RVBA President's Report

Welcome to the 2008/9 season, this being my first year as President has started reasonably smoothly thanks to our part President Don Woodall and his committee.

Welcome back to all travellers, who have enjoyed the winter months up north, and some that have spent time overseas visiting relatives and friends. Nice to see you all back fit and well for another exciting season of bowling. Unfortunately some of our members have not been well and had to endure some time in hospital along with others who have had injury operations.

Unfortunately we have lost some members from last year to other clubs, and some have just retired from the game of bowls and we wish them all the best for the future. We have also had a number of new members join us from other clubs and some taking up bowls for the first time. We welcome them to Berwick and hope that they have a long and enjoyable time here.

Our winter bowls program was well attended and we did not miss too many days due to poor weather. Many thanks to our tournament committee led by Ed Turner, who has done an excellent job in his first year as chairman of this committee. Congratulations Ed and your committee.

With the start of the new season upon us, we again have 7 teams entered (1 in division one, 2 in division 2, 1 in division three, 1 in division four, and 2 in division six) Our selectors once again under the chairmanship of Doug Fisher will be out looking at all bowlers during the September practise matches, both inter and intra club as well as at Thursday night practise. I ask that all players co-operate with the selectors as they are doing their best to select the right teams for the Berwick Bowling Club to achieve great results in trying to make Berwick a premier bowling club. If you encounter any problems with selection during the season, please see Doug or one of the selectors and I am sure they will be able to assist you.

Remember if you are happy in your bowls, you will enjoy them and bowl better and if you are unhappy then tell us.

Please remember that our coaches under Coaching Co-ordinator Les Herring are there to help all bowlers, so don't be afraid to ask anyone of them foe advise. Les will also be running a skills session of a Tuesday night from 3.30 PM until 5.30 PM which is available to all members. If the time does not suit, please see Les and he will arrange a suitable time for you.

At the opening of our season it was very gratifying to hear so many positive comments on the condition of the greens, particular greens 1 and 2. Congratulations to our greens keeper Mark Walker and his team for the work they have put in. The board has decided to postpone the replacement of green 2 this year. Green 3 will be available for the start of pennant, and green 4, our synthetic is also in very good condition and will be available right through the season.

I must also congratulate our gardening crew led by Kevin Fewster who have done a wonderful job over the winter period and now have our surrounds looking very nice. Thank you Kevin and your crew.

Remember, that to keep our fees to a minimum and maintain our greens, clubhouse and surrounds we must all hop in and do our share; remember it is your club.

Have a great season and good bowling.

 

Len Preece - President