue North who finished 4th.

How to Become the Best Skip in the Business

InMarch 1991 (or 32 years ago) Jack Hi published an article by Doug Arrowsmith, a Coaching Director. Doug wrote that "Skips must have the correct temperament or else they will be in trouble". He listed the following seven things that a bowler needed to consider if they wanted to be one of the better Skips:

Team work

The Skip is generally considered the best all-round player in the team. They must remember that the Lead, Second and Third are not playing for them.

Rather, they are part of the team and must be positive with instructions whilst being definite and concise.

Correct body language

The Skip should acknowledge the good shots and good attempts of your team mates but do not show disgust when a poor shot is played. You should do the same on the change over.

Keep plugging away

Even if everything seems lost, by encouragement and example the Skip can encourage the team and perhaps reverse the trend and save the aggregate.

Think and think again

This is important especially in tight conditions. The Skip should call their players up to have a look at the head and must not be lazy and take a walk themselves to study the head. A Skip must involve the Third at all time to build team spirit and confidence.

Assess strengths and weaknesses of opposition

A good Skip should have some idea of this after just a few ends. They should already know the ability of their team and be able to identify the opposition's weakness and adjust tactics accordingly.

Anticipate your opponents play

A Skip should plan ahead and not underestimate their opponents. Remember they are playing in the same division. If a Skip expects their players to play the shot, they must acknowledge that their opponents would be able to do likewise.

Remember the danger ends

In a Pennant game of 21 ends, these are from the 14th end onwards. Make sure minds are kept on the job. Alcohol can have an effect on a player's performance over the concluding ends so try and discourage this habit.

Be a good sport

It is good to win but we should all be gracious in defeat. A Skip must put on

a brave face and not blame any member of their team. Remember next week the three members of their team might have to carry them.

– Thanks to Graeme Whitehorn who sent us this interesting article.

Vagaries of the English Language

English is indeed a difficult language to learn. For example:

• Why isn't a FIREMAN called a WATERMAN?

• How come LIPSTICK doesn't do what it says?

• If MONEY doesn't grow on trees, how come banks have branches?

• If a VEGETARIAN eats vegies, what does a HUMANITARIAN eat?

• How do you get off a NON-STOP FLIGHT?

• Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO, and those sent by truck called SHIPMENT?

• Why do we put cups in the DISHWASHER, and dishes in the CUPBOARD?

• Why is it called RUSH HOUR when traffic moves at its slowest then?

• How come NOSES run and FEET smell?

• Why do they call it a TV "set" when there is only one?

Who thinks this stuff up? Probably retired people who have too much time!

– Thanks to Trevor Orton for this contribution

It is important to recognise our many Volunteers. However it is difficult to thank them all but in this edition, we would like to thank some of our Volunteers. A big shout out to:

• Club legends. Sir Ken Giles, Sir Alex Third and Sir Phil Bilich. Amazing men who are always at the club until stumps, taking groups out and always giving it their best to increase participation in our great sport, as

A "Shout Out" and "Ode to Our Vollies"

well as increasing bar sales!

• Gary Bobridge and Dave Dunstan who went on a "Working with Children" course so that they could help Alex with school groups.

• Trevor Orton who has been our Office Manager and our VP Sport for a long period. It is not easy to wear two hats!

• The men who take down and put up the shade cloth every year.

• Colin Campbell who continues to wash our windows.

• Ron Taylor and Betty Stern who to spend many hours volunteering for our Club.

• Kerry Hutchinson for her beautiful artwork on the rolling TVs and her elegant posters.

• Charmain Harris and Shona Carter for doing a great job as Ladies' Captain and Vice Captain.

• Barbara Spence for giving up her Fridays to arrange our social bowls.

• Wendy Saul who spends a lot of time in our kitchen.

• Glenn and Trish McCarthy for all their volunteering around our Club.

• Our Match Committees who spend hours organising events. A special shout out to Shirley Palmer and Dan Greig.

• Alan Susta and Lindsay Baker who often help out behind the bar.

• Murray Newman who is always prepared to help around our Club.

• Brian Lucas, Denis Croker, Wendy Flack, Anne Sauerwein and Matt Sharrett who do so much for our Club. See separate article on page 28.

• All our other volunteers who spend so many hours helping our Club.

In conclusion we would like to say a special thank you to Ken Giles who has been our Volunteer Co-ordinator for many years. He organises volunteers when required and also recognises our volunteers’ contributions with bar vouchers where appropriate. Ken has decided to "retire" so hopefully someone will volunteer for this position.

– Neville Odell

Nerves of Steel

is an absolutely amazing and deeply moving story of an Aussie woman's bravery with a tiny .22 calibre pistol. Thirty-eight year old

Darwin resident Beverley Thompson used a small point 22 calibre pistol to stop a crocodile attack. Remember those calibre shots are like a mosquito bite to a big croc. This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with that small pistol against a fierce predator. Here's her story in her own words:

"While walking along the edge of a lake near my house in the Zuccoli Village Estate near Darwin discussing a property settlement with my soonto-be ex-husband, and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 3.5metre crocodile which suddenly emerged from the murky water.

It began charging us with its large jaws wide open. She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive. If I had not had my little Ruger .22 calibre pistol with me, I wouldn't be here today!" said Beverly.

“Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took. The croc got him easily, and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. The amount I saved in lawyer's fees was really incredible - and his life insurance was also a big bonus!”

– Thanks to Stan Brickell for this information

Top Team puts Sorrento Ahead of the Field

Inathletics, success for a relay team will only come if the baton changes are executed in a highly proficient manner. And the same applies in many other aspects of life and business management.

Fortunately, but not surprisingly, the Sorrento Bowling Club fits into this category when its website management strategy is put under the microscope. When the starter’s gun was fired in 2016 Brian Lucas ran the first leg of

the relay by recognising Sorrento needed a Marketing and Communication Strategy to allow our Club to communicate better with both members and prospective members, current and potential sponsors as well as stakeholders and the broader community.

In his detailed and comprehensive 2017-2019 Strategy Document, Brian began by stressing it was essential Sorrento lifted its profile by advertising our Club as an ideal venue for wakes, parties and barefoot bowls. Also high on the priority list was the need to raise awareness of the benefits that a stakeholder or sponsor would get from an association with Sorrento rather than elsewhere. Communication with our members was also high on the list via communication tools such as a website, newsletters, e-newsletters, our quarterly news magazine, social media such as Facebook and our noticeboards. A flow-on has been achieved with TV screens now advertising coming events and an email setup which informs members of such things as cancellations and Friday night meal menus.

Denis Croker then took the baton from Brian and became Sorrento’s web master, keeping our Club well ahead of the field in the process. Denis ticked all the boxes that Brian had proposed. He provided both technical and literary skills in the website’s formation, development and implementation. Denis is a quiet and unassuming volunteer who goes about his tasks without fuss but with loads of dedication and competence. Having done a great job for the first three years he then volunteered to take over from Geoff Murray as the Membership Co-Ordinator. Once again he has done a great job with his dedication and meticulous record keeping.

When it became Denis’ turn to pass the baton there was another smooth transition to Wendy Flack, who as well as being a lead in our Premier Division, also kept Sorrento in the communications lead with new ideas. Having built websites for many years Wendy, among other things, saw the need to add a new page on the website called “Around the Club”, featuring results of club events and blog posts on the latest news. Wendy also managed to merge the previous monthly and regular e-newsletters into a weekly update for members and created templates for e-newsletters to include sponsor promotion and quick links to connect to the website.

As the quality of communications with members led to increased hours on the job, Wendy brought in Kerry Hutchinson to create posters and menus and Matt Sharrett, who is now doing a magnificent job as editor of our weekly e-newsletter.

The next transfer of the baton began in March this year and Anne Sauerwein will assume the role of Sorrento’s web master at our July AGM. Having worked closely with Wendy, a priority Anne will address is the need for volunteers to transition into any role. The message here is loud and clear – “a lot of people doing a little is always the best way.” Without a single fumble, Sorrento’s performance in staying ahead of the field, in this complex day and age, is of gold medal standard.

We are indeed lucky to have people like Brian, Denis, Wendy, Anne, Matt and Kerry in our Club.

– Jim Woodward

Is It OK? Please Tick the Box!

The acceptability of doing something can vary depending on the specific context, cultural norms, personal values, and ethical considerations. It's

important to note that what may be considered OK in one situation may not be acceptable in another. Here are some general questions to consider to determine the appropriateness of an action:

• While I am not a volunteer. I have noticed one doing a task that I think is best done another way. Is it OK to tell the volunteer?

Yes No Don't Care

• My Skipper’s bowl has glanced off a short bowl and fortunately finished up next to the jack. Is it OK to applaud the shot?

Yes No

Don't Care

• My neighbour's tree branches overhang my fence. Is it OK to cut them off and throw them into his yard?

Yes No Don't Care

• My neighbour has both lemons and avocados hanging on branches that extend into my yard. Is it OK to help myself?

Yes No Don't Care

• I am not very good at reverse parking but get less dents that way. While it takes quite a bit longer, is it OK to expect other motorists to wait?

Yes No Don't Care

• I only ever park in a disabled bay or “women with prams” bay when I am rushing and only expect to be a few minutes. Is this OK?

Yes No

Don't Care

So, how did you go? Based on psychological research we have established that if you voted ("Yes") on five or more occasions you are representative of many grumpy old people in your age group. If you voted ("No") on five or more occasions you are a model citizen, although many would argue, quite delusional. If you voted ("Don't Care") on five or more occasions you are a wavering, hesitant, indecisive and a vacillating vacillator, who, among other things, can’t provide a clear answer to a statement. If you didn’t vote you are probably insightful and could see what was coming.

Vale – Juris Lorencs and Noel Summers

Overthe past month the Sorrento Bowling Club has lost two of its great and long-term members – Juris Lorencs and Noel Summers. Juris was one of the great characters that you are privileged to meet in life. Despite his outgoing love of life and anything that could be turned into fun, he was quite a private person. Juris was a long-term member of Sorrento who loved his bowls with a passion that was shared by Barbara, his wife of many years.

He shared his love of darts with son Douglas, who he introduced to Sorrento as a young man, and who continues to play with us today. He shared his love of cards, especially euchre with anyone who cared to play, often keeping the bar staff waiting while he and partner Arthur Richards finished a game. Juris was a premier division bowler, and the dart honour boards is littered with his accomplishments.

Juris was always looking to have a good time, with Barbara patiently interjecting the conversation with “come on Juris, let’s go”. He never had a bad thing to say, always looking on the bright side and above all, always with a keen sense of humour and a cheeky grin on his face. A loving and gentle man.

Noel Summers joined the Club in 2006, following the closure of Royal Park Bowling Club. Noel will be remembered as the person who organised the transfer of the Masters Singles competition to Sorrento. As a Premier division player, he had much to offer Sorrento. Murray Newman who played several seasons with Noel, recalls what a delight it was to play with such a knowledgeable, capable, and charitable Skipper. Noel never changed his bowls and always used his Classic II bowls.

Noel was one of the true gentlemen of the game and a giving and generous Club member whose contribution will be remembered. These two loving and gentle members will be sadly missed. Our condolences go to their families.

– Brian Lucas

Croquet Report

Thepast few months have seen Sorrento players entering a number of competitions around WA, including an inter-club one played at Sorrento in late April. We are most grateful to Alan and his team of Greenkeepers for keeping our lawns at competition level, and also enabling us to start earlier than usual, whenever we warn him of a pending competition.

Novice Star Competition

This competition is only for those who have played croquet for 18 months or less and is intended to encourage new players to enter, and gain confidence in competitive games. There were six players eligible to enter this year, but only four were available to play on the day. Each entrant played a singles match against every other entrant. In the end, with some good competition, the trophy was won by Micy Lewis with Janice Day being the runner-up. Pictured from left to right are Geoff Day, Micy Lewis, Janice Day and Pauline Dymock.

Inter club Golf Croquet Doubles Competition

Every year we host this Croquetwest competition, which is open to only 16 players and is played over two days. This year we had four players from York (pictured), three players from Cambridge, one from Belmont, one from Forrest Park and two from East Fremantle.

The remaining players were members of SCC. The competition this year was won by the couple from East Fremantle – Ken Lindorff and Del Paludi with Jan and Terry Craddock being very worthy runners-up. We were pleased to welcome the team from York.

Dunsborough Ricochet Doubles Competition

A few Sorrento players have recently re-started playing Ricochet Croquet. In order to boost competition and numbers, we have combined with interested players from Como CC. A combined group of 12 or so players play at alternate venues once a week. As a result of this interest, Jan and Terry Craddock entered the Ricochet Doubles Competition played at Dunsborough CC and gained some valuable experience whilst providing the other players with some stiff competition! The competition was eventually won by Dorothy and Dennis Bull – a very experienced couple from York.

George Parslow Handicap Doubles at Cambridge

A strong entry comprising 14 couples entered this competition, with only the famous “Craddocks” representing Sorrento. The competition was divided into two equal Blocks and the top two couples of each Block played against each other to win the George Parslow Trophy. Jan and Terry did very well to reach the semi-finals of the competition where they lost their game in a tie-break match. The competition was ultimately won by Cheryl Saul and Frank Coleman of Cambridge Club.

Mandurah “C” Grade Doubles

Our valiant sisters, Wendy Price and Janice Davidson, travelled to Mandurah in May to play in this competition. They provided the opposition with strong competition in very cold weather. With the loyal support of their mother, Emily, who lives in Mandurah. Wendy and Janice are also encouraging their family members to take an interest in playing croquet by hosting “family events” at the Club. Hopefully some of the next generations will find the motivation and interest to take up the sport.

Croquetwest B Grade One Day Golf Croquet Singles

Again, Terry and Jan bravely entered this competition with 15 other B-grade players at Nedlands CC despite Terry not yet being a B-grade player. Unfortunately, it was decided to trial a new format playing over only 9 hoops instead of the usual 13 hoops, with the winner of the game being declared on winning only 5 hoops. A number of players had difficulty adapting to this format. Terry and Jan provided some strong competition – taking quite a few games to a tie-break. They are to be congratulated on their willingness to compete against very strong players in so many competitions!

– Di McGivern

Awsome Foursome – WA Wins RSL Title

Four months after Sorrento opened its doors in January 1976, Western Australia won the 7th National RSL Bowls Competition. Forty-seven years later in May 2023 at the Manning Bowling Club this enormous feat was repeated when WA won the 54th National RSL competition, with Sorrento players making a major contribution.

As our participating players can attest it was a torrid affair. Around 200 players representing their home states from across Australia competed. The final came down to WA against Queensland. Three ends to go with only one rink playing and seven shots down it looked a daunting task. As history will show, the WA team picked up nine shots to win 107 to 105. Our stars who competed in the competition were Brian Collins, Geoff Murray, Willie Tan and Brad Williams. Well done to one and all on a great achievement.

– Brian Lucas

Parent and Child Pairs

It was a perfect autumn day for our annual Parent and Child Pairs which made for a fun day for all. Fourteen teams competed for honours and it was great to see the up and coming talent in our younger players. Our winners pictured below were:

First: Bob Mulroy and Ruth Heslington. Round winners were Monique and Chris Kopec and Jim and Glenn Woodward. The winners of the losers were Craig and Ken Marshall.

– Paul Doherty

Vale – Derek Lay

Our dear friend, Derek was born in 1937 to parents Frank and Sarah in Ashordby – Leicestershire. He passed away on the 29 April 2023 at the age of 85. As Derek would say he had a good innings. He had four brothers and three sisters, with his brother Don the only surviving sibling. He is survived by his wife Thora, his son Gary and daughter Tracy. He was stepfather to Susie, Stan and Jeff, father-in-law to Carol, Robyn and Alan. Granddad to 14 and great granddad to five. He was a mate and a best friend. Derek loved his dog Charlie and would always be concerned about leaving him home on his own for too long.

Prior to coming to Australia with his family in 1981, Derek served in the British Army and completed an overseas posting in Yemen in the capital Aden. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, working the length and breadth of the UK to provide for his young family. In Australia he worked until retirement with Bakers Refrigeration.

He was the President of a working man’s club in his hometown of Loughborough. He simply loved this voluntary role in his life and the people he worked with. One of his hidden talents you would be surprised to know was to call Bingo which he continued to call for many years. Derek, loved to travel with Thora and they travelled to many parts of the world. He loved music especially ELO and The Who, was an excellent Dart player and loved his lawn bowls, being an active member of Sorrento for ten years.

Many of you don’t know, that he suffered a heart attack in his early 50’s and the doctors told him he would have another good 15 years of life ahead of him. He surprised everyone including himself by lasting another 35 years. He always said it was the pint of Kilkenny that kept him going. Rest in Peace Derek, a true gentleman and a very gentle man. You will be greatly missed by your family and friends.

– Kerry Bomford

Farewell to Clair Hanlon

Ourdear friend Clair has relocated to Canberra to be close to her sons. She joined our Club 23 years ago and immediately started volunteering. She was on Match and Selection and was Ladies Captain for three years. She worked tirelessly in all these positions and as Captain, took a delight in welcoming new members. She was fond of saying “This was one of our better moves joining this club” and it soon became her second home!

Back Row: Helen, Marilyn, June, Carole, Jan, Liz, Sheila, Fran, Liz, Larraine, Pauline, Moira and Vonnie. Front Row: Wendy, Monique, Emily, Clair, Annie, Mary and Patty. Poor Jan got cut out of the photo – Sorry!

Did you know that our long term sponsor, Connect Hearing have moved to the Whitfords City Shopping Centre and their new number is (08)63965270? So, if you are having difficulty hearing important instructions and advice from your Skip, contact them for some hearing aids.

Clair Hanlon's friends farewelling our dear friend Clair

Bowls Exposed

Didyou know that on 5 February 2013 a naked, stout, big boned, overweight, but well-endowed male streaker in impressive physical condition, ran across a Perth bowling green. Spectators reacted in a variety of ways depending on their individual personalities. Some alleged" remarks and comments overheard from the ladies in the crowd were:

• "Oh my God, did you see that? No, but I hear there’s a new band playing at the club called Dick and His Two Swingers.”

• "What the heck? That guy is naked!"

• "Put some clothes on idiot! You scaring the spectators."

• “We shouldn’t worry over a little thing like that."

• “I like the way he is dancing across the green and his perfectly executed cartwheels are very demanding!”

• "I think he must have taken Viagra instead of his blood pressure medication.”

• "Is this what they call “stand-up comedy!"

• "Ha! That's hilarious!"

• "That reminds me I must post a letter on the way home."

• “Is the Chinese security guard on duty? Wunhun Lo – that might be him?”

• "This is crazy, I can't believe it!"

• "Well, that's something you don't see every day!"

• "Wow, this is going to be all over the West Australian."

• "I think he’s a flop.”

• "His line is good! It's only his weight."

• "Bowling is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

• "Bloody braggart.”

• “I wish I had my phone handy to record this moment for posterity.”

• “It’s a pity that he made his getaway up the stairs and into a waiting car before I could reach for my bowls measure, my callipers and my Grippo."

•

"I’ve never seen anything like that before – well not for a long time."

• "This is much more fun than a wrong bias."

• "Who is that? Is it Tom, Dick or Harry?"

• "From what I see he is not even a member of our Club.”

• "I'm impressed about the way he is strutting* his stuff."

•

"After that display I need a cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down".

A few spectators applauded the streaker's bravery and expertise and simply enjoyed the spectacle. Some spectators cheered or shouted in excitement, while others booed or expressed disapproval.

(*Editor's Note: For those readers unfamiliar with the word 'strutting', Google defines strutting as "to bulge, to swell, to protrude, to stick out in order to display one's body in a vain manner").

What is Artificial Intelligence?

What is Artificial Intelligence (or AI)? It is a technology that allows computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, by producing AI generated documents such as resumes, interviews, poems etc.

It uses algorithms and data to enable computers to learn, analyse information, make decisions, and perform actions. In simple terms, AI is the ability of computers to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, making them "smart" and capable of performing complex tasks. All you need to do is to log on to ChatGPT and ask it a question.

Your editors did this and asked it: "What skills does a lawn bowler require for success?" We got the following:

Lawn bowling is a sport that requires a combination of physical, mental, and strategic skills for success. The key skills that a lawn bowler may need to develop are:

Bowling Technique:

Bowlers need to have a proper bowling technique. This involves the ability to accurately deliver the bowl with the right speed, weight, and line. This also includes mastering the grip, stance, delivery, and follow through.

Accuracy and Precision:

Bowlers need to be accurate and precise in their deliveries, as the objective of the game is to get the bowls as close as possible to the jack. This requires consistency in line and length, as well as the ability to adjust to changing conditions.

Concentration and Focus:

Bowlers need to have good concentration and focus, as the game requires mental stamina and the ability to maintain focus for extended periods of time. This includes being able to block out distractions and make strategic decisions under pressure.

Spatial Awareness:

Bowlers need to have a good sense of spatial awareness, as they need to be able to judge distances, angles, and the contour of the playing surface. This helps them determine the best line and weight for their deliveries.

Strategy and Tactics:

Bowlers need to have a good understanding of the game's strategy and tactics. This includes knowing when to play defensively or aggressively, reading the state of the game, and making informed decisions about shot selection and positioning of bowls to gain an advantage.

Communication and Teamwork:

In team formats of lawn bowling, communication and teamwork are crucial. Bowlers need to be able to communicate effectively with their teammates, coordinate strategies, and work together towards a common goal.

Physical Fitness:

Although not as physically demanding as some other sports, lawn bowling still requires a certain level of physical fitness. Bowlers need to have good balance, flexibility, and strength to execute their deliveries with precision and consistency.

Sportsmanship:

Bowlers should exhibit good sportsmanship, showing respect towards opponents, officials, and fellow players. This includes following the rules and etiquette of the game, maintaining a positive attitude, and accepting both wins and losses graciously. Overall, successful lawn bowlers need to develop a combination of technical, mental, strategic, and interpersonal skills to excel in the sport. Regular practice, coaching, and experience can help improve these skills and increase the chances of success in lawn bowling.

A Bowls Poem Produced by ChatGPT

A lawn so green, so smooth, so fine, Where players gather to unwind, With little bowls, so round and small, A game of skill, a quirky ball.

The players line up, poised and keen, Each one with eyes so sharp and keen, They aim their bowls with utmost care, With hopes of victory in the air.

The bowls roll slow, they curve, they twist, As players spin, and bend, and twist, "Oh dear," cries one, with a sigh so deep, As their bowl takes an unexpected sweep,

It veers off course, a crazy turn, And lands in the ditch, a lesson to learn. The crowd erupts with laughter loud, As players blush and curse aloud,

They shake their heads, and grin, and tease, In this game, where anything can please. To get that perfect shot just right, And send the opponents in a plight.

With careful aim and steady hand, They roll the bowls across the land, In hopes of scoring points galore, And claiming victory, the ultimate score!

So, here's to lawn bowls, a game so true, Where skill and luck both play their due, With laughter, jokes, and good times shared, On the smooth, green lawn, where players dared!

Please Support Our New Sponsor

Our new sponsor, Professional Cooling Solutions is a well-established family run business with 30 years of experience in the industry. They specialise in air conditioning and refrigeration and they will help you with:

• Fault diagnosis and repairs to domestic and commercial fridges, freezers, cool rooms, refrigerated ducted air conditioning and evaporative air conditioners.

• Preventive maintenance to keep your residential and commercial air conditioners clean from mould and bacteria and make your system run more effectively and efficiently, saving you dollars in the long run.

They work on all makes and models of systems new and old. When your system is no longer worth repairing, they will supply and install a new system for you.

They have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their aim is to be punctual, polite, clean, tidy, courteous and good communicators. They live off their good reputation.

So if you need their help contact Boyd on 0410 810 061.

Around Our Club

Helen Teasdale's friends farewelling her as she moves to Augusta to be close to her family. Back Row: May, Mary, Jennifer, Moira, Glen, Monique, Robyn, Carole, June, Shirley and Liz. Front Row: Shona, Cheryl, Helen, Beryl, Larraine and Judy

Did you know that four of our "Sandwich Ladies", Gail, Liz, Bev and Penny decided to make 300 sausage rolls for the Men's Pennants teams. A big thank you ladies. Everyone enjoyed this special treat

Congratulations to Jan and Coral on making the semi final of the State Mixed Pairs. A fantastic achievement as they only lost in a one shot tie breaker after being set all against North Beach’s Brad Gillingham and Rinske Butcher who went on to win the title

Around Our Club – Continued

Shirley Palmer with the beautiful flowers she received in appreciation for her hard work on the Match Committee.

Roger Palmer, Alan Gallagher, Barney Fleiser and Alan Anderson solving the problems of the World Right: Adrian Rose and his Dad Fred Rose getting in a bit of practice before the Parent and Child event

Glen Larcombe, Jan Paniperis and Robyn Woodward with their beautiful quilted rug. The little dog and borders are made of 2” squares of fun children’s fabrics.

Around Our Club – Continued

Did you know that Sorrento picked up its third Darts Grand Final in as many years, with Davindra Chavda, Tom Dowling, and Dave Maunders playing in all three? This year our Sorrento Black team narrowly defeated Quins in a tense B1 Grade Grand Final. From left to right: Brian Lucas, Tom Dowling, Davindra Chavda, Phil Webb, Wayne Raffaele, Gordon Penny and Dave Maunders

A lovely photo of Peter and Penny McHugh. Peter joined our Club last year and was soon in a Pennant team

A lovely photo of Chris and Ros Lander. Ros takes brilliant bird photos which you can see on her Facebook page

A lovely photo of King Ken and Nora Giles taken during Ken's 85th birthday celebrations

Our Club in 1978 – 45 Years Ago?

Inour June 2023 news magazine, we wrote a satirical article about what our Club might look like in 2035. This was well received so we thought we would write a “fictitious” report on what our Club might have looked like 45 years ago. We have therefore written a hypothetical, but nevertheless historically researched, set of minutes from the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Sorrento Sporting Club (Inc.) Unfortunately, we don’t have the original 1977/78 minutes, so we have used the President’s Peter Wooldridge’s newsletters from April and May 1978 to re-create these! So here goes:

President’s Report as tabled at 1977/78 the Annual General Meeting

Welcome

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I welcome you all to the 3rd AGM of the Sorrento Sporting Club (Inc.). I welcome our new members and for their benefit I will outline the history of the Club. Our origins date back to 1970 when residents met with the desire to gain better sporting facilities for the northern suburbs. A public meeting was called and representatives from darts, tennis, bridge, little athletics, Aussie rules, soccer and lawn bowls attended. In 1974 the Shire of Wanneroo offered us two hectares of land forming part of a limestone quarry to construct a clubroom and two bowling greens, with the cost of $140,000 shared on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The club rooms handed over last year, are already proving inadequate for our 200 members of which 70 are bowlers. Naturally, other than bowls and darts, our other sports are played at various other venues. I wish to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our volunteers who helped develop the clubhouse and plant the two greens.

Finance

The Treasurer has advised that bar turnover for the year totalled $43000. Bar expenses were $34000 leaving a bar surplus of $9000 or 20% on turnover. This means for every $1 spent only 20c was available for maintenance of our two greens, telephones, stationery, insurance, and operating expenses incurred by the sports sections. A major expense is our annual loan repayment of $17000, primarily funded by our debentures and members subscriptions. We are however nearly $13000 in arrears and the Shire expects us to meet our commitments. At the last AGM I made mention of the need for more “free of interest debentures” to balance the finances of our Club and I urge members to consider this option so that we can enjoy our Club in the future.

Bar Price

To encourage members to make greater use of our Club it was decided that bar prices will remain at the following levels for at least the next 12 months:

Some members complained last year when the price of a stubby was increased by one cent (from $0.45 to $0.46). We realise the extra cent will cause some consternation but we do need to increase our income.

Bowls Division

Male Pennant bowlers have increased from 20 to 70. Our Division 5 Silver team defeated Osborne Park in no uncertain manner and next season will be joined by a Division 6 Gold. We are hopeful that both these divisions will be promoted and an additional Division 6 will be added.

Selection

Our Selection Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure fair and transparent selection processes. We are committed to providing equal opportunities

for all our members to participate in club events and competitions. Our Selection Committee has done an outstanding job in maintaining integrity and fairness in their decisions.

It is disappointing that we have some dummy spitters who don't agree with team selection. If you think you can do a better job then please put your name forward.

Dress Code

Some members have asked why we need to wear white? It is important to remember that activities such as ours were developed for the privileged, way back when white was symbolic of purity, and later, amateurism. Ties, braces and blazers are still important if we are to maintain our dress standards.

We have been trying to introduce younger members to join our Club. Barefoot bowls has proved to be a success. In the photo alongside you will note that everyone is wearing white in line with our strict dress code

Social

Our annual event where participants are required to each play a game of bowls, tennis and darts has been a success and will be continued in the new year. The tennis players have asked the bowlers not to roll the ball along the ground and under the net and for the tennis players not to use their rackets when playing darts.

Bowling Greens

Work on our second green was completed by the end of 1977 and a part-time green keeper has been appointed. His explicit instructions on being appointed was “no advice necessary, it’s my way or the highway”. So please don't hassle our greenkeepers!

Catering

Meals are now served every Friday and Sunday evening by our committed volunteers. A hamburger with salad will cost you $0.80 or you can also have a fish, chips and salad for $1.80. If you are a vegan, a strip of celery will be offered for free.

Car Park

The proposed car park in the old limestone pit area is still non-existent and members may think the Committee has forgotten about it. Never fear. It is coming!

Darts Division

Our Dart Club has proved to be a great success both financially and socially. We now have three teams in the Inter Club competition. Social games are played every Wednesday evening. Players wishing to play darts should see one of the players who can be found at the bar any day of the week. The bar tender can interpret for you.

Sorrento Ladies Bowling Club

The Sorrento Ladies' Bowling Club remains entirely separate from the Men's Bowling Club and they continue to manage their own affairs. There are now twenty-eight lady bowlers who form a sports section of the Club. They plan a Champion of Champions competition, a Pool Club and a Jackpot raffle. We try to not interfere in the running of this separate club. We do however keep an eye on maintaining dress standards. It is important to ensure ladies' knees are not exposed as this may be disconcerting and a distraction for some of the men. We also think it is important for the ladies to abide by the etiquette guidelines and not remove their hats when entering the club house. They should always wait until such time as Madam Lady President has removed her hat, and then they may do the same.

Sorrento Tennis Club

The Tennis Club continues to do well in tournaments, competitions and Pennants. They also have an active junior section. Members have been advised that if they win a cooked chicken on a Saturday evening, they will need to serve it to all members present, or else they will be adjudged out!

In conclusion

I am proud to report that 1977/78 has had a successful year. As our membership has grown, our facilities have been improved, and our members have showcased their skills on the greens and in other sports. Finally, I would like to thank our dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support and commitment. I look forward to another exciting year ahead.

– Club President

Women's Bowler of the Year 2022/23

Robyn receiving her award from Larraine and Shirley. She finished the year with the highest points over seven Championship events. Incidentally all her points were accumulated in team events. Robin was a

√ Runner-up in the Pairs with partner Pauline Bourne

√ Runner-up in the Triples with Shelley Jeffs and Lee Leach

√ Winner in the Mixed Pairs with husband Stan

√ Winner in the Fours with Tracey Newman, Kerry Hutchinson and Shelley Jeffs. The final was very close and the winner was determined on the final end in this nail biting event.

Congratulations to Robyn van Mosseveld

Men's Bowler of the Year 2022/23

Points are based on the Championship winners in the Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, the Mixed Pairs and Mixed Fours. Winners, runners-up and semi-finalists are awarded points according to a formula determined by the Match Committee. This year's winner was Peter Flack with 20 points with Ross Cunningham finishing with 18 points. Peter was a

√ Winner in the Fours with Peter Morgan, Alan Walton and Murray Hulbert

√ Winner in the Pairs with partner Drew Daley

√ Runners-up in Triples with Murray Hulbert and Andy Elmer

√ Winner in the Mixed Fours with Wendy Flack, Pauline Bourne and Murray Hulbert

√ Mixed Pairs semi-finalist with partner Pauline Bourne.

Congratulations to Peter Flack

Don’t Jump To Conclusions With Carmel

Forsomeone who is about to turn 90, Carmel Hyde has a pretty challenging bucket list. Having already ticked off a ride in a hot air balloon, our Carmel recently took a deep breath and began to instigate a plan to make a parachute jump. Her three sons, who all live in Perth, were horrified and collectively said “you’re an idiot mum, you’re not going to do it”. The way around that strong opinion was simple – just don’t tell them until after you have jumped out of the aeroplane

And so it was that Carmel threw caution to the wind and, strapped tight to an instructor, took the hair-raising plunge over Rottnest Island. She said the plan was hatched after Jeff Harris, a friend of hers and her sister-in-law, Lorraine, came around for one of their regular happy hours. “Jeff is a terrific bloke and always has a couple of drinks just to keep up with us,” Carmel said. It turns out that Jeff’s daughter had contacts in the parachuting set up at Rottnest and after she arranged the jump, Jeff stepped in and covered the cost.

“I told them the only thing I was concerned about was landing heavily on the hip I broke a couple of years ago,” Carmel said. “But they told me that was not a problem, the instructor would take all the weight when we touched the ground. The only time I was a little bit worried was when they opened

the door of the plane and I had to sit on the edge with my legs dangling out and all this wind rushing in.” But Carmel is no stranger to clearing hurdles because, apart from breaking her hip after tripping on a mat at home and having to lie in agony on the floor for two hours before being taken to hospital, she has also fought off cancer.

Carmel, as a lead, and Lorraine, as a skipper, are both legends at Sorrento and over the years have been the absolute epitome of volunteering. Lorraine introduced Carmel to bowling at Wanneroo and their decision to then join Sorrento almost 20 years ago has been richly beneficial for the club. Being able to still hold a driver’s licence, Carmel has no intention of slowing down or becoming a recluse.

So, what’s the next thing on her bucket list? “I want to swim with the sharks,” she said. “I’m not worried, they tell me they are pretty-well fed.”.

– Jim Woodward

Left: Carmel and her friend Jan enjoying a drink Right: A 2020 photo of Lorraine and Carmel with their beautiful hats

Similarities and Differences Between Lawn Bowls

and Ten-Pin Bowling

In past editions of our news magazine, we have compared the sports of cricket (reportedly to have its origins in south-east England in the late 16th century); that was beaten by curling who claim their game started in Scotland in 1540 (as a habit within the abbot); then golf which trumps curling by being played by the Dutch in the 13th century; and now would you believe it, ten-pin bowling that claims to have been played by the Egyptians in 3200BC. Well, pharaohnuff I say, but how petty. Lawn bowls on the other hand has its origins also back in Egypt but much earlier at around 5000BC, with a game possibly played between Princess Ahmose and Ahhotep’s mummy. So there.

Anyway, enough of that. Let’s get back to ten-pin bowling. This should be right up your alley.

In lawn bowls, players use biased balls that are shaped asymmetrically, designed to curve as they roll. In ten-pin bowling, players use a heavy ball with finger holes for grip, and pins as the target. It is important not to get your fingers stuck in the finger holes. There have been stories of bowlers using too much Grippo and falling over whilst delivering. Fortunately, bowls don't have holes!

Both lawn bowls and ten-pin bowling involve rolling a ball (also known as a bowl) towards a target to knock down pins arranged in a specific formation or to knock the opposition’s bowls into the ditch or out of bounds. An illegal bowling action is where a player is throwing rather than bowling the ball. This is where the player’s elbow extends by an amount of more than 15 degrees between their arm reaching the horizontal and the ball being released.

Both sports require skill, precision, and technique to accurately aim and deliver the ball/bowl with the desired speed, spin, and accuracy. However, a full-blooded drive can cause damage. In lawn bowls there is often something to wick off whereas in ten-pin bowling there is nothing to help correct a poorly played bowling ball! However, the most significant difference between lawn bowls and ten-pin bowling is the playing surface. Lawn bowls is typically played outdoors on a grass or artificial turf surface, while ten-pin bowling is played indoors on a wooden or synthetic lane with gutters on either side.

Lawn bowls typically uses a “shot” or “end” scoring system, where points are awarded based on the proximity of bowls to the target. Ten-pin bowling, on the other hand, uses a pin fall scoring system, where points are awarded based on the number of pins knocked down.

In lawn bowls, players take turns to roll their bowls towards the target, with strategic placement and blocking being key strategies. In ten-pin bowling, players take turns to roll their balls down the lane to knock down as many pins as possible in a single frame, with a total of 10 frames per game. Ten-pin bowling tends to be more physically demanding, as it requires more strength

and power to roll the heavy ball and knock down the pins. Lawn bowls, on the other hand, is often considered a less physically strenuous sport although three games over a day means putting down nearly 200 bowls! Both sports require good hand-eye coordination to accurately aim and deliver the ball to the target.

Both sports have different rules and regulations governing their game play, including variations in scoring, ball handling, lane etiquette, and competition formats but both sports can be enjoyed as social activities, often played in groups or teams, and can be a source of recreation, competition, and camaraderie.

In conclusion, while both lawn bowls and ten-pin bowling share some similarities in terms of format, skill, and social aspect, they differ significantly in terms of playing surface, equipment, scoring system, game play, physicality, and rules and regulations.

Both sports are all-inclusive, so no one feels left out. Whereas most sports require participants to be in good physical shape and play with people around the same age, bowling allows a mixed group of all sizes, ages, and skill levels.