BELMONT BOWLS CLUB
NEWSLETTER NO 4: SEPTEMBER 2008
September is a notable word in anyone’s language. Not only does it herald the commencement of Spring, it gears us up to the AFL Finals and the onset of the summer bowls season. With our greens in great shape a warm welcome is extended to all club members, both new and ongoing.
The club enters the new season with a lot of optimism. How fortunate are we to have a fully sealed car park! A Government grant of approximately $4000 to produce a master plan for club development, a blue-print for the future, has been a bonus. The ability of all members to have input into the formulation of that plan should provide a sense of ownership for us all.
To cap this off we have received news of a $40,000 City of Greater Geelong grant to develop D green. Work has already started on this project. Endless possibilities are provided for the development of a picnic type setting between the green and the club house. Added to the already impressive surrounds this new concept bodes well for the future.
OPENING OF THE SEASON:
The opening night dinner, held on Friday 29th August was a great success. Over 100 members enjoyed a lovely meal prepared by the catering staff and listened to a challenging address by RVBA’s Peter Hanlon. He exhorted bowls clubs to target younger age groups with a revamped program, aimed to bring new people into the sport and to enliven activity around the clubs. Light entertainment was provided by Bazza on the piano and Chazza, the master of doggerel, designed to take the micky out of selected members.
Opening day on Saturday 30th August was marred by rain but at least eight ends were played. The Ladies first day was threatened with occasional showers, but proceeded successfully.
Our Corner Pharmacy sponsored awards were won by:- Lyn Barlow, Judy Stacey, Dot Henderson & Beryl Milton. Runners up were:- Pat Graham, Yvonne Maschio & Lorraine Whitley. Consolations - Margaret Harrington, Annette Phayre, Marie Walsh. Ditch to Ditch went to Diane Aitken.
INDOOR BOWLS REPORT:
Supported by sponsorship from the Atkins Bequest the club ran a tournament in honour of Norm & Ann Atkins. It was highly successful. Six mats were filled with players from Belmont and association clubs. It was reported that a profit of $288 was accrued. Our Indoor bowlers were runners-up in the Winter 2008 Friday Pennant Competition that was organized by GIBBA. They promise that they will go one better in 2009.
AROUND THE TRAPS:
· Jimmy Mc Callum has just returned from aground breaking visit to the Top End. While on safari he met the head of the Mulgavinni tribe. Over roast goanna he mentioned Doug Elford’s name. Delving in the anecdotal family tree the elder tribesman found that Doug was the 18th cousin, or 14th nephew of members of the tribe. Jimmy, claiming to be a great friend of Douglas, was feted for breakfast with a wombat brunch, some kanga cutlets and fricassee of termites. When Kim broached the subject of Mark, he was told that he was not in the family tree. Apparently Doug must have swum across crocodile infested waters to another tribe. Incidentally the tribe has named a waterfall after Jimmy.
· Bowls?? That mysterious and ancient game, generally played by people old enough to know better, using balls carefully designed to go in the wrong directions - attributed to Don Ferguson.
· The Social Committee is running a further raffle to support the Fred Driver Family Appeal: It will be recalled that Ted Giles won second prize, several days accommodation for 6 people at Barwon Valley Lodge. Ted has found that his family is unable to use the prize and he has generously donated it back to the club to be used to augment the abovementioned appeal. That ace seller of raffle tickets Don Batten has accepted the challenge to spearhead the sales.
· The Club “Trip Away”: will commence on 30th March and extend over 2 nights. It will again go to Echuca Bowls Club, who will make provision for us in their program. We will stay in the Welcome Inn, Moama, who donate a major prize for the Laurie Budde Classic.
· Sponsorship Committee Report: The current men’s shirts sponsorship with Blood Hyundai runs out at the end of the 2008-2009 season. A new deal has been struck whereby Blood Hyundai will pay $1500 to have exclusive sponsorship rights to signage on the shirts for a period of 3 years from 2009-2010. They will also continue to sponsor one of the open monthly triples events. This is an excellent result for the club.
SPONSOR OF THE MONTH:
The following sponsors will underwrite the major events for the month of October.
· The 102nd Anniversary Nominated Mixed Fours will again be sponsored by Barry Plant Real Estate. Offices are located in Waurn Ponds, Belmont and Highton. Leighton Kidman, a long time supporter runs the office in the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.
· Ladies Guest Day, to be held on Thursday 9th October, has enlisted the sponsorship of the Bendigo Bank, who continue, through Debbie Pike to look after our interests.
· Men’s Open 2 Bowl Triples, schedules for 23rd October, is again underwritted by former Don Grellet and his dry cleaning from Geelong/Werribee Dryton. Don is ultre reliable and provides excellent to all his customers.
· On Thursday 30th October Rookies Day, which includes Barwon Valley Golfers, is sponsored by L.P Foley & Co, whose chief executive Martin Ward is well known in our club. They provide financial advice for pensioners, retirees and services for sound investment.
We encourage. Whenever possible, that our members consider utilizing the services of these sponsors.
CLUB FINANCE SEMINAR:
When? Friday 17th October, starting at 10.30 a.m. in the clubrooms.
Format: It will be run by Financial Aspects, formerly known as Bridges, operated by Ron Rose and his family.
Topics (i) Capital Protection - presented by AXA
(ii) Longevity - How to survive financially as we get older.
These topics are of vital importance to club members, especially now in a more difficult economic climate. We, as a club, will earn $10.00 per attendee, who signs the attendance form - an easy way to gain sponsorship. There are a number of flyers around the club advertising the event. A notice is also up on the board so that we can gauge likely attendance. We need member support for this activity.
Receipt Collection:
To provide tangible evidence that we support our sponsors whenever possible, Graeme Cullen has offered to collate amounts spent at various venues, by collecting receipts which can be lodged in a specially marked box located near the office. This will help indicate to our sponsors that the Belmont Bowls Club appreciates their support.
Andrew Walker would also appreciate Safeway/Woolworths receipts, who knows what benefits might accrue?
A Little Nonsense Now and Then is Relished by the Wisest Men: Author Unknown
“The best horse to back is Self Interest. At least you know that it will be trying” - Kerry Packer.
Heard from a member after a recent counter tea.
I sat near big Maurie at tea
It was as I feared it would be
His rumblings abdominal
Were simply phenomenal
But the ladies all thought it was me.
