Tea Gardens Women’s Bowling Club

By Lily SMITH

Tuesday, 5 July: On a cold wintery day there were 20 players who braved the elements today for a game of bowls.

The format was two games of fours and one game of triples.

The winners for the day with the highest score, were; Kathie Stone, Merle Sargeant, Bev Stephens and Liz Kelly.

Wednesday, 6 July: The Tea Gardens Women’s Bowling Club held their Annual General Meeting today with a good attendance of 42 members.

Each member of the Executive Committee presented their reports for the year 2015/2016 as did the Chairpersons from the Match, Selection and Social Committees.

There were a few emotionally charged moments as outgoing President Sandra Leisemann congratulated her Committee for the wonderful help and consideration she received during her 3 year reign.

Stalwart club member and long-serving Secretary, Vicki Rankin, was not seeking re-election. She was especially thanked and praised by Sandra for her 7 years dedicated service in the position.

Tears were not far away when Vicki replied to Sandra’s remarks and several Club members had their hankies out.

I feel sure that Sandra had mixed emotions as she handed over the Chair to Past-President, Lynne Humphries to conduct the remainder of the meeting.

Lynne praised both Sandra and Vicki for their wonderful efforts on behalf of the Club as well as Merle Sargeant who was standing down as Treasurer.

Nominees for most positions were unopposed and Lynne then called upon the members of the new Executive Committee to receive their badges of office.

These were as follows:-

President, Robyn Webster, Vice Presidents; Margaret Smith and Kerry Faber,(absent),  Secretary, Karen McPhie,  and Treasurer , Jan Kuzmic.

This year, the Match and Selection Committee have been combined and now has seven members.

The new Committee will include:-

Karen Green,(Chairperson), Deyonne Page, Maynie Roberts, Bev Stephens, Loretta baker, Liz Kelly and Merle Sargeant.

The new Social Committee will comprise:-

Wendy Jones (Chairperson), Sheril Johnson and Francis Betar.

The retiring Publicity Officer, Lily Smith will be replaced by Lynda Richards.

Vicki Rankin and Margaret Smith will continue on as local delegates to the Newcastle District Women’s Bowling Association.

Margaret Smith will remain as Club Welfare Officer.

The meeting paid tribute to retiring Club Historian, Fay Giggins.

Due to health problems, Fay can no longer bowl and has decided to retire from the sport.

Fay has been a staunch supporter of our Club since joining in 1996, and

held the position of Secretary for 8 years.

Fay, you will be missed!

Liz Kelly will replace Fay as Club Historian.

New President Robyn Webster welcomed her new team and congratulated them on their new positions.

The Meeting seemed to be enjoyed by everyone,. (tears and all ).

Thursday, 7 July: No Bowls today, rain stopped play.