BELMONT BOWLS CLUB
NEWSLETTER NO: 5 NOVEMBER, 2008
The summer bowls season is now well underway. The weather has been kind, the greens excellent and the surrounds looking a picture. The work on D green is going apace, the first signs of growth already apparent, the site works nearly complete. The response of voluntary workers at all levels of club activity has been most gratifying.
In spite of all the above positives the bowls aspect of the season has not got off to a flying start. Congratulations are due to the Ladies Division 1 Blue who are currently sitting on the top of the ladder. They are certainly showing the way. While our teams in all divisions are striving to be competitive, and many are proving to be so, the only way to improve is to continue to be attentive to practice. It would be regrettable if the Tuesday mens’ practice sessions that started so promisingly were to fall away in terms of attendance and participation. Let us all support one another in each of our divisions. Give credit where it is due and support where it is needed.
Vale June Giles:
It was with sincere regret that, after a long illness, June passed away. She was farewelled by club members, who paid tribute to her service to Belmont Bowls Club as a good bowler and a fine lady who was considerate, friendly and helpful to others. In extending our condolences to Ted we recognize his marvellous support to June throughout her illness. Ted is to be admired for his unending loyalty and support in times of need.
Club Functions:
On Saturday 4th October, a 40th birthday party was held in the clubrooms. This well attended function brought much appreciated “outside capital” to the club. Sincere thanks are expressed to the volunteers who worked on the night. Marg Webb and Henry Truisiak in the bar were well supported by Lorraine Whitley, Jenny McCallum, Marie Walsh and Pat Graham in the kitchen. They were all on deck until midnight - a great effort.
The Finance Seminar, conducted by our sponsor Financial Aspects was, after some initial intrepidation, well attended. Special thanks to Robin Hayes who assisted in rounding up numbers and taking care of registration. Approximately $500.00 was raised to help sponsor the Laurie Budde Memorial Open Classic Fours.
Sponsors of the month:
Please continue to post receipts from sponsors in the box provided in the clubrooms. Graeme Cullen collates them in order to show sponsors that, where possible, we give them our support.
·Melbourne Cup Charity Day, scheduled for Tuesday 4th November will be sponsored by Cirillo Architects. Their director is Charles Smith our very own bowler and resident minstrel. He has been known to charge “mates rates” for services to members.
·The Ladies Invitation Classic Fours, to be played on Sunday 16th November will be sponsored by Pathcare and Highton Quality Meats. The latter are excellent butchers - just look at the healthy glow of Ray Jamieson who secured to sponsorship.
·The Ladies 75th Anniversary on 20th November will be sponsored by Harveys of Highton, who will also sponsor the Oscars to be held in the New Year. Harveys have an extensive range of quality fruit and vegetables. They provide excellent service to customers and have also donated a fruit basket to be raffled.
·The Mens Open 2 Bowl Triples on Thursday 27th November will again be sponsored by the Geelong Old Style Bakery. Located in Pakington Street, Geelong West, they provide bread for Pearl Mills when she does her catering. They are well worthy of patronage when in the area.
·A new sponsor to the club is Pest Control Solutions. It is owned by Bronwyn Kelly who lives in the house adjacent to D green, the owners being Russell & Veronica Kelly, former members of our club. Bronwyn will be one of the sponsors of the Holiday Carnival on 27th & 28th December.
Heard Around the Traps:
·It is not often that Arthur Groves is recognized as a saviour. On the day of June Giles funeral, Lyn Barlow unloaded scones and sundry goodies for the post service refreshments. She was offered a ride to the service, which she accepted. However, not only did she leave the boot of her car open, but the door as well. Arthur to the Rescue.
·Alan Rogers (AKA the garden gnome) claims that he is incorrectly labeled. He has intimated that not only is Derek Hayes shorter but is definitely more rotund. Perhaps they should serve as bookends.
·Graeme Clyne would like his test results back.
·Jimmy McCallum continues to come under notice for his antics while on tour in the Northern Territory. It has been reliably reported that when the tour bus pulled up at a roadhouse for morning tea, Jimmy noticed several young aborigines sitting in the dust with a football beside them. Feeling a sudden rush of adrenalin he asked, “Who wants a kick?” only one of the youngsters obliged. For fifteen minutes Jimmy strutted his stuff. He drop punted, drop kicked, handballed and did fancy kicks around corners. He was exhausted by the time the bus was ready to leave. Always the gentleman (this is debatable) he thanked his companion with “Thanks mate. What is your name?” The response was, “my names Mary and I’m a girl”. Even Jimmy was more dumbfounded than usual.
·Special thanks to Don Batten for his sterling effort in selling raffle tickets to aid the Fred Driver Appeal. Ted Giles donated back the prize that he had won in the original effort. The sum raised was $240.
Club Events:
·Doug Elford and Laurie (the leader) Wood, were proclaimed joint bowlers of the month on Saturday 25th October. Each has been a member of four winning pennant rinks. Great work fellows!
·The Ladies 100 up Semi-finals and final was played on A green on Friday 24th October. In the semi-final Lyn Barlow overcame Val Hardy, while Helen Brennan accounted for Karen Hayes. Helen Brennan won over a gallant Lyn Barlow. Congratulations to Helen and all the ladies who provided such good competition.
·Counter meals are going from strength to strength. On Friday 24th October the Frankie Lawrence Old Time Dance Band added a bit of spice to the regular Friday night. Over 140 members and guests enjoyed the usually very succulent Pearl Mills roast beef and were therefore able to trip the light fantastic. More Friday night entertainment is in the offering with maestro Barry Hirst in the van.
·The Social Club, in lieu of the trip to Echuca, is hosting a tour to the MCG on Monday 24th November. The bus will leave the club house at 8.45 a.m. and return at approximately 4.30 p.m. The cost of $50 per person is payable to Treasurer Peter Blincoe by 14th November. The cost includes return bus fare, morning tea on arrival, a 1 1/12 hour MCG Tour, a two course luncheon on the Epicure room at 12 noon. This will be followed by a tour of the International Sports Museum, well renowned for its calibre. A minimum of 40 people are needed to make the trip viable. It should be a great day.
New Bowler:
Welcome to Ken McIntyre from Shepparton who had just joined the club. He is an experienced bowler who will certainly boost our stocks.
New Sponsors:
·Jet Set Travel (Belmont Branch) will support mens Wednesday bowls on an occasional basis. Prizemoney will be Coles vouchers. Final detail is yet to be decided.
·Pest Control Solutions has already been mentioned in this publication.