VALE VALERIE WOODWARD

Bowls Queensland’s Board, staff and officials were very sad to hear of Valerie (Val) Woodward’s passing last month.

Val’s involvement in the sport of bowls and with Queensland Ladies’ Bowling Association (QLBA) began in 1984 after she retired from working in the clothing industry. Val started playing bowls with her husband Jack, who was a bowler at Sunnybank.

Val held many proud bowling achievements, some of these included being Sunnybank Bowls Club President in 1989, delegate for Sunnybank, the independent country club Wandoan and the Southern Downs DLBA. She became a member of the roster committee in 1992, and chairwoman the following year before being elected junior vicepresident in 1996.

Val’s proudest moment was becoming QLBA President in 1999. She also donated the current Ladies State District Sides Division 1 Perpetual Trophy.

Val was an inspiration to many and her passion was finding ways to get women more involved in the sport, in particular working people. She became an accredited national coach so she could coach women on a Saturday morning. Val also became a national umpire.

Val encouraged her children and grandchildren to get involved in the sport, with Ken and Fay Woodward continuing to play bowls to this day. Val built life-long friendships at bowls and loved being part of the bowling community, where she held many fond memories. Bowls Queensland would like to extend sincere condolences to Val’s family and friends.