Twenty Three Years Ago.
February.
The 2002 – 3 season marked 75 years in the life of the Elmwood Bowling Club. Most members hadn’t even been around that long, those who had were proud about it, but tended to keep quiet about it!
How it all began
The bowling green was on our present No 2 green and the first few years involved getting the greens put down and raising some sort of shelter for a clubhouse. There are photographs of those early days.
One club or many members?
We tend to talk about the club as a single entity. We don’t often see it as a collection of individuals.
But whatever happens in a club has to be thought of by somebody. Good ideas don’t spout up in committees, an individual on the committee thinks of it and then talks the other members into it.
A bunch of individuals!
Somebody thought about starting a bowling club in 1927. He told some of his friends. They agreed. The Elmwood Bowling Club was formed! Somebody approached the Christchurch City Council and the club got the right to start up in Elmwood Park. Somebody knew how to bowl so he taught the others.
Somebody knew how to organise games, so he became the convenor of the match committee! And somebody could count money, so he became the treasurer. And so it was with the secretary, the catering officer, the greenkeeper, the garden convenor and the pavilion custodian
We salute these men. They gave us a good club and good greens. But there are a few things we should remember, too, before we elevate them to sainthood!
Most of them could do a reasonably good job in their particular role in the club. Some were outstanding. Many were probably mediocre. But they were all volunteers, who did the best they could. In fact, they were the best ones available to do the job at the time!
Different talents were required at different times.
With increased competition, coaches became important; good ones were available, the club performed well, a new green was needed, greenkeeping skills were needed.
The club grew, progressed and its players performed well from time to time. Members helped one another out in various ways, and loyalty and trust meant that lack of perfection was tolerated.
The more it changes, the more it is the same!
Over 75 years, the club has always tried to give the members what they want and that is something that changes with time. A second green was added. A new clubhouse was built and the old one carted away. A mass of effort and talent went into the fundraising for the new facilities. Some other things might have suffered but the club carried on and grew.
Winter bowls thrived in the new dining room, and the bar and social amenities were appropriate for the sort of men’s club that was the norm in the sixties and seventies.
Times changed. Numbers of all men’s clubs declined. New skills were needed to develop a new sort of club for the 21st century. We became an amalgamated club. The transition was done smoothly and became a model for other clubs to follow later.
The amalgamated club called for new emphasis. Locker rooms were provided for all members and existing locker rooms were upgraded. Toilet facilities were updated in the clubhouse and no 2 green. Someone thought of a barbecue, someone else thought of a pie warmer. A new kitchen was added. And all the while the greens were maintained and improved, the clubhouse and surrounds were painted.
And so it goes on
Many older members will remember the comfortable, congenial and viable gentlemen’s social and sports club that was a feature in the sixties and seventies. That was what bowling clubs were meant to be like in those days. It served the members well.
We now see a lively amalgamated club, with men and women sharing the amenities and club times equally, with a common programme and committee structure. All can share in the running of the club as players, committee members, managers or specific job holders.
Where once Her Royal Highness Elizabeth 2 and the Duke of Edinburgh stared down on all comers we now have a white board recording important announcements and forewarning of events and activities still to come.
And someone thought of buying a sandwich maker to go in the kitchen. Good! After 75 years, things are still the same.
Sixteen Years Ago.
6 – 2 – 10
In one of their better performances the Manning Cup teams won four of their games including one by default against Christchurch Richmond. This was a most disappointing episode as St. Albans-Merivale offered to supply a player so at least some bowls could be played. The offer was declined so one team had no game at all.
The end of an era. In the men’s fours championship final was won by the Brian Walsh four against Brian Ware who was attempting to win his eighth consecutive title. The Walsh four only gained the lead in the 12th end and consistent leading by Mick Tarling led the way for a very hard fought victory. Twice Walsh was holding 5 shots but superb driving by Brian Ware won those ends. Consistent front play by Mick Tarling and Murray Scott in the last part of the game kept the pressure on and Allan Reid and Brian Walsh put the icing on the cake!
The Brian Ware Record
Are you aware of the wonderful record Brian Ware forged in the St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club? Up until today he had 28 titles including 8 consecutive singles titles and 7 consecutive fours titles. He finished with 31. Add to this the three years he had won each of the four titles; fours, triples, pairs and singles, a record that must make Brian one of the club’s most successful bowlers.
2002 – 3 B. Ware, P. Anning, M. Scott, R. Gleeson.
2003 – 4 B. Ware, M. Scott, J. Hampton, W. Whiting.
2004 – 5 R. Ware, B. Ware, W. Whiting, R. Gleeson.
2005 – 6 R. Ware, B. Ware, L. Mason, W. Whiting.
2006 – 7 R. Ware, B. Ware, L. Mason, W. Whiting.
2007 – 8 R. Ware, B. Ware, W. Whiting, M. Sullivan.
2008 – 9 R. Ware, B. Ware, W. Whiting, M. Young.
Fourteen Years Ago.
7 – 2 – 12
St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club Retains The Silver Award, February 7, 2012.
Bowls NZ is pleased to advise that in a recent re-assessment the St Albans-Merivale Bowling Club retained its Silver ClubCheck Award which is valid until 28 February 2014.
ClubCheck is Bowls NZ’s best practice club assessment tool designed to improve club capability and sustainability. Its scope covers all aspects of the club’s operations including planning and implementation, financial management, volunteer management, community involvement, on green activities and off green operating processes.
ClubCheck assessments are conducted by an external assessor and successful clubs can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards which are valid for a two year period before revalidation is required.
Bowls NZ can commend the St Albans-Merivale Bowling Club to funders and sponsors seeking to direct their support to clubs which are operating efficiently and effectively, and delivering a positive sporting experience to the community.
ClubCheck Silver Award
Congratulations to your club on retaining its ClubCheck Silver Award rating.
I am pleased that your club is continuing to provide the necessary leadership and focus on its ongoing viability and sustainability. The Silver Award denotes an advanced level of club system development and implementation. The willingness of your club to continually seek ways of doing things better and preparedness to make the effort to manage your club as well as you can in the face of ongoing challenges is to be commended.
Your Silver Award remains valid for two years, effective from the date on your certificate. During that time you may use the ClubCheck Silver logo on your official stationery.
As a committed Bowls NZ Partner Club I look forward to assisting your club towards achieving the ClubCheck Gold award in the coming months.
Kind regards
Vince Roper
9 – 2 – 12
The annual Oakey Kitty games were held today. Seven fours games were played and it ended up in a win for Elmwood 97 – 93, one of the closest tussles for some time. The two successful SAM skips, Allan Reid and Doreen Orange.
Originally the kitty was donated for an annual match with the Victoria Club of Wellington in 1924 but the depression in 1933 halted the games with Wellington.
The Oakey Kitty originated in 1933 when H. B. Oakey resigned from the St. Albans Club and agreed that a “Silver Kitty” Trophy be used for an annual match against Elmwood Club. The first tournament was played in 1934 and was won by Elmwood. H. B. Oakey joined the St. Albans Club in 1909 becoming a committee member in 1916. He became president in 1922. He also was club delegate to the Canterbury Centre where he was its president in 1926 and Dominion President five years later. Not only was he a very able administrator he was a great bowler winning many club titles and two Champion of Champion titles, singles in 1923 and fours in 1929.
The Oakey Kitty was an aggregate competition and this year Elmwood won it for the fifth consecutive time. St. Albans-Merivale’s last win was in 2007. Winning SAM teams:
D. Orange J. Kirkbride A. McAllister D. White
A. Reid B. Barker J. Smith J. Dunn
Thirteen Years Ago.
9 – 2 – 13
From the club newsletter, No 6, February 2013.
The agenda at the last executive meeting included a presentation of our club’s proposal for a club development officer, the position which Mick Tarling has recently resigned from. It was viewed as very important that club continue to develop this role to the high standard that Mick has achieved over the years.
We have all heard the expression that no one is indispensible. This is true but it is also true that some people are extremely hard to replace.
Mick is one of these. What an incredible job he has done as development officer especially in the running and organizing the twilight bowls and the corporate events, both of which have increased the club’s financial stocks. He has worked very hard at these and their successes can in no small part be attributed to him.
Last financial year, hall hire, excluding Curves, twilight bowls, corporate bowls and other non official club functions made a net contribution of $7,394, excluding bar takings, for the club. A significant sum and Mick played a major role in this.
In the club’s strategic plan the increase of members was identified as a key action. The club did get 17 new members, a good result, but this has to be continued to ensure our future viability and justify the retention of two greens.
Given the absence of members willing or indeed able to continue Mick’s excellent work the executive has decided to get outside assistance and employ a part time development officer who would be contracted to the club.
A job description would be prepared and set out, the main tasks to be to increase our membership and the number of people playing social bowls.
The editor commends the executive, especially Alan MacDonald, in coming up with this idea. It deserved success.
The future of the St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club may well depend on its success!!!
Ten Years Ago.
5 – 2 – 16
Confusion reigned. Continuing a location problem when members turned up to play at St. Albans-Merivale instead of St. Albans Park. It occurred several times over the past few years but this one would be hard to beat, Building inspectors turned up and inspected the St. Albans-Merivale clubrooms instead of St. Albans Park.
Six Years Ago.
Finals Weekend. 1 & 2 – 2 – 20
Elmwood Park showed its over-all club strength by the fact that 10 teams were involved in finals.
Sevens in action.
A mixed day for the 7s. A convincing win to the men who really did play well in defeating Papanui Club.
Singles: K. Scott 21-14 Pairs: N. Glasson 15-9 Fours: L. Pascoe 21-4
The women lost to Burnside.
Singles: C. Kibblewhite 7 – 21 Pairs: B. Morel 7 – 25 Fours; M. Boyd 14 – 11
In a very close encounter Rod Greaney, Steve Ditfort and Ian Rule defeated John Mears, David Vujcich and Liam Eathorne in an all Elmwood Park triples final. 15 – 13. Congratulations to Rod Greaney who achieved a gold star. Well done.
Runners Up: Rod Greaney, Steve Ditfort, Ian Rule and Liam Eathorne to Burnside in the men’s fours, 7 – 17
Runners Up: Bev Morel, Jan Shirley, Sherrie Cottle and Tania Woodham to Redcliffs-Mt. Pleasant in the women’s fours, 15 – 16.
Runners Up: Chris Kibblewhite and Fiona Frew in the women’s pairs to Burnside, 14 – 15. This went to an extra end with Chris and Fiona holding 3 shots. Tayla Bruce played a bomb and the jack pinged forward instead of the usual backwards movement.
Winner: Mandy Boyd who defeated Rebecca Jelfs, Canterbury 2017, in the singles, 21 – 18.
Runners Up: Neil Johnstone and Mary Ann Johnstone to Christchurch, 10 – 11
Runner Up: Rod Greaney to Joseph van der Pennen, Bowls Papanui, in the singles, 10 – 21.
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Well done to all the finalists, you have done the club proud.
6 – 2 – 20
The President’s Triples were held today in warm but breezy conditions on a superb green. 42 players participated in a great afternoon of bowls, three bowl triples, three games of seven ends.
Welcome and instructions.
Action.
Results:
1] R. Hooper B. Fergusson S. Clements
2] A. Reid B. Barkle V. Maunsell
3] K. Nicholson L. Vujcich C. Stevens
Well done to the Ray Hooper team who were the only three winners on the day.
The winners.
Special thanks go to the Bowls3Five Elmwood Saints who generously donated some of their prize money for prizes and refreshments. Thanks guys.
3 – 2 – 20
MuzzaWeb understands this is the first time a woman has played for an Elmwood/Elmwood Park team in the Edwards Cup when Pam was called in as a late replacement. And didn’t she do well? The only EP Blue team to win.
.
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recent comments from the Canterbury medical officer of health made this decision a sensible one,.
Three Years Ago.
1 – 4 – 23
Not having much luck with the President’s Triples. 2nd postponement.
14 – 4 – 23 President’s Triples.
Third time lucky. A small field of 24 players played for the President’s Trophy today in fine if cool weather.
1st. N. Johnstone P. Smith G. Edlin
One Year Ago
2 – 2 – 24
From the strange but true story book! Have you ever heard of a qualifying team that advanced through to post section play by playing only one game? And a defeat too. Well it happened to Kim Rowlands & Ray Hooper in the Centre O60s pairs. Game one and three they won by default. I bet that hasn’t happened too often!
Waitangi Weekend.
Several Elmwood Park members were involved in the Super Sixes this weekend, Jan Shirley, Nylla Tamati, Tania Woodham, Fiona Frew, Kim Rowlands, Liam Eathorne, Nathan Glasson and Kelvin Scott.
**Unavailable due to international commitments Lance Pascoe.
Lance Pascoe was involved in the Trans Tasman test held at the Naenae Bowling Club, Wellington, on 2, 3, 4 February. He played in the triples and fours.
Emily Belton had a support role.
One 24 – 2 – 25
Hosting the nationals, mixed pairs, section 12.
Home track advantage. Three wins.
No complaints about the green either.
20 – 2 – 25
Hosting the nationals, men’s fours, section 2.
Sam Tolchard in action. A three winner. 2022 world champion. The English men’s singles champion beat Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple 3-2 in a dramatic tie-breaker to win his first major international bowls title.
Lachie and Jordan McLean, 9 and 12, skipped by Dad Brent, played well today and were not out of place at all.
What a great occurrence.
Many positive comments about the green today. Well done Kelvin.
Well done also to the kitchen ladies for their great work. David too.
