THE MBC NEWS APRIL 2021

EDITOR Vera lay www.montmorency.bowls.com.au e-mail:mbc4@optusnet.com.au

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

So, as we approach the end of another bowls season (probably one like no other) we review the past year and consider the future. Although we did lose a small number of members and past members, I am happy to say those were not as a result of the dreaded COVID 19 disease. Pennant bowls has now concluded with a little disappointment with only the first side in Saturday pennant and the second and fifth sides on Tuesday competing in finals. None of those teams were successful in the semi-finals. However, on the positive side no teams in Saturday pennant were relegated. The 6th side midweek team going down. We have much room for improvement across the board. Our club coach, Leigh McIlvenny will not be pursuing the option of a second year, he has decided to return to his home-town of Lorne to take up a business opportunity. I would like to thank Leigh for his contribution to our club and wish him every success for the future. Some lateral thinking on behalf of the Pennant Committee resulted in a couple of successes, which can hopefully, be considered in our bowling program for the future. Both initiatives involved the use of our high quality lighting on the top green where the Men’s Singles final between Leigh McIlvenny and Ollie Clark produced a high quality contest under the lights, secondly, the decision to play Lalor, in a pennant game on a Friday evening, rather than the normal Saturday afternoon. Both games attracted excellent spectator numbers and, as well, being aesthetically appealing, proved to be a worthwhile fund-raiser with excellent bar takings. Unfortunately, I must highlight the embarrassing plight of our Men’s section, which could not offer a solitary nomination for either President or Secretary to administer that section. I will not pull any punches … I think it was very embarrassing, and probably a sign of the general apathy that exists in that section when it comes to volunteering for admin roles within the club. These roles do not require any rocket science, just a willingness to roll up the sleeves and have a go. I offer my genuine thanks to Rod Ward for going beyond the call of duty for the last two seasons in agreeing to reluctantly perform this role. The Board will consider options for the future of this club requirement. STEVE HILLAM

VICTORIAN ENERGY POWER SAVING BONUS Did you know you can claim $250 by going to the “VIC ENERGY COMPARE : WELCOME” web-site and submit a Power Saving Bonus application, before January 2022. To be eligible you need to be in receipt of:

A Centrelink Pensioner Concession Department Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concession

Department Veteran Affairs Gold Card

……..$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$........

-2-

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Firstly, let me say how refreshing it was to see a summer season of bowls, even if shorter than usual. The interest and support to get Social bowls up and running over summer was immediate following lifting of restrictions, resulting in some very respectable numbers of participants. As usual, Thursday night bowlers picked up where they left off with immediate interest and some record numbers achieved. Over the winter, we at least kept up practice sessions, so great thanks to Neil Greenwood and his team. At times it was difficult to know what the precise COVID restrictions were, but Bowls Victoria proved most helpful in providing clubs with relevant information. At the recent Men’s Section Annual Meeting, Garry Schilg was officially confirmed as Social Bowls Manager and it looks like Garry and his team are enthusiastically putting a program together. It’s pleasing to note that the usual Monday triples will be on again this winter. At the same meeting, the Saturday Pennant Committee positions were very adequately filled and they elected Clive Gilmore as their Chairman for 2021-22. Unfortunately, the positions of President, vice-President and Secretary are still vacant, which means there is no effective Men’s Section in operation. This will be a challenge for the Board to deal with, but hopefully people can be found to carry out essential activities. During my temporary absence from office, my thanks to John Herrald, who, over recent weeks has most capably filled the Secretarial position. Phil Stirling, ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

You are cordially invited to attend the 58th Annual General Meeting of the Montmorency Bowling Club Inc. which will be held in the MBC Clubrooms on SUNDAY, 16th MAY 2021commencing at 10.00 a.m. sharp. The agenda for the meeting is included herein. Nominations for Board of Management Officers and other Directors: Nominations, duly signed by the Nominee, Proposer and Seconder, must be in the hands of the Secretary (via the Ballot Box in the Clubrooms) before 5:00 p.m. Sunday 2nd May 2021. Nomination forms will be available at the clubrooms or can be obtained from me. Ballot papers for absentee votes will be available once nominations close (5:00 pm, Sunday, May 2nd). Absentee votes can ONLY be made by obtaining an Absentee Ballot Paper from me and MUST be in a sealed envelope and in my hands PRIOR TO 10.00 a.m. SUNDAY 16th of May 2021. The sealed envelope may be posted or personally handed to me. Voting on May 16th for any elections will commence at 9:30 am and cease promptly at 10:00 am. Note that in relation to item (p) in the enclosed Agenda, any General Business requiring a resolution of Members must be in writing and be in my hands by 5pm on April 25th. The nature of any such business received will be communicated to Members prior to the meeting. At this stage two items relating to changes to the club constitution have been received and the details are listed in the enclosed document. Also, the board will make a recommendation for Life Membership to members for consideration.

-3-

AGENDA (a) Apologies (b) Vale (c) Reading of Notice convening this Meeting by Secretary Phil Stirling. (d) Opening of Meeting by Chairperson Steve Hillam. (e) To confirm the Minutes of the 57th Annual General Meeting held on 19th May 2019 and of any other General Meeting held since then. [Copy of these Minutes have been displayed on Notice Board for at least 2 (two) weeks prior to this Meeting date.] The Chair has the opportunity to draw member’s attention to any item of interest. (f). Annual Report from Men’s Section Annual General Meeting held on 28th March 2021 and Annual Report from Ladies’ Section Annual General Meeting held on 13th April 2021 Presenters to speak or read their Reports. (g). Presentation of Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Auditor’s Report for Season 2020-2021. (h). Adoption of Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts. (i) Election of Auditor for Season . 2021-2022 (j). To receive and consider the statement submitted by the Club in accordance with Section 30(3) of the Act. (k) To elect Officers and other Directors of the Board for Season 2021-2022. (l) Election of a Club Greens Director and a Greens & Surrounds Committee of 3 (three) members for Season 2021-2022. (m) Election of Club Bar Manager for Season 2021-2022 (n) To acknowledge and receive the two Directors elected at the preceding meetings of the Section Committees. (o) To elect such sub-committees as the Board shall determine. (p) Transaction of Any Other Business affecting the interests and welfare of the Club, of which due notice has been given according to the Rules. (q) To transact any other General Business, but any resolutions arising from such Business shall be recommendations to the Board only. Note: In the advent that an election is required, upon signing the attendance book, all eligible members will be handed a ballot paper. Voting for any elections will commence at 9:30 am and cease promptly at 10:00 am. ______________________________________________________________________________________

PROPOSED CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION

The following changes will be proposed for discussion and approval at the Annual General Meeting, May 16th, 2021:

(i) Social Bowls Members: It is proposed that the wording of Section 9A in relation to the definition

of Social Bowls Members be changed to allow such members to participate in administration of the

club. The change is to allow Social Bowls Members to be co-opted to any committee of the club

where a suitable person is deemed able to make a contribution to that committee. Current Wording:

9A.1 Social Bowls Members shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Club other than to vote, hold office, play Pennant Bowls and Club Championships. They may play organised social bowls events Proposed Wording: 9A.1 Social Bowls Members shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Club other than to vote, hold stand for office, play Pennant Bowls and Club Championships. They may play organised social bowls events and also fill committee positions where co-opted by the relevant committee and subject to Board approval.

(ii) Life Membership. It is proposed to allow a greater number of members to be elected as Life

Members over a two year period. This is in no way intended to lessen the value of the award, but

provide the Board with increased flexibility in awarding of Life Memberships:

-4-

Current wording:

6.3 Over any ten year period not more than one life member may be elected every two years.

Proposed wording:

6.3: Not more than two life members may be elected every two years for their consideration

and approval. PHIL STIRLING – Secretary

GREENS REPORT

We have just endured a remarkable year – Covid 19 fear for many months, creating doubt and changing behavior. Although no bowling, a small group of Greenies continued to maintain our two greens every week. Now six months later we have completed a season of bowling and many social sessions. Both greens have ended up in good condition thanks to a huge number of hours our helpers contributed. Big thanks to John Baker, Peter Van Eeken, Ian Hercus, Peter Rubira, David Whiteman, Ron McDonald, Vince Spark, Ian Sanderson, Graham and Shirley Crapper, Phil McMahon. NEIL GREENWOOD

CRAZY WHIST

All members are welcome to join in Crazy Whist on TUESDAYS at 10.30 am. Bring your lunch and enjoy the game and company of other members over the winter season. Enquiries to Anna Milligan.

PARTICIPANTS WANTED FOR BALANCE STUDY RMIT University is conducting research into a new way of improving balance using a handheld vibration massager. Falls are a major cause of injury and even loss of life in all age groups, but especially older adults. Balance is an important part of preventing falls. It is hoped this study will lead to easy, low cost ways to improve balance and thereby reduce falls in older adults. If you are interested in being part of this study, are between the ages of 65 and 80 years of age, have good balance and are generally fit and well, please contact Matthew Holmes at matthew.holmes@rmit.edu.au, or call or SMS 0437 759 145.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR A LOST DOG

THREE LEGS, BLIND IN ONE EYE, MISSING RIGHT EAR, TAIL BROKEN, RECENTLY CASTRATED …. ANSWERS TO “LUCKY”

VALE – Sadly LES HOUGHTON and MAVIS FARRON, two past members of our club have recently passed away. Les was our Newsletter editor for many years before he handed over to me. Fondly remembered for his laugh. RIP

-5-

CORRESPONDENCE FROM ANNETTE (EVANS) CHRISTIE

Annette and husband John were recently having a clean up, during the COVID restrictions, in Glasgow Scotland. Annette came across a 1985 Montmorency Bowling Club newsletter. With the wonders of modern technology, Annette found our club’s web-site and contacted our Secretary Phil and told the following story, which I found interesting and well worth sharing with our members. I have since discovered that members Dot Jewell, Jean Skingle, Joyce Newman and Barbara Allison have recollections of the February 1985 Women’s World Bowls Games in Melbourne, played on Reservoir BC greens. Our club was the host club to the Scottish Team of Annette Evans (Willow Bank BC Glasgow), Sarah Gourlay, Betty Christie and Frances Whyte (who won the Fours Gold Medal) plus team member Senga McCrone). Annette, the youngest in the team and Sarah are the only two surviving members. Annette recalls a wonderful time at the Games, Montmorency being great hosts. The Scottish team played many games at Montmorency helping the players to adjust to Australian fast greens. Annette recalls a barbeque held at the home of Jean and Bernie Skingle, the Scottish ladies lapping up the Melbourne sunshine, only to be told to ‘sit in the shade’. A highlight of their Melbourne visit was attending a church service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, together with World Championship players from every country. A colorful sight with bowlers dressed in their country’s uniforms. All of the team members played bowls after the Melbourne games representing Scotland in home, International and Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1986, World Bowls in Auckland NZ 1988 and Commonwealth Games in Auckland 1990. Annette represented her country in club and national competitions for 20 years, being selected for the Scottish Indoor international team, and continues to bowl around COVID restrictions, both indoors and outdoors. Due to her first husband’s health, Annette retired in 1990. Unfortunately he passed in 1993 at the age of 54. Remarrying in 1995, second husband John doesn’t bowl saying “there is only room for one bowler in the household”. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fortunately we have a commemorative banner on the wall of our clubhouse, largely unnoticed by current members. It hangs over the entrance to our bar, worth having a look for it now we all know the history. Ironically, at the Ladies President’s day recently, I had a place name on a table, along with my SUPER VET’S badge, which I received on the day. A teaspoon was at my setting, and unbelievably it was a souvenir of the 1985 Women’s World Bowls held in Melbourne. Scotland has both Indoor and Outdoor Bowling Associations, a bonus when the weather is not suitable for outdoor bowling. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I also gleaned from Annette’s information that she was team manager for nine years of the Scottish Junior International team. The girls were aged 13 to 25 years of age. Wouldn’t that be nice to attract some young girls to the game of bowls, here in Australia? EDITOR

-

-6-

SNIPPETS FROM THE MBC NEWSLETTER – FEB 1985

In the month of February, seven new members were welcomed to our Club, only one is still bowling, however, at another club. The Ladies C2 team won the Sectional Flag with Heather McKenna and Joyce Newman the surviving members. President Kath Williams, on 16/1/85, welcomed bowlers from 23 clubs playing in the Classic Invitation Day. At a later date 12 clubs were represented playing in the Australian Pacific Invitations Fours tournament. President Kath presented a Shield to the Scottish Women’s team to commemorate their visit to our club, our club being their host. A barbeque was held at the home of Jean and Bernie Skingle, obviously remembered by Annette, a cultural experience to say the least.

-----oOo-----

FROM THE EDITOR

I was fortunate to visit past member JOYCE NEWMAN, whom many will remember. Thankfully Joyce collects “STUFF” like our Scottish friend Annette. Joyce fondly remembers the Scottish team, their visits to practice on our ‘fast’ greens and the welcome that our Club extended to these ladies. It sounds like there was food aplenty at catered days. Remarkably, Joyce had a commemorative teaspoon and has kindly gifted it to me. Amongst her souvenirs is a BOWLS Victoria publication, dated February 1985, and it is fascinating to read through it. There are many photos of the Women’s World Bowls Championship players, news etc. The Championship also got a mention in our, now defunct, DIAMOND VALLEY NEWS. Of course, Joyce had news cuttings of the tournament. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ETIQUETTE advice in the 1985 Newsletter: “If you are playing for your Club in pennant, remember you are playing for your Club and not for yourself.” I believe our club members are aware of this comment, as we do play as ONE.

A RECOMMENDATION: Please keep all that “STUFF” because “One day it will come in handy”. However, I was asked the following, recently: “Have you ever seen a hearse towing a trailer? If so, the deceased was probably a hoarder of “STUFF” and determined to take his earthly belongings with him.”

TIME FOR A CHUCKLE

* Is GOOGLE male or female? Female, because it doesn’t let you finish a sentence before making a suggestion. * My friend thinks he is smart. He told me an onion is the only food that makes you cry, so I threw a coconut at his face. * How many Aussies does it take to screw in a light bulb? Three, one to hold the bulb and two to turn the ladder

-7-

NEWSLETTER MIDWEEK PENNANT APRIL 2021 The Tuesday Match Committee for the 2021-2022 season have been selected and they are

Carlene Gregory, Helen Pearson, Helen Spence, Jacqui Ward, Glenda Swann

These ladies will share the task of nominating the number of teams to be entered for the coming season. We remind all players wishing to play Tuesday pennant in the season commencing later this year to please make your intentions known to the Match Committee. At this time there will be enough players for 6 teams.

The previous season we fielded 6 teams with a reasonable amount of success with 2 teams playing finals. All teams acquitted themselves very well.

Pennant is not only about the selectors, as there are so many helpers who make the season function so well.

First of all:

Our Players, Emergencies, Umpires and Measurers, Markers, Greenkeepers,

Bartenders, ‘IT’ staff, Vote Collators, Side Captains and Duty Teams and so many

who show an interest in our performances.

Everyone is so important and we look forward to everyone’s participation in the coming season. Not just a bowling club, an enjoyable club community who support each other so well.

GO MONTY!

From the Match Committee best wishes for the next season. GLENDA SWANN on behalf of the Midweek Match Committee.

SEASON 2020-2021 SATURDAY MATCH COMMITTEE REPORT Season 2020-2021 has been completed which, was an achievement in itself, considering the circumstances we found ourselves in. Because of the pandemic the season started late and was reduced to fourteen matches, which was later reduced to thirteen, due to a five-day shutdown during the season. In a tightly competitive section our top team managed to finish second, but unfortunately were beaten by Hurstbridge in the first sectional final. Our season was well guided by our coach Leigh McIlvenny and ably assisted by our new bowlers Oliver Clark, Frank Phillips, Graeme Lewis and Kevin Walker. I think that we have learnt a lot from Leigh that should put us in a good stead for the forthcoming season. The other four sides found themselves in very tough sections and fought it out to the end. Considering their difficulties there were no relegations, which is a credit in itself. Well done and with this competitive spirit, I am sure we will achieve higher results next season. Congratulations to Oliver Clark on winning this seasons Alec Treacher award, a worthy winner. Thanks to Clive Gilmore, John Beattie, Bert Bertoli and Bert Wilson for their help and support during a difficult season.

-8- Thanks to John Leighton for his assistance during the season when he was able, and to Peter Rubira for handling the Alec Treacher award. Thanks to Neil Greenwood and his “Greenies” for their work on the greens. Welcome to the 2021/22 Match Committee members – Clive Gilmore (Chair), Mal Eames, Bert Wilson, Gary Wills and Charles Geddes. Finally, thanks to all our participating bowlers during the season. Without you and your commitment to weekend bowls the Match Committee would not be able to field five teams. Your understanding and acceptance of our decisions during the season has been duly noted. I am sure the Montmorency Bowling Club will continue on and remain a strong club in years to come under a new structure to be decided on by the Board . Go Monty. Mal Eames Chairman Match Committee ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REPORT FROM LADIES SECTION AGM

Elected Office Bearers for 2021/2022 PRESIDENT – Margaret Austin VICE PRESIDENT – Glenda Swann SECRETARY – Faye Briggs TREASURER – Marilyn Millar SELECTION COMMITTEE – Glenda Swann, Carlene Gregory, Helen Pearson, Helen Spence, Jacqui Ward. GENERAL COMMITTEE – Barbara Brown, Josie Hall, Rosemary Johansson, Nola Kruize, Sue McKenna, Chris Sherwood, Judi White, Heather Wilson, Glenda Worth. SOCIAL BOWLS – Lillian Phillips. DELEGATE – Margaret Austin CARER – Shirley Crapper SUPER VETERANS – Anne Matheson and Vera Lay.

CONGRATULATIONS to our CLUB SINGLES WINNER - LOUISE RYAN RUNNER UP – HEATHER WILSON PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP WINNER - LINDA BYMA RUNNER UP – TRACIE CENTERINO JEAN THOMSON AWARD – HEATHER WILSON

WHY FIT IN WHE YOU ARE BORN TO STAND OUT.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE NEW RESTAURANT CALLED “KARMA”

There’s no menu: You get what you deserve.

WHAT ABOUT THE ACTOR WHO FELL THROUGH THE FLOORBOARDS

He was just going through a stage.

HOW DOES MOSES MAKE TEA? - He brews.

-9-

RECRUITMENT REPORT

What a year it has been. Not a lot of recruitment to report, so disappointing to be unable to hold our Open Days, normally in October. Nothing has been normal for the last few months. I think the Club has done a great job competing in Pennant and getting the Social Bowls up and running for all to enjoy. Nevertheless, I would like to introduce two new members, Steven Greening and Benjamin Harkin. We also welcome back, after four years, Peter Howes. Keep your eye out for them and make them feel welcome, as I know you always do. Our Barefoot Bowls has not attracted as many this season and many Corporate events had to be cancelled. This affected our revenue and, of course, our Bar sales. But the few evenings we did have groups attend they all enjoyed it immensely. Thank you to all who helped run these nights, greatly appreciated. Let us hope we can all get back to a bit of normality in the coming months. Safe travels to all going on holidays through the winter. Happy Bowling. Jacqueline Ward RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR

R …………………… REMEMBER E …………………… EVERYONE S …………………….SHOULD P……………………. PRACTICE E……………………. EMPATHY C …………………… CONSIDERATION T …………………… TO ALL

RESPECT – HARD TO GET, EASY TO LOSE

-10-

PROFILE BARBARA ALLISON

Having celebrated her 90th birthday recently, the following is a timely profile of one of our most popular club members. Modest, and not one to volunteer too much information, all members will be suitably impressed with her story. Barbara was born in Essendon on 15th March, 1931. With an older sister and two younger brothers, she is the last surviving. After attending Sea Lake High School, she left for Melbourne at the age of 16, to work in the office of Victorian Railways becoming a Comtompetrist and then an Accounting machinist. She met her late husband Max in Woomelang, in the Mallee, and after his family moved to Geelong they met up again, marrying and they were together for 63 years. They had two daughters and one son. The family has grown to include six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. After playing tennis for many years at Greensborough Tennis Club, Barbara played social bowls for the first seven years, having joined our club in 1984. Her involvement within our club is extensive, a Ladies Committee member (1990 to 1996). The Tuesday Selection Committee kept her busy for 22 years, including Chairperson for 7 years. Having played 500 plus mid-week Pennant games, she claims her “pennant days have come to an end”. Wait and see! Her track record includes VLBA 1995/96 Championships - Third in the team that won in Group 14. Lead in the 1997/98 team and was winner in the 2004/05 Zone 13 Singles. 1997/98 Group 14 State Fours winners: Barbara as the Lead, Rae Bell Second, Mary Neilson Third, Betty Griggs Skip. In the first two years of the Betty Collins Challenge (2006 and 2007) Barbara was in the winning team. Division 1 – Lead in 2012-13 – Champions. Ladies Club Champion in 2006/7 and 2009/10 and Runner up in 2010/11. To add to her record in 2009/10 Barbara was Yarra Region Champion. To fill in some time, her involvement in catering for the Easter Tournament spanned ten years. After such an illustrious track record, being a member of Montmorency, Barbara was honoured as a LIFE MEMBER in 2009. It is not over, surely we will come across Barbara at our club, maybe playing socially or an emergency in pennant, and most definitely, as a spectator as she supports the Monty teams in the future.