20 minute read
RBM
from MAY 2022
Love your club
The recent weather has made me reflect on what a (my) club means to me. Sometimes we take for granted that our club is, and always will be, there. Well, during recent times questions have been raised as to whether some of our clubs will remain.
What does our club mean to the community? In a lot of cases our clubs are more than ‘just a bowling club’. Bowls clubs can also be a: • card club • craft club • venue for dancing • mental health club • place to eat • place to sit and have a chat with friends • place to meet members of the community you may not otherwise see • function centre for a birthday party, christening, wake or Christmas party • place to come and have a bowl and some fun • place to win a raffle or, perhaps a place to get away from it all... Our club is an important part of the community and we need to make sure we support it during both good times and bad. The resilience I have seen in recent times by the members of clubs affected by flooding has been nothing short of outstanding. It has given me a great deal of pride to witness these members with their ‘never say die’ attitude and hear stories about what their club means to them. The support of the local community and surrounding bowls clubs has been wonderful.
Our clubs need our support financially to continue and to grow within the community. We need to be inclusive within our community to encourage people from all walks of life to come along and enjoy all the offerings that our clubs have.
It’s easy to take things for granted, but we sometimes don’t know what we have until it’s gone. Our clubs offer enjoyment for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
I love my club and I want to continue to support it, so that it is there for me during the good times and the bad.
RBM - NORTH QLD
New RBM to be advised RBM - CENTRAL QLD
David Barnes 0429 442 818 dbarnes@bowls.com.au RBM - SOUTH EAST QLD
Micheal Sorrensen 0447 507 040 msorrensen@bowls.com.au
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5 Insurances your Club should Consider
For many bowls clubs, the recent floods were a devastating twist in an already challenging few years. Sports clubs are often at high risk of flooding as they are located near parks and reserves and it is critical for these clubs to ensure they have appropriate insurance cover. There are a variety of insurances clubs can take out and it is important to discuss these with your insurance broker (if you have one) to ensure you have appropriate coverage. Most clubs would have experienced significant ‘bill shock’ in the last few years as insurance premiums have risen significantly, and some clubs may be struggling to get cover for certain risks such as flooding. This is where an experienced insurance broker can be worth their weight in gold. We recommend clubs review and consider the following five insurance policies with their brokers.
1. Building and contents: This insurance will cover your buildings and your contents from damage and theft – including your bowls greens. Your obligations for insurance of the building will depend on whether your club owns the land and buildings or leases them, but either way, you need to ensure there is adequate coverage in place for both the building and contents. As mentioned above, some insurers may have exclusions for flooding or sub-limits in the policy for certain risks. If this is the case, clubs should ensure they have appropriate plans in place to mitigate loss from these risks. 2. Public liability: Clubs are usually aware of the need to have public liability insurance. This policy protects the club if it has to pay compensation for property damage or personal injury. A comprehensive policy will also cover claims relating to club members and volunteers.
3. Professional indemnity:
Professional indemnity insurance is adopted by many clubs to cover against claims of negligence relating to the actions and advice of coaches and other club employees. 4. Directors and Officers: Almost all committee members of bowls clubs are volunteers who provide their time and expertise for the love of the sport, as opposed to financial or personal gain. Given the charitable nature of these roles, it is important the club has appropriate directors and officers cover to protect these individuals should they breach their duties in their role and be held personally liable. Clubs should ensure committee members have a thorough understanding of the extent of this cover, including the exclusions. 5. Business interruption: Business interruption insurance can cover the loss of profits for a club when it suffers an interruption event, such as flooding or fire damage. This will help a club cover its operating costs for a period, such as rent and wages, whilst it is unable to earn any income. There are a variety of other insurances available, including glass insurance, machinery breakdown, prize indemnity, members insurance, player accident insurance, cyber risk, and plenty more. All clubs in Queensland will have workers compensation insurance for their employees through Workcover Queensland, protecting against claims by employees who are injured during their course of employment. This year, rather than simply renewing your existing policies, we recommend meeting with an experienced insurance broker, ideally one who is familiar with bowls clubs, and tailoring your policies. An industry expert will be able to analyse your individual insurance requirements and ultimately, ensure your risk of a claim is reduced. If you if you have any queries about insurance claims or your individual risk or would like an introduction to a trusted clubs industry insurance broker, please contact me, Matt Bradford, at 07 3224 0353.
by H.J.Boardman
Vanessa’s fingers lightly brush the grass as she swings her bowl in a pendulum arc onto the green. Her director explains by use of a clock face, the exact position of her resting bowl in relation to the jack. As her director leads her off the mat, they discuss the adjustments needed for the next bowl. In 2002, Vanessa was selected to represent Bowls Australia at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in the Vision Impaired Para Lawn Bowls games. Her player cap number is 3. It is now 20 years since Vanessa and her late mother, Marjorie Hinton, her director proudly represented Australia at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Vanessa has been playing since she was 14 years old and after 40 years of playing lawn bowls, she still has a big smile on her face and enjoys the game. Vanessa is no snowflake. Come heat, wind or rain, she can be seen attempting to deliver the perfect bowl. Blind from birth, Vanessa learnt how to play bowls and has gone on to win many gold, silver and bronze medals. She has been a great promoter of blind and low vision bowls and is responsible for introducing Helen Boardman, our Para Jackaroo, to bowls. Directors are hard to come by and are a most precious part of the team effort. Vanessa says since her mother died she has struggled to find someone as good as her mum. Perhaps in her 40th year of bowling, Vanessa and her new director Michelle Jordan will collect medals. This year Vanessa and Michelle face the field at the Australian Blind Bowls Nationals in May, the Australian Open in June and the Qld Multi Disability Championships in August. The sun has not set on this para-bowler yet and we wish her all the best.
CLUB TAMBORINE JACKAROO TRAINING
A camp was held at Club Tamborine recently to support Australia’s elite Jackaroo bowlers, helping them with their preparations for the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in July. Damian, the greenkeeper at Mt Tamborine, has been preparing a surface for the players by replicating UK style of green. At the camp, Karen Murphy AM, Jackaroo Assistant Coach, said how exciting it was to finally get the players out on the green, hold our first trial and get the ball rolling. “It’s the first time we’ve really been able to get together as a Jackaroos family,” Karen said. “It’s quite a strength related game over in the UK. We need a bit more power so just making sure we’re physically fit as well as mentally and psychologically ready. “ Serena Bonnell added that “we’ve really spent a lot of time training on it and it’s going to give us the best opportunity to bring back some medals”. Karen Murphy summed it up by saying that “the Commonwealth Games for the Jackaroos is a wonderful experience to feel part of a whole team; there’s great respect and great camaraderie”.
BOWEN LADIES’ FOURS CARNIVAL
By Linda Scells
Stanley Airlie Beach are the winners of the Bowen Ladies’ Fours Carnival. Five local and seven visiting teams entered the carnival, the second time this annual event has been held and due to its success, it will be run again in 2023. Bowlers played well even though it was the beginning of the two week heatwave in North Queensland, so was incredibly hot. Congratulations to the following teams: • Winners: Airlie Beach (Stanley) • Runners-up: Bowen/Wangaratta (Jacobsen)
Winners Airlie Beach L-R: Ladda Purdie, Margo Stanley, Betty Whitehorn, Betty Nicolle with sponsors Brad Bates from Industry Fire Services (left) & Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire (right)
• Third: Wangaratta (Stitt) • Fourth: Thuringowa (Harasymuik) Thank you to our male club members who did a great job with our smokos and meal, as well as our sponsors Industry Fire Services, Precise Plumbing and S&W Crane Hire.
Runners-up Bowen/Wangaratta L-R: Helen Jacobsen, Lou Fordham, Tracey Roach & Denise Wallace with sponsors Brad Bates from Industry Fire Services (left) & Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire (right)
Third Wangaratta L-R: Margaret Wilson, Izzy Wheeler, Meryl Elphinstone & Robyn Stitt with sponsors Brad Bates from Industry Fire Services (left) & Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire (right)
The men who did a great job with the meals
woodgate’s noel - a TRUE gentleman bowler
L-R: Noel with the past men’s president Robbie Byrnes
By Lesley Christensen
Noel Loder, in his 96th year, is not only our oldest bowler but an inspiration to us all. Bowls is a game for all ages and, even though Noel thinks he’s not as good as he used to be, trust me when I tell you he can still put down some wicked shots. “Good bowl, Noel!” is often heard around the rinks. Still using his original Drakes Pride bowls he purchased to learn to play with in 2002, he’s learnt to master the huge bias they produce. Noel settled in Woodgate with his wife Dorothy in 1994 after raising the family of six children in Childers. Noel worked hard in the sugar industry as a cane cutter in the crushing season and doing farm work mainly in the South Isis area. Retirement brought Noel and Dorothy to Woodgate, where he enjoyed fishing off the bank, mainly in Theodolite Creek. He tells the story of walking across the creek with his yabby pump under his arm and his cigarettes under his hat. “Got into a bit of trouble, so had to let go of the pump but the smokes stayed dry!” he laughed. The photo below with the fish is a monster catch Noel made as a young man and he is extremely proud of that catch. Whenever the conversation turns to fishing, Noel will whip out that photo to show everyone! After Dorothy’s passing, Noel took up bowls and has never looked back, enjoying many hours on the greens and making plenty of friendships along the way. Noel states he never set out to be a champion but just to “play the game well and enjoy the company”. Just another ‘little’ sideline of Noel’s is that he has taken care of the nature area across from his home for many years. In fact, the day before we had our chat he had been out mowing under the fence where the council mowers had missed!
He was awarded the Woodgate Community Events ‘Citizen of the Year’ in 2020 for his community work. When asked, Noel said he didn’t lead a greatly exciting life, did the things all men do: got married, raised a happy family, then retired to lead a quiet life. Losing his wife was a great sadness, but the six—now well and truly grown up children— are a great comfort. We summed it up by saying Noel has led a “quiet, full life”. I’d like to add, “what a lovely true gentleman!”
Noel with a monster catch Noel (third from right) with members from the Cordalba fishing club after a big win
By Yvonne Vogler
Mareeba has had a busy couple of months, with their women’s (reported in the April 2022 Bowler) and men’s championships taking place, as well as the annual open fours event. The open fours event saw sixteen self-selected teams of four from Mareeba, Dimbulah, Atherton, Yungaburra, Marlin Coast, Stratford, Cairns West and Edmonton, play four games of 12 ends. Held on March 27, this annual competition is sponsored each year by The Graham Hotel. It is a game of open fours, played for cash prizes.
Winners Atherton team L-R: Graeme Herd, Enrico Lazzarin, Chris Hattingh & Marco Tiraboschi
Mareeba is fortunate to have a world class lawn bowling venue with a shade covered carpet green and a well-kept lawn green, incorporated in the Cedric Davies Memorial Hub on Anzac Avenue. A great day of bowls and fellowship was had by all, with some friendly family rivalry between first and third place getters. New skip, Marco from Atherton club, defeated his brother Ettore, a more experienced skip from Mareeba BC. Congratulations to the Atherton teams that claimed both first and fourth position and the two Mareeba teams that placed second and third.
Runners-up Mareeba team L-R: Peter Soda, skip Barry Lynne, Sue Soda & Elio Crema Third place Mareeba team L-R: Lorenzo Cadorin, Skip Ettore Tiraboschi, Santina Tiraboschi & Vittorio Tiraboschi
In the men’s championships, Mareeba bowlers, father and son Vittorio and Ettore Tiraboschi claimed the men’s singles winner and runner-up titles for 2022. The four bowl singles match was played on March 22, under the shade on the carpet green. This knock-out competition had 10 men rivalling to be this year’s men’s single champion. • Round 1: Bob Pitson def Peter Soda, B. Lynne def Rob Brown. • Round 2: Peter Stevens def Ivan Sayed, Vittorio Tiraboschi def Deryck Harrigan, Ettore Tiraboschi def Elio Crema, Barry Lynne def Bob Pitson. • Round 3: Vittorio Tiraboschi def Peter Stevens, Ettore Tiraboschi def Barry Lynne. Each player bowled their best in an attempt to win the honour of the title, but the Tiraboschi family came up trumps. The Tiraboschi family are very keen bowlers and with mum Santina marking the game, they inched towards a result. Dad Vittorio held his nerve and beat the might of his son Ettore, with experience winning over youth. The men’s pairs champions were also decided with Bob Pitson and Lorenzo Cadorin defeating Peter Soda and Barry Lynne. Peter and Barry made up ground on the last few ends, being behind on the last end with a score of 19 to 20, but Bob and Lorenzo held on to win 21 to 19.
Men’s Singles L-R: Winner Vittorio Tiraboschi, runner-up Ettore Tiraboschi with marker Santina Tiraboschi
Men’s Pairs winners L-R: Lorenzo Cadorin & Bob Pitson with runners-up Barry Lynne & Peter Soda
LADIES 33RD LEPRECHAUN FOURS CARNIVAL IN BUNDY
Winners - Across the Waves Bowls Club L-R: Jenny Mallett, Josie Mitzi, Annette Goodhew (sponsor Friendly Society Hospital), Fay Debono & Lynn Donaldson
Second place - Bagara Bowls Club L-R: Terry Heath, Jessie Cannon, Kayla Rozycki (sponsor RetireInvest), Sandy Bianca & Kerry Gallagher Third place - Bagara Bowls Club L-R: Bevan Rehbein (sponsor Des Allen Funerals), Julie Dunn, Margaret Smith, Dawn Grady & Tulu Chippendale
By John Field
An overcast sky helped keep the carpet cool and fast at the Ladies 33rd Leprechaun Fours Carnival 2022 at Brothers Bundaberg Bowls Club held on March 16. As a result, the competition between the teams was very strong with some excellent games being played and enjoyed by all competitors.
Many ladies complimented the Brothers Bowls Club on the condition of the green and how well the green complemented their bowls. It was a very pleasant day overall and the spectators were treated to many great shots that showcased the ability of the bowlers.
Congratulations to the Across The Waves (winners), Bargara (runners-up and third) and Kandanga (fourth).
MAXIMA GOLD CUP MIXED FOURS COMING UP AT JINDALEE
The Jindalee Bowls Club Golden Trophy Tournament, sponsored by Maxima Disability Employment Services with a total of $2,000 prize money will be played on Saturday, May 21 commencing at 10am. The cost is $120 per team. Please call Jindalee Bowls Club on 3376 1240 or email jbc-sec@outlook.com for more information or to register.
By Joyce McGeorge & Margaret Morris
It was always Drayton’s Alma Hamblin’s wish to celebrate her ninetieth birthday at the club with her bowling friends and this she did. Alma organized City Golf Club to cater the event with a tasty variety of finger foods culminating in a birthday cake, which was shared among all in attendance. Alma joined Drayton Bowls Club in August 1980 and, at the Annual General Meeting in July 1985, she was appointed games director for the ladies section, a position she held for 30 years. In 2001, Alma was granted life membership for her outstanding contribution to the club. As well as being games director, Alma and her husband Des have been heavily involved in organising the annual men’s carnival for more than 21 years and both continue to be committed and loyal members of the club. To maintain her interest and contribution today, Alma has taken on the role of office selector and dutifully turns up each Thursday, mentoring new selectors in their duties and responsibilities. Alma greets each member, be they new or existing members, with a welcoming smile and a little chat. We look forward to seeing Alma at our club regularly and hope to be there when she reaches her double zero milestone.
AGE NO LIMIT FOR BONGAREE’S ARTHUR & ANDY
By Rod Curtis
Bongaree Bowls Club has two older members still active on the green, Arthur and Andy.
Arthur Hangan 90 Years - Life Member
Arthur spent his early years at Seymour, Victoria. At age 15, he got a job with The Postmaster-General’s Department (PMG) as a telegraph messenger and continued to work in other public service departments including the Labour and National Service Department as a disability placement officer, then as an electoral officer in 1966. Arthur moved to Darwin as an electoral officer for the Northern Territory in 1974. He established the Northern Territory Electoral as their CEO in 1979. Arthur’s bowls life began when he started playing bowls in Darwin and became an accredited coach. Arthur retired from the workforce in 1988 and then moved to Bright in Victoria, where he was the Bright Bowls Club’s president on several occasions as well as board chairman. Arthur has been the sponsor of the Arthur Hangan Singles for 25 years at the Bright Bowls Club in Victoria and returns each year to run and sponsor this event. Arthur moved to Queensland in 1998, joined the Bongaree Bowls Club and has held various roles since then. He became the junior vice president, senior vice president, games director and was president for four years. Arthur remains active as the club’s memberships coordinator and is still enjoys his bowls today.
Andy Anderson 95 Years
In his youth, Andy lived in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane for 17 years, before going to Sydney as a labourer. He joined the Army in 1949 and did service in Korea as a machine gunner. After leaving the army, Andy became a window tinter and played golf for a couple of years before taking up lawn bowls at the West Toowong Bowls Club during the mid 1970s. In 1990, Andy joined the Bongaree Bowls club and is still bowling today.
Arthur Hangan - 90 years Andy Anderson - 95 years
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By Margaret Valentine
Mt Gravatt Bowls Club bowlers, Cathy Lewis and Cheryl Lindfield, were two of seven ladies from the club who contested the recent Gateway District Singles Championships. Cathy and Cheryl met in the final, with Cheryl winning a closely contested game. Cheryl has also been selected in the Para-Jackaroos squad to represent Australia in a tour of the United Kingdom in May, in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham in July and August. Congratulations Cheryl!
L-R: Cathy Lewis & Cheryl Lindfield
L-R: Fred Carrington, Jim Ross (President of Victoria Park) & runner-up Alan Wooler
CHAMPION SINGLES FINALS AT ROCKY’S VICTORIA PARK BC
By Garry Walker
At the age of 88, Fred Carrington has won his fifth “A” Grade Singles title at the Victoria Park Bowls Club in Rockhampton, with a 25–19 win over Alan Wooler who was playing in his first final. Fred, who previously won the title in 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2017, started playing bowls in 1961 at Emerald Bowls Club in Central Queensland. He also played 15 years of first division pennants at the Melbourne Bowls Club before returning to Central Queensland in 2000.
biannual triples at bundy’s burnett bc
By Trish Hansen
During the month of April, the Bundaberg Branch of QRI held the biannual triples game, which was sponsored by Daphne McCracken, Ken Claridge and Bundaberg Past Presidents. It was another great day of bowls held at Burnett Bowls Club. Bowlers came from a number of clubs across the district. Congratulations to the winners and runners-up.
Winners L-R: Chilli Pete, Daphne Mc Cracken (sponsor), Ken Claridge (sponsor), Gazza & Barry Peat Runners up L-R: Wayne Evans, Daphne Mc Cracken (sponsor), Marion Jackson, Ken Claridge (sponsor) & Stan Penningh
