This same week last year, we were reeling with the news of COVID-19 restrictions ceasing all our activities. A year on and we’re back and celebrating! Eighteen wee bairns kicked up their green heels in a grand manner for Tuesday’s St Patrick’s Day social bowls. The verdant-hatted spider had all the gals vying for that pot of gold, with Jan skipping off with the green goodies.

Magic didn’t happen for Beth Thomas, Eileen Bradley and Joan Simpson on Rink 10, as they went down to the lively team of Betsy Johnstone, Wendy Hendry and Kim Evans, still smiling with Irish eyes after scoring a 7 on one end. Valmai Westcott, Kay Craft and Brenda Davies took yonks to build a score and tried to hide in the clover on Rink 11 after their minor loss against Kerrie Nutley, Gwenda Carty and Maree Grant. Helen Heraghty, Merilyn Rodgers and Rhona Went used up all their allotted wishes in their game vs Hilda McPherson, Di Howell and Jan McPhee on Rink 9. The tricksters in team McPhee took the win.

To play social bowls call the club on 6862 1446, between 8:30 to 9am. Play commences at 9:30am. Good luck to our four contenders travelling to Orange to play in the District Singles on Tuesday.

Have you ever heard someone utter: “bowls isn’t exercise”? Apart from walking over 4,000 steps during a morning of bowls, it has been proven that many muscle groups get a workout – biceps, shoulders, abs are all well-used, but one of our club experts has proven that glutes do the majority of the work!

With wide smiles of anticipation, 26 young ladies donned their workout gear and hit the mats for their weekly session on Tuesday.

On mat 18, Cherie Frame/Liz Byrne, still fresh from their recent state representation, proved too fit for Marja Iffland/Heather Harvey.

Mat 15 was witness to a great wrestle. The difference in score was only one point as Kay Craft/Hilda McPherson/Di Howell flexed their muscles against Chris Curteis/Chris Cox/Maureen Miller. Sweat dripped and the heart rate quickened as Team Miller gained the advantage over the last 5 ends to draw level, and then win the tussle.

The action on mat 16 proved that tried and true muscles work longer with better results. Joan Simpson teamed with Gwenda Carty/Laurie Keane demonstrating to their opposition how it’s done, rising to success over Lynn Ryan/Eileen Bradley/Kim Evans.

The physical exertion continued on mat 17, where Jan McPhee and Rhona Went limbered up against Brenda Davies and Robyn Morgan. Team Went scored a run of winning ends which pushed up their score to an unbeatable high.

Finally, on mat 19, Fran Dixon/Carol Reed/Rosemary Mitchell set the pace in their game, winning 9 ends to 7 against Helen Heraghty/Merilyn Rodgers/Lorraine Baker.

By Lea Orr

The weatherman is certainly doing the right thing for our bowls days. What a spectacular morning on Tuesday, for beginners and state players alike, enjoying the sunshine! A total of 25 keen ladies hit the green, in its usual perfect condition – thank you guys!

Over on Rink 9, fresh back from state playoffs, Maree Grant led her team of Merilyn Rodgers/Di Howell/Fran Dixon to victory over the very able line-up of Jan McPhee/Betsy Johnstone/Brenda Davies/Joan Simpson.

On Rink 11, a closer matchup between Marja Iffland/Carol Reed/Lynn Ryan/Heather Harvey versus Rosemary Mitchell/Chris Cox/Lorraine Baker/Robyn Morgan saw the lead see-saw back and forth, with Team Harvey taking the win after their initial slow start.

In a game of low-scoring pairs on Rink 12, Kerrie Nutley and Valmai Westcott were too strong for Jean Kennedy and June Burgess.

Anne Wright/Kay Craft/Chris Curteis were no match for a fresh Eileen Bradley, playing for two and playing a blinder of a game, and Maureen Baillie on Rink 10.

Good to see our new member, Kerrie, taking the winner’s purse, along with partner, Valmai. Chris Curteis, Carol and Lorraine departed the club smiling after cashing out in the 100’s club.

Apparently, there’s a young chickie in the club who is now placing a “6” in front of her age! And about time too! I didn’t know bowlers could be that young! Wish I was there for the celebrations, no doubt quiet and low-key – like yourself! Happy new decade, Maree! What a week it’s been!

Congratulations to both our state playoff teams for doing our club proud during the week at Malua Bay. Congratulations Ma-ree Grant/Tom Casey and Cherie Frame/Gwenda Carty/Liz Byrne/Rhona Went for achieving what the rest of us only dream of – fantastic effort!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, 16th Feb, please ring Gwenda or Rhona on 6862 1446, between 8:30 – 9am, with play to commence at 9:30am. Social Roster: June Burgess.

Well, that’s a wrap – and what a fabulous final day on our bowls calendar! All members enjoyed a friendly, fun day of Irish bowls, a delicious lunch, a glass or two of Christmas cheer, presentations and free entertainment in the best company! While we enjoy our break, not so for our gallant ground control. The work goes on, with top-dressing of both greens on the program. Thank you, all the team, and volunteers, for preparing perfect greens each week.

MAJOR WINNERS THIS YEAR:
• Singles: Liz Byrne
• Pairs: Heather Harvey and Maree Grant
• Triples: Maureen Miller, Joan Simpson and Heather Harvey
• Fours: Di Howell, Merilyn Rodgers, Lea Orr and Maree Grant

MINOR WINNERS:
• Singles: Jan McPhee
• Pairs: Di Howell and Maureen Miller
• Most Improved (sponsored by Parkes Newsagency): Kay Craft

We are back on 18th January 2021 for our next social bowls day. Committee members wish you a Merry Christmas and safe holidays! We all utter a hasty farewell to 2020 and look toward brighter and better things in the new year!

By Lea Orr

The Parkes Bowling and Sports Club cel- ebrated this week ahead of its 100th anniversary program when the women’s bowling team qualified for the state championships next year.

Gwenda Carty, Cherie Frame, Rhona Went and Liz Byrne easily won their away match in the regional fours to become zone champions! This win also meant the fabulous four move on to the state play-offs. Congratulations!

This weekend will see our huge 100th anniversary celebrations. Tomorrow, 14th November there will be social bowls, and top-level spectator bowls as seven Parkes teams will meet seven invitational teams. The final is set for 6:30pm.

On Sunday all bowlers and visitors are invited to play at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm or all day! The fee is $15 and includes fees, hopefully a bowls shirt, BBQ and raffle! Put your name down at the bar. Tom’s “100 shirts for 100 years” has almost reached its goal! Dev’s Kitchen bistro will be open for meals.

On 24th November is our social bowls in Christmas mufti dress and Christmas- themed trading table! Yet another day of fun and frivolity!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, ring Jan/Marja on 6862 1446 between 8.30am to 9am. Social roster: Rosemary Mitchell.

By Lea Orr

A bonza day dawned on Tuesday and 32 bizarre and brightly dressed bowlers were out in force for the President’s Day Mini Carnival. The poor old spider was bowled over as we scrambled to land our bowls closest to him. June and Merilyn blitzed the field and bagged the prizes!

Start of play had us all befuddled as we had to deliver our first three bowls with our non-favoured hand. Winners on the day were Frances Charlton and Jan McPhee in those breath-taking fishnet stockings! Had us all green with envy.

Our thanks to Mick Craft for your sponsorship, and to the ground control blokes for preparing the greens so beautifully, especially after the bountiful rain!

By Lea Orr

Thirty ladies rocked up to play, mark or umpire our fancied sport on a perfect spring- time morning this week.

The first round of the Minor Singles saw Carol Reed defeat Laurie Keane, 25-17. Lorraine Baker defeated Lynn Ryan, 25-21, and Jan McPhee defeated Maureen Miller, 25-20.

The next round will see Carol play Jan on Tuesday, with the winner to play Lorraine in the final.

Any old bowls uniforms will be gladly accepted by the committee to be sent to people less fortunate.

Membership fees are due by the end of the month: $89 pens, $109 full, payable at the bar, cards accepted.

Twilight Bowls Competition has begun on Thursday nights. Make up a team of 3 and join from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Nominations for Minor Pairs are now open. Nominations close 3rd November.

President’s Day Mini Carnival is on 27th October. Mufti dress is Bright & Bizarre! Nominate by Tuesday, 20th.

Special date: the weekend of 14/15 Nov is the club’s 100th Anniversary! Sensational spectator bowls on the Saturday as our men contend with invited teams! Bowls for everyone on Sunday.

By Lea Orr