Well, we have another bowling season under way and a very significant one it is too. The Beach Haven Bowling Club was inaugurated in March 1993, making this season our 30th Anniversary Year. In our tradition of never letting a chance go by we celebrated the day in style with one of the best Opening Day attendances we have ever had, with over 50 Members and Guests attending what became a very enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine at The Haven.
Before commencing his welcome, President Roy acknowledged the passing of two Club stalwarts we have lost during the winter. Founder Member & Life Member Gwen Eady, who played a huge part in the early days of the Club and, apart from her general involvement, was its Treasurer for many years. We also remembered Founder Member Pam Bostock, an accomplished bowler who had not enjoyed good health for a number of years. This did not dampen her love of the game - to the extent that she played in last year’s successful Ladies Club Championship 4s team. Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of both Gwen and Pam.
Our VIP Guests comprised our Patron, Glen Carpenter & our Sponsors - Regan Golding (Ray White RE), Phil Agent (RSA Birkenhead), Mark Brittendon (New World Birkenhead), and Teresa Burns (Teresa Burns Hearing). We welcomed Neil Connell (BNH Vice President) and Keith Rolton (VP Sunnybrae BC) and Sandy Cleghorn (Birkenhead BC) and also our MP for Northcote, Shannon Halbert and Andrew Shaw representing the Kaipatiki Local Board of Auckland CC. Dan Bidois, a long-time Friend of the Club also joined us the day.
As part of the Anniversary Celebrations, we launched our new Club Playing shirts, complete with distinctive sponsorship logos from Birkenhead RSA, CLL and New World Birkenhead. As President Roy said on the day, our sincere thanks go to all three sponsors, without whom we would not have been able to provide such distinctive Club Uniforms - which are already being snapped up. Unfortunately Terry Donnelly from CLL, who has been a huge support for the club over 20+ years, could not be with us.
Many of our Members have spent a lot of time at the Club during the winter on a number of minor and major projects, all intended to provide improved Clubhouse facilities and grounds. This endeavour has resulted in an “A” Class Classification for our Green (International Standard), manicured gardens, air-conditioning and Sky TV for the lounge and a revamped bar – which saw some serious action for the first time on Saturday. We are particularly delighted with the Green Classification, as this will draw Tournaments from the Centre and possibly National programme organisers, providing our members and visitors an opportunity to see some of New Zealand’s top players in action on our green. Our thanks go to our Greenkeeper Brendan Kelly and Green Superintendent, Mo Pita for their sterling efforts.
The attached images are of Carole Simmonds, a long-serving Member of the Club, delivering the Ceremonial First Jack of the season, Mark Jakich, the first bowl (closely watched by President Roy, Carole and John Croy) and a view of members enjoying President Roy’s Welcome Address. Perhaps the relaxed atmosphere of the day is best captured in the shot of Rick Markovina being closely watched by “Uncle” Arthur Dewar when updating the scoreboard!
Wishing all Members of the Club and those of all our sister Clubs, a safe and enjoyable season.
Regards, The Badger
