Bowls Ahead

President’s Message

Members of the Asquith B.C. were saddened by the announcement that Reg Jackson, a long standing member of our club, passed away on 7 April 2010. Reg was known throughout the bowling fraternity as the bowler who skipped for bowling legend and Life Member of the Asquith B.C. Bob King when they won many major pairs tournaments throughout N.S.W.

Bob King’s Achievement Board, proudly displayed in the club’s auditorium, was designed and built by Reg Jackson, so that the achievements of his friend would be recorded for posterity. Now that Reg has passed on, the Achievement Board, with Reg’s name inscribed next to Bob’s is a fitting reminder of the significant role Reg played when competing in and winning major tournaments with Bob King.

I will be writing to Reg’s son Peter, a member of our club, to express our sympathy to the Jackson family about Reg’s passing.

Asquith Probus Bowls Day, held at the Asquith B.C. on Monday 12 April 2010, was an outstanding success. With bowlers from the various Probus Clubs throughout Sydney’s northern suburbs participating, all three greens were filled to capacity.

Because the sport of bowls generates a feeling of goodwill and good fellowship, which is comparable to the spirit of the Probus fraternity, the annual Probus day is always a popular event. Ted Black, Bowls Coordinator for the Asquith Probus, together with fellow Probus members Alf Manuelle and Doug Taylor, combined to control the day’s activities.

Ken Longley, one of the most respected members of our club, who moved to the Central Coast some years ago, passed away on Friday, 9 April 2010. Besides being an excellent bowler, he was an outstanding cricketer, having played for Northern District Cricket Club. His funeral was held at the Central Coast on Thursday, 15 April 2010.

Zone 9 bowler, Arthur Rayner has recorded his 38th consecutive year as an umpire, which reflects his dedication and commitment to the sport of lawn bowls. At various stages during Arthur’s time as an umpire, he was a member of Hornsby, Turramurra and Asquith B.C.’s.

The final of Asquith B.C.’s blue ribbon event, the major singles championship, was won by Shawn Thompson, who defeated John Campton 31-26.

Shawn, a young man in his early 30’s, has represented N.S.W., on 33 occasions, while John at the age of 21, is on the threshold of an exciting future. This is reflected in his outstanding achievements since joining the senior ranks. Both bowlers performing at their peak played all the shots in their repertoire with confidence and dexterity. The gallery, which included long serving members of the Asquith B.C. described the game as one of the best they had ever witnessed.

With winter approaching and a number of bowlers enquiring about club shirts, an order has been placed with A.S.J. Apparel P/L. for 40 shirts.

Asquith’s 60th Birthday will be upon us very shortly. If you have not already received a schedule of events in the mail, you will do so shortly.

The main focus will be on the 3rd and 4th of July, with the official dinner on Saturday 3rd and the “Back to Asquith Day” to be held on Sunday 4th July.

This is an important milestone in the history of Asquith Bowling & Recreation Club Ltd. and we are asking you to give the celebrations your utmost support.

The “Back to Asquith” celebrations on Sunday 4th July will not apply only to bowlers, so if you know any bowlers or non bowlers who we can contact, please give their name and address to Secretary Manger, Mary Houghton, so that she may provide them with details about the events planned.

Your 60th Anniversary Committee has worked tirelessly to make the celebrations a huge success. Any help you can provide us with to contact our previous members, will be greatly appreciated.

Happy Bowling

Don Wall.