From the President:
Well done to the selectors and players in getting 5 of our six teams into the finals and the second team gaining promotion to the 4th division.
Pennant season is over so time to enjoy social bowls, enter competitions and have some social events with all club members. Let’s have a look at what has been happening at the club.
2023/4 Div 5 Section 1 Runners Up
Southern Green
Sunshades
Constitution
A meeting for all interested members was held on 15th February to discuss the draft new constitution. 12 members attended the meeting and some good questions and discussions took place. Ian Worthington did a fantastic job in reviewing the draft. At the end of the meeting it was resolved that Ian join the committee of Jeff Newton, Greg Donohue, Daryl Wilkinson and I in finalising the draft constitution.
We have had 2 meetings since and have made changes to the original draft. The main change is that it will no longer be up to the elected committee to appoint a president. The president will be appointed by members, as is presently done, and will serve a term of one year. The other directors, presently called committee members, will serve for 2 years on a rotational basis. That is half the directors will resign each year and can put their name forward for reelection if they want to continue on the Board. There are a number of other minor changes being made so that the constitution and the regulations work well together.
I expect that we will have several more meetings before being confident that we have a well thought out and workable document that we can present to members and take to lawyers for review. We expect that the new constitution and regulations will only be effective from the 2025 AGM.
Williamstown Electorate Bowling Competition
Do you know that the Parliament of Victoria has a 3-rink bowling green in its grounds? When Melissa Horne mentioned this to us on Australia Day a few years ago, we hinted that it would be lovely to play there. I reminded her of this at this year’s Australia Day and a few weeks ago one of her assistants contacted me to help her organize a tournament. Apart from our club, they have invited Altona, Altona North, Altona Sports, Newport, and Yarraville/Footscray to play in a competition on the 10th May. Unfortunately only 4 players and 4 spectators can attend. As we hope this will become an annual competition, I, together with the committee, have set some guidelines as to who should play and who the spectators should be. These are as follows:-
Players – men and women’s open champion, president, and a vice president. In future years, if any of those have already played in the tournament, they will not be eligible for selection for another 4 years. In this case the president and a vice president will select alternate players.
Spectators – Spouses of players will have first option. If they do not want to attend, members of the club will be selected by the president and one vice president to be invited to attend. Preference will be given to committee and club members who have regularly volunteered their services at the club. Again, the same criteria for eligibility will apply as for players – 4-year rule.
We believe that this is a fair way of giving different people the chance to play or be a spectator and rewarding club members for the work they put into the club.
Annual General Meeting
New Members
A warm welcome to the following new members who have joined us this year:
Full Membership:
Anna Tally, Mandy Hann, Gary Scott.
Social Membership:
Jerome Paternott, Brian Pridmore, Michael Elg, Steve Bilston, Leonie Medic, Andrew Davies, Sid Prosser, Bob Cockerell, Darren Becroft, Michelle Becroft.
New members who would like an introductory bowling session &/or an introduction to the club and its facilities are invited to contact Jock Garnsworthy (jockgarnsworthy@gmail.com) to arrange a suitable time.
General
I will be asking selectors to consider adding onto the voting slip a space where players rate themselves. This will not count towards the best player trophy at the end of the year but will give selectors an idea as to how the player rates themselves against the other players. Thanks to all the people who have helped out over the past year. Continue your work as it is much appreciated.
Hopefully we will get more people volunteering their services. I will be away till the 20th April so if anything arises please speak to one of the vice-presidents, Greg or Arthur.
Wishing you all the best for Easter.
- Eric
Club Financial Status
Capital Expenditure No 2 Green
West Gate Neighbourhood Fund – Shade Grant
Joker Jackpot
Daryl Wilkinson
Hon Treasurer
Midweek Selector’s Report
Midweek Pennant finished with an outstanding result for both the First and Second Midweek sides. Both sides maintained either second, third, or fourth position on the ladder throughout the season. Both sides went through to play and win the Preliminary final. Unfortunately, both sides lost in the semifinal. A good result regardless, as the First side finished up Third on the ladder. The Second side finished in fourth position. The selectors would like to congratulate all players for maintaining a great effort and positive attitude throughout the year, especially when faced with a few very challenging games.
Until next season, continue practicing your skills and come back relaxed and ready to win.
- Carol, Gillian and Eric
Bowling Committee
Club Championships
Congratulations to Heather Henderson and Chris Hammer for their success in the Women’s and Men’s Championships, and well done to the Runners Up, Donna Millington and Eric de Ravel for making the final.
Thanks to Sweeneys for their sponsorship, Markers Margaret and Arthur and Umpire Greg. A huge shout out to Anne Paternott and Julie Hanaphy for providing the food on the night. (YUMMY). The Friday night final was received well and will be retained for next year, albeit with an earlier start.
Heather and Chris now play in the “Champion of Champions” competition on this Saturday 16th March. Heather’s first game is at Deer Park at 1 pm while Chris plays at Altona at 9:45 am. If you can, please go along and support them.
Calling All Social Members - Heritage Handicap
This day is designed to promote bowls to our social members and any non-bowler in the community. It’s a fun day where you get to play two games of bowls in a friendly and social environment. If any social member or their family and friends wish to join us next Sunday please contact our Bowls Secretary Greg Donohue at wbc1880@gmail.com or add your name to the list on the noticeboard at the club.
Footy Tipping Competition
Trivia Night
Buddy Up Australia
We recently had the privilege of hosting a Barefoot Bowls function at the club for an organization called Buddy Up Australia.
This organisation supports veterans, first responders, police, serving or ex, with their mental and physical health. It was an absolute pleasure to meet with this group of wonderful people, and a big shout out to Col, Bob, and Barb for helping out on the day.
If any of our members are interested in knowing more about Buddy Up Australia, please click on the link and join up. I am sure we will make this an annual event for the whole club to enjoy.
https://buddyupaustralia.org/join-us
Julie Hanaphy
Dates For Your Diary
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- Social Bowls will continue each Wednesday & Saturday depending on Greens availability.
- Sunday 17th March – Heritage Handicap Day
- Saturday 23rd March – Trivia Night
- Sunday 24th March – Williamstown Classic Fours
- Saturday 27th April – Presentation Night
- Friday 31st May – Annual General Meeting
- Saturday 8th June – 70s Rock and Roll Night
- Friday 23rd August – Annual Milwala Bowls Trip (See Anne Paternott if interested.)
Back by Popular Demand- John Woods and Steve Allen’s 70s Rock and Roll Extravaganza 8th June.
More details to follow
