bowls plus new south wales december 2013-january 2014

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Vol 2 No 1 December 2013 - January 2014

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

WIN a set of Aero Bowls

The incredibleJourney of theTruculent Turtle

Holidays and Day Cruises

From Bowls Plus

Win! a set of Aero Bowls & CX Bag

See Page 8

2 BOWLS PLUS DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014

A must read before buying new bowls!

The clear choice is Aero!

Aero Bowls Head Office Unit 16 Harcourt Business Park Harcourt Parade, Rosebery NSW Australia Tel: 1300 13 25 75

Buyers’

Choice!More World Class bowlers have switched to Aero in the last 18 months than to any other brand

Aero Bowls Main NSW Dealers Aero Bowlsworld – The Entrance The Entrance Bowls Club ph: (02) 4332 7366

Wayne Turley & Claire Duke’s Aero Bowlsworld Taren Point ph: (02) 9522 2640

Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Co-Op Ltd Raymond Terrace ph: (02) 4983 1647

Park Beach Bowls Shop Coffs Harbour ph: (02) 6651 8998

www.aerobowls.com [email protected] Made in Australia

Buyers Guide to Bowls

Tayl

or

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selit

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Dra

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Prid

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Gre

enm

aste

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Each set is a custom made set 3 7 7 7 7Every set of that model is the same irrespective of Date Stamp 3 7 7 7 7As every set is custom made you can specify the logo you want as a matter of course 3 7 7 7 7Specify any grip on any model 3 7 7 7 7Order a full range of half sizes to get the perfect fit 3 7 7 7 7Guaranteed Chip Proof Grips 3 7 7 7 7Largest range of colours to choose from 3 7 7 7 721 Day no questions asked Return Warranty 3 7 7 7 760 days to swap over to a different model in the range 3 7 7 7 7Offer to price match on any genuine advertised price (must be current date stamp) 3 7 7 7 7Australia’s current leading brand with 12,000 sets sold in 18 months 3 7 7 7 7Manufacturer makes special adjustments just for pros No ? ? ? ?Option of two logo sizes, standard or giant size 3 7 7 7 7Largest range of Specific Models for specific conditions 3 7 7 7 7Manufactures Bowls using the latest and most accurate equipment available 3 7 7 7 7World Leading polishing process 3 7 7 7 7Harbour Bridge Trajectory for exceptional accuracy on the green 3 7 7 7 7Pro players often play with new bowls when they travel because every set of each model is the same 3 7 7 7 7

DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014 BOWLS PLUS 3

A must read before buying new bowls!

The clear choice is Aero!

Aero Bowls Head Office Unit 16 Harcourt Business Park Harcourt Parade, Rosebery NSW Australia Tel: 1300 13 25 75

Buyers’

Choice!More World Class bowlers have switched to Aero in the last 18 months than to any other brand

Aero Bowls Main NSW Dealers Aero Bowlsworld – The Entrance The Entrance Bowls Club ph: (02) 4332 7366

Wayne Turley & Claire Duke’s Aero Bowlsworld Taren Point ph: (02) 9522 2640

Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Co-Op Ltd Raymond Terrace ph: (02) 4983 1647

Park Beach Bowls Shop Coffs Harbour ph: (02) 6651 8998

www.aerobowls.com [email protected] Made in Australia

Buyers Guide to Bowls

Tayl

or

Hen

selit

e

Dra

kes

Prid

e

Gre

enm

aste

r

Each set is a custom made set 3 7 7 7 7Every set of that model is the same irrespective of Date Stamp 3 7 7 7 7As every set is custom made you can specify the logo you want as a matter of course 3 7 7 7 7Specify any grip on any model 3 7 7 7 7Order a full range of half sizes to get the perfect fit 3 7 7 7 7Guaranteed Chip Proof Grips 3 7 7 7 7Largest range of colours to choose from 3 7 7 7 721 Day no questions asked Return Warranty 3 7 7 7 760 days to swap over to a different model in the range 3 7 7 7 7Offer to price match on any genuine advertised price (must be current date stamp) 3 7 7 7 7Australia’s current leading brand with 12,000 sets sold in 18 months 3 7 7 7 7Manufacturer makes special adjustments just for pros No ? ? ? ?Option of two logo sizes, standard or giant size 3 7 7 7 7Largest range of Specific Models for specific conditions 3 7 7 7 7Manufactures Bowls using the latest and most accurate equipment available 3 7 7 7 7World Leading polishing process 3 7 7 7 7Harbour Bridge Trajectory for exceptional accuracy on the green 3 7 7 7 7Pro players often play with new bowls when they travel because every set of each model is the same 3 7 7 7 7


Aero Wins Big at US Open 8

Hunter Bowls - Everything for Bowls 9

Brisbane’s Panning for Gold Pays Off 11

Murphy puts Australia on top of the World... Again 14

Report identifies Motivation for Bowls Participation 17

Entertainment Plus 25

Travel Plus 29

History: The incredible Journey of the Truculent Turtle 32

Birdcare from the Experts 39

BOWLING ARM from BEE’S KNEES BOWLS ACCESSORIESA new concept in Bowling Arms that takes away all of the strain and effort required to hold the bowl. No more squeeze - gentle spring pressure holds your bowl. The “ Bionic Bowler” (or the green one) is the arm that has already helped many bowlers to continue enjoying their sport. Retrieve your jack or bowl with the arm, set your bowl and relax, until ready to deliver. The Bionic Bowler is An Australian made quality product with a ten year guarantee. Close collaboration with several senior coaches has resulted in a product that is easy to use. Available at your local bowls shop. Drop in and have a go. You will be pleasantly surprised how comfortable it feels.

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FOR A TEST DRIVE: VISIT YOUR LOCAL BOWLS SHOPMade in Aust

Publisher’s DeskA very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our Bowlers and Clubs and wonderful advertisers.From some of the team above at Bowls Plus NSW Magazine. Another year has raced by and Christmas is here again.We wish to thank all our staff for their wonderful efforts during the year and look forward to an exciting year ahead in 2014.A special thanks to Bowls Australia, Barry Hamer, Les Taylor from Banora Point and all our contributors that have made 2013 a great year.Merry Christmas and until next time.

Bowls Plus New South WalesABN 81 324 719 596

Tel: (07) 55704 937 Fax: (07) 55704 939 Email: [email protected]

Publisher | Rosslyn Wren

Advertising & Editorial Inquiries:(07) 55704 937 or 0424 672 796 or email to: [email protected]

Copyright: All material appearing in this magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission from the publishers.

Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for material supplied by an individual, company or organisation or for any typographical errors.

Artwork & Design | David Jones Creative0064 7 345 3172 / [email protected]

Subscribe to Bowls Plus NSW Magazine 1 year: $20.00 includes postage Send cheque or money order to: PO Box 334, Surfers Paradise Qld 4217

A MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE STAFF OF BOWLS PLUS MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE


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In September 2013 more than 300 players took to the greens for the 2013 USA Open of Lawn Bowls (Open), an annual tournament for national and international players. This was the fourth of five consecutive years that the event was held in Orange County, California.

Teams from around the world, including Australia, competed for the Open title where the event included Men’s and Women’s Singles, Pairs and Fours.

For the first time in an Open, a team from Australia (Steve Halmai, Glen Lyon, Steve Massey and Keith Donaldson) were sponsored and supported by Aero Bowls.

It was Aero Bowls’ debut as they touched down on US (Los Angeles) soil and a touch of history for a company that has grown so fast. As the Australian Aero Bowls team graced the US greens, there was a lot of head turning and whispering, and Aero Bowls became the most talked about bowls related subject throughout the event. So popular in fact, that all Aero Bowls stock was sold out even before the Open started.

Team players played with an Aero Bowl specially designed for US greens, called the Groove, a much wider bias bowl compared to what is used here on Australian greens and proved to be perfectly suited for the heavy US greens.

If Aero Bowls wasn’t already popular enough with the US and International players, they became even more popular after the team successfully won all three (3) disciplines in

Aero wins Big at US Open

their respective divisions - Singles (Steve Halmai), Pairs (Steve Halmai and Glen Lyon) and Fours (Steve Halmai, Glen Lyon, Steve Massey and Keith Donaldson). Quite a feat considering it was the first time the players competed together in such a respected event.

Not only is Aero Bowls the No.1 seller in Australia, guided by the response from our international allies, AeroBowls expansion into the overseas market is looking very promising as well.

In the USA they have around 20,000 bowlers and bowls is much more casual game where drinking, barbecuing and socialising are as important as winning. Generally bowls

is played in Florida, California and Arizona where greens will run at around 12 seconds and can be used year round.

Events such as the Open are enticing more Americans to the game and hopefully the sport will grow to a size similar to Australia in time.

Hospitality, one cannot beat the American at this so while they may not be the world’s best bowlers they were unbeatable in the way they took care of us and all visitors.

In 2014 Aero are again going to go and represent unofficially Australia and what a great pity an official Australian team is not selected.

Steve Halmai, Glen Lyon, Steve Massey and Keith Donaldson were sponsored and supported by Aero Bowls.

12 BOWLS PLUS DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 201412 BOWLS PLUS DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014

Hometown heroes Brisbane Gold claimed the major spoils at the inaugural $100,000 Australian Premier League, broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 last November.

The innovative format drew comparisons to cricket’s T20 Big Bash League, with lightning fast matches, impactful results, and an electrifying atmosphere culminating in product that won over a new audience of sports loving spectators when it went to air live on November 19 to 22, with replayed vision of each night’s action shown the following day; totalling more than 30 hours of lawn bowls coverage.

The city versus city competition brought together teams from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and across-the‐ditch rivals New Zealand, whilst signaling in a new era of unprecedented media exposure.

The star-studded Gold contingent of former world number one Mark Casey, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kelvin Kerkow OAM and local Pine Rivers lad Robbie Wild blasted their way past the New Zealand Blackjacks in the second semi-final encounter in straight sets, after the Adelaide Endurance narrowly overcame the Perth Suns in a tie-break hit-out to secure the first final berth.

The enthralling gold medal encounter, staged in front of a capacity crowd of vocally supportive Brisbane faithful at Club Pine Rivers, could not be split in the first set, with the two franchises halving it 4-all.

Endurance were quick out of the blocks in the second set, surging away to a 4-love lead over the first three ends before the crowd favourite Kerkow turned the game on its head with a massive 8 shot Power Play end to all but ice the match, and finish 7-4, 8-2 victors.

The Power Play ends, which teams are allowed to nominate once per set and doubles the amount of shots collected if the team scores, were utilised to perfection by the Gold contingent during the four days of play and ultimately marked the difference between them and the opposition.

Brisbane’s Panning for Gold pays off

Australian Premier League reins in new era for the sport of bowls...

Boasting nearly a million regular participants throughout Australia each year, the innovative event also helped propel a new fast‐paced format of bowls into club‐land, called Jack Attack, aspiring to bridge the gap between non‐competitive forms like barefoot bowls and traditional pennant matches, which will be rolled out in selected states for a trial period early next year.

To stay up to date with Australian Premier League as it heads into its second year, visit www.australianpremierleague.com.au, follow @APLbowls on Twitter and ‘like’ www.facebook.com/AustralianPremierLeague.

Brisbane Gold

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DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014 BOWLS PLUS 13DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014 BOWLS PLUS 13

COMING TO A BOWLS CLUB NEAR YOU IN 2014

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14 BOWLS PLUS DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 201414 BOWLS PLUS DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014

Karen Murphy won the 2013 World Champion of Champions title in Christchurch. For the second time in just over 12 months, world number two Karen Murphy won a world singles title and in so doing affirmed Australia as the dominant nation in world bowls.

In November 2012, Murphy spearheaded the Australian Jackaroos at the World Championships in Adelaide winning two of Australia’s five gold medals including the women’s singles and also as a member of the women’s triples combination (with Lynsey Clarke and Natasha Van Eldik) and start of December captured the coveted World Champion of Champions title in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Australia’s male representative at the singles event, Melbourne’s 19-year-old rising star Dylan Fisher dominated his section of the draw throughout dropping only one match before falling agonisingly short of making the men’s final by two shots after being beaten in his semi-final on Saturday by Scotland’s Alastair White 7-8, 5-6 in what shapes to be a career-defining tournament for the teenager.

Murphy has enjoyed a stellar year on the green which included winning her sixth Australian Indoor Championships title at

Tweed Heads and bookended her year by winning the World Championships gold medal last November and now the World Champion of Champions gold medal both of which had eluded Australia’s number one female bowler throughout her career.

“To win both titles in the space of about 12 months is an incredible feeling and I feel somewhat rewarded for the extensive training and travel I’ve had to do to get here,” Murphy said after her victory.

“This is such a prestigious event and has been won in the past by some wonderful players so I am just honoured and privileged to now be able to hold the title amongst some great names in bowls.

“The path to simply qualify for the event is such a long one given the number of club, district, state and national titles you need to win over a long period of time just to earn your ticket so that makes it even more special.”

Murphy becomes only the second Australian female to win the World Champion of Cham-pions title after Kelsey Cottrell’s 2009 success in Ayr, Scotland.

Fisher was attempting to emulate the feats of former Australian winners Leif Selby, Brett Wilkie and Aron Sherriff who claimed the champion’s trophy in three consecutive years from 2008-2010.

Murphy puts Australia on top of the world...againNational Coach Steve Glasson was rink side in New Zealand for the duration of the event and leaves proud and full of praise for his national representatives.

“Karen’s performance was outstanding against some quality opposition from all parts of the world.

“She has embarked on a hectic schedule this year and particularly recently so to be in such solid and dominant form and ready for this event, and her 14 matches in a week, is a credit to her,” Glasson said.

“She has now got the chance to play the World Cup at Warilla in April and that presents her with an opportunity to hold all three major world singles titles in the one year which would be incredible for not only her but for the sport of bowls in this country.”

“The performance of Dylan Fisher to play like he did in an internationally acclaimed event such as the World Champion of Champions cannot go without acknowledgement either as he dropped only one match en-route to making the semi-final which is a superb effort,” Glasson added.

“He is a young lad with a very bright future and someone who we expect to represent our country with class and professionalism both on and off the green for a very long time.”


Centre for Sport and Social Impact

A profile of bowlsKEY STATS

Seeking to play a competitive sport.

A particular interest in the skill-based nature of bowls.

The sense of camaraderie and sense of belonging from being part of a team sport.

The social connections that participation in bowls provides.

The capacity to engage in social drinking within a club environment.

The perceptions that the specific activity of playing bowls offers mental health benefits.

The most important motives for participation in bowls are:• the sense of camaraderie and belonging from being part of

a team sport, and

• the social connections that participation in bowls provides.

Perceived physical health advantages of bowls Motives for participation in bowls

People participate in bowls for several reasons:

Both of which are higher for women than men

Sense of camaraderie and

belonging

Playing competitive sport

Mental health

benefits

Social drinking in club

environment

Skill-based

nature of bowls

Social connect-

ions

35% 35%36%

10%

40%53%

Very important

The areas where clubs can improve their recruitment and retention of members are:

Fostering an inclusive club culture.

Educating members in how to welcome and integrate new members.

Improving their governance and management practices.&

PCS by age and population norm

54.0

60

45

55

40

50

35

3025–34 45–54 65–7435–44 55–64 Age

Average

75+

52.6

53.9

52.250.1

50.2

49.5

48.1

47.6

44.4

43.9Bowls Australia

2011 Victorian sample39.1


La Trobe University have undertaken pivotal research into key areas of the sport of bowlsIn 2012, Bowls Australia commissioned La Trobe University to undertake pivotal research into key areas of the sport of bowls, specifically looking at what the physical and mental characteristics of a bowler is and what motivates participation.

Led by Professor Russell Hoye, the research project team included Associate Professors Kevin Brown and Matt Nicholson, Dr Emma Sherry and Tom Clement from La Trobe University’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact.

The research findings for Bowls in Australia, titled ‘Building an evidence base to increase participation in Lawn Bowls’, was the result of a two-stage process and many months of personal interviews and paper surveys.

Centre for Sport and Social Impact

A profile of bowlsKEY STATS

Seeking to play a competitive sport.

A particular interest in the skill-based nature of bowls.

The sense of camaraderie and sense of belonging from being part of a team sport.

The social connections that participation in bowls provides.

The capacity to engage in social drinking within a club environment.

The perceptions that the specific activity of playing bowls offers mental health benefits.

The most important motives for participation in bowls are:• the sense of camaraderie and belonging from being part of

a team sport, and

• the social connections that participation in bowls provides.

Perceived physical health advantages of bowls Motives for participation in bowls

People participate in bowls for several reasons:

Both of which are higher for women than men

Sense of camaraderie and

belonging

Playing competitive sport

Mental health

benefits

Social drinking in club

environment

Skill-based

nature of bowls

Social connect-

ions

35% 35%36%

10%

40%53%

Very important

The areas where clubs can improve their recruitment and retention of members are:

Fostering an inclusive club culture.

Educating members in how to welcome and integrate new members.

Improving their governance and management practices.&

PCS by age and population norm

54.0

60

45

55

40

50

35

3025–34 45–54 65–7435–44 55–64 Age

Average

75+

52.6

53.9

52.250.1

50.2

49.5

48.1

47.6

44.4

43.9Bowls Australia

2011 Victorian sample39.1

Report identifies motivation for bowls participation

In fact, the initial stage of the project consisted of 90 face-to-face semi structured interviews across 18 clubs in Australia with current bowls club members bowling in traditional pennant competitions, social bowlers, previous non-current members and club committees and staff.

The philosophy of the first stage was to gather data relating to seven major themes including; • Reasons for playing • Mental and physical health benefits • The ‘bowls’ experience • Bowls formats • Changes in the bowls experience • Why people stop bowling • Club survival challenges

The next stage included 4000 club members from 100 clubs across the country completed a paper survey that focussed on motivations for playing, satisfaction levels from their playing experience and their commitment to remain involved in bowls among others.Bowls Australia Chief Executive Neil Dalrymple was happy with the findings of

the research project and the insights identified for the future growth of the sport.

“It is extremely important to BA and our State and Territory Associations and especially all bowling clubs around Australia to know more about our participants and what motivates them to play and stay playing,” Dalrymple said.

“It is equally important for us to identify why people cease playing or never choose to take the game up in a competitive sense or become club members and remain irregular participants primarily through social bowls.”“This research project and its findings allowed us to work through the psyche and desires of ‘a bowler’ and what is required for us to ensure participation in the sport continues to rise.”

“More diverse and appealing membership offerings, shorter formats of the game and more flexible playing times are key outcomes that will assist us to deliver the sport to a broader audience over the important next phase of the sports development.

SURFERS PARADISE BOWLS CLUB MISSED BY LOCAL AND VISITING BOWLERS

Member for Gaven Dr Alex Douglas MP has called on the Deputy Premier to investigate the fire-sale of public land to a company associated with Gold Coast Mayor, Cr Tom Tate for the construction of a 60-storey tower on the former Surfers Paradise Bowls’ Club site.

Dr Douglas told State Parliament today a development approval planning application by Red Rock and Gersbach with Gold Coast City Council shows that State and Gold Coast City Council land will be revalued and sold at car park value to the company, formerly known as Crestden.

“The company owns the neighbouring former bowls club property which adjoins the site for the proposed tower, and the amalgamation of these

three properties would make it one of the most valuable development sites in Surfers Paradise,” he said.

“Going on recent sales in Surfers Paradise including 2 Holborrow Av, 180-184 Ferny Ave and the Thifty Car Rental site, the GCCC site must be worth at least $5.7 million and the state site, $2.5 to $3 million, particularly as the land is zoned for unlimited height and the highest densities can “as of right” be built.”

“Selling these properties at such ridiculously low prices will devalue properties across Surfers Paradise at a time when everyone is looking for an increase to improve loan to value ratios.”

“Mayor Tate could potentially net $15 million from this deal.

“The Mayor claims he has not participated in the council process of gaining approval for the tower which sits in front of the Surfers Plaza building and above the former Surfers Paradise Bowling Club.”

“Plaza Building residents and investors were told in 1991 when they purchased their properties that they would have unrestricted views of a clubhouse, bowling green, restaurants and a large car park on ground level under an elevated bowling green development.”

“Instead they now find they may be staring at a 60-floor development immediately to their north-east. When Crestden bought the bowling club and poker machines, which reduced its debt from $770,000 to zero, it claimed to be representing the Gold Coast Commerce Club apparently made up of backpackers from Mr Tate’s nearby Islander Resort.”

“Sadly the bowlers, who’d been offered up to $7.5 million by Sunland prior to the GFC, thought the Commerce Club was to be their saviour, but they were totally excluded and their assets taken for a fraction of their true worth.”

“Crestden even operated the car park as a public car park without a permit.”

“The site is the key to the whole process, is flood prone and when the proposed building is completed will be 300 car parks short of the council requirement; therefore leaving both the residents of the new tower and the adjoining building without enough car spaces.”

Investigation called for fire-sale of public land linked to Mayor Tom Tate’s company


The Randwick Bowling Club (‘the Bowlo”) is located on the corner of The Avenue and Cowper Street – just a short stroll away from the Randwick Shops in Belmore Road or up the hill from Randwick Racecourse.

Things certainly have changed for the Bowlo over the last 120 years – yes, that’s right – 120 years and still going strong! From the day it first opened its doors Randwick Bowling Club has shown itself to be a true reflection of the community in which it resides. The membership is drawn from a broad cross section of people living in or near the City of Randwick.

The need for a sporting and recreation club for the people of Randwick was first identified in 1885 when a Public Meeting (presided over by then Mayor Mr. George Denning) was held at Randwick Town Hall on June 4th 1885. Whilst those who attended the meeting were very enthusiastic about the proposed club it took a further 8 years before the idea was actually put into action.In 1893 a group of local like-minded community leaders met to formally discuss the establishment of the Randwick Bowling & Recreation Club. The local community got behind these leaders and the first steps to raising funds for the establishment of the club had been taken.

In January 2013 the Randwick Club undertook a complete renovation of the Bowlo. The renovations were completed in November the same year and the Bowlo is now the perfect setting for corporate functions, birthday parties, anniversary’s etc. The newly renovated Bowlo now includes the following facilities and services for members and guests:

• Championship Bowling Green• Social Bowling Green (for Bare Foot Bowls)• TAB Wagering• Indoor Gaming (Poker Machine) • Outdoor Gaming (Poker Machine) • Shiny Shovel Chinese Restaurant• Full Size Snooker Table• Club Bar• Casual Lounge• Viewing Room

So what are you waiting for…..come and join us at the Bowlo !!Corner, The Avenue and Cowper Street Randwick, 2031Phone: 02 9399 3036

The main event was a formal dinner in the clubrooms for up to 200 past and present members, four of whom were founding members of the club. A display of photos, newspaper clippings and memorabilia stirred many memories while highlighting the considerable achievements of the club.

In 1960, a meeting was held with the view of establishing a second club in Mt Gambier and shortly after land was acquired on the present site. Work on developing the green and clubrooms began with the first official tournament held in January 1963. Over the years a colossal amount of mostly voluntary hours have gone into creating and upgrading the large and picturesque environs the bowlers currently enjoy.

Welcome to the Randwick Bowling Club

• Airconditioned• BBQ• ATM• Friday Night Meat Raffles• Live Music on Sunday Afternoons• And a great range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to quench any thirst!

Mt Gambier RSL & District Bowling Club

celebrates 50 yearsThe club’s proud history includes some 70 pennant plaques, 62 Regional Champion of Champions, 11 Country Carnival titles and 6 men and 6 women who have made South Australian State representations

But the most important ingredient in the club’s success is the friendliness and camaraderie of its members. To quote the president, Deane Wilkinson, “Success makes a big difference but to get that success you have to have harmony in the club and I think that’s what we have.”

Visitors are always welcome, so should you be visiting Mt Gambier, check out our website for coming events and drop in on any Friday night for a relaxing chat and a good meal.

Left to right: Janet Forster, Claire, Catherine, Michelle, Shirley Gifford


Why we play bowls…To those of us 50+ it may be we have time to fill in so bowls and its ease of access enables that time gap to be filled. The real beauty of the game is that it is an easy sport to pick up, so those of us in this age bracket can gain a level of skill to compete rather well against better, experienced, and even younger bowlers.

However, our age bracket tends not to work too hard at developing the skills for our game as the game has to fit in with our other random pursuits. Yet I observe far too many of us in this age bracket ‘carry on’ about our skill not being suitably recognized at the selection table. Now, those of you under 40, yes 40 years of age, your general fitness and motor skills, call them ball skills, are such, that if you chose to apply yourselves to skill training, most of you could or would be duly considered at a higher competitive level of the sport.

Problem!You get a bit carried away, smug; so you beat an older player recently, wowee!!! All you did was as much as was necessary to win, to retain your place in the pennant side, then, have ample time to go and lounge in the club bar.

My take on all this is what a pity for the keen younger bowler. They are going to be lead by this example to be discouraged from an attitude of better training because you blokes at the bar will tell them …it ain’t necessary, mate…(read that too as hey youngster don’t threaten my prized position in the team by training to be better than me).

Any bowler, young or older should be actively encouraged to improve as it is good for them, and good for the teams our club has representing it in any pennant format. And who at your club is standing up and saying, even demanding, enough! get out and train if you want to be a club representative and stop hindering the keen bowlers who wish to be far better.

Social bowls is great. Socialising after competitive bowls and relevant skill training is also great. Distinguish between the two. Eagles tend to soar, so separate the turkeys from the eagles.

P.S….my book “Winning becomes you, in lawn bowls’ is available in December, 2013. If interested in purchase, contact me direct on email [email protected] or check the Henselite website for details of availability.

…COACHING IS ‘COMMUNICATION’Recently whilst on my daily morning walk along the Yarra river I heard a female rowing coach ‘bark’ at a young female rower…you have real talent, don’t waste it!I could not but over react to that (negativity) and the implied adverse reaction for the future of her rowing from the young rower. Why do coaches feel they have to speak like that to be effective communicators?For me the lesson from that river experience was to reinforce how I prefer to instill a sense of worth and value into the person, the bowler, I coach. All of the women I coach have ‘real talent’, though in the case of one of them, I say to her …you are graceful bowler, a talented bowler, enjoy that feel of gracefulness, revel in that talent being enjoyed and developed; Not surprisingly these bowlers win championships. Most rewarding.

In bowls, if we were effective as coaches we would jump on and retrain those players who do all and any of the following as it reeks of negative communication: • Negative verbals as an outcome of a poor delivery • Negatives/ hesitant calls seen as instructions • Information (the score at the head) seen as instruction • Information overload in the call • Information call with contradictions (to recipient) • Body language deplorable reeks of negativity • Body language lethargic displays disinterest • And where the skip takes themself onto the bank away from the head tells me they are disinterested, have little regard for you as a team member • Body language of team walking to the head tells the story, strut the stuff troops • Balance loud self criticism with balance self praise or else just shut up, and, performSuch negative communications act as barriers that stifles progress in we bowlers- old habits die hard. Coaches have a role to play here to improve these skills. And be conscious of their own communication skill.

Lachlan Tighe

October 11 to 13, 2013 Ascot Park Bowling Club, South Australia Men’s Singles Australian Champion of Champions – David Holt, NSW

David Holt has become Australia’s newest Champion of Champions - claiming his first National title in his adopted country since arriving in 2002.

After qualifying as the state representative for the event by winning the NSW Champion of Champions Singles almost a year ago, David has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine again on the national stage.

“When the draw first came out I knew I had two difficult opponents in my first two games with Andrew Howie from ACT and Kurt Brown of QLD both young current State players whom I know very well.” he said.

David’s match against Andrew Howie was of a very high standard with only really close bowls having a chance to count. David won the last 6 or 7 ends straight to go from 15 all to finish up 21-15 winner, remarking to the marker that “it was a good enough game to be worthy of the final not first match!”

“My second game was equally important as Kurt had had a fairly convincing win in his first game so I needed to get off to a good start. At 11-4 down I was obviously very concerned as Kurt was really outbowling me on the longer ends time and again. Fortunately I managed to play a perfect conversion shot on the next end

Team Henselite Scoops Australian Champion of Champions Titles

Continued over page...


and remove his shot bowl and move the jack slightly to make a maximum full count of 4 shots narrowing the gap to 11-8 and also giving me a lot more confidence. From there on I switched to very short jacks which is a good tactic playing against someone with pretty narrow bias bowls and dominated the play myself to run away 21-13 winner.”

At this stage of the day David was in an excellent position with 2 wins (+14) with Kurt on 1 win +3 and Andrew on 1 win -5 . David’s final game was against TAS representative David Genford who had lost both his opening two games. “I would have to say I was feeling pretty confident,” he said. “However it just goes to show you that never in a bowls tournament can you take any opponent lightly as my opponent came out and played brilliantly with his last bowl to get the shot end after end and put me 20-10 down and looking like I was gone from the competition and on the plane home!”

“Luckily for me I managed to dig exceptionally deep in my years of bowls experience and raise the standard of my play to a much higher level, knowing I was on the verge of defeat and clawed back end by end to finish up 21-16 down at the finish which was enough for me to get through on shot difference.”

“In the final I must admit I felt pretty relaxed going into the game and had a confidence that if I could play to the best of my ability I had a good chance against another young player in Daniel Patterson from WA.” said David.

He started well at 5-0 and even though Daniel came straight back to level at 5-5, once David lengthened the jack his consistency with the draw shot which has been the cornerstone of his success in Singles matches over the years, and enabled him to build up a substantial lead. “On the few ends Daniel was beating me to the jack I managed to get away with losing just a 1 shot deficit and win fairly comfortably for my first Aussie Title.”

“Throughout the final and indeed throughout the event the wind was blowing fairly strongly and gusty and once again I would have to say my trusty Dreamline XG Size 4 Breaker that I have used for the last 7 months or so handled the conditions as well as and probably a bit better than most of my opponents other bowls, with a very even and predictable line on both sides of the green. From my experience with these bowls I am now very confident that I could go and play an event anywhere in Australia and they would take all the varying conditions in their stride.”

“When I first came out to Australia in Feb 2002 I was very focused and determined to make a name for myself in Australian bowls and ultimately represent my new adopted country. In my second year I won the NSW State Singles and then made it through to the Australian Singles final in Tasmania but ultimately went down to the Victorian champion who bowled brilliantly on the day.”

“I have now had an amazing 11 years playing bowls all around Australia and won many titles and have come to the realisation that representative teams at both State and National level are heavily biased towards youth in their selections and that like the rest of us I’m not likely to get younger any time soon. Hence I will be a very happy and a little bit emotional man when I finally get to wear the green and gold and represent Australia at the World Champion of Champions event next November. Hopefully I will be able to play well in Christchurch, New Zealand, and have a really fair dinkum crack at bringing the title back to Sydney my home that I love so much.”

Women’s Singles Australian Champion of Champions – Noelene Abe, WA

Noelene Abe is arguably WA’s top female bowler. In the last three years alone she has won just about every prize on offer throughout the state including 2013 wins in the WA State Singles, Champion of Champions Singles and at Country Week where she won the pairs and fours and was duly named as WA’s most Outstanding Female Bowler.

When she stepped up to the mat at the Australian Champion of Champions, it was her third attempt at the title. As the WA Champion in 2011 and 2012, she’d won the right to represent her state at the event but hadn’t been able to take home the trophy.

“I lost narrowly to Karen Murphy last year and I knew I was in with a chance to win this year if things went my way,” she said.

And they certainly did go her way. Noelene was able to get past all her sectional opponents with wins against the State Champion of Champions of NT, SA and VIC before booking her spot in the final against Queensland young gun, Kirsty Thatcher.The game began with both bowlers trading shots, however Noelene’s experience in the big events allowed her to play her best bowls when it counted most. After piling on 10 shots in 5 ends, she finished the final with a 21-13 victory.

“I’m using Henselite Fusions and I am really happy with how I have been playing since I’ve gone to them. They are very kind and hold their line on less than perfect surfaces.”

Noelene’s WA and Henselite team-mates, Kristina Kristic and Rechelle Cole, finished runners-up in the Australian Champion of Champions Women’s Pairs, losing narrowly to Kerry Farrell and Betty Herbertson of NSW.

A win at the National Champion of Champions means that Noelene will be pulling on the Green and Gold to represent her country with fellow member of Team Henselite, David Holt, at the World Champion of Champions in late 2014.

Men’s Pairs Australian Champion of Champions – Cameron Curtis, NSW

Cameron Curtis is a name well known in Australian bowls. He’s had not only a highly decorated career as a player but also as coach of the Australian Team where he led the country’s finest bowlers to their greatest ever medal haul at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

However, it’s been 23 years since he won his last National Title as a bowler which came in the form of the Australian Fours back in 1990. 2013 would prove to be the year he held another National Title as he won Australian Champion of Champion Pairs with NSW State Bowler, Carl Healey.

“It was a great feeling to win,” he said following the final. “Carl Healey is someone I’ve been working with since I was National Coach. We met in 2007 and spotted his talent. He was looking to move from his club at Penrith and I was lucky enough to talk him in to coming to Roselands where I had been working as Bowls Manager for a number of years”.

“The enjoyment of this win is twofold. Firstly, it’s the pinnacle of our journey together, as I’ve been acting as a mentor to Carl. He’s solidified his spot in the NSW State Side and I’d like to see him in the Australian Team eventually. Secondly, it’s also personally very satisfying winning a national title 23 years after my last one. I now play bowls for enjoyment, rather than it being a job, so it’s a nice feeling when you can still mix it with the best.”

Cameron and Carl were barely troubled on the road to the final, overcoming ACT and QLD fairly easily in the first two rounds. They then encountered an undefeated Tassie team but showed their class and were able to run out the winners, booking a berth in the final against Victorian pair, Nick McIntyre and Adrian Marchioli.

“I have know Nick for a long time, he’s been in the Australian Silver Tier and “A” squad so I know he’s a quality player. They started really well but Carl was able to shut them down, it was the best game I’ve seen him play.”

Cameron used Henselite Dreamline XGs to win both the NSW State Champion of Champions and now the National Title. “They are a great all round bowl. I’m completely comfortable about using them in all con-ditions. I like to have one set of bowls that I use all the time. I switched to them around 18 months ago, and I feel like my game’s improving more and more. The Dreamline XG is the best bowl I’ve used in my career.”

The Australian Champion of Champions marked the penultimate pairing of Cameron Curtis and Carl Healey who will have one final event together rep-resenting Roselands BC. They’ll take part in the 2013 NSW Champion of Champion Pairs with Cameron now moving from Roselands to take up a position at Grandviews.


With all of rule changes and bright ideas impacting on our game announced last month it’s time to open the gates. Most sports competing internationally have clearly defined rules, and apart from a number of essential technical changes, spectators and sponsors opinions must be heard and be critically assessed to achieve optimum results. All of that sounds fine and reasonable however there is a fine line between success and failure depending on why changes are promoted and how such changes are dealt with in order to satisfy various needs. I don’t know of any other sport that could sustain the endless changes that lawn bowls has endured over the past 25 years and survived? Regarding the recent introduction of the new Premier League format to feature “an adrenaline-fuelled action packed format of the game”, my hope is that it will complement rather than compete against main stream of lawn bowls within Australia and overseas. The past introduction of World Series Bowls and Super Bowl was introduced for much the same reasons as the above in order to market our game rather than revolutionise it. I believe that certain elements of future programs offered should not be seen an alternative to our existing game enjoyed by all lawn bowlers playing every day of the week, but rather a means of enriching and marketing lawn bowls. Officialdom in the 70s saw similar concepts as a threat rather than a means to not only grow membership but to position lawn bowls status at home and internationally, a missed opportunity that must never be repeated. Last month’s innovation column highlighted some of the innovations to our game so allow me to explore further by addressing the rules/formats part of that list to be featured and expanded fully in 2014 Rules/Formats..Policy..Planning & Methodology..Attitudes..Special projects. Before getting into the nitty-gritty, the following sample will provide an insight regarding the extent to which the issues will be dealt with along the way. Topic one; The coveted New South Wales pennant competition was the prime benchmark event establishing grading levels for all bowlers participating and the blue ribbon event enjoyed by players envied by others overseas. The manner in which colour was introduced for our New South Wales pennant competition and other high profile events to attract spectators ignored the strict specifications specifically created and demonstrated to excite and attract membership live or on TV. Ignoring the specifications of the formats for the marketability of lawn bowls by not consulting and developing specifications for the credibility of our game that way, created the diabolical situation that followed? That is, the original specifications for the use of colour for lawn bowls and uniforms in competition was more about clarity, watching these events live on TV to attract membership and players, rather than an opportunity to merchandise such products by opportunistic retailers. In a nutshell one must fully appreciate and understand how separation between traditional lawn bowling games and commercial bowling events have two important roles both requiring unique formats yet be closely related? Therefore every effort should be made to ensure tradition is professionally conducted and monitored, while innovation provides new ideas and formats creatively developed for the welfare of both to excel. New formats specifically created for a television series must never be introduced without comprehensive evaluation and trials, likewise new rules and formats for the traditional game must have the same attention. While the traditional lawn bowls format played in Australia substantially resembles the international game, the real challenge will be how embracing new formats created to excite TV or live audiences can satisfy traditionalists while maintaining essential innovations along the way. In the meantime, readers consider exploring the large range of innovations that have crept into our game while enjoying your Christmas break. You’ll be amazed by the large number of changes introduced into our game over the past 30 years? That is not an assignment readers’ but rather an opportunity to appreciate the gravity and urgency of the task ahead being critically examined offering fresh ideas and innovations to be featured in 2014 Apart from that assignment readers, have a joyful Christmas and a resourceful New Year for our game. The Innovator, Barry Hamer

The Innovator

Barry Hamer

RULES DAM RULES PART Old rules, new rules, barriers and gates

It was a hot Saturday evening in the summer of 1963, and James had a date with Annabella...

He arrived at her house and rang the bell. ‘Oh, come on in!’ Annabella’s mother said as she welcomed James. ‘Have a seat in the sitting room.. Would you like something to drink? Lemonade? Tea?’‘Tea, please,’ James said. Mum brought the tea.

‘So, what are you and Annabella planning to do tonight?’ she asked interestedly. ‘Oh, probably go to the flicks and then maybe grab a bite to eat at the coffee bar, perhaps have a walk on the beach afterwards.’ ‘Annabella likes to screw, you know,’ Mum informed him.‘Really?’ James gasped, surprised to say the least.‘Oh yes,’ mother continued, ‘When she goes out with her friends, that’s all they do!’‘Is that so?’ asked James, incredulously.‘Oh yes,’ she said. ‘As a matter of fact, she’d screw all night if we let her!’

‘Phew! Well, thanks for the tip!’ James said as he began thinking about alternative plans for the evening. A moment later, Annabella came down the stairs looking pretty as a picture, wearing a pink blouse and a hooped skirt and with her hair tied back in a bouncy ponytail she greeted James. ‘Have fun, kids!’ mother said as they left.

Half an hour later, a completely dishevelled Annabella burst into the houseand slammed the front door behind her.‘The Twist, Mum!’ she yelled angrily to her mother in the kitchen. ‘The bloody dance is called the ..........Twist!’


It was announced today by Lateral Events that Bill Bryson, one of the world’s most accomplished and loved authors will travel to Australia to appear in a live show entitled Bill Bryson – Many a True Word, an Illuminating Interview. For the first time live on stage, author Bill Bryson will take us on a captivating journey through his life, books, travel, history and science, in conversation with Ray Martin. Gain insight into the man behind the myriad of books as he shares previously untold stories and gives us a unique perspective into being one of the world’s most admired and successful authors. Bill Bryson has a charm, wit, ruminative insight and modesty that will have audiences hanging on his every softly spoken word. Like the great thinkers Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo or Galileo, Bryson is a Renaissance man, whose expertise traverses many topics and diverse subjects. His bestselling travel books include Down Under, The Lost Continent, A Walk in the Woods and Notes from a Small Island. His acclaimed book on the history of science, A Short History

of Nearly Everything, won the Royal Society’s Aventis Prize as well as the Descartes Prize, the European Union’s highest literary award. He has also written books on language, Shakespeare and his own childhood in the hilarious memoir The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Bryson’s most recent critically lauded book, One Summer: America 1927, chronicles a forgot-ten summer when America came of age and changed the world forever. “I can’t wait to come back to Australia,” Bryson said. “It is always a pleasure to be there.” Event Producer Simon Baggs said “Bill Bryson – Many a True Word extends Lateral Events’ ‘Intellectual Entertainment’ series of events which have included live shows with Heston Blumenthal, Sir David Attenborough, Professor Brian Cox and Neil Oliver.” www.lateralevents.com/public-events/bill-bryson SYDNEY SEASON DETAILSDate: 8pm Friday 14 MarchVenue: State TheatrePrice: $85 - $185Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 139 588

“ pure Nashville showbiz”– The West Australian 2011“ ...nothing but mad love at her sold-out concert” - Herald Sun 2011“All guns blazing for Dolly” - Sunday Mail 2011

On Sunday October 20, 2013 iconic singer, songwriter, musician, actress and philanthropist DOLLY PARTON announced the Australian tour dates as part of the ‘Blue Smoke World Tour’ starting in February 2014. Parton returns to Australia after a widely successful 2011 tour. Dolly’s latest studio album of all new material “Blue Smoke” will be released worldwide on Dolly Records with a release date to be announced soon.

“Australia, here I come again. We have a lot of new and exciting things for the show and can’t wait to share it with you. I love my fans in that part of the world. You’ve been so very good to me for so many years and I know that we’re gonna have a wonderful time. It’s a long way from home in your part of the world, but I always feel like I’m right at home. So Australia, I’m coming home. Wait up!”

In 2011, Dolly continued to receive accolades for what was her most successful European and Australian tour of her 45-plus year career - The Better Day World Tour! During the 2011 tour, Dolly performed for record-breaking attendances in both Europe and Australia, surpassing her previous attendance records. In 2008, Dolly performed 17 European shows to over 170,000 fans, surpassing her then-best 2007 European tour, where she played 21 shows for over 140,000 people. Each of these treks grossed in the tens of millions of dollars and established Dolly as Europe’s favourite and most successful country artist.

Dolly fans get ready for an opportunity like none other! Dolly Parton is about to announce some very exciting news, and she thinks you’ll like what she has in store. New VIP packages are coming out for this upcoming tour that include access to Dolly’s personal wardrobe and instruments, a backstage tour, and an opportunity to meet Dolly. Keep your eyes peeled for these packages. You won’t want to miss out! For the latest VIP Experience updates, please visit www.dollypartonmusic.net.

AUSTRALIAN DatesFebruary 11th Melbourne, Rod Laver ArenaFebruary 15th Hunter Valley, Hope Estate WineryFebruary 18th Sydney, Entertainment CentreFebruary 21st Brisbane, Entertainment CentreFebruary 25th Adelaide, Entertainment CentreFebruary 27th Perth, Perth Arena

DOLLY PARTONANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN DATES FOR

‘BLUE SMOKE WORLD TOUR’

It’s confirmed!coming to a concert venue near you!!

“Mirror mirror on the wall...”Well known children’s author Helen Martin has adapted SNOW WHITE, one of the Brithers Grimm’s most popular and enduring fairy tales.This beautiful story about innocence, envy and friendship was first published in 1812 and features a magic mirror, a poisonous apple and the lovable seven dwarfs.

SNOW WHITE will be performed by the students from Marian Street Drama School and will enchant young audiences from Saturday 11 January, playing twice daily in the school holidays, then on Saturdays until 15 March 2014.

Original music has been written by Jenny Jackson with musical direction by Andrew Chessher.

Prices: Children $20, Adults $24, Families of four $74, Groups 15+ $18 per person Vacation Care/OOSH groups $13 pp

Bookings: 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au (Booking fees apply)

Birthday parties:Birthday parties after Saturday 1pm shows hosted by the cast. $30 per person includes the show, party food, games and a present for the birthday child

Proudly sponsored by

ENTERTAINMENT PLUS


SYDNEY, Australia – 11 November 2013: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia’s luxury conservation-based resort, is pleased to announce that following the hugely successful inaugural event in March 2013, Symphony Under the Stars with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be returning to Wolgan in March 2014.

Exclusively for one weekend only, the sounds of superb classical music will sweep across the valley as world-class musicians present chamber music performances from Friday 7 March to Sunday 9 March 2014.

From violins through to trumpets, the music will span across the centuries. Guests will be captivated by four intimate concerts, set against the stunning backdrop of Wolgan Valley with its dramatic escarpments and spectacular starlit sky.

According to SSO Managing Director Rory Jeffes, the weekend represents a chance for guests to hear 15 of Australia’s best classical musicians in performance in the intimate setting of the stunning Wolgan Valley resort.

‘Symphony under the Stars’ returns to Emirates Wolgan Valley in 2014

Sydney Symphony Orchestra set to enchant guests under a stunning starlit sky “We are immensely proud of our long-standing partnership with Emirates and now to have an event which links the excellence of the SSO musicians with the excellence of Emirates Wolgan Valley makes this weekend a major highlight of Australia’s cultural calendar and something not to be missed,” said Mr Jeffes.

“Emirates has enjoyed a wonderful partnership of eleven years with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and we are honoured to have these very talented musicians return to Wolgan a second time. It is both a thrill and a privilege to witness their skill within such close proximity,” said Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.

“Symphony Under the Stars is set to pave the way for an exciting calendar of events that we are planning for 2014 which will celebrate music, art, photography as well as local food and wine,” continued Joost Heymeijer.

Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is a conservation-based resort that offers the rare opportunity to experience true luxury in a

spectacular Australian bush setting. Located less than three hours’ drive from Sydney in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the secluded resort is nestled between two national parks and is set within its own 4,000 acre carbon-neutral conservation and wildlife reserve which can be explored through various nature based activities.

Symphony Under the Stars Package

The all-inclusive Symphony Under the Stars event package, priced from AUD 740 per person, per night includes two nights’ accommodation in a luxury Heritage Suite with private swimming pool, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all non-alcoholic beverages and a select range of local wines and beer with meals, two on-site nature-based activities per person per day and all performances by the Sydney Symphony over the weekend.

To book, please contact the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa reservations team on 02 9290 9733 or email [email protected]

I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.

Oscar Wilde


East Cessnock Bowling Club, set in the historic mining and vineyard region of the Hunter Valley, has maintained its position as the Club of Community Choice and as one of the premier Sporting Clubs in N.S.W.East Cessnock Bowling Club is the only club in the Hunter Valley to boast an Outdoor grass bowling green, Outdoor synthetic Bowling Green and an Indoor bowling green. These are all available for hire for social and family groups.

East Cessnock Bowling Club is one of the finest entertainment and conference venues, with facilities, which will surpass your expecta-tions, a new sports lounge with TAB, Club Keno and a pool table, a main bar area, auditorium and family bistro eating to delight your taste buds.

We also have the Cessnock Vintage Motor Inn for accommodation within 2 minutes from the club. Facilities include pool and bbq area. Located just ten minutes from the world famous Hunter Valley Wine Country, we are open seven days, with plenty of parking.

Brand new Shade and artificial surface designed and built by Lightweight Structures

Our new green is finished and the surrounding work has been completed. The new undercover green officially opened on the 27th October. “At last a green that will hold it’s pace, in all conditions”. Kelsey Cottrell

“A giant leap in Green technology, the future of bowls”. Mark Jacobson

ECBC is a leader in the state when it comes to facilities for playing lawn bowls. Regardless of the conditions prevailing outside, we are able to carry on regardless. ECBC has a 5 rink indoor green which also hosts the Australian Indoor Singles Qualification Tournament (7-10th June 2013). Add to this our brand new light weight Shade Structure undercover carpet green which can hold 8 rinks. ECBC is truly the premier Club for facilities. Bowling members enjoy their game all year round, 7 days a week irre-spective of what Mother Nature may dictate outside.

COME TO EAST CESSNOCK BOWLS CLUB AND ENJOY BOWLS IN COMFORT!

The warm weather has arrived early this spring. Although most of us are looking forward to spending more time in the outdoors and enjoying the weather – spring and summer also brings its challenges!

Don’t we all dread getting hot and bothered, when the house gets stifling hot – after a day or two above 30 degrees?

Why is it that most houses get so unbearably warm? Well a lot of the heat build-up is due to the very high temperatures that are reached in roof spaces throughout Australia. The sun hits your roof and starts heating the air inside. As the heat builds up in the roof space – the air expands and starts penetrating your ceilings – and the heat radiates down from the ceiling giving you an undesired heat contribution – even if your roof/ceiling is insulated!

If you live in a double storey home – you probably feel the heat more than in a single storey house – as the heat rises from below.

Traditionally Australians have been installing whirlybird type roof ventila-tors to prevent overheating, however an increasing number of people are now installing solar powered roof ventilation units – which are free to run – and far more powerful.

Solar Fans are available with different capacities up to 3000 cbm/h (the average wind-driven roof-fan moves about 100 cbm/h) – and the high airflow allows for roof space temperatures to be brought down relatively close ambient. Controlling the roof-space temperature will reduce the temperature in the house – and if you have ducted air-conditioning - reduce running time – whilst also increasing efficiency – saving you hundreds of dollars every year.

If you have particularly warm rooms – e.g. west or north facing rooms with large windows – you can find models with sufficient capacity to also remove heat directly from these rooms.

Solar Roof Ventilation and Cooling is here!

Welcome to East Cessnock Bowling Club

Call us: 02 9632 3389


Go See Touring at Ascot would love to help you make your arrangements. The company has its roots in Norfolk Island, where owner Michael (Boo) Prentice established his first company, Pinetree Tours in 1979. Pinetree Tours operates most of the attractions on Norfolk Island from daytime touring to the night time shows and feature historical dinners.

Join a Go See Touring set departure or call the friendly staff and ask for a quote if you prefer to travel on your own. There’s so much to do and see on this beautiful island why not let an expert help you decide what to include. There’s a great range of hotels and self-contained accommodation to choose from.

There’s also a lot happening in 2014 on the island. Do you enjoy music? There are group departures for the Country Music (May) and Jazz (December) festivals. If you’re feeling energetic you might even like to go over for a sporting event like the Veterans’ Tennis Tournament in April. Golf? The Governor’s Cup in November is a great event. Croquet? Go See Touring is running a social croquet tournament in August. If bowls is your game ask about the Triples Classic also in August 2014. Go See Touring has put together some great packages which not only include your accommodation at Governors Lodge resort but also your dining and tour options so there’s little to worry about once you get there.

The weather on Norfolk is mild year round with temperatures ranging from 24C to 28C in the height of summer and 19C in winter. Casual clothing is the order of the day so you don’t need to worry about what to pack. And if your passport has expired don’t panic. You can travel to Norfolk with a document of identity and these can be obtained from your local post office at no cost. It’s only just a little over 2 hours flying time to get there but it’s a whole different world.

Give Go See Touring a call on 1300 551997 and ask them about Norfolk. They’d love to share their knowledge on this beautiful destination.

Is it time to go back to Norfolk Island? Or is it just one

of those places you thought you’d go to someday?

Why not just do it?!

NORFOLK ISLAND


There’s nothing quite like a lawn bowls game with friends. When the game is set in breathtaking New Zealand, it can be the experience of a lifetime.. Whether you are new to bowls, an experienced player or just wanting to see this spectacular country with a few friendly games of lawn bowls included, this will be a tour to remember.

Australian based travel company, Grand Pacific Tours, are the innovators behind this fun filled journey. Known as the New Zealand coach holiday specialists, they are recognised as the market leader for providing a comprehensive range of all inclusive, value for money coach holidays.

This fully escorted 18 day tour provides a great balance of quality touring around New Zealand with four friendly games against local members in Christ-church, Queenstown, Rotorua and Auckland.

Beginning in Christchurch, discover the delights of the

South Island over 10 wonderful days. Experience historic Larnach Castle in Dunedin, enjoy a cruise on the majestic Milford Sound and take in spectacular adven-ture filled Queenstown. Relax on board the TranzAlpine Railway, world renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular scenic train journeys.

You will then spend 8 marvellous days touring the North Island, visiting cultural Rotorua where you will experience an enter-taining and traditional Maori Hangi and concert, visit the fun and interactive Agrodome and ride the Skyline Gondola & Luge. Next, travel north to explore the stunning Bay of Islands, board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and see the famous Hole in the Rock. Your tour ends in the beautiful city of sails, Auckland.

The exciting itinerary includes airfares & pre paid taxes, quality accommodation, transfers, most meals and an extensive range of pre paid activities to ensure the best of each region is experienced. Travellers will

*Conditions apply. Prices valid ex SYD, MEL, BNE & OOL and include pre paid taxes (subject to change). **$100 discount and Touring Cap is per person. No other special offers or discount apply. Not valid on special group departures. Lic No 32046.

Book by 31 January 2014 and receive $100 discount per person PLUS a Grand Pacific Tours Cap.

BONUSOFFER**

For a 48 page brochure call Grand Pacific Tours on 1800 622 768.

Whether you are new to lawn bowls, an experienced player or just wanting to see this spectacular country with a few friendly games of lawn bowls included, this will be a tour to remember. See New Zealand’s most popular sights and enjoy a game with the locals in Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua and Auckland. This fun filled, fully escorted holiday is accompanied by Lawn Bowls Coordinator, Barrie Jackett.

Let New Zealand bowl you over!18 Days from $4714* pp, twin share. Special departure: 9 April 2014.

Tour includes airfares, taxes, accommodation, most meals plus a range of pre paid attractions.

GAMES ATAUCKLAND,

CHRISTCHURCH,

QUEENSTOWN& ROTORUA

Let New Zealand Bowl You Over!

depart on 9 April 2014. The tour will be accompanied by Grand Pacific Tours’ experienced lawn bowls coordinator, Barrie Jackett.

Travel on this exclusive departure to receive a Grand Pacific Tours Jacket and cap person and a 400 page Eyewitness Travel Guide per household. Don’t miss out on seeing New Zealand in luxury with RACT Travelworld and Grand Pacific Tours.

TRAVEL PLUS


Nova Cruises would like to introduce the newest member to the family “The Princess”. After making her way down the east coast “The Princess” is now conducting weekly cruises on Newcastle Harbour. At just under 30 metres in length she is the longest and most luxurious charter vessel to operate in the Hunter.

On-board features a baby grand piano, licenced bar, commercial galley, full sized rest rooms and spiral stair case to the upper sun deck. There is also a captain’s lounge where you can relax and unwind while having a chat to your captain.While “The Princess” conducts regular lunch and dinner cruises on Newcastle Harbour, the company also offer cruises further afar to the historic shipping port of Morpeth and a Hunter River Discovery Cruise which stops for Lunch at the Junction Inn Hotel on the rivers edge in Raymond Terrace.

This time of year is particularly exciting off the Newcastle coastline with the annual Southern migration of over 18,000 Humpback whales

underway. You can witness this spectacular event with a NOVA Cruises Whale Watching cruise operating until late October.

Also starting this month is a “Bingo Afloat” cruise. The 3.5 hr cruise features Devonshire morning tea, a plated lunch, and desserts with table service allowing guests to relax whilst enjoying a few games of bingo, trivia and captains commentary of the world’s largest coal exporting port.

If you are looking for a memorable day out give our office a call to discuss all the options Nova Cruises can offer you. Whether you have a booking for 1 or 150 we can find something that suits your individual needs.

For the latest and up to date information visit our website www.novacruises.com.au or to receive our latest brochures please call 0400 381 787

Discover Newcastle and the Hunter with NOVA Cruises

We Run different types of Cruise so ask about our:• Spring Jacaranda cruises on the Lane Cove • Our Bay of Plenty Cruise• Christmas in July and Christmas in December • New Year Cruise• October fest • Winter Warming Cruises AND Twilight Cruises perfect for Summer

Caters for groups from 30 -70 people for a sit down lunchharbour trips, we have trivia commentary and other fun games, we do a raffle draw, you get a complimentary drink with you lunch, morning tea on arrival dessert also included 3.5 hr. cruise only $35per head

ph:1300 550 903 email: [email protected]

AFFORDABLE HARBOUR CRUISES

Caters for Groups or individuals I Specialty Cruises also available Affordable Harbour Cruises is known for the great day we provide for our seniors. You get to sit and relax while the boat explores our beautiful Harbour. We generally pick up at a wharf convenient to you at about 11am (we a very flexible on time and place) so let us know what is convenient for you and we will endeavor to make it happen. Once on Board the M.V Aqua Queen you will get morning tea which includes a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. You then get a complimentary drink before we serve lunch which is piping hot and delicious followed by a yummy dessert. All meals are served to you at your table.

During the course of the day Captain Glenn will be doing commentary and will also have a fun trivia and name that tune competition where correct answers win raffle tickets, which we draw at the end (Everyone has a chance to win).We Drop back at the same wharf were we picked you up after 3.5 hours.

3½ Hour Sydney Harbour Cruise $35 per head


It’s never too late to findIt’s never too late to find

For many older people, if they are heading into (or have already embarked upon) their twilight years and don’t have that special some-one by their side, it can be easy to give up on finding a partner so late in life.

But it’s never too late for the unattached “young at heart” person to find love.

Seniors Contacts is a specialised contact and introduction service for mature men and women that takes a personalised approach to assist those looking for a partner.

We have many working, semi-retired and retired professionals, company directors, career people and business owners, so privacy is important. It’s a personal consultancy where we meet all clients.It is confidential and secure, and Seniors Contacts does individual screening

Currently, we have clients from age 55, and also serious contacts up to age 88. Clients are unattached, divorced widowed, or for one reason or another, simply never found someone when they were younger with whom they could be in a loving relationship.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE!

Special offer to Bowls Plus readers in Sydney. Get 3 months FREE extra on your membership. Ask our friendly staff for details.

A lot of people feel that as they are getting on in their life, it’s too late to find someone or that they we missed their opportunity.

But there is a match out there for everyone, no matter how old you are, and everyone deserves the chance to be able to share their lives with a partner. Our clients are looking for quality rather than quantity and seek companionship, friendship and relation-ship. We have clients throughout the Sydney, Metropolitan and surrounding areas.

One of our success stories is Susan a very busy business owner aged 55 and living on the Central Coast and David, a Consultant aged 57 and living in Sydney CBD.

After being selected as a good match they were introduced and after a while enjoyed each other’s company so much that they even went travelling around the Hawaiian Islands together. Since then they have done eight trips.

Another Success story this year was and 85 years young geologist (Female) and an 84 years young Plastic surgeon (Male). They had chemistry right away and so after only one introduction they were completely happy that they had found “ The One”.

I was so delighted says Della, because she was very nervous that no one would want to meet her because of her age. So imagine her surprise and delight when she met her partner on the first try and got a younger man too!

Without the introduction from Seniors Contacts, their paths almost surely never would have

crossed. Many clients tell me that they find it difficult and disappointing in trying to find companionship by traditional methods , and new ways such as internet dating is not only technically daunting but having their profiles online forces them way outside of their comfort zone.

I understand that it can be very difficult for mature people to find a suitable companion or someone interesting to share their lives which is where Seniors Contacts can help our members with a stress free approach to meeting potential partners offering not only one to one introductions to members, but opportunities to attend over 20 social society events and functions each month.

Seniors Contacts has a special introductory offer for readers of “Bowls Plus in Sydney” offering an additional 3 months membership FREE on top of any introduction program purchased.

Seniors Contacts makes meeting a prospective partner easy, safe and comfortable. Retirees can even use their Seniors Card to receive a discount of 10% for their introduction programs.

Della Cory is a is a senior professional with over 21 years experience in helping men and women meet , along with the experience in finding the right partner.

To find out more about Seniors Contacts or to make an appointment with Della Cory, simply call 9436 2346 or visit www.seniorscontacts.com.au


This is an interesting story about a Navy P-2 that flew non-stop from Perth, Australia to Columbus, Ohio in 1946. More than 11,000 miles and more than 55 hours in the air! The oxidized Lockheed ‘Truculent Turtle’ had been squatting next to a Navy Air Station’s main gate, completely exposed to the elements and getting ragged around the edges. Finally recognizing the Turtle’s singular historic value to aviation, it was moved to Pensacola to receive a badly required and pristine restoration. It is now - gleamingly hanging - from the National Naval AviationMuseum ‘s ceiling where it earned its distinction.

Taxiing tests demonstrated that its Lockheed P2V1’s landing gear might fold while bearing the Turtle’s extreme weight before carrying it airborne. And during taxi turns its landing gear struts could fail carrying such a load. For that reason, the Turtle was only partially filled with fuel before it was positioned at the head of Australia ‘s Pearce Aerodrome runway 27 at 7am on September 29th, 1946.

Lined up for take-off, all fueling was completed by 4:00pm. At the same time JATO packs were carefully attached to its fuselage for the jet-assistance required to shove the Truculent Turtle fast enough to take-off before going off the end of the runway. The Turtle would attempt its take-off with CDR Thomas D. Davies, as pilot in command, in the left seat and CDR Eugene P. (Gene) Rankin, the copilot, in the right seat. In CDR Rankin’s own words: “Late afternoon on the 29th, the weather in southwestern Australia was beautiful. And at 1800, the two 2,300 hp Wright R-3350 engines were warming up. We were about to takeoff from 6,000 feet of runway with a gross weight of 85,561 lbs (the standard P2V was gross weight limited at 65,000lbs).

Sitting in the copilot’s seat, I remember thinking about my wife, Virginia, and my three daughters and asking myself, ‘What am I doing here in this situation?’ I took a deep breath and wished for the best.

At 6:11pm, CDR Tom Davies stood hard on the brakes as both throttles were pushed forward to max power. At the far end of the mile-long runway, he could make out the throng of news reporters and photographers.

Scattered across the air base were hundreds of picnickers who came to witness the spectacle of a JATO takeoff. They all stood up when they heard the sound of the engines being advanced to full military power. Davies and Rankin scanned the engine instruments. Normal. Davies raised his feet from the brakes.

On this day, September 29, 1946, the reciprocating engine Turtle was a veritable winged gas tank... thirteen tons beyond the two-engine Lockheed’s Max Gross Weight Limitations. The Truculent Turtle rumbled and bounced on tires that had been over-inflated to handle the heavy load. Slowly it began to pick up speed. As each 1,000-foot sign went by, Rankin called out the speed and compared it to predicted

figures on a clipboard in his lap. With the second 1,000-foot sign astern, the Turtle was committed. Davies could no longer stop on the remaining runway. It was now fly or burn.

When the quivering airspeed needle touched 87 knots, Davies punched a button wired to his yoke, and the four JATO bottles fired from attachment points on the aft fuselage. The crew’s ears filled with JATO bottles’ roar, their bodies feeling the JATO’s thrust. For a critical twelve seconds, the JATO provided the thrust of a third engine.

At about 4,500 feet down the runway, 115 knots was reached on the airspeed indicator, and Davies pulled the nose wheel off. There were some long seconds while the main landing gear continued to rumble over the last of the runway. Then the rumbling stopped as the main landing gear staggered off the runway and the full load of the aircraft shifted to the wings.

As soon as they were certain that they were airborne, but still only an estimated five feet above the ground, Davies called ‘gear up.’ Rankin moved the wheel-shaped actuator on the pedestal between the pilots to the up position, and the wheels came up. Davies lightly tapped the brakes to stop the wheels from spinning, and the wheel-well doors closed just as the JATO bottles burned out. Behind the pilots in the aft fuselage, CDR Walt Reid kept his hand on the dump valve that could quickly lighten their load in an emergency. Roy Tabeling, at the radio position, kept all his switches off for now to prevent the slightest spark. The Turtle had an estimated 20 feet of altitude and130 knots of airspeed when the JATO bottles burned out. The JATO bottles were not just to give the Turtle additional speed on take-off, but were intended to improve the rate of climb immediately after lift-off. The Turtle barely cleared the trees a quarter of a mile from the end of the runway.

The field elevation of Pearce Aerodrome was about 500 feet, and the terrain to the west sloped gradually down to the Indian Ocean about six miles from the field. So, even without climbing, the Turtle was able to gain height above the trees in the critical minutes after take-off.

Fortunately, the emergency procedures for a failed en-gine had been well thought out, but were never needed. At their take-off weight, they estimated that they would be able to climb at a maximum of 400 feet per minute. If an engine failed and they put maximum power on the remaining engine, they estimated that they would be forced to descend at 200 feet per minute.

Their planning indicated that if they could achieve 1,000 feet before an engine failure they would have about four minutes in which to dump fuel to lighten the load and still be 200 feet in the air to attempt a landing. With their built-in fuel dump system, they were confident that they were in good shape at any altitude above 1,000 feet because they could dump fuel fast enough to get down to a comfortable single-engine operating weight before losing too much altitude.

Departing the Aerodrome boundary, the Turtle was over the waters of the Indian Ocean. With agonizing slowness, the altimeter and airspeed readings crept upward. Walt Reid jettisoned the empty JATO bottles. The Turtle was thought to have a 125 KT stall speed with the flaps up at that weight. When they established a sluggish climb rate, Gene Rankin started bringing the flaps up in careful small increments. At 165 KT, with the flaps fully retracted, Tom Davies made his first power reduction to the maximum continuous setting.

The sun was setting and the lights of Perth were blinking on as the Turtle circled back over the city at 3,500 feet and headed out across the 1,800 miles of the central desert of Australia. On this record-breaking night, one record had already been broken. Never before had two engines carried so much weight into the air after the JATOS quit. Their plan was to keep a fairly low 3,500 feet for the first few hundred miles, burning off some fuel, giving them a faster climb to cruise altitude and (hopefully) costing them less fuel for the total trip. But the southwest wind, burbling and eddying across the hills northeast ofPerth, brought turbulence that shook and rattled the overloaded Turtle, threatening the integrity of the wings themselves.

Tom Davies applied full power and took her up to 6,500 feet where the air was smoother, reluctantly accepting the sacrifice of enough fuel to fly an extra couple of hundred miles if lost, bad WX or other unexpected problems at flight’s end. Alice Springs at Australia ‘s center, slid under the Turtle’s long wings at midnight and Cooktown on the northeast coast at dawn. Then it was out over the Coral Sea where, only a few years before, the LEXINGTON and YORKTOWN had sunk the Japanese ship SHOHO to win the first carrier battle in history and prevented Australia and New Zealand from being cutoff and then isolated.

At noon on the second day, the Turtle skirted the 10,000 foot peaks of southern New Guinea , and in mid-afternoon detoured around a mass of boiling thunderheads over Bougainville in the Solomons.

As the sun set for the second time since takeoff, the Turtle’s crew headed out across the vast and empty Pacific Ocean and began to establish a flight routine. They stood two-man four-hour watches, washing, shaving, and changing to clean clothes each morning. And eating regular meals cooked on a hot plate. Every two hours, a fresh pilot would enter the cockpit to relieve whoever had been sitting watch the longest.

The two Wright 3350 engines ran smoothly; all the gauges and needles showed normal. Every hour another 200 miles of the Pacific passed astern. The crew’s only worry was Joey the kangaroo, who hunched unhappily in her crate, refusing to eat or drink. Dawn of the second morning found the Turtle over Maro Reef, halfway between Midway Island and Oahu in the

A historic account of a 1946 flying record...

Truculent TurtleThe incredible journey of the


long chain of Hawaiian Islands . The Turtle only had one low-frequency radio, because most of the modern radio equipment had been removed to reduce weight. Radio calls to Midway and Hawaii for weather updates were unsuccessful due to the long distance.

Celestial navigation was showing that the Turtle was drifting southward from their intended great circle route due to increased northerly winds that were adding a headwind factor to their track. Instead of correcting their course by turning more northward, thereby increasing the aircraft’s relative wind, CDR Davies stayed on their current heading accepting the fact that they would reach the west coast of the U.S. somewhere in northern California rather than near Seattle as they had originally planned.

When Turtle’s wing tip gas tanks empty, they were jettisoned over the ocean. Then the Turtle eased up to 10,000 feet and later to 12,000 feet. At noon, CDR Reid came up to the cockpit smiling. “Well,” he reported, “the damned kangaroo has started to eat and drink again. I guess she thinks we’re going to make it.” In the fall of 1946, the increasingly hostile Soviet Union was pushing construction of a submarine force nearly ten times larger than Hitler’s. Anti-submarine warfare was the Navy’s responsibility, regardless of the U.S. Army Air Force’s opposing views.

The Turtle was among the first of the P2V Neptune patrol planes designed to counter the sub threat. Tom Davies’ orders derived straight from the offices of Secretary of the Navy, James V. Forrestal, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

A dramatic demonstration was needed to prove beyond question that the new P2V patrol plane, its production at Lockheed representing a sizeable chunk of the Navy’s skimpy peacetime budget, could do the job. With its efficient design that gave it 4-engine capability on just two engines, the mission would show the Neptune ‘s ability to cover the transoceanic distances necessary to perform its ASW mission and sea-surveillance functions.

At a time when new roles and missions were being developed to deliver nuclear weapons, it would not hurt to show that the Navy, too, had that capability. So far, the flight had gone pretty much according to plan. But now as the second full day in the air began to darken, the Pacific sky, gently clear and blue for so long, turned rough and hostile. An hour before landfall, great rolling knuckles of cloud punched out from the coastal mountains. The Turtle bounced and vibrated. Ice crusted on the wings. Static blanked out its radio transmissions and radio reception.

The crew strapped down hard, turned up the red instrument lights and took turns trying to tune the radio direction finder to a recognizable station. It was midnight before Roy Tabeling succeeded n making contact with the ground and requested an instrument clearance eastward from California...

They were 150 miles off the coast when a delightful female voice reached up through the murk from Williams Radio, 70 miles south of Red Bluff, California. “I’m sorry” the voice said. “I don’t seem to have a flight plan on you. What was your departure point?” “ Perth , Western Australia .” “No, I mean where did you take-off from?” “ Perth , Western Australia .” “Navy Zero Eight Two, you are not understanding me. I mean what was your departure airport for this leg of the flight?” “ Perth , Western Australia. “BUT, that’s halfway around the world!” “No, only about a third. May we have that clearance, please?”

The Turtle had departed Perth some thirty-nine hours earlier and had been out of radio contact with anyone for the past twenty hours. That contact with Williams Radio called off a world-wide alert for ships and stations between Mid-way and the west coast to attempt contact with the Turtle on all frequencies. With some difficulty due to reception, the Turtle received an instrument clearance to proceed on airways from Oakland to Sacramento and on to Salt Lake City at 13,000 feet.

The weather report was discouraging. It indicated heavy turbulence, thunderstorms, rain and icing conditions. As Gene Rankin wrote in a magazine article after the flight:”Had the Turtle been on the ground at an airport at that threatening point, the question might have arisen: ‘Is this trip important enough to continue right through this stuff? The Turtle reached the west coast at 9:16pm about thirty miles north of San Francisco. Their estimated time of arrival, further north up the coast, had been 9:00pm.They had taken off about forty hours earlier and had covered 9,000 statute miles thus far.

They had broken the distance record by more than a thousand miles, and all of their remaining fuel was in their wing tanks which showed about eight-tenths full. Speculation among the pilots began as to how much further the Turtle could fly before fuel exhaustion. The Turtle’s oxygen system had been removed for the flight, so the pilots were using portable walk-around oxygen bottles to avoid hypoxia at higher altitudes. The static and atmospherics began demonstrating the weird and wonderful phenomenon of St. Elmo’s fire, adding more distractions to the crew’s problems. The two propellers whirled in rings of blue-white light. And violet tongues licked up between the windshields’ laminations. While eerie purple spokes protruded from the Neptune ‘s nose cone.

All those distracting effects now increased in brilliance with an accompanying rise in static on all radio frequencies before suddenly discharging with a blinding flash and audible thump. Then once again slowly re-create itself. The St. Elmo’s fire had been annoying but not dangerous. But it can be a heart-thumping experience for those witnessing it for the first time. The tachometer for the starboard engine had been acting up, but there were no other engine problems. The pilots kept the fuel cross-feed levers, which connected both main tanks to both engines, in the ‘off’ position so each was feeding from the tank in its own wing.

Somewhere over Nevada, the starboard engine began running rough and losing power. After scanning the gauges, the pilots surmised that the carburetor intake was icing up and choking itself. To correct that, the carburetor air preheating systems on both engines were increased to full heat to clear out any carburetor ice. Very quickly, the warm air solved the problem and the starboard engine ran smoothly again. With an engine running rough, CDR Davies had to be thinking about their mission. The Turtle had broken the existing record, but was that good enough? It was just a matter of time before the AAF would launch another B-29 to take the record up another notch. The Neptune was now light enough for single engine flight, but how much farther could it go on one engine? And was it worth risking this expensive aircraft for the sake of improving a long-distance record? Over Nevada and Utah , the weather was a serious factor. Freezing rain, snow and ice froze on the wings and fuselage, forcing the crew to increase power to stay airborne. The aircraft picked up a headwind and an estimated 1,000 lbs of ice. It was problematic because the plane’s deicing and anti-icing equipment had been removed as a weight-saving measure.

The next three (3) hours of high power settings and increased fuel usage at a lower altitude of 13,000 feet probably slashed 500 miles from our flight’s record-breaking distance. After passing Salt Lake City, the weather finally broke with the dawn of the Turtle’s third day in the air. The Turtle was cleared to descend to 9,000 feet. All morning, CDR Davies tracked their progress eastward over Nebraska, Iowa, and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. To the north, Chicago ‘s haze was in sight. But not surprisingly, the remaining fuel levels were gaining more attention from every member of the crew. The wingtip tanks had long ago been emptied and jettisoned over the Pacific. The bomb bay tank, the nose

tank and the huge aft-fuselage tank were entirely empty. The fuel gauges for both wing tanks were moving inexorably toward zero.

CDR Davies and his crew consulted, tapped each fuel gauges, calculated and recalculated their remaining fuel and cursed the gauges on which one-eighth of an inch represented 200 gallons.

At noon, they concluded they could not safely stretch the flight all the way to Washington, DC, and certainly not to the island of Bermuda. CDR Davies chose the Naval Air Station at Columbus, Ohio to be their final destination. At quarter past one that afternoon the runways and hangars of the Columbus airport were in sight. The Turtle’s crew were cleaned-up and shaven and in uniform. And the fuel gauges all read empty. With the landing checklist completed and wheels and flaps down, CDR Davies cranked the Turtle around in a 45 degree left turn towards final. As the airplane leveled out on final, the starboard engine popped, sputtered and quit. The port engine continued smoothly.

Down to 400 feet, as they completed their final turn, both pilots simultaneously recognized the problem. Their hands collided as both reached for the fuel cross feed fuel lever between their seats. During the landing pattern’s descending final turn in the landing pattern, the near-empty starboard tank quit feeding fuel into the starboard engine. Within seconds, the starboard engine began running smoothly again from fuel rushing in from the open cross feed. The Turtle had been in no danger, since they were light enough to operate on one engine. On the other hand, it would have been embarrassing to have an engine quit, in view of the growing crowd watching below.

At 1:28 pm on October 1st, the Neptune’s wheels once more touched the earth with tires intentionally over-inflated for our take-off at Perth, 11,236 miles and 55 hours and 17 minutes after take-off. After a hastily called press conference in Columbus the crew was flown to NAS air station in Washington , D.C. by a Marine Corps Reserve aircraft, where they were met by their wives and the Secretary of the Navy. The crew was grounded by a flight surgeon upon landing in Columbus. But before the day was over, the Turtle’s crew had been awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses by Navy Secretary Forrestal. Next day they were scheduled to meet with an exuberant President Harry S. Truman.

And Joey was observably relieved to be back on solid earth. And she was installed in luxurious quarters at the National Zoo. The record established by CDR Tom Davies and the crew of the Truculent Turtle’s crew did not stand for a fluke year or two, but for decades. The long-distance record for all aircraft was only broken by a jet-powered B-52 in 1962. The Truculent Turtle’s record for piston/propeller driven aircraft was broken by Burt Rotan’s Voyager, a carbon-fiber aircraft, which made its historic around the world non-stop flight in 1986, more than four decades after the Turtle landed in Ohio .

After a well-earned publicity tour, the Truculent Turtle was used by the Naval Air Test Center at Patient River as a flying test bed for advanced avionics systems. The Truculent Turtle was retired with honors in 1953 and put on display in Norfolk, Virginia, and later repositioned at the main gate of Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, in 1968. In 1977, the Truculent Turtle was transported to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida where it now holds forth in a place of honor in Hangar Bay One. Many thanks to the Naval Institute Proceedings magazine, Naval Aviation News magazine, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation magazine, CDR Eugene P. Rankin, CDR Walter S. Reid and CDR Edward P. Stafford, Wikipedia and WW2 Aircraft.Net - whose articles about the “Truculent Turtle” were the basis for this article.

This story was organised for our readers by Les Taylor.

The incredible journey of the


Gerontology is the study of aging and it describes aging as often painful with debilitating diseases. To age pain free is the ultimate goal. Is this possible? Many of us are in for a fairly dismal existence as we grow older which is very depressing! Why is this so and can something be done about it?

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This illness affects not only the man diagnosed but their partners, families, friends and the wider community. Many people report experiencing emotions such as shock, anger and sadness when they are told they have cancer and it can be hard to know where to turn when this rollercoaster of emotion hits.

“Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer diag-nosed in Australian men with almost 20,000 men being diagnosed each year,” states Dr Anthony Lowe, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Chief Executive Officer.

PCFA provides both community awareness and a network of support for men and their families. PCFA’s Ambassador Program is a public speaking program in which trained volunteers present to workplaces, groups and community organiza-tions, such as bowling clubs, on the importance of prostate cancer awareness. Many Ambassadors have first-hand experience of prostate cancer, are the partner or carer of someone who has, or simply have a passion for men’s health. Hosting an Ambassador as a guest speaker at your club is a great way to increase awareness of this important issue amongst shed members. Ambassadors are available as a free community resource.

Ambassadors generally speak for 15-20 minutes, plus Q&A time, and will cover infor-mation on prostate issues, specifically prostate cancer, as well as men’s health and well-being activities. If your bowling club would like to host an Ambassador speaker, please contact [email protected].

If anyone you know is going through the experi-ence of prostate cancer, PCFA also has a network of affiliated support groups throughout Australia to provide assistance. Most support groups are led by people in the community who have had pros-tate cancer and have a passion for helping men and their families. Generally support groups have doctors and other specialist medical professionals speak at their meetings, thereby providing a forum for people to ask questions of the experts. Support groups also have access to a vast library of re-sources on all issues relating to prostate cancer.

For more information about PCFA’s support groups, or to learn how you can host an Ambassa-dor speaker at your bowling club, please contact PCFA’s free call number on 1800 22 00 99, or visit PCFA’s website, www.pcfa.org.au.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is a broad-based community organisation and the

peak national body for prostate cancer in Austra-lia. We are dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families and the wider community.

We do this by:• Promoting and funding world leading, innovative research into prostate cancer

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• Supporting men and their families affected by prostate cancer through evidence-based information and resources, support groups and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses

PCFA receives Government funding for specific projects and relies on the generosity of individuals, the community and partnerships, such as those with the Movember Foundation and Commonwealth Bank, to carry out our essential work.

Every day in Australia 50 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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• 1 x Eko Litmus

• 1 x Eko Health Magazine

Normally $167.65

WWW.EKOHEALTH.COM.AU | PH 1300 887 994 EKO EXCLUSIVE

SAVE

$88.90

Eko Water Bowls Plus FP DEC2013.indd 1 19/11/13 11:06 AM


You may be acidic! Testimonial From A Remedial Therapist

“I am sending you this to express my overwhelming delight in your Eko Crystals. I was introduced to them a couple of months ago and I have not looked back. I have had osteoarthritis for 40 years and it has done some damage to my skeletal system and my muscular system. I have had two back operations for disc problems, plus I have calcifi cation in my feet, hands, neck and back; my hips and spine are fi t for a wheelchair according to the doctors. However, I still work full-time and intend to keep working, but some days the pain is terrible. I am not a lover of drugs so I use natural ways to ease my discomfort. Then I started drinking Eko Crystals and I feel better than I have for ten years. I am a remedial therapist, so I know all the tricks, but I was not winning the pain war with my body. I saw a chiropractor in January who refused to touch me due to my bad condition and said my only option might be an orthopedic surgeon. I did not realise how acid impacted the body – although I fully understood about balance I just never joined the two. My hair is not breaking, my nails are not ridged, I have more energy and I am sleeping better, plus I have lost six kilos and I have done nothing but drink the water. I am sure I have found my answer to agility and a pain free existence...”

Karin Brown RT, Dip of PC, GRM

Karin

SUFFERING?Arthritis • Gout • Refl ux

UTIs • Weight Gain

Acid has been shown to contribute to many diseases. Reduce acid with Eko Crystals

Eko Crystals is full of alkaline minerals which helps to neutralise acid in the body. Add Eko Crystals to your water daily to see the difference...

Four Months Supply All For Only $78.75 (+ p&h $9.95)• 2 x Eko Crystals Triple Packs

• 1 x BPA Free Bottle

• 1 x Eko Litmus

• 1 x Eko Health Magazine

Normally $167.65

WWW.EKOHEALTH.COM.AU | PH 1300 887 994 EKO EXCLUSIVE

SAVE

$88.90

Eko Water Bowls Plus FP DEC2013.indd 1 19/11/13 11:06 AM


Quality Headstones & Memorials for over 50 years

All styles of MonumentsNew Granite Headstones & RenovationsNew & Added Inscriptions

Toll Free: 1800 804 9904 Railway St, Lidcombe NSWwww.globememorial.com

Fiesta Cruises operate charter vessels upon Sydney Harbour. We are family owned and offer personal service, hosting fabulous functions and transport servicing Sydney Harbour.

Our boats service a wide variety of functions including memorable birthdays, wedding, and restaurant and National Park Island transfers.

We welcome enquiry for your cruise including Melboune Cup, Big Boat Challenge, Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Cruise Ship Entrances, Christmas Cruise, Birthday Cruise, New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, Anzac Day, Engagement, Father’s Day Cruise, Mother’s Day Cruise, Ferry Boat Race, Birthday Cruise, or any special event.

• Birthday Parties • Weddings and Wedding Transfers • Social Events • Christmas Parties • Company Cruises • Ferry Transfers to the Harbour Islands • School Formals • Special Events

This summer which we anticipate to be our best with the warm weather approaching we are looking forward to the events with fireworks and fanfare on the harbour so why not get out here and join us!

Ph: 02 9639 5027 Mobile: 0433 786 900 Mobile(boat): 0466 880 000 +61 2 9639 5027Email us: [email protected]

Fiesta CruisesWelcomes you aboard

* Introducing A NEW CONCEPT in Bowling arms*‘Bionic Bowler’

Lightweight

Ask your coach about the advantagesManufactured by Bee’s Knee’s Bowls Accessories: Peter Bloomfield Email: [email protected]

Easy To Use

Fully Approved Bowls Australia

No muscular tension - finger stress - hand tension or related arm stress to hold and release the jack or bowl from the ‘BIONIC BOWLER’. Spring pressure does the job.

FOR A TEST DRIVE: VISIT YOUR LOCAL BOWLS SHOPMade in Aust


Deafness is caused by many different factors, including, but not limited to, age, noise, illness, injury, chemicals, physical trauma, disease and genetic defects. Hearing loss can range from mild to profound, temporary to permanent or it can deteriorate with age.

Temporary deafness has many causes, including wax in the ear, drugs or an infection. Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) may occur on its own, or in conjunction with hearing loss. There is a Tinnitus Association who can provide support and strategies to assist with the management of Tinnitus.

One of the most common causes of deafness is exposure to loud noises as experienced in the workplace or by Veterans during military service. The good news is that there is technology to assist people with a hearing loss, to stay in the hearing world and not loose quality of life.

Peter, a decorated war veteran, recently shared his story.

After being deaf and not being able to hear TV for forty years I had been to 12 hearing aid centres and not one of them could do anything for me. All the aids they tried out were useless. It wasn’t till I got connected up with Printacall and after 40 years and more I was able to hear TV. I just put the headset on and get whatever volume I want and the clarity of the sound is unbelievable. I can walk 40 metres away and still hear the TV. It is absolutely incredible. There is nothing else that could be better. It is the best system and it has helped to relax my life.

Printacall is an organisation that has been established for over 25 years to assist the hearing impaired at home, at work and at leisure. It’s staff have the experience and knowledge to assist individuals find solutions to their particular circumstances. For the computer savvy Printacall also has a very informative user friendly website where products can be researched and purchased from the comfort of home. www.printacall.com.au Phone 02 9809-2392

Keeping a Hearing Life with a Hearing Loss

The Fruit Salad Tree, developed in 1990 by the West Family of northern New England, New South Wales, Australia, bears up to six different fruits of the same family on the one plant. All fruits retain their own individuality, with staggered ripening times.

The Fruit Salad Tree can be grown in the ground like normal fruit trees or in pots for those people with very limited space. Instead of having numerous different trees with more fruit than your household can consume there is only one tree with all of the fruits ripening naturally over a period of months. There can be more than one variety of an individual fruit on a tree, thus extending the picking time. There are trees available to suit different climatic conditions, whether cool, warm, tropical or subtropical.

Can I choose the fruits that I want?Yes! We always ask you to list the fruits that you would like to have, in the order of their importance to you. Beginning with your first choice and working down your list, we choose the best trees that we have to suit your requirements. We can’t guarantee to supply every fruit that you list because there are many different combinations.

How can I obtain the trees?Contact us for a Mail Order Package or print our order form from our website. www.FruitSaladTrees.com Phone: (02) 6734 7204

Trees are despatched all year round(while in stock) and are permitted entry into all states of Australia. Trees are grown so that the fruiting branches begin from approx. 10 cms above the soil level, keeping the height to a minimum, which allows easy harvesting, eliminating the need for ladders.

Multi Grafted - 4 Tree Types• Stone Fruits • Citrus Fruits• Multi Apples • Multi Nashis

Longer Picking, Ground or Pots, All Climates

Fruit Salad Trees

Amazing!It’s

Up to 6 different fruits from one tree!

FruitSaladTrees.com CALL NOW 02 - 6734 7204e: [email protected] 2369 Gulf Rd, Emmaville NSW 2371

Mail OrderALL YEAR

What is a Fruit Salad Tree?


If joint pain or stiffness is restricting your ability to bowl or is killing your enjoyment of the game then the e-cell PEMF medical device may well be the answer for you.

Developed in WA, the e-cell has been specifically designed to reduce inflammation, speed up natural healing and eliminate pain far quicker than previously thought possible.

The e-cell may also aid in the recovery of long standing injuries that have failed to fully recover; typically osteoarthritis and muscle and tendon damage.

Have you have been thinking of using an extender arm? Well why not try the e-cell first. Being able to continue to use your natural abilities and not have to relearn how to do the basics is just one of the benefits the e-cell offers you and your game.

WA’s Edith Cowen University investigated the e-cell in 2012 and found: “the results suggested that the e-cell treatment significantly enhanced the recovery of muscle function including a rapid return of strength and range of motion, reducing swelling and tenderness” said researcher Harry Banyard.

Being lightweight, totally portable with no wires, pads or other restrictions you can once again enjoy the game (and the club later, after winning)! By the way you can even use the e-cell whilst playing; it is that user friendly.The e-cell does more than relieve pain- it is designed to get to the source of the pain and speed up the natural process of healing at a cellular level. So no pain, improved range of

Aches and Pains Spoiling your Game?motion and increased strength are the results to look for when using the e-cell.

The e-cell can be used for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions which the whole family can benefit from.

So many of us “put up” with annoying niggles whilst we are younger that in the long term, turn into painful life changing conditions. Why? Because this programmable PEMF technology was not generally available before now in such a convenient, affordable user friendly product.Today you have the opportunity to change your lifestyle back to the one you used to enjoy. Grab it now and continue to be a pennant contender well into the future.

You can find a full description and technical information on our website www.ecell.com.auOr you can phone the friendly support team at Medic Technology International - 1300 764 117

The Heart Research Institute is a not for profit independent research organisation that is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in researching the causes, the treatment and the prevention of heart disease. We believe it is a very important aspect of our work to allow our wonderful supporters and community members the opportunity to see behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art research facility. Our Talk and Tour provides you access to the research being conducted at the Institute and educates visitors on current research into heart disease. Meet and greet some of our scientists and ask questions about the latest research into the causes, detection and prevention of heart disease – Australia’s number one killer and an increasing problem worldwide.

Tours are free of charge and conducted during the day and in the evening. They are open to all but bookings are essential. You can come alone or in a group (maximum 40 people per tour). Contact Valerie Froome Tel: (02) 9241 4300 or Email: [email protected]

The Heart Research Institute Invites You for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour...

Bushfires and the damage they inflict are fresh in our minds. Raging, wind-driven fire is disastrous for koalas because they simply cannot get away. The long term consequences are increasingly being recognised as a key factor influencing koala population viability.

Attrition of the Tweed Coast koalas is attributed to the frequency of fire occurrence over the past three koala generations, particularly the impact of the extensive fires in 2004 and 2009. The trouble is that fire removes a proportion of the breeding population at a rate faster than the time required for the loss to be replaced. High intensity fire also removes the food resource for survivors and they eventually starve.

Extreme weather events, whether they generate bushfires or storms are not good news for koalas, but even normal summer hot spells can take their toll. Normally almost all a koala’s water intake comes from the leaves it eats. Eucalyptus leaves are efficient living storage systems for water and lingering morning dew adds to leaf freshness. However, hot temperatures, lack of rain and drying winds desiccate the leaves and thin canopies. Thirsty koalas must find water elsewhere.

If you are fortunate enough to live with koalas you can take a few simple precautions which will help thm at this time of year. Leaving bowls of water at the base of trees known to be used by koalas is a good start. Dusk to dawn is acknowledged as their prime active time but koalas move around during the day as well. If they are thirsty their keen sense of smell will lead them to garden ponds and even swimming pools. Standard pool fencing isn’t always an effective deter-rent for koalas. While they can swim, getting out of a smooth-sided pool unaided is usually beyond them because their claws have no purchase. Providing a rope or some other means of escape could prevent unforeseen calamity.

Christmas is just around the corner. If you are looking for ideas about presents, Friends of the Koala’s Support-a-Koala program is a thoughtful and satisfying gift for both giver and receiver. We also offer gift vouchers to the amount you nomi-nate from the Friends of the Koala Plant Nursery, a range of koala-motif jewellery and other merchandise.

Wildlife rehabilitation groups don’t receive recurrent government funding. We rely on our own fundraising efforts, sponsorship arrangements, membership subscriptions and the success of our grant applications. Clearly we couldn’t do what we do without broad community support. Christmas shopping that benefits koala conservation is very special.

Our volunteers are on-call 24/7, 365 days a year. Over this Festive Season, spare a thought for those wonderful individuals who readily forego a drink and even leave the Christmas table to attend to a distressed koala or other critter.In Tweed, Friends of the Koala operates a 24/7 Rescue Hotline: (02) 6622 1233. For information about koalas, their food trees, gift ideas, and other ways in which you can assist the koala conservation effort on the Northern Rivers, visit: www.friendsofthekoala.org or email [email protected] You can also follow us on Facebook.

In South East Queensland Wildcare Australia should be contacted on (07)5527 2444. Their website is at www.wildcare.org.auUntil next time, Season’s Greetings and happy koala spotting.Lorraine Vass, President, Friends of the Koala, Inc.

Koala and Christmas

One of the great things about being a bird lover is that there are so many different species to look out for and enjoy.

However, choosing the right bird for you can be a big decision. For example, some species are easily startled and may not be suitable if you have a noisy family home environment. On the other hand, if you live in a small flat or apartment, a species that needs a large cage to fly around in will also not be appropriate.

Before making your final decision, we recommend talking to a breeder, your local pet store or a vet; to find out as much as you can about your potential pet’s needs.

Once you have made your decision, it is important to choose a healthy bird that has been well bred. When looking for your new pet, you should make sure you find a reliable source, such as a reputable breeder or a good pet shop. If you’re not sure where to buy your bird or what type to choose, your vet should be able to give you some advice and point you to a reputable breeder within your area. A healthy bird should be lively and alert. It should have a good plumage with all its tail feathers intact and a clean vent region. Providing a good homeThe first thing you will need is a home for your feathered friend. A good pet shop should be able to show you a range of cages in different sizes and for various prices. Buy the largest cage that you can afford, remembering that if you have two birds they will need more space than just one. Keep the cage in a cool, well-ventilated environment away from draughts, direct sunlight and, ideally, on a stand about four feet above the floor. Once you have found the perfect spot for your bird, it will be happier if you keep it there. In many ways, birds are creatures of habit and are at their happiest in a consistent and familiar environment.

Settling inDifferent birds take different lengths of time to settle into an unfamiliar environment so keep this in mind when you first introduce your bird to its cage. Keep a close eye on it and take note of its eating habits, droppings and general demeanour. At night, it is a good idea to cover the cage with a cloth so that your bird gets a good, restful sleep and is not disturbed while roosting.

ToysMost birds love having a few simple toys around to keep them stimulated. Your local pet shop should have a good range for you to choose from but remember, birds do like their space, so be careful not to clutter the cage up with too many toys or paraphernalia.

Beaks and clawsOvergrown beaks and claws can sometimes cause discomfort and should be kept in check. You should seek expert advice from your vet on how to maintain your bird’s beak and claws.

ChewingSome birds (budgies in particular) often chew their sand sheets or other parts of their cages and may even attack the fixtures and fittings in the room when let out of their cage. While this is a normal and instinctive reaction, it can be destructive to the furnishings in your home. Providing your bird with a harmless chewing object such as a piece of softwood or a twig from a fruit tree may help satisfy your bird’s need to chew. Excessive chewing can also be the result of a lack of grit in the diet. Many kinds of birds, include cage and aviary species will instinctively eat particles of grit. Some grit particles dissolve in the stomach and can provide a valuable source of calcium and trace minerals, they are known as soluble grit. Some grits like sand for example, remain as hard particles in the gizzard and are known as insoluble grit. Some studies in poultry suggest that insoluble grit helps birds digest their foods better, but there is no evidence that this is true in pet birds.

TRILL®, GOLDEN COB®, HARMONY® and GOLDEN GRAIN® brands are proud to call Wacol home. Wacol manufactures and supplies Mars Birdcare products, both seeds and treats, throughout Australia and to a number of foreign affiliates.

Wacol is located approximately 17km Southwest of Brisbane’s CBD .... or in other words it’s 1hr 45mins North of Byron Bay, and 1hr 50 mins South of Noosa in beautiful sunny Queensland!

Birdcare from the Experts



OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2013 BOWLS PLUS 31trill.com.au

As well as seed mixes, the TRILL® range of Honey Sticks provide birds with a deliciously healthy treat that offers hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

Handmade using pure honey (no glue!), real berries, fruit & nuts, each treat also contains NUTRIVIT® to provide that additional multivitamin supplement.

Treat your bird because you love ‘em!

Trill® seed mixes are blended from at least five different seeds and whole grains, to provide your bird with the

protein and carbohydrates it needs to stay healthy.They also contain shell grit, which is a valuable source of calcium & essential for the development of strong bones & healthy muscles.

TRILL® also contains NUTRIVIT ®Seeds alone won’t provide your bird with a complete diet. So TRILL® contains a uniquely formulated multivitamin supplement called NUTRIVIT® that combines Vitamins A, B group, C, D3 & E plus Calcium and Iodine.

MAR12451_TrillFullPageAd_210w_x297d.indd 1 12/09/12 10:49 AM

bowls plus new south wales december 2013-january 2014

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