BELMONT  BOWLS  CLUB  NEWSLETTER

EDITION  3: AUGUST, 2008


As has been said in the classics we are gradually getting through our “winter of discontent”.  Opening Day on Saturday 30^th August will usher in a new season, one that members are sure to approach with vigour and enthusiasm.

How fortunate we have been; able to bowl on B & C greens for the majority of the winter.  A green is now back in use and greenkeeper David is confident of it being in top condition for the ensuing season.  In face the club surrounds are looking terrific, hedges trimmed, roses pruned, weeds vigorously  attacked, lawns looking green and maintenance teams giving great support.

WINTER  BOWLS  REPORT:

The Saturday nominated teams event, sponsored by the Grovedale Hotel, was finalized on 26^th July.  The presentations were made by Bill Cook, Grovedale Hotel functions manager. 

The winning team consisted of Roger Clement (s), Andrew Walker and Len Camm.  Runners up were Len Carr (s), Laurie the leader and Don Batten.  Special thanks to Roger Clement who organized the program.  Saturdays have reverted to an assembled mixed triples format.

It should be mentioned that a very competitive “girls” team of Annette Phayre (s), Pat Graham and Pat Knowles challenged all teams and were highly successful.

Tuesday assembled  mixed triples and Thursday “scroungers” made up a comprehensive winter offering.  Ted Mohn, Hilary Foran and Jim Connors were important cogs in the wheel and deserve our sincere appreciation.  It was also great to have the regular company of Anne Fitzgerald, Diane and Peter Monk from neighbouring clubs.

KITCHEN CAPERS:

Friday night counter teas have gone from strength to strength over the winter.  Attendances, in spite of many being on northern safari, have been well maintained and even increased.  This has been due to the fantastic band of volunteer leaders and helpers who prepare and serve the meals.  Where else can you get quality food at such reasonable prices in a convivial setting.  The work in the kitchen has been splendidly supported by the volunteers behind the bar with Arthur Groves, Len Carr, John Shanahan, Bruce Davies and Freddie Driver leading the way.

On going programs on Foxtel now focus on a range of celebrity chefs.  Styles of cooking are highlighted and some of these master foodies have unique and often valuable personalities.  What about our own kitchen?  Do we have any unique or interesting characters?  It has been said the chefs are temperamental - 90% temper and 10% mental.

I have been told that Marg Fitzpatrick is the Gordon Ramsay of the kitchen, demanding efficiency, order and a no nonsense approach to food preparation.  Unlike Gordon, Fitzys “F” is mostly for effort, and is known to use other expletives?

Pearl is the master blaster of roast beef and bread and butter pudding.  She pounces on the butcher is he does not provide tender meat.   Laughter erupts from the kitchen and Pearl wafts in and out and a bottle of red is progressively drained.

We have great leaders in Annette Phayre (rissole queen), Lyn Barlow (chicken, except for Doug Elford), Karen Hayes, Marg Webb, Lois Mensch, Pat Stolp and Pam Smith.  All these folk are supported by men and lady workers who serve the meals, collect the cash, peel the spuds and wash the dishes.  There is no one better than Ceffy, the ace cleaner-upper of the club, eat up or he’ll nip your food away.

HEARD  AROUND  THE  TRAPS:

* The Craft Ladies meet every Tuesday at 9.30 a.m.  Everyone is welcome.  We see the beautiful finished products on display and for sale, at many of the Ladies pennant games.  The bowls club is the beneficiary.

Why not come along ladies; bring your lunch, stay on for cards in the afternoon.  You can be assured of a great time.  Not too many are kitty hungry.

Covers for fixture books are available on request.

· I recently received a copy of the Sands, Torquay golf report.  On the frontispiece was the smiling photo of our “resident Orangeman”, John Rae, member of the victorious 2008 veterans competition.  Well done John !
· Some of our volunteer maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep of the garden beds
adjacent to the greens.  Bob Simpson and Terry Cullen would be pleased to receive any surplus plants or seeds that could be used to help them in their gardening endeavours.

SPONSORS  OF  THE  MONTH:

The following sponsors will support events held in September.  Each one will be listed on the notice board, made by Bruce Iddles, adjacent to the bar.  Graeme Cullen produced the beautiful scripting.

· Opening Day will again be sponsored by the Geelong Bowls Shop located at 152 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb.  Melinda Spalding will set up shop from 12 noon and members will have the opportunity to purchase bowls attire from a comprehensive range.
· Ladies First Day (Tuesday 2^nd September) has been regularly sponsored by Our Corner Pharmacy located in High Street, Belmont.  It is owned by Rochelle Clarke, Ken Gray and Peter Young.  They are noted for friendly service and appropriate advice.  One of our members, who shall remain nameless, claims that they are “purveyors of pills, potions and precautions”.
· The Max Fry Aggregate consisting of 4 x 8 week segments commences on Wednesday 3^rd September.  There are prizes to be won at the end of each 8 week segment.  Points aggregrate on the basis of 2 for a win, 1 for a tie, plus 1 for attendance.  Bryan Hart and Dan Edwards, of Max Fry Smash Repairs, can be guaranteed to give good rates to repair and unfortunate bingle, scrolls accident or just a plain paint job.
· Mens Open 2 Bowl Triples, scheduled for Thursday 25^th September will be sponsored by Alcoa World Alumina, a company which widely supports volunteer organizations across Geelong and district.  A major employer in our city, Alcoa has employed several of our members including Arthur Groves, Rag Castle, Alan Rogers, Phil Meulblok and Henry Trusiak.  Alcoa deserves to be recognized as an employer that not only sustains families but puts a lot back into the community.  We are proud to acknowledge them as a sponsor.
· Ross Parke (The Good Guys) gave us a valuable deal on our new television set.  They have also offered to sponsor an event to be called the Ross Parke Grand Final Day Event to the tune of $200.00.  The event will commence at 11.00a.m.

NEW  MEMBERS:

A special welcome is extended to Dennis Delaney and Paul Jackson who have joined us this month.  We also welcome back Peter Austin.  It is a pleasure to note that Peter and Diane Monk, whose company we have enjoyed throughout the winter, have joined as social members.  We trust that their involvement in our club will be happy and rewarding.

AFTER  THE  GAME:

· “Fabulous Phil” Meulblok was observed to feed $8.00 into the lolly machine.  Regrettably his return was two mini-bars (chocolate that is).
· Stan Batson defended his habit of partaking of a glass of red wine after a game of bowls by saying, “For medicinal purposes only”.  When it was brought to his attention that he was in fact drinking a second glass of the same liquid his response was, “the doctor has changed the prescription”.

MENBERS:

Anything newsworthy  -  please let Os or Marg know.