Its been a great season for bowls. The green has been in immaculate order so we can’t blame the green for playing poor bowls. Our feed back from our sister clubs in regard to our green has been very complimentary. The person who must take the credit for that is Raffie, who is our dedicated greenkeeper whose hours has its just rewards.  I am sure he is pleased with his efforts.

I would like to thank the match committee for their sterling work in getting the club championships finished in good time. Thanks to Matt Mowat and his team.

I would also like to make a comment to all our members to make sure that you read the notice boards for information for all club champs, interclub, social etc. This will help the match committee, the tournament committee and the selectors.

I would also like to thank all those who attended working bees. Much appreciated. Also all those who helped on tournament days, setting the green out and putting things away after. Ah nearly forgot – our band of men who man our roller – very essential – well done.

A big thank you must go to our ladies in the kitchen for their contributions, Morag, Sharron and Gwyneth plus other helpers who hop in and give a hand when needed. Our tournament lady Yvonne Haase, who does a great job for us. Some one told me they saw a man in the kitchen – I wonder who that was – GK  is the rumor.

I must mention one of our biggest efforts is our league bowls plus the most rewards for our club financially.  Well done to Matt Clinton, Sharron, who front up every Tuesday night.  Clint and his helpers in the bar and Raffles.  A tremendous effort and a big thank you.

Arch for his work around the green and his mechanical skills which will save the club a few dollars in expenses. They tell me you may be sitting for Council next election? Parks and Reserves I believe.

The selectors for their input – you have done a great job. It isn’t always easy but you have managed it well. Thanks to Gerry, Brian, Clinton and Christine.

Our Club Captain Bob Davies for his organizing good midweek rollups which have been very popular. Well done Bob. Keep the chocolate bars and veges going.

I would like to express my views on the new format in running the club. I thought the board worked very well, a few things to be looked at but it was our first year. A learning one. The first club in our centre to operate as a board - 9 out of 10 for having a go.  My thanks to the board for their contributions.

Again I can’t write this report without saying what a learned gentleman we have as our Secretary, Treasurer and scribe. A must for any successful club, a tiger for any field of work in administration. Thanks Fred for interesting newsletters, we all look forward to them.

I mentioned last year the spirit and moral of the club, in my estimation it is even better this year, so that has to be a good sign for the club.  It reflects in the new members joining our club, bowling wise they like to compete at all levels. I welcome our new members to our club and I know they will fit in and help the club become stronger.  Good luck with your bowls.

It is time for congratulations for all our club champ winners, there were some hard fought games very evenly contested.  Also congratulations are in order for our men and women being selected for representative games. 

I would like to make special mention of our lady member Gwyneth for her work around the green. To mention a few, painting of the chairs, rubbish tins, ashtrays and seating. Much appreciated.   Graham Rout for his jobs around the club, Gerald Keats and Kevin Wilkinson, This is a big thank you to all our members, to many to mention but have helped in one way or another around the club.  

Some of our members have had ups and downs with sickness during the season to name a few, Matt and Audrey, doing well, Alan Ashby, well on the way back, Rex Brinkhurst, back to form, Gerry is positive too Morag back to her cherry self, Brian Redditt, who hopes to be at the closing, Sharron, recovered well, Brian Small, doing well and Judy Keats who suffered Sharron’s eye problem too, and is now doing well also.

A speedy recovery to you all and see you all on the green.

This year it is going to happen – history is to be made with the Nelson Bowling Club (1888 – 2008) installing our first woman president, Sharron Sowman, I was walking up and down our club rooms the other day and I was looking up at our first president, and I said to him you know, we are installing our first woman president on 4 May 2008, well I thought I saw his eyes flicker, I don’t know if it was shock or approval so to be safe I told him that’s what progress does although its taken 120 years so Sharron, next time you are down that end of the club, look up and have a word with him, I am sure he would like that. Good luck Sharron with your term and keep the ship “steady as she goes” .

Another history making event that has occurred, is that of our famous, or should that be infamous “Wrong Bias Pig” , they tell me he is putting on condition rather fast – a good fun fund raising jester and the spoils will be put to good use later on I am sure.

I have been privileged to have been president in such a historic year, 120 years old and the first woman president installed, I hope I have covered most of the field but if I haven’t I apologise to those concerned.

My best wishes to all club members for the future and I’ll see you on the green next year.

N O Timms – President.

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