TOUCHER TOPICS BORONIA BOWLS CLUB NEWSLETTER DEC 2015

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CLUB MEMBERS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, AND MAY YOU ALL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE AMAZING FACILITIES THE CLUB HAS TO OFFER.

If you are going away, come back safe; if you live on your own, may you have family to share the season with; if you are unwell, may you recover very soon. Christmas is a time to “share the moment”.

Keep an eye on the fixture programme over the holiday, but note the changes as outlined in this newsletter.

CLUB KILSYTH CLASSIC Friday the 13th and rain did not deter a full field of 28 teams descending on Boronia for this annual November event. The rain stopped right on cue at 10 am and held off for the remainder of the day. Greens were a bit slow after two days of rain, however they ran true, which satisfied all but the usual complainants ‐ generally after they had lost a game. Our wonderful ladies turned on their usual very well received spread, commencing with pre game morning tea, a great smorgasbord lunch, and after game, nibbles. Well done to the pre event preparers on Thursday, (even Santa popped in to cook the spuds) and Lesley and her crew for the long hours put in on the day catering for the 112 bowlers. Carol and Graeme Ashmore volunteered to sell the raffle tickets and their efforts together with sponsorship ,entry fees, and profit from Garry’s and Maisie’s bar sales pushed profit for the day over $2,000. Another great effort from all those who freely volunteer their time to ensure the success of these events. Winners of the event were; 1st John Pilgrim and team (Mulgrave) the only 3 game winner 2nd Gary Adams and team (Berwick) 3rd Robin Shaw and team (inc Steve Castle) Mitcham Half the pennant season has gone and the Christmas break is upon us. Whilst we have had reasonable success on the greens it is disappointing that there has been no response to our regular requests for members to contact the committee of management regarding positions which will become vacant in 2016. An immediate and major concern is that treasurer Bob Lancaster and wife Jan are moving to Mt Martha early in 2016. Bob has done a great job during his short time in the position, but to ensure a smooth transition we need an understudy now. Can you help or do you know a friend or family member who could assist? The committee of management again asks all members to seriously consider what role they can play in the future of the club. It is most gratifying however that we have several members who, despite being unable to bowl for health &/or personal reasons, continue to carry out voluntary work around the club. A great example to some of our able bodied members. We are having great success with our barefoot bowling/christmas party events under Tony Buckingham’s leadership and with good support from a group of members whose faces are always around when there is work to be done. Tony’s quick thinking turned a possible washout into a very successful indoor carpet bowls event raising approximately $600 for the club. Get involved.

Finalising of painting around the club continues although few see these people at work . Look up and see the brightness added to the building. Well done Irene and Margaret. The committee of management wishes all members a safe and happy Christmas with their family and friends IAN McLEAN GREENS CLOSURES TO ENABLE GUY TO PUT IN PLACE A PROGRAM FOR THE NECESSARY REJUVENTATION OF THE GREENS THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT ADVISE THAT THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL APPLY OVER THE CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR PERIOD. ‐ ONE GREEN WILL CLOSE FROM 22 DECEMBER 2015. (MIXED PAIRS 23 DECEMBER MAY HAVE TO BE TRIPLES) ‐ GUY WILL KEEP THE OTHER GREEN OPEN AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BUT PROBABLY ONLY FOR A FEW MORE DAYS. (THERE ARE NO SCHEDULED EVENTS UNTIL 2 JANUARY) ‐ 2 JANUARY SATURDAY PENNANT PRACTICE CANCELLED ‐ 3 JANUARY MINOR 4 BOWL SINGLES AND PROPORTIONAL 100 UP HAVE BEEN RE‐SCHEDULED (SEE NOTICE BOARD) ‐ 5 JANUARY MID WEEK PENNANT PRACTICE CANCELLED ‐ 6 JANUARY ONE GREEN WILL RE‐OPEN (OPEN TRIPLES LIMITED TO 14 TEAMS) ‐ 12 JANUARY OTHER GREEN WILL RE‐OPEN WE THANK THE TOURNAMENT AND SELECTION COMMITTEES FOR THEIR CO‐OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE INTEREST OF HAVING GOOD SURFACES TO PLAY ON FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES IN YOUR FIXTURE BOOK AND/OR DIARY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT IN FUTURE CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR PERIODS ONE GREEN WILL REMAIN OPEN.

Presidents Report As the first half of our bowls season is nearly over, we can now look back on the season thus far. Results for our clubs pennant teams has shown that the club can be competitive both at home and away but much improvement will be needed to secure finals positions for more of our teams. I would encourage more members to come along to our coaching sessions as the additional practice will most certainly improve your own individual game and help your teams overall performance and results. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of both Tuesday and Saturday’s selection committee’s for their work so far this season. Being a member of selection committee can be a difficult job with the almost impossible task of keeping all players happy. With two teams in Saturday’s Division 3 this process is even more challenging. The selection committee is well aware that some members are disappointed with their selected positions, but I can assure members that the selection of players to all positions is given careful consideration. Please remember that many of the changes made each week are made as a result of some members not being available to play due to other commitments. Selection of teams will always be made with the team’s best interest not the individual. There is no doubt that the front green is still the favourite green to play and practice on, however the back green continues to improve each week. There is an expectation that both greens will be top‐dressed over the Christmas break, remembering that last season the front green was not top‐dressed due to the sowing down of the new back surface. A big thank you to all members associated with the successful running of all competition events so far this season, this also includes Friday night bare foot bowls, a great effort from everyone involved. Congratulations to players who have already played in and won club championship events, and best of luck to those who have entered coming events, yet to be completed. Further club events are yet to be posted so keep your eyes on the notice board. With Christmas only a few more weeks away I would like to wish all members a happy and safe Christmas and look forward to catching up with you all in the New Year, which looks like being an exciting time for some of our teams come finals time. Good bowling everyone. Regards Jim.

LADIES GALA Day. Anyone who attended GALA Day in any capacity could not help but be impressed by the organization of the event by our ladies. The kitchen, the stalls, the raffles, the Tournament Committee, each person had a job and did it really well. Outwardly, the whole day, despite the inclement weather, ran like a well‐oiled machine, and this is what the visitors see and are impressed by. We are so lucky to have the ladies we do, and who do so much for the club. A special mention to John King who spent most of the day in the kitchen. The event raised a very respectable $1665.65 and together with the income from the bowls of $316, it could only be described as an outstanding success. Thank you ladies. Joke of the month. A gorgeous young redhead goes into the doctors’ office and said that her body hurt wherever she touched it. “Impossible” said the doctor, “show me”. The redhead took her finger, pushed on her left shoulder and screamed. Then she pushed her elbow and screamed even more. She pushed her knee and screamed, likewise she pushed her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream. The doctor said, “You’re not really a redhead are you?” “Well no”, she said, “I’m actually a blond”. “I thought so’” said the doctor, “Your finger is broken.” Paddy says to Mick, “Christmas is on Friday this year”. Mick said, “Let’s hope it’s not the 13th then”.

Tels Teaser Instead of the usual teaser, this month we are presenting a quiz. Enjoy.

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backwards.

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several

growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5. In many liquor stores you can buy pear brandy with a real pear inside the

bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters “dw”

Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed,

cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9. Name six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter “s”.

Answers on back page.

In two quite different games this year, the ladies final produced a very exciting, if not two very familiar faces, in which Lesley outlasted her evergreen opponent Annette Scutt by 25 shots to 22. Annette had previously come back from several shots down, but was unable to repeat the performance going down by just the three shots. Both ladies suffered heat exhaustion, but once more, Lesley was the worthy winner. In the men’s final, Gary proved to be far too experienced for runner-up Rob Lowe, and opened up an early lead which he maintained until the end. His bowling has been of particularly high quality and he thoroughly deserved the win. Rob was in no way disgraced, and put on a brave showing right through. The final result was 25-11. Gary was runner-up last year, and in Rob the club has found an exceptional bowler for the future. Playing against his former partner, Sam Trickey starred in the men’s doubles which he won with Ian McLean. Brian McCristal was runner-up for the second year in succession, this time playing with George Bisset.

SPONSORS REPORT Are you interested in a QUALITY USED CAR check out our sponsor? JZ Motors located at 1100 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully Ph. 9752 2799 for personal service ask for Jeff.

------------ HELLO WORLD TRAVEL Shop 2081B Knox shopping Centre is the place to look for excellent holiday packages. Ask for Sue Curtis for great personal service on Ph. No 9801 5488. ---------- For great meals and good service don’t forget the Kilsyth Club located at the corner of Canterbury Rd and Colchester Rd in Kilsyth South. There are many good reports about the meals and the service. ----------------------- Our major sponsor is Biggin & Scott who has committed for 2 years and therefore to extend this we need properties to be auctioned by this Company. Please use them if you are considering selling. They are located just down the road at 88 Boronia Rd Boronia. Phone No is 97612277. As Sponsorship Co-coordinator I wish all of our members a Merry Xmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. I also hope that you all use our sponsors wherever possible. You will find their advertisements in our handbook. Remember the monies they pay lower the fees that you pay. If any person is aware of a new sponsor get them to contact either myself or a Club Committee person. Regards Graeme Greene Mob. 0409 380 383

Sunday 6th December saw the unveiling of the yellow seats around the front green. We would like to thank all those involved in this improvement to our club.

Donated by Brenda & Garry Degenhardt, also Annette & Keith Scutt.

Donated by Cheryl McCarthy & Karen Barton. Take a load off on us. “Clacker. Clacker”.

Donated by 1995-96 State 4’s Champions Nada, Joan, Gloria & Maisie.

Donated by Bruce & Lin Perry.

In loving memory of Life Member John Cowling. 8 times Club Champion.

In loving memory of Ken Williams. Elvie.

In loving memory of John Edwards. The Edwards family.

Photographs. Courtesy of John McCarthy. Set up. Bruce Le Grew

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER. Noel Comport…1st Verma Fester…3rd Ian McLean…6th Graeme Turner…9th Aaron Woods…11th Graeme Smith…14th Maisie Dodds…19th Marion Lee…23rd Garry Strachan…30th If your birthday has gone already, we hope it was memorable. If it is coming up, the club members hope it will be magic and full of good cheer. Answers to our quiz.

1. Boxing.

2. Niagara Falls. The rim is worn down about 2.5ft each year because of the

millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.

3. Asparagus and rhubarb.

4. Strawberry.

5. It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are

small, and are wired in place on the tree. As the pears reach maturity, their

stems are snipped off and the pear is then inside the bottle.

6. Dwarf, dwell, and dwindle.

7. Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark,

brackets, exclamation point, quotation mark, parentheses, braces, ellipses.

8. Lettuce.

9. Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings,

stilts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.