BELMONT BOWLS CLUB NEWSLETTER
EDITION 2: July, 2008
It is pleasing to note that the first issue of the current newsletter had been well received, to make the publication viable it is important that individual members, as well as the various arms of the administration provide information. Any such material can be placed in the newsletter pigeon hole in the office or forward to Os Nelson and Margaret Webb.
AFTER THE GAME:
Back in the club house, generally over refreshment, happenings on the green are recalled and dissected. Funny incidents involving players come to the fore, causing much merriment.
·putting a bowl down on the wrong bias, regularly causes embarrassment to the offender, but provided revenue for a good cause. Don Ferguson rattles the tin and accepts 50 cents from unlucky bowlers. Since January 2008 $174 had been donated to the Royal Childrens’ Hospital. It has been reported that regular offenders have claimed a rebate for tax purposes. Additionally, Alan Rogers (aka the garden gnome), has been advised to write out a cheque at the start of the year.
·Ray Fitzgerald (Mr Magic) has been in the news lately. Following the winter bowls on Saturday 7th June he picked up Peter Monk’s bowls containing his car keys and took them home to Leopold. This caused Peter & Diane to spend extra time and money in the bar while waiting for Ray to return the bag. On the same day Ray and Bill Gibson were playing opposing seconds in the triples. A close measure occurred on the third end. Neither had a tape, not to be outdone Ray took two lengths of rope out of his pocket, generally used to perform his magic tricks. One was probably elastic, he won the measure. The Mayor of Foxhow, brought up to use binder twine, was suitably confused. He soon got a tape out of his bag.
·Ron Ryder recently played in a greenkeepers’ bowls tournament in Sydney. Later in the clubhouse, some colleagues called him the welder. When he asked why they did this, the response was that he was seen keeping an eye on the old boilers.
SPONSORSHIP REPORT:
This year we have 48 sponsors, all of whom are highlighted in the Members Handbook. As stated in the Annual Report there are several categories of sponsorship. Some donate prizemoney to sponsor tournaments and major bowls events. Others provide vouchers to a certain value, while others provide sponsorship in the form of goods and services. While an actual value is hard to quantify the total would be in the vicinity of $11,500.00.
Members are encouraged to support our sponsors whenever possible. Graeme Cullen has provided a collection box in which receipts from member purchases from sponsors can be posted. He intends to collate them so that the Club can inform sponsors of the level of our support. This is important in the context of retaining these sponsors.
In each newsletter it is intended to highlight sponsors of the month for the information of our membership.
·The Grovedale Hotel: is the sponsor of the Winter Bowls competition, we show our support by having an official dinner there during the pennant season.
·National Tiles: located in Marshalltown Road, Grovedale, advertises in the handbook. Frank Walker, the proprietor, has a wide range of quality tiles for all household purposes. Wesley Johns, himself, an excellent tradesman, acts as a lisison with this reputable firm.
·Len Camm Miniskips: sponsors a tournament named after the firm. Len Camm, our member, is the owner. Not only does he sponsor a major event bit he provides a mini skip for collection and removal of garden waste and other refuse from the club surrounds. We greatly value Len’s support for his club.
·Louise King Funeral Services: Former member Ted Hazel once said “Funeral parlours should support bowls clubs. We’re their holding pen”. Be that as it may, Kings have sponsored Belmont Bowls Club events for many years and have always shown interest in the club. Members, however, should delay using their services for as long as possible.
·The National Hotel/Motel: located at 182-186 High Street Bendigo, has provided one nights accommodation and dinner, to the club. Call in for a meal in the bar or bistro when traveling through or staying in Bendigo. The cuisine is excellent, let licensee Bruce Morrison (ex Warracknabeal) know you are from Belmont Bowls Club.
NOTABLE MILESTONES:
Congratulations to Don & Margaret Batten, as well as to Ron & Beryl Croxford. Both couples have recently celebrated their 55 year wedding anniversaries. Both consider this milestone to be an important goal in their lives.
Pat Graham is delighted that she has become a grandmother for the fourth time. She has been told there is no power to add.
Special mention of Stan (Pinger) and Norma Paley who have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Stan still drives for the Leukaemia Foundation, enjoys his bowls and afternoon tea.
THE WINTER CIRCUIT:
Saturday Nominated Triples is progressing extremely well on outstanding greens. Dump mats and member co-operation in limiting stance on playing surface is helping David maintain his high standards. There is keen competition on the leader board. Regular fill-ins are required as members travel north. Any member keen to play, and not in a team, can contact Roger Clement at the club. Roger and Jimmy Connors do a great job in ensuring that the event runs smoothly.
Scroungers _- A Thursday Phenomenon: Ted Mohn and his assistants have done a great job in promoting this aspect of winter bowls. Each bowler plays as an individual with scoring relating to closeness to the kitty. It is pure draw bowling. It eliminates the drivers and promotes and important skill of the game. All members are welcome to test themselves in a friendly but competitive endeavour.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?:
Can you identify this Club member? A Saturday team members was heard to comment, “Our tem will be stronger this week, we’ve got SOUT back”, who is this mystery player?
THE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TEAMS:
Deputy Director David Burdett has organized teams to assist in maintenance of our surrounds. Monday working bees need some revitalization, but teams members can come at any convenient time to look after their area.
Proposed teams are:
A B C
John Reddan Peter Blincoe Maurie Redfern
Terry Cullen Bruce Iddles Os Nelson
Bob Simpson Alan Henderson Don Ferguson
Don Wringht John Shanahan Allan Ferguson
Bill Gibson Derrick Hayes Wally Lake
Hugh Wood Geoff Barr
Robin Hayes Cam Cuthbertson
David Ross Ron Brown
Lyle Burns Winston Burville
It is hoped that more members will volunteer their time for the surrounds maintenance. Ladies are welcome to join the teams.
THANKS FROM THE DIRECTOR :
Many thanks to Margaret Fitzpatrick and her team of ladies in the kitchen, who worked so tirelessly on the weekend of the 28th/29th June. We had two functions that weekend and the ladies did a great job. Also to the men who did the bar, Arthur and Henry on the Saturday night and Arthur, Henry and Mark on the Sunday.
Also a big thank you to all the members who turned up on the afternoon of Wednesday the 9th July and to everyone who helped in any way to set the day up. It is greatly appreciated.
SITUATION VACANT:
We intend to set up a merchandising cabinet in the bar, we would like some one to be in charge. It will contain club merchandise such as, badges, caps, ties etc. This person would be in charge of keeping the cabinet up to date.
VALE PEG AND JOHN:
It is with regret that we announce the passing of two very good and well respected members of our club, Peg Singleton & John Pentney, our condolences to both their respective families and friends.
Next edition in August:
