Bowls Matters 2017 April - June

BOWLS Matters O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F W O M E N ’ S B O W L S N S W

APRIL - JUNE 2017

VOLUME: 70 NUMBER: 2

PAGE 18

Inside:

Willow Tree

State Carnival

Golden Hind

PAGE 17

PAGE 30

PAGE 36

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Contents PATRON Mrs Linda Hurley

FEATURE STORIES

DIRECTORS

up with Women’s Bowls NSW.

e been e word annual rget of

rrently World hearing a single opping

70,000

HEARING CHECKS WILLOW TREE 17 IN ONE YEAR

712!

AUSTRALIAN SIDES 2017 PAGE 18 REGULARS

CEO's Message 6

Match

Pam Hockings Jenny Palmer Jenny Clark Robyn Lewis

Coaching

Kathy Chatillon Deby Brien Ruth Wood Jane Conlon

Umpires

Selection

Governance

Special Events

Lesley Swales Bev Mitchell Barbara Stonham Gary Willis Corinne Crouch Joan Thomas Margaret Smith Pam Andrich Wendy Herbert Delsie Fardell

Umpire's Report

12

Bowl For Others Report

13

Coaching Report 15 Sports Community 24 Special Days STATE CARNIVAL 30

32

Life Member 35 Around the Greens

36

What's On In Your Club

38

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Meet a Bowler

39

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 Region 9 Region 10 Region 11 Region 12 Region 13 Region 14 Region 15 Region 16

GOLDEN HIND 36

ENQUIRIES WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW Phone (02) 9267 7155 EDITOR Ayla Karabulut MAGAZINE CORRESPONDENCE Email news@womensbowlsnsw.org ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Ayla Karabulut Email communications@womensbowlsnsw.org DISCLAIMER The Editor reserves the right to cull and edit material submitted for publication in Bowls Matters.

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

Appointed

COMMITTEES

Match Report 10 AUSTRALIAN HEARING 22

Jess Chapman

President's Message 5

Governance Report 8

s in ary

President

STAFF Daniel Gatt Kylie Hartley Ayla Karabulut Beth Quinlan Selam Woldemichael Kathy Zhou

WESTERN AUS TEST 19

nd

Maryann Parcell Pam Andrich Nanette Jemmeson Eunice Roberts Lesley Swales Claire Turley Katrina Wright

Judy Padgen Carole Graham Elaine Radcliffe - VACANT - VACANT Carol Sternbeck Heather Skinner Lyn Mulligan Lorraine Mitchell - VACANT - VACANT - VACANT Margaret Wicks Margaret Wicks Janice Sutherland - VACANT Page 3

Editor \\ AYLA KARABULUT

BOWLMatSters S NSW N OF WOMEN’S BOWL O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O

APRIL - JUNE 2017

VOLUME: 70 NUMBER: 2

EDITOR'S NOTE

PAGE 18

Inside:

Willow Tree PAGE 17

State Carnival PAGE 30

Golden Hind PAGE 36

AUSTRALIAN SIDES 2017 See story page 18

PUBLISHED BY Women’s Bowls NSW 7th Floor, 309 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9267 7155 Fax (02) 9267 7254 Website womensbowlsnsw.org

CIRCULATION 17,000

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ARTWORK Inscope Media Pty Ltd Level 1, Suite 17, 287 Military Road, Cremorne NSW 2090 Phone (02) 8084 3036 Website www.inscopemedia.com Email hello@inscopemedia.com

Welcome to the June issue of Bowls Matters!

For this instalment, we cover the resilience of the NSW squad at the 2017 Australian Sides.

After a rocky start, the Blues were able to take charge and display just why they are a force to be reckoned with as they claimed second place. Congratulations on a fantastic effort and to the Queensland squad who won the Marj Morris trophy after 5 years. Full story on pages 18-19.

The Governance article discusses the difference between the election of officers at an AGM and expression of interest to fill a casual vacancy at both club and district levels. The Match report further explains the laws covering substitutes and replacements and the Umpires report covers game stoppages.

Lastly, the Coaching report follows from the previous issues, and continues to outline the importance of a competent and competitive third.

PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION

There are a couple of articles in this issue that are worth taking note of, and we encourage all members to have a thorough read of these exciting new changes. The new structure of the anticipated City v Country event has been explained on page 17, as well as the Pennant Changes for 2018, which can be found on pages 26-28.

Ligare Book Printing and Publishing Specialist Book Printers 138 Bonds Rd, Riverwood NSW 2210 Phone (02) 9533 2555 Website ligare.com.au

Also covered in this issue are the World Youth Championships on page 16, WBNSW Indoors on page 22, Wheelchair Sports NSW Singles Classic on page 21 and State Carnival on pages 30-31.

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Congratulations to all winners, and now that the 2017 State Carnival has been put to bed, only a little break can be had before we start planning for the next!

Congratulations to Barbara Holden, who has devoted a lot of time to the sport of lawn bowls at club, district and state level, as she was awarded an OAM in recognition of these achievements.

Taren Point’s celebration of this momentous achievement can be read on page 33.

For the Meet a Bowler segment of this issue of Bowls Matters, a bit of insight into the selfless contribution of Jenny Palmer has been provided by Dawn Spinks. Jenny volunteers at club, district and state levels and has been an integral part of the establishment of the Neutral Bay Women’s Bowling Club. Although I get to see Jenny every week, her modest nature never gives away the true depth of her involvement in our sport.

Golden Hind describe in funny detail their journey towards claiming the Central Coast District’s 2017 Grade 4 Pennant flag which can be read on pages 36-37. If you have a story your club or district wishes to tell, please do not hesitate to send them through to news@womensbowlsnsw.org as we are always delighted to share your stories!

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

President’s Message

MARYANN PARCELL \\ STATE PRESIDENT

"I’ve been everywhere man… well not really but it sure feels like it."

FORUMS

NSW INDOOR SINGLES

I’ve been everywhere man…well not really but it sure feels like it. We have had terrific attendances at our Forums this year and it’s wonderful to meet such interesting and enthusiastic ladies who are passionate about the well-being of the game.

Such a great event this year with the new format proving to be not only successful, but popular amongst the players. As per usual, our Match Committee had the event running like clockwork. Big thanks to Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club for again hosting this event. Congratulations to all of the participants and especially the players who made the finals and have secured a place in the Australian Indoor, to be held in Tweed Heads later in the year. Do us proud ladies!

It is very clear to me and most people who have attended our recent forums, that there is a ground swell for change in this organisation. And that is just as well because it will be absolutely vital for us to all be open-minded about changing if we are going to address some of the major issues that we face in the coming years. It is also heartening to see just how many folks are keen to hear the message that growing our membership is our most critical focus and everyone has a part to play. If each one of us brought along a friend who does not currently play bowls…and if just like us…she gets hooked on this wonderful sport, then we’ll double our membership numbers very quickly. If you have not yet been to a forum, think seriously about it. There are still a few on the agenda and everyone is welcome.

PENNANTS By now you will have all seen and heard about the changes we are making to Pennants. I’m please to say that this initiative has been well received on the whole and 2018 will be an interesting year as we test the waters with some of the planned changes. Of course, 2019 will be even bigger for change in our sport as we negotiate new host club and event sponsors and make further improvements to our calendar of events.

AUSTRALIAN SIDES RESULTS Well we didn’t bring home the Marj Morris Trophy from Adelaide this year but we came an extremely close second and as far as consistency is concerned…we are second to none.

The girls played valiantly and when you read the reports later in the magazine, you’ll soon learn that technically, they out-performed all other sides.

We should all be so proud of our elite players. Their efforts are outstanding. www.womensbowlsnsw.org

EVENTS As well as the Indoor Singles, Australian Sides Championships and numerous forums, I’ve attended other events such as the World Cup in Warilla, Goulburn Railway’s 60th Birthday and several President’s Days at St Johns Park and Glenbrook, not to mention a couple of Board and sponsor meetings. In between that, I snuck in a trip to Melbourne for two days to attend the Bowls Australia Strategic Forum. And … I’m not sure how but I’ve also played some bowls with a modicum of success.

No wonder my husband is calling me the FIFO wife and the dog has started to growl at me when I walk in the door.

STATE CARNIVAL The weather gods were smiling on us this year and the host clubs could not have been friendlier. The atmosphere was tremendous and there was a real buzz around the venues at this year’s State Carnival. And all of the credit should go to our Committees and staff who planned the daylights out of this event so that it looked and ran seamlessly. Gosh they are good! The Women in Disney themed dinner on the Sunday night before the Carnival was an absolute “hoot” and the effort that some guests went to, in dressing up, was astounding. Amongst the wicked step-mothers, princesses, witches, Cinderella’s, mousekateers and snow whites, we even had some rabbits and dalmations…but thankfully not 101 of them. Everybody got into the spirit of the occasion and I haven’t laughed

so much in years. The bar has certainly been set high for next year when the Carnival returns to the Illawarra once again. Make sure you tell your friends about the fabulous fun and friendship that encircles this showcase event.

WILLOW TREE BC Many of you would have seen the devastating results of the Willow Tree Bowling Club fire which gutted the club earlier this year. It was most satisfying to visit the ladies for afternoon tea (thanks to Murrurundi BC) and be able to assist in a small way by donating several signed and framed State Shirts.

The ladies intend to use one to build up their memorabilia collection for the new club since all of the existing trophies were lost in the flames. The other shirt will be raffled off with the proceeds going towards the new clubhouse and equipment that will be needed. If you are able to, please look out for that raffle and dig deep to assist President Ann and her ladies to get back on their feet.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACES It would be remiss of me not to officially welcome some new faces to the team.

Beth Quinlan has joined our staff recently as the Operations Coordinator and her wealth of knowledge in relation to bowls matters (pun intended) is already proving extremely valuable.

Daniel Gatt, our new CEO, on the other hand, knows absolutely nothing about bowls…and that’s a good thing because his notable business experience and skill-set are the assets we were seeking for our CEO role. Don’t get me wrong.

He is learning the little idiosyncrasies of lawn bowls very quickly but because he’s new to the sport, he is challenging our “old” thinking about how we administer this business and make it stronger for the future. Welcome Beth and Daniel. May your tenure with WBNSW be long and rewarding for all.

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One Man's Opinion "My name is Daniel and I stand boldly before you and declare…

I was wrong!!!"

I was wrong when I rocked up for my interviews at the offices of Womens Bowls NSW thinking how hard can this gig be? Wrong when I thought it was about old ladies, dressed all in white. Wrong assuming that “bowls competition” was an excuse to meet up with friends to enjoy a roast lunch and a schooner. Wrong when I thought throwing an odd shaped ball (I now know it's a bowl) down the green didn’t amount to anything that anyone could convince me is really a sport. Wrong when I thought the most one could get out of Lawn Bowls is a nasty sunburn and a frozen chook if you were any good at it.

Yes ladies and gentlemen…I was wrong; the fact is that this sport has more complexity than assembling an IKEA futon. The only problem is that not enough people truly know about it.

Whilst I am man enough to admit I was wrong, I am also smart enough to understand that if you don’t know, you go find out. This is why I have spent a substantial amount of my first few weeks getting around to clubs, meeting people from within the sport, asking questions and absorbing answers. I know I have a heap more to learn about the sport but my findings to date have provided me some insight into where the sport is positioned. So for my first submission into “Bowls Matters”, I’m drafting a good old list of my findings. They may not be definitive, they are definitely not gospel, and they may not even be correct, however they are my opinion at this time. So sit back, buckle in and humour me while we break some of these pros and cons down: PASSION (PRO) In a society where most people think the world owes them something and their needs take priority over everyone else’s, we are blessed with people who have the sports interests

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ahead of their own. Whether it is the city slickers or the country folk, the board, the committees the staff or those who just enjoy the game, the sport is usually the most important beneficiary. Evidenced by the amount of volunteer involvement at all levels, it is without doubt one of the biggest ticks we have in the pro column.

LEADERSHIP (PRO) This is not my first rodeo, I have been in this management caper for many years and I assure you that the board of Womens Bowls NSW is without doubt one of the best I have come across in my time. I have seen Boards who could not direct a choko plant over the outhouse, let alone a multi-million dollar business, but your board is not one of those. They are committed, focused and willing to listen. They are prepared to fail at initiatives as it means they are trying to do things rather than sitting on their hands. I didn’t include these comments as they may be a good career move, I included them because they are true and are important to note. The board, all of whom are volunteers, need to be supported. If it were my choko plant, these are the people I would entrust it with. They too only have the sport at heart. This was evident to me at my interviews and was one of the major factors that drew me to this role.

IMAGE (CON) My grandma like everyone else’s, is the loveliest lady in the world, but unfortunately I don’t want to play sport with her. If she decides at some point to take up soccer or maybe take an interest in boxing then maybe we can revisit this, but the likelihood is that Nan and I will not be sharing sporting passions anytime soon. The image of bowls (women’s or men’s) has more to do with retirement villages, superannuation accounts, blue hair, a high fibre diet, zimmer

frames and dare I say funeral homes than strategy, exercise, skill and technique. We need to change our image to attract a younger market.

The youngins are the future of this sport and whilst we should never take our focus away from the “less young” (diplomatic, I know) of our membership, we need to refocus if we are to have a future. Make it attractive, cool and inclusive and they will be all over it like a fat kid on a cream filled sponge cake.

DECLINING MEMBERSHIP (CON) In 1997 - 37,000 members (or there abouts). In 2017 - 17,000 members.

Enough said!

TRADITION AND CEREMONY (PRO) Our past is the DNA that has evolved us into what we are today, we need to respect and be proud of the past and make sure our history is never forgotten or lost. It’s one of the purities that separate your sport from others.

"I am not here to waste my time and neither are the board; we are committed to implementing strong, positive and constructive change for the good of the sport."

TRADITION AND CEREMONY (CON) With so many choices to take our attention away these days, working out what is able to be discarded is as important as determining what we need to implement. Is the colour of shoes or shoelaces really important in the larger scheme of things? Or is it more important that there are new shoes worn by new people hitting the green. I would take black, blue, pink, yellow or any other coloured footwear

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

DANIEL GATT \\ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

if it meant new people joining our sport. I would embrace a skort if it brought one new player to the game (FUN FACT – I didn’t know what a skort was until bowls). Let’s stop over regulating, as over regulation scares the uninformed. They don’t know of the past, and frankly, their past starts the day THEY set foot on the green.

Let’s be welcoming and inclusive of everyone. Who really gives a toss if the new player standing at the clubhouse door has coloured hair, tattoos, poor dress sense or enough piercings to pick up the local FM radio station.

They’re new to your sport and that is ALL that matters.

STAFF (PRO) We have staff that are committed and are part of the revitalisation process.

They are diligent and reliable and have a true willingness to improve the sport. They should be appreciated as there are many organisations who would give up the office carpark to have the quality of people working for them that we have working for us. These guys are not here selling time for money, they are invested in your sport. Like you, they “get it” and embrace the challenge.

PROGRESSION (PRO) We have many challenges going forward but none are insurmountable, it just takes some extra effort, a willingness to change and understanding the reasons we need to do so. We have all of those and I can provide an example that is close to home - For the first time in the history of this organisation a bloke was hired to lead the revival. I was not hired because I was male, to prove a point or because I was the only candidate (there were many), it was because the board believed I was the best person to do the job. That is the first step in progression. Time will tell if it was the right choice (relax, it was), but the fact that we allowed ourselves

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

to think outside of the usual “hiring the best women for the job” shows the commitment to progress. We are willing to do what it takes. As an added bonus, there are a number of other benefits to hiring a male such as:

to waste my time and neither are the board; we are committed to implementing strong, positive and constructive change for the good of the sport. I call on all members to be part of that process.

• I ’m easily identifiable in a crowd of women bowlers (I’m the one with the beard)

That pretty much sums up my first few weeks in the big chair.

I welcome the challenges, look forward to meeting as many as possible and seeing this sport reach its potential and return to its glory days. Not everything we do will be great, not everything we do will work and not everything we do will be popular, however you can be assured that everything we do will be for the good of the sport and its members.

• I’m married so I’m accustomed to being told what to do by ladies • There’s one less person in front of you in the line to the bathroom • I can put the garbage’s out • I can lift heavy things • And about 2 other things RELUCTANCE TO CHANGE (CON) I teach my kids that “If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got.”

This will be said many times in the coming months and years, and I don’t apologise if you get bored of hearing it. What we have always done in the past has resulted in the depletion of our member base to an unsustainable level. We are not prepared to do what we have always done any longer. We are not prepared because this sport can’t afford it. If you find yourself saying “we do it that way because that is what we have always done” then put a dollar in the swear jar, hopefully in time you will have enough to buy a middy with lunch. Unfortunately, the reality is you will probably have enough to shout the bar. It’s an excuse that has held us back for far too long, and I am here to tell you, free of charge, it’s an excuse that is no longer good enough.

I encourage you all to provide feedback and suggestions where you can. Contact me on my email, ceo@womensbowlsnsw.org and share your thoughts. I don’t have all the answers and neither do you, but between us we may just have enough to make a real difference. Let’s look forward to the positiveness that this sport has and talk it up whenever we can. When you’re in the street, in the shops, in the line at the bank, talk up bowls.

Spread the word to those that don’t know about your sport. You know it’s great, let others know as well – share the secret people, sing it like Julie Andrews atop of a mountain.

Doe – a deer, a female deer… Just a bit of advice though, probably don’t speak up at Church or in the movies. Others will probably not be as enthusiastic about bowls at those times as you are!

There are many pros and cons to this sport and business, more than Ayla will allow me to list in one edition of Bowls Matters, but each will be assessed and included in our planning.

I assure you all, that I am not here

Daniel

Roll on

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// Governance Report PAM ANDRICH, WENDY HERBERT // CONSTITUTION@WOMENSBOWLSNSW.ORG

Q&A

about election of officers at an AGM versus Expression of Interest to fill a casual vacancy

The following information applies to both Club and District elections and casual vacancies.

Q1. When does the Secretary call for nominations for office bearers?

A1. The Secretary calls for nominations as early as they like, but at least 42 days (6 weeks) prior to the AGM. The date of the AGM should have been indicated on the Club/District calendar at the beginning of the year.

Q2. When do nominations close?

A2. The Club Constitution states that the nomination form must be delivered to the Club not less than 35 days (5 weeks) before the AGM. District nominations must be delivered to the District Association (Secretary)not less than 35 days (5 weeks) before the AGM. Q3. What does “delivered to the Club” mean?

A3. The nomination form can be delivered to: a locked ballot box on the Club premises; handed directly to the Club Secretary; mailed to the Club’s postal address; faxed to the Club’s fax number or scanned/photographed and emailed to the Secretary. The same methods, except for the locked ballot box, are used for District nominations.

Q4. Why must nominations be in writing?

A4. A nomination form has to be filled in and signed by three members: the nominated member, the nominator (you can't nominate yourself ) and a seconder. Therefore, no-one can later say they weren’t sure what they were standing for and there are two members who think the person can do the job.

Q5. Can nominations be accepted after the closing date?

A5. No, although if an extraordinary event were to occur, for example, if the local postal delivery was washed away in a flood, then the decision would need to be tempered with common sense.

Q6. Can the nominations received be put on the bowls noticeboard?

A6. Yes. After the closing date, a list of positions and those who have been nominated for them can be put on the bowls noticeboard or posted/emailed to members. It is not appropriate to include the nominator or seconder. There are 5 weeks from the closing date to the AGM, so it is better that members have accurate information rather than secrecy and rumour.

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Q6. What happens if no nominations are received for one or more positions on the Management Committee or Committees?

A6. As the election of officers proceeds at the AGM, the Chair would say, for example, "No nomination has been received for Vice President, so I declare this to be a casual vacancy". At the end of the elections, the Chair would announce "Any member who feels they could fill the casual vacancy, would you please complete an Expression of Interest and forward it to the Secretary by…………". For how to handle an EOI see Answer 13.

Q7. Can nominations be taken from the floor during the AGM? A7. No. Members have had a year to consider standing for a position on committees. The nomination and voting system we use works because it does not allow nominations from the floor. It may seem like putting the brakes on enthusiasm, but it is designed to put the brakes on ill-considered decisions.

Q8. What happens if the nominations received are equal to the positions that need to be filled?

A8. In this most wonderful circumstance, the Chair would declare that those nominated are elected. As a courtesy, each position and name would be read out; declared elected and acclaimed with applause.

Q9. What happens when more than one person stands for a single position or more people stand for a committee than what is needed?

A9. a) Voting is by secret ballot. In the weeks before the AGM, the Secretary would prepare ballot papers with the members’ names listed in order, drawn by ballot, not by alphabet. It would be advisable to have a witness to the name order ballot. b) At the AGM, a Returning Officer and scrutineer would be appointed. Ideally, they should be non-members who are familiar with the role or are happy to be guided through the role by the Chair. At District elections, two members of the Management Committee or Committees can fulfil these roles, as only the Delegates vote. c) The Returning Officer is responsible for distributing ballot papers to members who are eligible to vote. This includes the Chair if they are a member. The Returning Officer should take note of the sign-in book and make sure that the number of

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

ballot papers given out equals the number of eligible voters.

For District elections, the ballot papers would have been sent to Clubs for their vote. The Club Delegate brings the ballot paper to the District AGM. d) The voting system we use is a first past the post system.

Therefore, if there are two names on the ballot paper for one position, members should mark a cross/tick/circle the person they are voting for. If there are six names on the ballot paper for five committee positions, then members would mark a cross/tick/circle the five persons they are voting for. The Chair would need to give these instructions very clearly to prevent donkey votes. e) The Returning Officer collects the ballot papers and makes sure the number returned, equals the number given out. The Returning Officer counts the ballots under the supervision of the scrutineer. The Returning Officer will write the names and vote count on a piece of paper and hand it to the Chair. f) The Chair will announce the vote count and declare the person/s elected. Once the Chair is sure that the elected person/s and the vote count and have been correctly minuted, the Chair will then direct the Returning Officer to destroy the ballot papers in full view of the members.

Q10. What happens if there is a tied vote?

A10. If voting is equal for two or more candidates, then another secret ballot is held. The whole above process is repeated. At a Club election, members can change their vote, however, at a District election, the Delegate would vote the same as in the first ballot. If voting is still equal after the second vote, the election is declared invalid and the position becomes a casual vacancy.

Q11. How do the Selection, Match and Social Committee members elect their committee Chair?

A11. The By-Laws state that the committee members should elect their own Chair within 14 days after the AGM, otherwise the Management Committee will appoint the Chair. The election of the Chairs for these three committees is important, as they hold a position on the Management Committee.

Committee members may choose to meet directly after the AGM to conduct their election or meet sometime within the next two weeks. Either way, the committee members should follow normal voting procedures tinged with a common sense degree of relaxation of the rules. It may be advisable to ask the President who is an ex-officio member of all committees to chair the election for the committee Chair. She would call for verbal nominations and a seconder. One would expect that if a member wanted to be the Chair, they would have earlier asked a fellow committee member to nominate them.

If only one nomination is received then that person is declared

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elected. If more than one nomination is received then a secret ballot would be held. If the vote is tied, follow the procedure in Answer 10. If the Committee Chair is not resolved within 14 days, the Management Committee will appoint the Chair.

Q12. What is a casual vacancy?

A12. A casual vacancy may be caused when no-one stands for a position at the AGM, or when a committee member resigns or is stood down from their position during the year.

The casual vacancy is filled via a procedure that starts with an Expression of Interest. Please note: this procedure does not apply should the office of President become vacant. See Club By-Law 3.6/ District By-Law 2 for the procedure to use.

Q13. What is an Expression of Interest and how does the Management Committee deal with it?

A13. An Expression of Interest (template on website) is different to a nomination in several ways. On an EOI a member does put themselves forward. The EOI must be endorsed and signed by two members. Even if only one Expression of Interest is received for one position the Management Committee can vote ‘no’.

The EOI should be returned to the Secretary by the date specified on the EOI. The Expression of Interest is addressed under General Business at the next Management Committee meeting. Even if only one Expression of Interest is received for one position, it is still recommended to vote via secret ballot. Because Club Constitution clause 26 states that a casual vacancy may be filled from “among appropriately qualified Member Players” it allows the Management Committee to vote ‘no’ to the Expression of Interest. Better no person, than the wrong person.

If the vote is equal, then a second ballot is held. If it is still equal after the second vote, the position remains a casual vacancy.

The Secretary may again call for Expression of Interest to fill the casual vacancy.

Q13. What happens if a key Management Committee position is not filled at the AGM or by Expression of Interest?

A13. If this should occur, the Management Committee can ask a Management Committee member to act in that position whilst the Club looks for a suitable member to fill the position via EOI.

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// Match Report //PAM HOCKINGS, JENNY PALMER, JENNY CLARK, ROBYN LEWIS // MATCH@WOMENSBOWLSNSW.ORG

MATCH REPORT In recent weeks there seems to have arisen a great deal of confusion and misinterpretation on the Laws covering substitutes and replacements. The Laws of the Sport and BA Domestic Regulations have been in force since January, 2015 and prior to their implementation there was a great deal of written material issued, explaining the changes that the rewrite of the Laws of the Sport would bring about.

Also the WBNSW Conditions of Play for Association Events and the Pennant Conditions of Play, when reviewed at the end of the playing season each year to cover the next 12 months, highlighted these changes in advance and listed the process when a substitute is required and approved by the Controlling Body.

At this time there is no provision for a team to "reform" once entries have closed and the intended team (DR 2.1.5.) is the team that is required to play in the event unchanged from their original entry. Unfortunately the way the DR's read in relation to a player in a team being unable to commence an event, after entries close and the draw has been done, the only option is the use of a substitute in the first round. If more than one player is unable to play in a team game in the first round, then the team must forfeit as they can only substitute one player in any round. (DR 2.3.7).

That original player, if unable to resume their originally nominated position can be replaced once the players in the team have been constituted after the first round has been played. While we realise this is not an ideal resolution to this situation, it is the only one available within the bounds of the Laws of the Sport as they currently stand.

In any game of bowls the use of a substitute is governed

by DR 2.3 and the summarised version is that if a substitute is required in a team, approval of the Controlling Body is required and the substitute must be noted on the score

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card. (DR 2.3.1) A substitute CANNOT play skip, and if it is the skip that is unavailable either from the beginning of the game or unable to continue to play once a game has commenced, then another original member of the team must play skip and the substitute is placed in another position and the other members of the team arrange themselves accordingly. (DR 2.3.6.2). Should the originally nominated player who was the skip be able to return in the next round, or at a later stage of the game if they were unwell, then she returns as skip and the other players revert to their original positions (DR 2.3.3). This ruling applies to all games played under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls (including club and district Championships, Pennants etc.)

For those that put forward the questions1. Can we replace a player during the first round as they are then constituted by commencing the game?

The answer is NO. During a game the only option is the introduction of a substitute and this has been the case for quite a number of years for issues that arise during a game.

2. We have a bye in the first round. What does this mean for replacement or substitute options?

The following "dummy" draw will hopefully clarify the use of substitute or replacement in an event.

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

CLUB FOURS After entries close but before play commences: If 2 players are absent they must forfeit or withdraw .

These 3 Games From JONES TO SIMPSON Can only have a substitute in their first round and A REPLACEMENT and/or A SUBSTITUTE in their second round.

J Jones E Smith K Brown H Scott R Herbert

CLEMENTS can have a substitute and/ or a replacement player in her first game as she has an unmatched bye and became constituted when the first game of Herbert and Simpson was commenced

M Simpson

B Clements

W Holme HOLME TO SUMMERS can only have a substitute in their first game, then a replacement and /or a substitute in their next game

The same substitute can be a substitute in another team in subsequent rounds if required.

A sub cannot play skip.

A substitute or replacement player can be a player that has withdrawn before play commenced but not forfeited.

V Minter

S Caldwell

M Summers

All Club and District Match Committees, Umpires and members who are appointed Controlling Body for an event are encouraged to become conversant with the laws and rules governing substitutes and replacements, so they can give the correct decision when these type of situations arise. Lack of knowledge or incorrect interpretation of the Laws and Conditions of Play may result in players being disqualified for relying on another's advice.

We also recommend to all players that they also read through these laws to have a full understanding of the Laws of the Game which can only add to the satisfaction from playing competitively and by the rules.

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

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// Umpires' Report //LESLEY SWALES, BARBARA STONHAM, BEV MITCHELL// UMPIRES@WOMENSBOWLSNSW.ORG

UMPIRES' REPORT GAME STOPPAGES EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A NATIONAL UMPIRE? Many clubs do not have any Umpires.

The course only takes 2 days. If you have been bowling more than 12 months then you are eligible so why not apply now.

Bowls Australia have videos on Marking and Measuring called “Under the Scope”. To view these videos, go to: WBNSW web site, click on Development, then Umpires and you will see the link to the BA website. You will also find on the WBNSW web site under Umpires the application form for new Umpires. Why not Give it a Go? Get your club to support you.

ARE YOU AWARE: A substitute cannot play Skip.

They can play in any position except that of skip and the other players can arrange their positions as desired. DR 2.3.6.2 Law 33.4

LAW 32.1 A game stoppage is called because of darkness, weather conditions or any other valid reason by: • The controlling body 32.1.1 • The umpire after an appeal has been made by the players 32.1.2 • Agreement between players when an umpire or a representative of the controlling body is not present 32.1.3 The game must be continued either on the same day or on a different day.

The scores will be as they were when the game was stopped.

LAW 32.2 The law clearly states that ‘If any end has started but all the required bowls have not been played, it should be declared dead. [The end should be declared dead even if one or more players choose to remain on the green during the stoppage]’ LAW 32.3 If all the bowls have been played but the head not declared when the game is officially stopped. Law 32.2 is invoked. The intent of the Law is to declare the head before the players controlling the head leave the green, so the conditions [rain, wind, etc.] don’t move the bowls or jack during the stoppage and the team holding shot/s is not disadvantaged.

ONLY THE CONTROLLING BODY OR THE UMPIRE CAN CALL A GAME STOPPAGE. So, if a player/s stop during rain to go and get rain wear, this is considered an interruption not a stoppage, as the Controlling Body or Umpire did not stop play. The end would continue as is. Players cannot remain off the green for a longer period unless an appeal has been made to the Umpire or the Umpire/ Controlling Body calls a game stoppage.

If the Umpire/Controlling Body call a game stoppage, then if appropriate, [i.e. all bowls have been played] declare the head before leaving the green, otherwise the end is declared dead and must be replayed.

If the Umpire/Controlling Body calls a game stoppage all rinks must come off.

However individual rinks may appeal to the Umpire to come off for a period of no more than 10 minutes. If one team appeals and the Umpire agrees then both teams on that rink must come off.

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Bowls Matters April - June 2017

Test Your Knowledge 1. The thirds are measuring for third shot, having taken two shots out, when one of the bowls being measured falls. What would happen?

2. In the first end of a fours match the leads and seconds played their bowls when play was stopped for the day. Are all players in both teams constituted?

3. The jack near, but not in the ditch, is hidden by 2 bowls. Skip A asks for the white indicator to be placed on the bank showing the position of the jack. Skip B objects. Who is correct?

4. What happens if the mat is picked up by a player before the end is completed?

5. A jack in the ditch is disturbed by a toucher being promoted into the ditch with such force that the jack is moved beyond the boundary of the rink.

What happens?

Answers:

BOWL FOR OTHERS The Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, July 17 - level 7, 309 Pitt St Sydney at 10.00am we look forward to more bowlers attending.

At present our Committee is small – made up of President Edna Arnold, Scretary Gladys Barnes, three Committee members, Beryl Harmer, Margaret Portell and Jess Balk – President Edna is attending to the Treasurer’s duties.

1. The bowl fell of its own accord, therefore it must be left in its new position while deciding the number of shots continues, and all the shots agreed before the bowl fell will count. Law 23.6.3 This is a good example for thirds to chock any leaning bowls [after 30 seconds has elapsed if requested – Law 23.1] to prevent this happening.

The Masonic Club has been booked for the Annual Luncheon and Presentation of Philanthropic cheques on Friday, October 6. Please keep this date open as it is a very interesting day when the recipients from various Medical Research Units and their Air Ambulance Service give a short talk on how the donation monies are used.

2. Yes. Intended players will become constituted immediately their first game in the competition has commenced (when the jack is delivered in the first end).DR: 2.2.1

To date, we have not been advised by the Masonic Club of the cost of the luncheon. The luncheon cost last year was $52.00.

3. S kip B. Law 34 ‘Objects on the green’ states: Under no circumstances must any object be placed on the bank, the green, in the ditch, on the jack, on a bowl or anywhere else to help a player.

The following clubs are thanked for their recent donations as these extra funds assist us in making the annual donations: Gymea, Mingara, Gosford City, Beecroft and Macquarie District Umpires Discussion Group.

4. A n opposing player must replace the mat in its original position. Law 6.2.4

G. Barnes

5. The jack in the ditch was validly altered by a toucher in play. Law 18.3.1 Therefore as the jack passed completely outside the boundary of the rink of play it would be declared dead. Law 19.1.2 The end would be declared dead. Law 19.4

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

Hon. Secretary

Page 13

Page 14

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

// Coaching Report KATHY CHATILLON, DEBY BRIEN, RUTH WOOD, JANE CONLON//COACHES@WOMENSBOWLSNSW.ORG

THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPETENT AND COMPETITIVE THIRD THE THIRD IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF A FOURS TEAM. The third's position in a team requires someone who has a good command of all bowling skills. An “all-rounder” who is able to play all shots, a draw bowl, a position bowl, weighted shots to convert the head or trail the jack and a quick, controlled but accurate drive. They need to have a calm temperament, confidence and the ability to allow them to play well under all circumstances and in all conditions.

These team members need to be good communicators and motivators. They are the link between the engine room i.e. the Lead and Second and the Skip. They need to be encouraging to all team members and able to relax and ease out any tensions that could arise during important games. This ability to play exceptional bowls under these conditions is a huge asset to any team. Their attitude to their bowls is unselfish and will willingly draw a position bowl with confidence to cover a group of opposition bowls when called to by the skip, even if they can see a clear track to add to the count on the head because they are aware of the oppositions strengths and abilities to play the shot required to disturb the head or trail the jack and go down a handful or kill the end. They know that cover behind reduces the risk of this happening.

The third is respectful of the skip knowing it can get lonely down the other end, especially if the body language from the lead second and third is not looking as positive and supportive, or the game is not going to plan.

The third is the skips right hand man, someone who knows the game plan and is very aware of the skips tactics and capabilities. They are the skips eyes when they change ends, they need to be able to read the head and confidently and concisely advise the skip of any opportunities due to changes in the head after the skip has left it.

The third knows that silence is golden when the skip is ready to deliver her bowl.

All directions should be given clearly and concisely. If in doubt or undecided about the skips call of a shot to play put your bowl down and walk to the head have a good look; know in your own mind what is needed and play it with confidence. To play a half-hearted bowl or one that

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

is not clear in your mind is a wasted bowl, so walk up and have a look, it is your mat until your bowl comes to rest.

The third must have excellent measuring skills and carry with them equipment in good working order i.e. tapes, chocks and chalk for marking the skips awesome bowls.

The third gives clear hand signals or calls to the skip about the outcome of the end. When in doubt about a measure get the tape out or call the umpire, that might be the one shot you need to win. An up to date knowledge of the rules and laws of the sport of bowls is invaluable.

A competent third is aware of all bowls played and where they come to rest in the head. This ability assists their game and the placement of their bowls and reduces the need for unnecessary chatter or playing a bowl in two minds.

Playing in this position is a demanding and exacting role in the team as it requires patience, concentration and confidence. Part of the job is to encourage the engine room (lead and second) working with one another to keep a positive outlook and keeping to the game plan, all this and they need to continue building the head as well and giving the team the best possible advantage for a successful outcome and providing a good platform for the skip to continue building on.

Thirds don't have time for chitchat and socializing during the game! Save the socializing for after the game.

Confident and competent thirds are always in demand at Club, District, State and International levels. So practice, prepare and practice some more. Breathe and most importantly, enjoy your game.

"THE WAY TO GET THINGS DONE IS NOT TO MIND WHO GETS THE CREDIT FOR DOING THEM” Benjamin Jowett

Page 15

// General News

NINE MEDAL HAUL FOR AUSTRALIA AT WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS Article courtesy of Bowls Australia and photograph courtesy of World Bowls.

The 2017 World Youth Championships were hosted by Broadbeach Bowling Club on March 27 – 31, as Ellen Ryan, Kristina Krstic, Chloe Stewart, Tiffany Brodie, Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock, Nathan Pedersen and Billy Johnson represented Australia.

There was a silver lining for Australia on finals day at the World Youth Championships; however late call up Billy Johnson bagged Australia's only gold.

It wasn’t quite the golden finish to the World Youth Championships the Australian contingent was hoping for despite the final day starting in style for the young Jackaroos.

The coveted singles trophies will head overseas with the Australian finalist unable to fight off the rampage from their international raiders.

Not enough can be said to describe the quality of the men’s singles final between Australia’s newest Jackaroos Squad member Corey Wedlock and recent PBA Pairs finalist from Wales Daniel Salmon.

It was fitting that the only two men in the competition with an unblemished record met in the decider and what a display of bowls they put on for all at Broadbeach.

The pair went blow for blow, hardly a draw shot outside two feet and pin point accuracy with their conversions, but in the end it was Daniel Salmon who will return to Wales a World Champion after a near perfect performance in the final.

It was a case of close not quite being enough on this occasion for Australia’s defending Women’s World Youth Singles Champion Ellen Ryan who was just one shot shy of a winning back-to-back titles.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM RESULTS B. Johnson and C. Rixon

Ellen Ryan (Cabramatta, NSW) Singles silver, mixed pairs bronze Kristina Krstic (Manning Memorial, WA) Singles bronze, mixed pairs bronze Chloe Stewart (Broadbeach, QLD) Singles bronze Tiffany Brodie (Fitzroy, VIC) Singles quarter-finalist Aaron Teys (Warilla, NSW) Singles bronze, mixed pairs bronze Corey Wedlock (Cabramatta, NSW) Singles silver Nathan Pedersen (Ascot Park, SA) Singles bronze, mixed pairs bronze Billy Johnson (Cabramatta, NSW) Mixed pairs gold

E. Ryan and P. Westlake

Page 16

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

Standing in her way was Canada’s Pricilla Westlake who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in World Bowls over the past 18 months, making the semi-final of last year’s World Cup at Warilla, selection in the Canadian World Bowls Team at the end of 2016 in Christchurch and now a World Youth Singles title to kick start 2017.

Westlake had already proven she was a player on a mission here at these Championships, defeating Australia’s Chloe Stewart in the semi-final, 21-16 and New Zealand Blackjack Tayla Bruce in the quarter-final.

Ellen Ryan may have relinquished her singles and pairs titles but the Australian Jackaroo has still picked up a silver and bronze medal, teaming up with fellow Defending Champion Aaron Teys in the mixed pairs.

Australia’s eleventh hour entrant, NSW/ACT NTC Squad member Billy Johnson has enjoyed a dream finish to his World Youth Championships debut after teaming up with Malta’s Connie Rixon to claim gold in the Mixed Pairs.

Whilst the afternoon had a silver lining for the Australian contingent, Billy Johnson starred for Australia in the first final of the day.

CITY VERSUS COUNTRY SOLDIERS POINT 22 -23 July It’s On Again Soon…but now it’s a selection event!

The long held rivalry is strong. Who has the best team, the city slickers or the country chicks? It’s the country teams turn to host again. This event has been revitalised for 2017 and here are some of the changes that we feel will make the competition hotter than a polar bear in a sauna.

It’s now an event that our State Selectors will attend to check out the new talent from around the state. The selections will be honed to 7 Under 25s players, 8 Over 25s players (open) and 12 Over 60s players from both the City and Country, making a total of 54 players who are in with a chance. And just to make sure that our selectors see the new faces out there, players cannot have played more than 10 games for the State in the past 2 years.

If you are in the Port Stephen’s area on 22 or 23 July be sure to make your way out to the Soldiers Point Bowling Club to see some of the finest up and coming players in the State.

We take this opportunity to thank our event sponsors The Soldiers Point Bowling Club and Port Stephens Council.

Rixon, a resident of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was also competing in her first World event and combined brilliantly with Johnson to take down the Scottish combination of Claire Walker and John Fleming in a quality final encounter.

What is even more remarkable is the history created; Connie Rixon has etched her name into the history books as the first athlete, of any sport, to win a world title for Malta.

WILLOW TREE CLUBHOUSE BURNS TO THE GROUND It’s a little place. One of those where if you blink while driving through it you might miss it. But the Bowlo at Willow Tree, a little town nestled between Tamworth and Murrurundi on the Central Slopes, was the hub of the small, tight-knit community.

the clubs memorabilia collection which was completely gutted by the flames. The other will be used as a raffle prize to assist with funds for the refurbishment. So we encourage anyone who can assist, to contact the ladies club secretary Chris Moxon at quondah@gmail.com

No more. The club was destroyed by fire in January and the locals are mourning. Asbestos issues have plagued efforts to commence demolition and rebuild. However the resolve of the Club President Ann Bernard and her band of fellow die-hard bowlers is absolute. The club will live once more.

WBNSW was glad to visit recently, offering some small goodies to assist with rebuilding efforts and to lift spirits.

President Maryann presented the club with two framed and signed State Shirts. One will be used to recommence www.womensbowlsnsw.org

Page 17

// General News

2017 WBNSW Squad; Back (l-r) C. Turley, B. Quinlan, N. Scott, J. L. Worsnop, E. Ryan, D. Hayman, J. Palmer, M. Parcell, G. Willis; Front (l-r) N. Noronha, K. Cottrell, S. Shannahan, S. Boddington, K. Moran, K. Murphy

AUSTRALIAN SIDES 2017 After playing in NSW on slow and wet greens, significant adjustment was needed to acclimatise to the slick and sometimes windy conditions in Adelaide, although the sunny weather was welcome.

The first game against Western Australia resulted in a thrilling draw which was followed by an unexpected loss to South Australia in the afternoon.

During the rest of the week our girls knuckled down and recorded solid wins against the ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and the ultimate winners, Queensland.

Page 18

NSW 57 NSW 49

– –

WA 57 SA 57

NSW 65 NSW 132 NSW 85 NSW 75 NSW 75

– – – – –

ACT 46 NT 34 VIC 38 TAS 43 QLD 58

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

NSW vs WA 5-6 APRIL 2017 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN TEST It was challenging. Under clear skies we set about playing two games of a three test series against Western Australia, in Adelaide, just before the Australian Sides Championships got under way. And having played on slow greens for months beforehand did us no favours at all.

FIVE IN A ROW THEN SILVER THIS YEAR Final standings – Queensland 12 points followed by NSW on 11 points.

Karen Murphy's was the best performed rink, with Kelsey Cottrell's rink 3rd and Natasha Scott's 4th. In the end NSW ladies had the most shots for, the least number of shots against and the most rink wins. Oh so close again. The consistency of their performances over the past six years is outstanding with five gold and a silver.

We lost the first test by 9 shots with only one rink win and the second test was a draw with two rink wins. The third exciting game was played the next morning, which was also the first game of the Australian Sides series.

Congratulations to Natalie Noronha, who debuted in her first Australian Sides Championship in this game. Natalie was presented with her Australian Sides representative badge by WBNSW President Maryann.

You would not believe it but once again we had an overall draw with a win on two rinks. One draw in a test series is not uncommon but two is most unusual. This meant that with one overall win, the black swans from Western Australia took out the test series and NSW State President Maryann Parcell reluctantly presented the trophy to Western Australia President, Kerri Anderson.

Well done to the WA team, who trained long and hard for weeks leading into this event.

Jenny Palmer Manager

At the conclusion of the Series, we said farewell to Kay Moran who is off to Scotland to trial for the Commonwealth Games. Congratulations to Queensland on winning the Marj Morris Trophy but‌.we are already hatching plans (thanks to State Coach Gary Willis) to regain the glory next year, so watch out Queensland!

Jenny Palmer Manager

Page 19

// General News

WHEELCHAIR SPORTS NSW SINGLES CLASSIC ALL WEATHER BOWLS AT THE WS NSW SINGLES CLASSIC AT MINGARA RECREATION CLUB. Article and photographs courtesy of Wheelchair Sports NSW Despite the past few months of wet weather, the 2017 Wheelchair Sports NSW Singles Classic went ahead on the slightly soggy Central Coast from Monday 3 – Wednesday 5 April.

A last minute change of venue saw Mingara step up and take on the tournament after the greens at the original host club, Bateau Bay, were waterlogged. In a great show of camaraderie, members of the Bateau Bay Club volunteered their services and acted as markers for the duration of the event alongside the members of the Mingara Club.

The 3 day Singles Classic brings together some of the best male and female Multi-disability bowlers in New South Wales, with players travelling from as far as Grafton, Temora and all the way down to Finley. Over the 3 days, the first two players battle it out in their sections with the quarter finals being played on the Tuesday afternoon. The 2017 edition was run as an open competition with women bowlers; Jo Hunter (Gymea), Joy Boyd (Warilla), Cheryl Benbow (Raymond Terrace), Sue Holbert (Old Bar Beach), Vicki Parkinson (Lemon Tree Passage), Michelle Campbell (Lowlands) all competing against their male counterparts.

tightly contested semi’s, Mark Whiteman booked his place in the Gold medal final, with Ron Mowday needing the last end to secure victory and book his place. This left Jo Hunter and Doug Lambert to battle it out for third place, with Jo also securing the prize for best placed female.

In an even tighter final, Mark Whiteman left it all to do on the last bowl of the tournament but unfortunately could not do enough to squeeze out the victory, instead finishing in a valiant second place to the impressive Ron Mowday. In the 3rd place playoff, Jo Hunter blitzed Doug Lambert, making up for the slow start she had made at the beginning of the week.

1st

Ron Mowday (Ettalong BC)

2nd

Mark Whiteman (Mayfield West)

3rd

Jo Hunter (Gymea)

4th

Doug Lambert (Park Beach)

Wednesday’s semi-finals saw Jo Hunter (Gymea BC) taking on Mark Whiteman (Mayfield West) with Doug Lambert (Park Beach) taking on Ron Mowday (Ettalong BC). In two

Back (l-r) D. Lambert, M.Whiteman, R. Mowday; Front:J.Hunter

Page 20

J.Hunter

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

2017 WBNSW INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Lauretta Marchese and Ellen Ryan

The WBNSW Indoor Championships started in 2003, and has been staged at Warilla since its inauguration. This year, the event took place on April 29 – May 2, as 95 players from 33 clubs around the State entered to compete in the state qualifier to progress through to national level. Players from as far as Delungra, Inverell, Tuncurry and Forster travelled to Warilla to vie for a top spot at the world class indoor facility.

This year saw an influx of 18 bowlers from Cabramatta and 10 from St Johns Park, as all participants contested for a qualifying position in order to progress through to the Australian Indoors, which will be held at Tweed Heads on August 27 – 31, 2017. This year, the top 14 place getters qualify to the national indoors, which is 4 more positions than last year. The number of qualifying positions is determined by the number of entrants, which continues to increase each year.

Players were split into 32 sections, with nearly 12 hours of bowls being played each day as the first game of the day was played at 8.30am and the last at 6.30pm. By Sunday evening, 95 players were culled down to 32, and by Monday afternoon, the last 16 contestants had been determined.

This year they were: 1. Lauretta Marchese (Cabramatta) 2. Ellen Ryan (Cabramatta) 3. Natalie Noronha (Engadine) 4. Sarah Boddington (Tuncurry Beach) 5. Briana Graham (Raymond Terrace) 6. Karen Murphy (Cabramatta) 7. Jamie-Lee Worsnop (St Johns Park) 8. Claire Turley (Cabramatta)

Sincerest thanks to the Board of Warilla, women’s bowling club President Christine and their members for consistently upholding a great standard of support and generous sponsorship, without which this event could not take place. Also to the State Match Committee, who dedicate countless hours towards the coordination of State events and ensure they run smoothly.

9. Lynne Thompson (Raymond Terrace) 10. Lisa Buchanan (Cabramatta) 11. Joan Worsley (St Johns Park) 12. Diana Davis (Cabramatta) 13. Stephanie Hili (Warilla) 14. Camelia Maunsell (St Marys RSL) 15. Jodie Marshall (Goulburn Railway) 16. Ashleigh Davis (Cabramatta)

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

Congratulations to Lauretta Marchese on winning her maiden WBNSW Indoors title after defeating Ellen Ryan with 3 to 2 after an extra end in a tie break in the final on Tuesday. 2017 marks the second consecutive year Ellen Ryan secured her place in the WBNSW Indoor final.

"The number of qualifying positions is determined by the number of entrants, which continues to increase each year."

Page 21

C E L E B R AT I N G

Helping Australians for 70 years National Coverage

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We are the largest provider of government-funded hearing services with

We are fortunate to be backed by a

Our hearing services include outreach paediatric audiology to children and young people under 26, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50 and most Veterans and pensioners.

For more details on whether you can access government-funded services, go to hearing.com.au or call 131 797.

Checking your hearing is a normal part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.

Are you hearing the sounds you love?

Professional care Our 450 dedicated audiologists and Australians’ hearing every year.

Solution focussed and to maintain your independence. We have an extensive range of hearing aids, TV devices, alarms and phones.

You can chose from a large range in levels of hearing aid technology.

To learn more, go to hearing.com.au

Here’s what our clients have to say:

I didn’t realise how many environmental sounds I was missing. Now I wouldn’t dream of leaving home without my discrete aids in my ears“ Maureen Ray – Dapto, NSW

1. Do you have to concentrate to follow friends?

I haven’t wanted to take these aids out. They are just PERFECT.

2. with the family trying to keep up with 3. Are you asking people to repeat themselves?

4. because you can’t hear?

5. appointments over the phone?

Coral McCormack – Towradgi, NSW Client of Australian Hearing for 14 years

If you answered yes to any of the above; we can help you.

Call 1800 881 950 to make an appointment at your local centre.

AUSTRALIAN HEARING IS PROUD TO BE A GOLD SPONSOR OF WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW

Hearing Hero Crown Australian Hearing is excited to be partnering up with Women’s Bowls NSW. Over the next 12 months our team will members the opportunity to have a hearing check-up and discuss ways we can help you stay connected.

For those of you who already have hearing aids, we will help you maintain

This year we have been challenged to spread the word on the importance of annual hearing checks with a target of

technology.

To ensure that you keep hearing the sounds (and the people) you love, we will provide a complimentary clean and check service as part of our visit!

Bowls NSW members, please feel free to bring along your partner or any other family or friends.

Australian Hearing currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most hearing checks performed in a single day, a whopping

Are you up for a challenge?

The Clubs that screen the largest number of people between June 1st and September 30th will be crowned our “Hearing Heroes”.

The winners will be announced at the Australian Hearing State Championships in Taren Point. Help your club take out the crown, talk to your local club secretary today for details on your next

70,000 HEARING CHECKS IN ONE YEAR

712!

// Sports Community

HOW TO

Sponsorship PACKAGES?

Traditionally, sponsors of local sports clubs generally don’t seek to receive real commercial value from their sponsorship other than the feel-good knowledge they are supporting their local community.

Today though, sponsors of local clubs are becoming more sophisticated wanting to receive a return on their investment (ROI). Sponsors of local clubs are now moving in the same direction as those businesses who sponsor professional sporting teams. Sponsors may seek:

FACTORS WHICH CREATE SPONSORSHIP VALUE

• Brand awareness through media and social media exposure

There are five components that come into play when seeking to value sponsorship packages:

• Generation of leads

1. What are sponsors willing to pay?

• Sales of products and services

2. H ow big is your club’s audience? (Including participants in club activities, followers on social media, club databases, spectators, users of the club facilities, website visitors, email newsletter subscribers and the local/ broader community.)

• Entertainment of staff and customers at club events If you understand what a sponsor is seeking to achieve, and your club’s ability to deliver, valuing your sponsorship packages becomes a lot easier.

3. W hat is your club’s ability to engage with its audience?

(For example, match day speeches, newsletters, posters, brochures, flyers, signage, media releases, websites, email newsletters, social media, podcasts, YouTube and live streaming.)

4. W hat is its ability to influence the behaviour of the audience?

5. H ow do sponsors value the sponsorship and its inclusions? (Inclusions as well as simple signage can also include additional opportunities such as hosting client entertainment/hospitality or staff parties/social events.

This allows for the business to sponsor with money from additional budgets, not just the marketing budget.)

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Bowls Matters April - June 2017

CLUB ASSETS The key determinate in valuing sponsorship is your club’s ability to influence the behaviour of its audience, or putting it from a sponsor’s perspective, your club’s ability to promote and sell their products and services.

Let’s look at the wide variety of assets your club has to offer sponsors.

• Club Websites – From a sponsorship perspective, the people visiting your website page are called your ‘website traffic’ and depending upon the number of visitors to your site your website traffic may be very valuable to the right sponsor.

• Email Newsletters – An email newsletter allows clubs to both grow and influence their audience. The two major determinants of sponsorship value.

• Social Media – Social media can be used to take the messages of your sponsors to your social media audience in a really effective manner. Like email newsletters, social media is a great way to maintain relationships with people who may have moved away from the club but still want to maintain a relationship.

• C lub Competitions, Events and Social Activities – Your sponsors can take advantage of these large groups by bringing their products and services to the events.

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

• Bringing Your Crowd to the Sponsor – The ability to take a large group to your sponsors’ is a huge benefit because it gives the sponsor the opportunity to build relationships with your audience and showcase their facility, products and services.

• Bring the Sponsor to Your Club’s Audience – The idea is to bring your sponsor directly in front of your members and broader audience. This can be invaluable for businesses as it provides an opportunity to build a relationship with your club’s audience in person.

• Exclusive Supplier Contracts – A great place to start when looking for sponsors is your suppliers.

• Naming Rights and Branding – A sponsor can purchase the right to have their name attached to any of your club’s physical assets, players, teams or programs. Signage, branding and sponsor’s logos can be put on just about anything and anywhere.

• Street Signage – Many clubs are located in prime locations within their community and often on very busy roads. If your club is located on a major road or intersection then you may well be able to create a very valuable asset in the form of street signage.

For more information, please go to: http://sportscommunity.com. au/resources/value-clubs-sponsorship-packages-offers/

Page 25

// Plans For Pennants In 2018

PLANS FOR

PENNAN

Further to the memo 318.17 released on the 20th March 2017, we take this opportunity to confirm the following details regarding the End of the Moratorium (all grades) for Pennants in 2018 and beyond.

End of the Moratorium (All Grades) This means that from 2018, Clubs will be able to enter teams in whatever Grades they see fit. There will be no enforced elevation or relegation because of 2017 results. And the plan is that this situation should remain for the foreseeable future.

The exception to this rule would be where the team in any grade, wins through to the State Play-Offs. Then elevation to the next Grade would be compulsory.

Of course, exceptions to the rule will always apply, as they do now, and in those instances, Clubs/Districts may appeal to the State Match committee for special consideration.

This might apply for instance, where there is only one Grade of Pennant played in a District. Consequently, elevation and regression is meaningless.

However, we wish to reiterate the statements made when we announced the end of the moratorium. Clubs who do not enter teams based on player skill levels and history, and who do not enter teams in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play, can expect to be contacted by the State Match Committee for an explanation. This may result in that Club being required to prove in writing or in person, why they should be allowed to enter the players selected in the teams entered. This year we have seen instances of a number of players who played Grade 1 in 2016, playing Grade 4 in 2017. This will not be tolerated in 2018. We encourage District Selection/Match to call unfair selections into question within their Districts. Having said this, it is not up to Districts to dictate or even suggest to Clubs, what Grades of Pennant they should enter. Each Club should make its own determination. However, it would be expected, for example, that any Club with two teams in the same grade of Pennant, would maintain at least one side in that grade. Not all 16 players could expect to be regressed or elevated because of the end of the moratorium. In future years, depending on resourcing, if clubs continue to flout fair play, Pennant players might need to be graded according to their skill levels, results and history of selection.

Page 26

Pennant Changes (All Grades) It is envisaged that all Clubs and Districts will play their pennant games as normal in 2018, except for Grade 1 teams in the Metropolitan area. All Clubs and Districts are encouraged to play a minimum of two games a week or more, between January and May. A Schedule of Play, with details of deadlines for District and Regional Play-offs will be forwarded as soon as it is finalised.

Days and Time of Play (All Grades) Clubs will be encouraged to be flexible in their scheduling of play days and times. To ensure that the game is inclusive for all people in Clubs and the community, Clubs are encouraged to have at least one pennant play day each week, on the weekend, if possible. This allows for the following Club members to participate: • School girls (juniors) who attend school during the week • University students • Working women • Grandmothers who mind grandchildren during the week but have weekends free • Mothers who attend to school-age children during the week and have school commitments such as reading or canteen duty but who are often free on weekends We realise that some Clubs and Districts play all of their Pennant games on the weekends and we applaud this initiative. It is unfortunate that women’s clubs play most of their competitive matches, including pennant games, when 80% of women in the community are unable to play. And that makes no sense and is not sustainable.

We remind Clubs that technically Pennants are selected on a game by game basis and having 1-2 reserves for each Grade is recommended, where possible.

Weekend games might also mean that travel times are reduced. This will demonstrate the Associations’ Bowls Matters April - June 2017

NTS

IN

commitment to making sure pennant play is accessible for all members and that we are attempting to grow participation.

It opens up the opportunity for members who might have otherwise in the past been unable to play because of restricted days and times for playing pennant games.

There are no compulsory starting times for each day of pennant. This again means that Clubs are encouraged to think broadly about the best times of day to commence games. Some may wish to continue to schedule play at 9am but equally, games could be commenced at any time of day, including perhaps 10am or 11am so as to alleviate travel issues, or even begin as late as 4pm in daylight savings time. Where Clubs have lights, night games are also permitted. Some clubs, as is the case now, may also opt to play two games in one day where this is convenient. If, by agreement, Clubs choose to play more than 2 games a week of Pennant, this is permitted.

Metropolitan Pennant Trial (Grade One Metro Area Only) In Grade 1 only, the recommendation for 2018 is to conduct a trial pennant competition where Clubs play teams outside of their District and Region. For many years now the regular complaints about Pennant include: • Not enough games played • Playing the same teams over and over, year after year • The time lag between the actual pennant competition and the State finals each year (often 5 or 6 months, after the District and Regional Playoffs) This Metro Pennant for Grade 1 will most likely be played in Sections and the same rules for days and times as stated above would apply. Again, to assist with travel issues, weekend play would be encouraged, where possible.

Player Restrictions (All Grades) For 2018, we will be introducing a rule where Clubs are only permitted a maximum of 1 fly-in player, in a Pennant season. A fly-in player is one who does not nominate to play their Club and District Championships in NSW. This is being done to address the concerns that wealthy clubs are trying to buy Pennant wins by importing players for the limited season of Pennant only. The Board feels that this

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

discourages local players from entering Pennant teams and therefore will restrict this practice, for 2018. This restriction will be reviewed along with all changes, after the Pennant season for 2018.

Sectional Play (Grade One Metro Only) We have run several samples of how the draw might look for a Metro Pennant, based on the number of Number 1 Pennant entries for 2017. This year’s number 1 Metro Pennant would have fitted perfectly into 4 sections of 8 teams but this might change in 2018 depending on the number of entries and more or less sections might be required.

It would be up to these Metro Clubs in question to organise suitable times and days for play, for both home and away games, within the specific State Calendar. Of course, we currently have no idea how many teams might decide to enter Grade 1 Metro Pennant next year, because of the lifting of the moratorium. Some may choose not to participate and others might be attracted to the idea of playing different people and Clubs. That is why it is a trial only for 2018.

For this trial year, a special Metro badge and pennant will be awarded to section winners to replace the District Pennant badge and flag.

Conditions of Play (All Grades) We expect that the Conditions of Play for Pennant will generally still apply for all teams, with perhaps some minor exceptions for the trial Grade 1 Metropolitan Pennant. As they do every year, the State Match Committee will review the Conditions of Play for Pennant and advise any changes, well ahead of playing times.

Regional Play-Offs (Grade One Metro Only) The State Match Committee will also make sure that only the correct number of Sectional winners of this trial event, go through to the State Finals. In other words, if there are 4 Regions represented in the Metropolitan area, then 4 Section winners are required. No more and no less.

Otherwise we will not have our 16 Regional teams to play finals. For the Metro Grade 1 Pennant trial, depending on the number of entries, there may not be a requirement to play Regional play-offs. If this is the case, and for all other Page 27

// Plans For Pennants In 2018 (Cont.)

Regions and levels of Pennant where there is no regional play-off for the Pennant, no badges or medallions should be awarded.

As is the case now, the Regional boundaries for the metro area will remain the same. Therefore, if a Club is located within the metro area but currently play their Regional Pennant against Districts located outside the Metro area, they are not deemed to be included in this trial pennant season for 2018 and will play their pennant as normal, within the grades they nominate.

Nominating Pennant Teams (Grade One Metro Only) For this trial, we envisage the State Match Committee calling for entries to be received in the Match Office by the end of October this year. This will give the Match Committee time to assess how many teams have entered the Grade 1 Metro Pennant and prepare a draw for Clubs, to be advised by mid- November giving Clubs enough time to prepare and negotiate alternate play dates and times amongst themselves, if required. Results should be forwarded to the State Match Committee at the end of each week.

Reviewing Pennants (All Grades) The Board, in consultation with the State Match Committee, will review the outcomes of this trial for Grade 1 Metro in 2018 and make recommendations for 2019 based on results and feedback. This will most likely be done during June and July of 2018.

Other Grades of Pennant in 2018 (All Grades) All other Grades of Pennant in the metropolitan area and all Grades of Pennant outside of the metropolitan area would play their normal Pennant competition in 2018, with the only change being the ability to start afresh as far as entering appropriate grades for Pennant for 2018.

Scheduling State Play-Offs (All Grades) The overall plan to move the Pennant Finals forward in the year and closer to the actual end of Regional Pennant Playoffs, thereby bringing it forward in our calendar, will need to be delayed by a year and so Pennant Finals will remain, for the time being, in August. Introducing changes slowly will assist members to become familiar with change and it will also allow us to meet our contractual obligations to our Host Clubs in 2018. We are also restricted by not being able to schedule pennant games during the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Summary We hope these changes will be the beginnings of our efforts to reinvigorate Pennants throughout the State.

We will await the outcomes of 2018 as a trial year before we consider rolling out further changes for other grades throughout the State.

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Bowls Matters April - June 2017

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Page 29

STATE The Women's Bowls NSW 2017 State Carnival returned to the Illawarra District after 12 years and was held at Warilla, Oak Flats, Albion Park, Figgy Bowlo, Towradgi Park and Windang Bowling Clubs.

Nearly 800 bowlers gathered for a week of fun and enjoyed the great opportunity to make new friends with bowlers from all over the State. Teams from as far as Narrabri, Maclean, South West Rocks and Lake Cargelligo made their way to the stunning South Coast.

The State Carnival always begins with an opening dinner, which was held in the Diamond Room at Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club on Sunday, May 21. Wollongong Mayor, Gordon Bradbery, Shellharbour Mayor, Marianne Saliba and MP Anna Watson were in attendance, along with Association sponsors Domina BCiB, Australian Hearing and Drakes Pride.

The theme for the evening was Women in Disney, and revellers did not disappoint as the room was full of princesses, witches, Cruella Deville’s and ugly step sisters!

The full force of attendees’ imaginations and efforts made it incredibly difficult to select the best dressed individual and team, so multiple winners were awarded.

After awarding the quiz prize winners, singing along to Disney songs and drawing the lucky door prize winners, President Maryann gave a closing speech and invited everyone to enjoy themselves at the 2017 State Carnival and, “be all over that jack like a seagull on a hot chip.”

Three days of play were underway in great weather conditions, despite warnings of a month’s worth of rain scheduled to hit before the event started. By Wednesday afternoon, all 16 section winners were determined and had to make their way to Warilla on Thursday to kickstart the knock out round and vie for the top spot. The 2017 State Carnival section winners were: 1. Beverley Ryan (Narrabri) 2. Joy Clarke (Merimbula Imlay) 3. Nerida King (Pennant Hills) 4. Cheryl Harrison (Engadine Composite) 5. Deborah Wilson (Bomaderry Composite) 6. Julie Hayden (Mosman) 7. Denise Lidbury (Tuross Head) 8. Vaana Ohmsen (Merrylands) 9. Kayleen Lewis (Manning Point Composite) 10. Maria Giorgi (St Johns Park) 11. Robin Davidson (Dural Country) 12. Hilary Ogden-Byrne (Ingleburn) 13. Carol Owen (Westport Composite) 14. Gayle Gannon (Charlestown) 15. Gail Sheehan (Kurri Kurri Composite) 16. Jan Rolph (Merrylands) Bowls Matters April - June 2017

POST SECTIONAL PLAY-OFFS Post sectional play-offs commenced Thursday 25 May at 9.00am at Warilla. A number of usual suspects mixed with a few new faces made their way through to the knockout round. The results were as follows: Carol Owen (Westport Composite) 19 – Denise Lidbury (Tuross Head) 11 Cheryl Harrison (Engadine Composite) 18 – Robin Davison (Dural CC) 11 Deborah Wilson (Bomaderry Composite) 24 – Nerida King (Pennant Hills) 8 Gail Sheehan (Charlestown) 19 – Hilary Ogden Byrne (Ingleburn) 18 Jan Rolph (Merrylands Composite) 19 – Beverley Ryan (Narrabri Composite) 13 Kayleen Lewis (Manning Point Composite) 19 – Julie Hayden (Mosman) 14 Maria Giorgi (St Johns Park) 17 – Gayle Gannon (Charlestown) 9 Vaana Ohmsen (Merrylands) 20 – Joy Clarke (Merimbula Imlay) 9 QUARTER FINALS Kayleen Lewis (Manning Point Composite) 18 – Cheryl Harrison (Engadine Composite) 14 Vaana Ohmsen (Merrylands) 21 – Maria Giorgi (St Johns Park) 13 Carol Owen (Westport Composite) 5 – Gail Sheehan (Kurri Kurri Composite) 31 Deborah Wilson (Bomaderry Composite) 15 – Jan Rolph (Merrylands Composite) 16

Congratulations to Cheryl Gillard, Kathy Betcher, Betty Herbertson and Jan Rolph who are the 2017 State Carnival winners as they defeated Julie Scott, Sharon Grant, Vicki Shannon, Kayleen Lewis in the final. 2017 marks the second year in a row the Merrylands composite team bowled it out in the State Carnival final, as last year they had been defeated by this year’s third placed composite team, hailing from Kurri Kurri and Telarah.

President Maryann called upon the winners and presented the top four teams their prize money, medallion and certificate and ended the ceremony with a closing speech.

Maryann congratulated all participants on their fine display of bowls and the camaraderie that is always prevalent at the State Carnival. The outstanding efforts by all involved were acknowledged by the President, as they all played a role in the event’s success.

Women’s Bowls NSW wish to thank their event sponsors Destination Wollongong, Shellharbour City Council, Warilla, Oak Flats, Albion Park, Figgy Bowlo, Towradgi Park and Windang Bowling Clubs. As well as Association Sponsors Australian Hearing, Domina BCiB, St Johns Park and Drakes Pride. Without their generous support and sponsorship, the State Carnival could not take place, which has become a staple event in the WBNSW calendar.

Last but not least, thanks to our dedicated State Match Committee, incredible volunteers, fantastic staff and hardworking Directors who gave up their time and expertise to ensure the event ran smoothly. Countless hours were spent organising the State Carnival, which is no mean feat.

Women’s Bowls NSW hope all participants had an enjoyable time and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the Illawarra District for next year’s State Carnival!

SEMI FINALS Vaana Ohmsen (Merrylands) 12 – Jan Rolph (Merrylands Composite) 19 Gail Sheehan (Kurri Kurri Composite) 10 – Kayleen Lewis (Manning Point Composite) 14 3RD AND 4TH PLAY-OFF Gail Sheehan (Kurri Kurri Composite) 13 – Vaana Ohmsen (Merrylands) 12

FINAL Jan Rolph (Merrylands Composite) 21 – Kayleen Lewis (Manning Point Composite) 16

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

Page 31

// Special Days

LISMORE HEIGHTS VENE FISHER 100TH ANNIVERSARY Life Member Vene Fisher celebrated her 100th birthday on September 11, 2016.

Vene is a Patron and a founding member of Lismore Heights. She is also Patron of the Northern Rivers District Women’s Bowling Association.

Over the years, she has held the positions of Secretary, Vice President and President.

She has won the District Singles six times and in 1981, won the District Fours, in a team with her three sisters.

Along with enjoying her bowls, Vene has been a very busy dressmaker, and today, still does some sewing.

Vene comes along to any special days being held at Lismore Heights.

Vene was also a very competitive bowler and has won Major Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours with Lismore Heights.

ORANGE CITY CHARITY DAY The Orange City Women’s Bowling Club has long been a civic minded membership with Presidents past and present dedicating their President's Day to a specific charity as well as special event days being similarly committed.

The club have previously supported Jane McGrath Day, Motor Neurone Disease and Headspace Orange – to name some a few – and decided to Page 32

support Ovarian Cancer due to the recent publicity surrounding the necessary research into this illness.

We are delighted with the generosity of our members and are proud to be able to present a cheque to just over $1050.00 to Ovarian Cancer. We have already declared that our President Day on 9th May will be supporting Red Nose Day and we are so fortunate to have such a supportive club.

"The club have previously supported Jane McGrath Day, Motor Neurone Disease and Headspace Orange"

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

B.Harrison (President), Melinda (Barbara's daughter), B.Holden, P.Hockings, M.Cameron

B.Holden

TAREN POINT OAM CELEBRATIONS Taren Point Women’s Bowling Club has been in celebratory mode since learning of the award of an OAM to secretary Barbara Holden in this year’s Australia Day honours.

This award is well deserved and this article endeavours to explain Barbara’s very real lawn bowls contribution to this sport.

At club level she plays a vital role mentoring members. Incoming executive as well as committee members value her wise counsel and thorough knowledge of all aspects of this sport. Her significant involvement and achievements at club, district and state levels of lawn bowls for over 30 years are explained below.

Barbara at club level has served as Vice-President, President and Secretary, the latter position since 2006 to the present. As President of Taren Point WBC, she was instrumental in obtaining full membership and voting rights for the lady bowlers.

As well she was instrumental in improving payments for club championship wins.

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At District level, Barbara served from 1986-1994 as inaugural Treasurer of the Sutherland Shire District Women’s Bowling Association, then seven years as its Secretary.

really appreciated this celebration.

On February 27, the members of the women’s club organised a special luncheon for Barbara in honour of this special OAM achievement.

Barbara was a National Umpire from 1986-2013, and was the only level 2 umpire in the District for most of that time.

Members and invited guests enjoyed this opportunity to celebrate and congratulate her on this achievement.

She made it quite clear that serving at the ‘grass roots level’ provided her with her greatest satisfaction in lawn bowls.

At State level Barbara served on a variety of committees. On the Umpires board from 1993-2000, she served four years as chairperson and was a member of the National Rules Revision Committee. She served as State treasurer of WBNSW from 2008 until ill health forced her to relinquish this position. During her time as treasurer Barbara was responsible for bringing the State’s finance back to a positive balance. She also served another 12 months as treasurer finishing in 2016.

The club celebrated Barbara’s award with an initial morning tea. It was enjoyed by all but especially revealed her humility on receipt of this OAM. Later at the District Delegates meeting, a surprise afternoon tea and presentation was held. Barbara and all present

Taren Point club has indeed been fortunate to have in Barbara, a secretary who possesses superior lawn bowls knowledge and special management skills.

Above all over the years at all levels of bowls she has demonstrated that special quality generosity of spirit!! Taren Point salute Barbara Holden, not only for this OAM but for her contribution to the club and committees at District and State level.

Page 33

// Special Days

TURRAMURRA FRIENDS DAY AND 60TH BIRTHDAY On Tuesday, March 7, Turrramurra celebrated their Friends Day and 60th birthday.

There was great celebration as 30 Turramurra members and over 20 visitors and friends were in attendance. Everyone arrived in colours of the rainbow and the theme for the day was in support of the Zaidee Foundation.

All monies raised was donated to this Foundation and each lady received a pair of rainbow shoelaces. The room was a sea of colour with the tables beautifully decorated.

Inclement weather permitted only a few ends of bowls, so everyone made their way to the clubhouse and enjoyed a hilarious game of trivia.

All in all – it was a wonderful day of colour and friendship.

WINGHAM PRESIDENT'S DAY Women's Bowling Club celebrated President Nancy's Sandford special day on Thursday 10th Nov 2016, with 77 guests for lunch.

What an enjoyable day was had.

President Nancy's favourite colour is pink, pink and more pink!!

Special mention must go to Elaine Holden/committee for they nailed it as far as contrasting of the pinks and whites; the tables and the room looked very impressive.

Lower North Coast District President Kay Lewis and Secretary Julie Scott attended and were joined by Club Presidents from Bulahdelah, Blackhead, Forster, Gloucester, Harrington, Lansdowne, Manning Point, Old Bar, Pacific Palms, Tuncurry/ Forster, Taree Railway, Taree Leagues, Taree West and Tuncurry Beach.

President Nancy's daughter Tracey also attended.

A game of bowls was played, and when the bell rang at 12.15pm, everyone came in for some refreshments followed by an enjoyable lunch and cutting of the cake - yes the icing was pink also!

The very popular Toast Mistress Noreida Fotheringham kept proceedings moving along with her smart wit and funny jokes.

Page 34

Lastly, just when everyone thought the proceedings was finished, up popped a very special speech from Noreida to inform everyone present; just how special President Nancy has been over the last 18 years holding various important positions with - in our Club.

It was unanimous decision to present Nancy with life membership, Nancy was surprised and a few tears were shed.

President Nancy has been until last year, been a National Umpire for past 18 years, skipped in and helped win 3 pennant flags (2 X 5's, 1 X 3's), Major Singles champion, Club Sec for 10 years, Head of Match Committee; with various wins in all club team events playing as a Skip, a 3rd and started off in a Lead position.

The important day was finished off with the singing of Australian anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

Bowls Matters January - March 2017

// Life Member Edith has been an affiliated member of Taree West Women's Bowling Club since 1980.

TAREE WEST EDITH CAVANAGH Mrs Edith Cavanagh has been awarded a Life Membership of Taree West Women’s Bowling Club in recognition and appreciation of her contribution to the game of Lawn Bowls at Club level and higher.

Edith has been an affiliated member of Taree West Women’s Bowling Club since 1980. During that time, she has held positions on Selection and Social Committees; managed Publicity and held the position of Vice President. Edith has been a Patron of our Club since 2007.

Edith received a Merit Pin when Fay Braithwaite was President.

Edith is, and has always been, a strong and reliable representative for her Club, competing at Club, Region, District and State Levels. Edith represented the District at A v B in 2001 and 2010. She has won every Club Championship at least once and now 36 years later is still there in the finals at least, if not always in the winning team.

She makes for a beautiful lead. Many of the newer and younger bowlers at the Club marvel at Edith’s consistently high standard of bowls and her fitness – often three or more games in the week, and very much in demand as a team member.

A holder of a Super Veteran badge since 2008 Edith is looking forward to her Star Veterans Badge this year.

Edith has been and still is a loyal member of our Club and, most importantly, she is still enjoying her bowls - social, pennants, championships, twilight bowls, travelling bowlers, carnivals and trips away; she's always there to play her part in the Club. And, let us not forget those lunch orders she organises for everyone at social bowls!

Thank you, Edith, for your loyalty and contribution to Taree West Bowling Club.

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Page 35

// Around The Greens

GOLDEN HIND CLAIM CENTRAL COAST DISTRICT’S FOURTH GRADE PENNANT FLAG Golden Hind Women’s Bowling Club won the 2017 Fourth Grade Pennant Flag. This is an insider’s view of this accomplishment: When the club asked for players for the Pennant team early this year there were a lot of misgivings e.g. “we are not good enough” and “I have not done this before.” However, after much discussion amongst each other and conversations such as “I will if you will”, two teams were formed. One team for the Third Grade and one for the Fourth Grade.

The Fourth Grade team consisted of (forgive me) a rag tag bunch of players.

One of the players is over 80 years old, another less than twelve months’ experience in bowls at the time of selection and another had not played on grass for over 20 years as our one green at Golden Hind is synthetic.

One could say that the teams had not much in their favour, except for their love of the game and their Club.

Nevertheless, enter we did!

The teams weren’t able to play one game together prior to the commencement of the competition due to looking after grandchildren, Doctor appointments and other commitments. This was a scenario which continued until the final games were played.

"Focus we did, and we won! Great celebrations were held as our little Golden Hind won their section!"

Page 36

Game one was a home game, and as they say – won we did! Yippee! Off to a flying start. Confidence boosting and joyous smiles (winners are grinners).

Then came the relentless pursuit of game after game, washed out games, half played games and players being unavailable as well as the ever-present fear of playing on grass! And this was just amongst ourselves. Fortunately, we were supported by our faithful mixed lollies (red snakes a favourite) and our secret ‘rescue remedy’ (one could say it was lucky we weren’t drug tested).

Our Club always had a hardy and loyal band of supporters in our smart new uniforms cheering us on every end.

Week in, week out, we played. We won some and lost some. We got five points, and once we only got one.

We had FUN and it was interesting to watch and play women from other clubs. We enjoyed playing the noisy ones, the quiet ones and the chatty ones who seemed to be able to play while chewing gum and standing on one foot.

Our final games on the last day of competition were makeup (we had two half completed games to play).

Our ‘arch nemesis’ (those with the pretty pink uniforms) had to win and we to lose to make it into the final, or vice versa. It was a difficult time as the umpire was from the Club whose ground our ‘nemesis’ were playing on, and while he was on the phone we wanted to but could not ask who was winning… we just had to put our heads down and play. Focus we did, and we won! Great celebrations were held as our little Golden Hind won their Section!

But, wait! Just when we thought it was over, we had to play some more. The best of the other sections, and oh no! school holidays, grand children to be looked after, eye appointments to be postponed, more rescue remedy to be purchased – who will drive? The drama had only just begun.

The finals began. We had an early pick up of the players and then took a wrong turn ending up on the other side of the Wyong River (we had plenty of time so the scenic detour was well received). There was a great welcome for our rag tag bunch who looked splendid, professional and ready. It was on! Let the games begin!

We had a good start (with Panadol at the ready if needed) and then lo and behold, a win. The momentum continued after lunch with both teams winning! The journey home was filled with laughter and joyousness. The car with the giggling school girls were all delivered safely home.

The next day was a more subdued pickup. We knew we were in with a chance to win so we had to hold our nerve. We had to play the team who were ahead of us on the leader board (gulp!)

Teams playing side by side each other; keeping an eye on the other’s score with our supporters loud and impressive on the sidelines cheering us on (there was no need for them to share their support as we only had one Division in the Finals).

It was a hard-fought battle and the second to last end saw a loss of six and with mathematics done all round, if the other team got an eight then a loss (not an impossible task but hard

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

for them to do). Bowls going well (one Golden Hind bowl near the jack, jack pushed to seemingly under the bowl, it stuck like glue) and in the end, a win by two! Sigh, jubilation and joy mixed with disappointment for the other team.

Who knew it is such a big deal? It is!

And it is great! The celebrations will continue for some time. Who knows… maybe next year the getting of a team will not be so difficult and perhaps appointments might be postponed until after Pennants are completed.

Written by Jennifer Paton

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15-23 MAY 2018 DEPARTS BRISBANE, SYDNEY & MELBOURNE

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Page 37

// WHAT'S ON IN YOUR CLUB 2017

JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017 DATE

LOCATION

CONTACT

DATE

LOCATION

CONTACT

JUN 19

Cronulla Winter Triples Carnival

J Thornton 9531 0950

SEP 5-7

Harrington 21st Ladies Spring Carnival

J Arkell 0428 332 434

JUN 19

Ettalong Memorial Hen & Chicken Pairs

A Middleton 4344 5060

SEP 9-10

Malua Bay Versatility Triples

D Mooy 4472 9899

JUL 4-5

Coffs Ex-Services Beautizone Carnival

J Appleton 6691 9218

SEP 9-10

West Dubbo Ladies Classic Triples

A Brown 0403 401 567

JUL 10

Bateau Bay Winter Triples

J Bayliss 4333 5383

SEP 17

Western Suburbs Magpie pairs

W Herbert 0402 065 585

JUL 17-18

Umina Ladies Kingfisher

L Cooper 0419 433 590

SEP 18

Taren Point Charity Day Fours

B Clarke 9544 8527

JUL 21

Dee Why 5-a-side Versatility

P Somers 0411 403 363

SEP 19

JUL 22-23

Canowindra Triples Carnival

E Petty 6364 0219

Maclean Gwen Ford Springtime Triples

L McKay 6647 6690

SEP 19-20

JUL 25

Ettalong Memorial Rainbow Carnival

A Middleton 4344 5060

Mudgee Ladies Fours Carnival

R Clarke 6372 3758

SEP 22-24

AUG 6

Mosman Greenhorn Competition

S Buchanan 0448 842 837

Roselands Lynn Smith Over 60s Ladies Pairs Classic

L Coombes 0407 680 170

Sep 26

AUG 7

Gymea Charity Day

B Shakey 0429 800 865

Umina Charity Day

L Cooper 0419 433 590

SEP 28

AUG 9-10

Westport 2 Day August Triples

L Condello 6581 0613

Lismore Heights Fiesta Triples

C Clapham 6624 7764

SEP 29-30

AUG 11

North Epping Camellia Carnival Ladies Triples

L Watford 9869 2304

Dubbo Railway 3 Bowl Triples

N Gannon 0438 040 634

OCT 5

Mosman Top 5

D Brown 0434 356 314

OCT 11-12 South West Rocks 2 Day Women's Triples

C Ball 0428 465 639

OCT 24-25 Lithgow Workmen's Valley Western District 2 Day Carnival

N Williams 6351 4056

OCT 27

Cronulla 79th Birthday Carnival

J Thornton 9531 0950

NOV 3-5

Holbrook Invitation Master Pairs Tournament

M Thurling 0438 815 885

NOV 20

Lithgow Workmen's Valley Versatility 6's

N Williams 6351 4056

AUG 19-20 Kootingal 2 Day Triples Carnival

G Davidson 6760 3122

AUG 19-20 Parkes Ladies Classic Triple

M Riordan 0417 468 501

AUG 21

L Lowder 9523 0702

Castle Hill Flo Wilcox Ladies 2 Bowl Triples

AUG 21-22 Ettalong Memorial Pot of Gold (Triples)

A Middleton 4344 5060

AUG 25

South Cronulla Turn Around 2 Bowl Triples

L Lowder 9523 0702

AUG 30

Carlingford Ladies Pairs Carnival

C Dickens 0414 797 638

Page 38

Bowls Matters April - June 2017

// Meet A Bowler

MEET A BOWLER

Jenny Palmer NEUTRAL BAY

Jenny Palmer gives freely of her time in many areas but in particular to bowls, not only at club level but also at District and State. Without a doubt there would not be a women’s bowling club at Neutral Bay if it wasn’t for jenny’s vision, initiative, negotiation skills and quiet determination.

Neutral Bay is the second oldest sports club in NSW and when Jenny was appointed to its board in 1988, she was the first female to have this honour. For many years, Jenny had been a tennis member at the club, and as a board member she saw the potential of having a women’s bowling club for the tennis members. There had been a men’s bowling club for many years. As a result of Jenny’s research, negotiation and sheer hard work, a women’s bowling club was affiliated with WBNSW in 1988.

In 1989, Jenny was appointed as the inaugural club president. This was the commencement of Jenny’s commitment and contribution to women’s bowls.

When Jenny was transferred to Melbourne for work, bowls for women at Neutral Bay floundered and it was only when she returned in 1998 that the first Pennant side was entered. The club patron Joan Hodge, who was a member of North Sydney at the time, recounts with much amusement her first Pennant match against the newly formed Neutral Bay side. Some of the players, under Jenny’s tutorship were playing their first ever match, and she remembers the quite encouragement and guidance that Jenny provided to some young women who clearly didn’t know much about bowling. That year however, the side won the District Grade 3 Pennant flag, and Jenny’s quite encouragement and guidance continues to this day.

In 2001, Jenny was made a life member of the Neutral Bay Club in recognition of the contribution she made as a

www.womensbowlsnsw.org

board member over many years and the establishment of the women’s bowling club.

A summary of the various roles Jenny has undertaken as a volunteer at club level: 1989 Inaugural President of Neutral Bay Women’s Bowling Club, 1998-2016 Manager of Pennant Sides, 1998-2008 Chair of Match Committee, 2000-2016 Club Coach, 2000-2016 Umpire, 2009-2014 Chair of Selection Committee, 2015-2016 Vice President.

Jenny puts a lot of time into her coaching role. She provides training for all players on a weekly basis, and is available on a one to one basis when such a request is made. Jenny takes all new players under her wing and supports and encourages them as they move into the sport.

Frequently she will include a new player in her team in Club Championships. She is always on the sideline when they play their first events.

Jenny has been very methodical in keeping records and the club’s excellent archives are due to Jenny’s efficiency and attention to detail. Though not specifically within a role she carries, it is just one of those things that Jenny does.

Jenny’s contribution goes far beyond her appointed role responsibilities. It is in the everyday happening of the club that Jenny’s contribution shines through.

She is the first to put her hand up to help e.g. each year the club hosts a group of young people with severe disabilities and Jenny is one of the volunteers.

Whether the need is for transport, or that the bowls shed needs cleaning out, the trophies engraved, the trophy cabinet sorted, a driver required, Jenny is the first to volunteer. She is truly the backbone of her club; every club needs a “Jenny” but few have one.

At District (Lower North Shore) level, Jenny was the Chair of Match and Selection Committees from 2001 – 2006.

L. Thompson and J. Palmer

During this period, Joan Hodge was a District President and has stated that there was a huge reliance on Jenny to ensure that all events were well planned and run. There was a dependency on Jenny’s knowledge and work ethic.

Jenny knew the rules of the game and everyone referred to her for advice. Her preferred style is to be low key but Jenny was always prepared to challenge actions that were not in accordance with the constitution or the spirit of the game.

She gave of herself without fuss or the expectation of accolades. As Joan Hodge says, “Jenny was just fantastic.”

With the merger of Lower North Shore and Mid North Shore in 2014, Jenny provided advice and support during the consultation process and now serves on the Selection Committee of the North Shore District.

At State level, Jenny qualified as an umpire and coach in 2000, was appointed to the Match Committee in 2010, completed the Selection Course in 2012 and was appointed as the manager of the WBNSW state team in 2015.

Jenny is understated in all she does and is quietly efficient. The time she gives to the planning, organisation and management of State events is quite considerable.

As well as giving her Wednesdays to carry out her Match responsibilities at WBNSW office, she takes a key role in running the State Carnival, Pennant play-offs and State Championships. As manager of the State team she supports the players at practice sessions as well as accompanying them to their match venues across Australia.

Written by Dawn Spinks Page 39

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