From the President:
Southern Green
The surface has been removed with thanks to all those who helped with the removal of the grass. Hobson’s Bay Council will be taking all the soil and grass that has been dumped on the Melbourne side of the green – thanks to Roy for organising that.
This will save us having to pay to get it carted away. The program over the next few weeks is as follows – On Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th, Lawford Engineering will install all the gutters and wall to the green. The green will be shortened by approximately 350mm on the southern end to widen the pathway.
During the same week, David Zitter, the greenkeeper, will laser level and roll the green. It will be left to settle for about a week before being laser levelled and rolled again. He will then seed the green with the same grass as before – Tiff Dwarf.
The grass will have to be watered daily thereafter for a couple of weeks, and we may require some volunteers to do this. It is expected to take about 3 months for the green to be ready for play. During this period, the southern bank/pathway will be redone with crushed stone and an artificial grass surface, similar to the northern side of the top green. In the interim, Home Games for the 3rd and 4th sides will be at Altona North Bowls Club.
Sunshades
The club was successful with their application for a grant of $42,000 from the West Gate Tunnel Neighbourhood Fund. Although this was granted at the end of October, there is a lot of paperwork that must be done to get the permit from Hobsons Bay Council to commence operations. Although this was all submitted to council a few weeks ago, it could take up to 6 weeks for the permit to come through!! We cannot spend or order any item until the permit is received. I see this project only being completed in March if we are lucky!!
Strategic Plan – Future Development
We have arranged a meeting with Hobson’s Bay Council’s sport and recreation officer, Adam Sparrow, on the 20th December. This is to discuss what we need to do to get onto Council’s capital expenditure budget in future. They do set their budget a few years in advance, so we need to find out how to get onto it so we can do the alterations/extensions that we would like to do per our strategic plan.
The Victorian Government has an annual “Local Sports Infrastructure Fund” with grants up to $300,000 for Community Facilities. The only drawback is that our local council needs to match the figure we are requesting, and so we need to be in Council’s capital expenditure budget; otherwise, they will not support our application.
Constitution
The proposed new constitution and regulations have been drafted and reviewed by the Board to bring them up to date with the current era. We plan to circulate these documents to all members in January along with an overview of the major changes.
Members are encouraged to send in any questions about items they find unclear or suggestions for changes. This feedback will enable us to address any concerns. Subsequently, we will hold a general meeting in February to discuss the proposed changes before convening an extraordinary general meeting to formally ratify the new constitution and regulations.
General
Thanks to:
- Julie Hanaphy for looking after all the bookings over the Christmas period. I am a bit disappointed that there are not more volunteers coming forward to help set up. It is the same few people who always come forward. Thanks Gavin.
- Anne Paternott and her committee for arranging the Rock & Roll evening as well as the Bingo. These events are critical to the club as it helps boost our revenue which is badly needed with all the costs at the moment.
- June, Bruce and helpers for the Calcutta evening and various meals they arrange. What fantastic club members – wish we had more like them!!
- Roy, Mats and the bar helpers for the time they spend looking after the bar. It saves the club a lot of expense. They are looking for members who would be happy to complete the “Responsible Serving of Alcohol” course and then help behind the bar. The more people we have the less often you would be required!!
- Daryl for looking after the accounting and banking so well.
- Jeff Newton for all the work he does and drafting of the Constitution and Regulations.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE - Eric
Club Financial Status
The financial position of the club is favorable compared to the budget, primarily due to increased bar sales and successful recent social events, as well as strict expenditure control. However, after Christmas, the club’s financial situation may become challenging. We will face additional costs due to the closure of the No 2 Green, necessitating the relocation of weekend pennant teams 3 and 4 to Altona North. Additionally, there will be no barefoot bowls, and we may potentially lose bar revenue.
To ensure the club’s cashflow remains stable, it is essential to conduct monthly reviews. These reviews will help us ensure that our operating activities and capital expenditures, as outlined below, are adequately covered.
Capital Expenditure No 2 Green
The Board has approved capital expenditure to replace the No 2 Green following the work completed by Hobson Bay Council to install a root barrier between the park at the southern end of the club and the No 2 Green. The anticipated cost for this replacement green is expected to be in the range of $50,000 to $55,000.
Square – Point of Sale
Since the introduction of the square system, all the initial bedding down issues have been resolved and the system is operating efficiently at point of sale and reporting which has enhanced the bar management and operational activity.
Mats Gamby has been the driving force behind this projected, well-done Mats. A recent new initiative using the system has been the introduction of tap to pay green fees, Joker Jackpot sales and social function payments.
Banking
A review of our banking arrangements with the Bank of Melbourne has been successfully completed, with all facilities, bank accounts, and signatories reviewed and updated.
West Gate Neighbourhood Fund
The grant application submitted to the above authority for shade assistance received approval in October 2023 to the value of $42,000.
Use of these funds will be to erect shades along the entire Lyons St side of greens 1 and 2 and the Melbourne Rd side of green two. This application was prepared and submitted by our President Eric de Ravel to whom we extend our appreciation and congratulations in achieving such an excellent outcome.
Daryl Wilkinson
Hon Treasurer
Midweek Selector’s Report
Just past the halfway mark in the season and the 2 teams are doing well. The first team have played 8, won 5, lost 2 and drawn 1. They are third on the log, only 2 points behind second place whom they are playing at home this week.
They have a good chance of finishing second and getting into the finals. The second team have played 8, won 4 and lost 4. It is a good result as the leads and seconds have been rotated.
We have at least 5 new bowlers this year and have tried to give them a game at least every second week. We have struggled to get skips and thirds in this side and the loss of Brian Walmsley has not helped.
Thank you to the skips and thirds for playing in a position which is not their favoured one. We are hoping for a good second half of the season for this team and am confident they can get into the top 4 and make finals.
We believe that the introduction of new bowlers through midweek pennant is fantastic for them as it is a more relaxed atmosphere and improves their confidence. We are pleased with the improvement in the capability of these bowlers over the season.
Lastly, if you have any items you would like to discuss with the selectors, please come and speak to us rather than complaining to everyone else!! Onwards and upwards, Go Williamstown. Merry Christmas to everyone.
- Carol, Gillian and Eric
Bowling Committee
Grand Final Eve Tournament
We had a pretty good turnout of 36 players this year, which was the second time we have run the tournament, and again, everyone had a lot of bowls and a lot of fun.
Club Games
For the first time, we ran Round One of the Men’s and Women’s Club Championships on Sunday the 15th of October with 23 bowlers playing over 2 rounds. Some of the Men’s games were completed beforehand, and it was not compulsory for the Women to have played by the 15th, so none played. Most players stayed for the BBQ, and there was a good atmosphere to the day.
School Clinic
We again trained future bowlers from North Williamstown Primary School every Friday for 6 weeks – the kids love the days. St. Mary’s PS also sent their sports captains for an introduction. Thanks again to Russell Dripps, Richard Round, Jock Garnsworthy, Margaret Carroll, Des Olsen, and Maureen Toomey for their assistance.
Wednesday Nominated Triples
As you can see by the hailstone-covered greens, Williamstown bowlers are not easily put off their Wednesday game, albeit the rain and thunder and lightning did slow us down a little. The tournament has now been concluded, as #2 green is unavailable for play and prize-winners paid out.
Results:
1st: (again) Heather Henderson, Jeff Fawcus & Greg Donohue.
2nd: John Cassidy, Casper Dekker & Rob Satori
3rd: Chris Hammer, Eddie Galizi & Fred Bokma.
4th: (by only 1 point) Eric de Ravel, Carol de Ravel, Greg Barr
Full results can be viewed in Documents on Team App.
Some 2024 Dates For Your Diary
Here are the upcoming events and dates:
- Wednesday 10th January – Social Bowls start and will run each Wednesday.
- Friday 26th January – Australia Day Tournament.
- Friday 16th February at 6:30 PM – Final of Men’s & Women’s Club Championships.
- Sunday 17th March – Heritage Handicap Day.
- Sunday 24th March – Williamstown Classic Fours.
Updated Club Policies
At its November meeting, the Board updated two Club Policies to align with BV Conditions Of Play. The changes are as follows:
Extreme Weather Policy:
The greens will be closed immediately when lightning is observed, regardless of whether the Green Director or his/her delegate has attended at the Club to close the greens. The greens will remain closed until thirty minutes after the last lightning was observed.
Uniform Policy:
Club Uniform consists of the Registered Club colored shirt with royal blue shorts/skirt/trousers/etc and Bowls Australia approved footwear. Note: Reference to White or Cream has been removed.
Club Bookings:
December has been a busy and successful month for corporate Barefoot Bowls and Christmas parties, and it did get quite hectic at times. These functions bring in extra revenue for the club, and we couldn’t do it without the help of all the volunteers who put their hands up to help. A big thank you to everyone who took a turn being there to help.
A special mention to Gavin Lally, who has been my wingman at every function and for the extra mile you go with tuition for the bowlers. Bookings will slow down now as we go into the new year, but we do have a few upcoming, and I will continue to post on the whiteboard, so please keep up the great support.
