The latest Thriive event hosted by the business culture specialists at Shiift last Thursday night was a huge success and took attendees on a deep dive into the personality traits of introverts and extroverts.

This informative and lively workshop showed how our differences are our strengths by explaining the underlying biology of extroverts and introverts.

While extroverts thrive in a noisier, action-orientated environment, introverts prefer smaller groups, and a calmer, quiet atmosphere.

This explains why some people prefer not to attend parties or seek refuge in a quiet corner, while others are pumped and spinning around the room fueled by the energy.

We are all different, and by learning about the two personality types, attendees were able to get an insight into how the other operates.

They were also given tools and tricks on how to create the most positive relationships with those that are opposite to themselves, bringing out the best in every situation.

While extroverts enjoy speaking and discussing their thoughts and feelings (often a little too much!), introverts prefer inner reflection and the internal world of thoughts to resolve an issue.

Knowing this, it is easy to see how many workplaces can experience conflict or sometimes miss out on the wisdom of an introvert because the extroverts are talking too much.

Within both personality types there are positive traits.

Introverts listen, observe, focus, speak thoughtfully, take in the details and lead side by side.

Meanwhile, extroverts motivate with their energy, communicate, connect, lead out in front, speak up for others, engage and entertain.

At the close of the workshop, attendees were left with one main question to contemplate.

How can you change your communication style and environments now that you understand the difference?

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Caption: Kylie Forgione (extrovert) and Alita De Brincat (introvert) from Shiift. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Tourism Whitsundays is a dynamic and forward-thinking company that drives the marketing of our region, promoting local tourism and actively bringing holidaymakers from around Australia and the world, to the Whitsundays. 
 
While we know what they do outside of the region, there is still a lot of dedicated work happening right here in the Whitsundays. 
 
To showcase the local team and share how connected they are to local tourism, we are starting a new monthly segment called ‘Out and About’. 
 
In the feature, Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays will invite you along with her as she takes trips around the region and shares her experiences with you. 
 
Her most recent visits included “The Coal Face Experience” in Collinsville, stopping at Pit Pony Tavern for some delicious chilli mango prawns, a tour with a local eco-nature guide from Driftwood Tours, exploring local history and lastly, visiting Frog Beach Café, having an inspiring chat with owner Naomi about her business success.  
 
Make sure to keep an eye on the Tourism Whitsundays Facebook page to stay updated on their next Out and About event. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover all the Whitsundays can offer. 
  
If you're considering joining Tourism Whitsundays, you can look forward to a vibrant network of like-minded individuals, exclusive access to our events and experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to promoting the stunning Whitsundays.  
 
Don't hesitate to reach out to Jade at Jade.richardson@tourismwhitsundays.com.au to start your journey.  
  
 
Photo supplied 

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In the early 1920s, residents decided to build a community hall and recreation centre. Mr G A Jenkins deeded one acre of ground in a convenient corner position bounded by the main Strathdickie road to the west, School Road on the north and the mill tramline to the south. The corner of the road, known as Hall Corner, is now known as the Strathdickie Smithy Corner.

Two acres of scrub land was felled on Alec MacPherson’s property and planted with Badilla cane, all done voluntarily. When the cane was cut, the proceeds went towards the cost of building materials.

The original building had corrugated iron walls and three wide wooden doors each with a set of steps. The windows were slide up sashes. At the eastern end, there was a raised stage about three feet higher than the dance floor. Under the stage were a bench and a small servery door. The ladies made sandwiches, cut up cakes and placed them on trays which could then be passed into the hall at supper time. Tea and coffee were served in glass cups; the water was boiled outside in kerosene tins over an open fire. In the corner of the stage was a cupboard in which equipment such as lights, jugs and the musicians’ stools were stored. Carbide lights were used until 1938 when pressure lamps replaced them and at some time, there were also gaslights. Some preparations were made to wire up for electricity in the sixties but this never happened as the hall was no longer in use.

The dance floor was about 30 feet long and 24 feet wide with forms arranged around the perimeter of the hall. The “oldies” sat up the end near the stage; the younger ladies sat along one side and the younger gentlemen along the other. Some of the older men had a table outside where various card games were played. In 1937, the hall was extended by about fifteen feet by builder, Jack Muller.

Dances were held every two or three weeks to raise funds for the hall or the school. Music was supplied by the likes of Jim Wright and Frank Prussenski on accordion, Jim Deicke with his electric gramophone, Arthur and Robert Peterson on guitar and mandolin, Jack Lewis and the orchestras of the Porter Family, Deambrogio brothers, Smiler Webber and Charlie Lucas and Mrs Milne on the piano. Frank Prussenski rode his bike eight miles from Preston to play his button accordion for one pound. This later increased to two pounds (four dollars).

Patrons arrived by horseback, sulky and trucks. Sometimes Stoneham’s bus would come out from town as few people had cars. The hall was the venue for table tennis, church meetings, boxing matches and at least three weddings were celebrated there. There were two tennis courts at the eastern end of the paddock with a shelter shed for the use of patrons; all built by members of the club.

The only decoration in the hall was a large photograph of the Strathdickie Wanderers Rugby League Club.

During the war years, proceeds from dances went to the Patriotic Fund. Sometimes the money minus expenses was put into a wallet and presented to recruits who had been called up for service. Members of the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) gathered at the hall with an assortment of rifles.

When the popularity of country dances faded out in the 60s, the hall fell into disuse. The doors had been left open, windows broken and piano vandalised. In 1970, Cyclone Ada demolished what remained of this little piece of our history.

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Story shared with the Proserpine Historical Museum by the late Bill Dinnie and photo courtesy of PHMS

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Its Easter! And who doesn’t love a Bilby at Easter?
Well, me!

Did you know that a Bilby is a species of Bandicoot?

Here in the Whitsundays, we see a different species of Bandicoot but they are here and
in good numbers. I actually enjoy the little creatures and I have often watched them sneaking about in the night BUT I do not want them in my veggie patch (unless they are made of Chocolate – note to my family).

Bandicoots are lawn grub destroyers, which is fantastic.

Lawn grubs are the larvae of Scarab Beetles, and they munch away at the roots of our lawns and vegetable plants.

You’ll know if they are in your lawn as you’ll have dead patches in sections that spread.

Bandicoots will remove grubs from your lawn and garden beds, however, if you have freshly formed garden beds ready for seeding, they can make a mess of your tidy rows in a single night, which I have experienced many times.  

So, what do you do to protect your garden beds from these nighttime foragers?

Bandicoots are shy creatures and they do not like light, so an automated flood light will often frighten them away.  

This worked for me last season for about three months and then they sussed me out!

Getting braver and braver, until one night they decided my crops were worth the risk.  

So double down, they do not like the smell of chook manure so feed your beds and deter Bandicoots at the same time.

The most effective method of keeping them out, is of course putting up a barrier.

Which brings me back to my old favourite, vegie garden netting.

Not only keeping the Bandicoots out but also other pests such as Grasshoppers and Cabbage White Butterflies, it’s a win, win.

So, over the Easter break, how about you make your own vegie bed covers.

Irrigation Pipe, a few connectors and shade cloth, could see your garden protected this season. If all else fails, come see us at Whitpro and we can show you some ready-made options.

Happy Easter!  

Traditionally, within a couple of weeks of Easter, the heaviest rains cease in the Whitsundays. So, enjoy the last of the wet season, change is in the air. Vegie gardens are about to be seeded throughout the Whitsundays.

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Standing proudly among the pack in a traditionally male-dominated trade, Mel loves the working environment at Master Butchers Whitsunday and always gives her all, representing a strong female force, paving a way for other women in the industry.
This born and bred local is always ensuring customers receive the very best, perfecting her cuts, and curating her craft, in her apprenticeship with Master Butchers Whitsunday.
Having joined the team in 2020, for Melanie, it was no surprise she has found enjoyment in her role, finding pleasure in creating new and wonderful products for customers, loving spending her time cooking, and enjoying the fun relationship she has with the wider Master Butcher team.
“I enjoy cooking and creating new products and have a great team to work,” Mel explained.
Within her apprenticeship, Mel has flourished under the leadership of Alex and Danni and the skilled butchers with Master Butchers Whitsunday.
“I started my apprenticeship with Don and Karen, while wholesale was processed at the shop,” Mel explained.
“Then Alex and Danni stepped in and have been transforming the shop with a bigger range of products.”
Having primarily worked in the seafood industry in Bowen, Mel is eager to expand her skills and techniques.
In her free time, she loves being with her partner and their three children, who are all boys, which means the house is always a hive of activity. When she can, Mel will be out on the water, boating, swimming, or fishing, or she’ll be on the sports field, usually helping her son’s football team, the Under 15 Brahams and acting at the first aid officer.

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It was in Daniel’s blood to become a chef, following in the capable footsteps of his father, who had always loved cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
“My dad was a chef, and I have always loved working with food and making people happy,” Danny explained.
“Food makes people happy and being around happy people gives you such a rush.”
Relocating to Airlie Beach 10 years ago was a surprise decision for Danny and one that completely changed the trajectory of his and his family’s life.
Since his relocation to Airlie Beach, Danny began his career in the kitchen at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, working across the main kitchen and for special functions, including Airlie Beach Race Week, Airlie Beach Festival of Music, numerous weddings, and all sorts of celebrations.
He then moved to Fish D’Vine, cooking for the main restaurant as well as catering big events like White on Whitehaven, the Mayors Ball, and the Whitsunday Tourism Awards.
This experience lends itself to the culinary prowess of Master Butchers Whitsunday. Having joined the team six months ago, Danny is happily using his creative knowledge to launch a new kitchen offering which will see chef-prepared meals using the best quality meats ready for customers to purchase.
In the role, he loves cooking beautiful dishes and specialty meats for customers to buy for their families.
“I love smoking our meats and making pastries. Creating dishes for busy families which have good quality ingredients,” Danny explained.
Danny also enjoys leading a team while being off site at functions and events, and he is excited to witness the next period of growth for Master Butchers Whitsunday.
When he is out of the kitchen, Danny is spending time with his wife, Bec, and their three children, one of which is also a chef. Danny loves fishing, swimming, playing a round of golf and maintaining the family property.

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A lifetime of knowledge, years of hand-crafted expertise and perfectly precise industry skills are at the heart the technique and experience Anthony “Whytey” Whyte brings to his role every day at Master Butchers Whitsunday.
It all started when Whytey was welcomed into a butcher shop as a 15-year-old, in the role of wash-up boy. From here, he transitioned into an apprenticeship before honing his skills over the years and becoming the strong and capable butcher who now stands front and centre at the Master Butchers Whitsunday workshop.
With 37 years of experience and trade skills under his belt, Whytey’s acquisition into the Master Butchers team was a welcome move.
Originally from Melbourne, Whytey came to Airlie Beach for a one month holiday back in 2013, and he has never left.
Now with Master Butchers Whitsunday for over seven years, Whytey looks back over his time with pride, having been a witness to the business’ expansion, of the growth and development of the business’ retail shop and the development of the business name.
Outside the shop, Whytey enjoys skydiving, watching footy, playing golf, and drinking beer. He enjoys spending time with his family, his adult son and daughter, and his four grandchildren, with three girls and one boy.

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In the heart of Cannonvale, Master Butchers Whitsundays’ first storefront sits proudly as the flagship of a business that has expanded and diversified over the years, growing from just four staff to now over 40 dedicated team members across four locations. It boasts several beautifully stocked display cabinets offering a range of cuts and tantalising mealtime choices, a Himalayan salt dry-aging coolroom, freezers packed with tender treats and shelves sparkling with an array of rubs and salts dedicated to maximising your dinner experience.

It's hard to believe that 15 years ago, the store was on the verge of closing down, until Don Cameron and Karen Rix purchased the business and infused it with both passion and expertise. Their dedication and ability to deliver high quality produce and creative meal options has given Master Butchers Whitsunday an almost cult-like following among discerning foodies across the region. In fact, their quality meats are so sought after, they opened a second store, MBW On The Barbie at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, then a third store, MBW at Marian and also a Wholesale Centre which supplies the majority of local restaurants.

Two years ago, Karen and Don welcomed Alex Wordsworth and his partner Danielle Carr into the business, officially handing over the reins to them as managers and part owners of Master Butchers Whitsunday. Karen and Don still retain a majority percentage in the store at this point but that will change each year. While remaining proud owners of the other three businesses the couple are excited to see a new generation lead the way as part of their overall succession plan. This plan ensures Whitsunday residents will always receive the same friendly service and quality meats from their local butcher.

Originally from Tasmania, Don became a butcher by pursuing an apprenticeship when he finished school at age 16. By the age of 23, he had purchased the store and become a business owner in his own right. Meanwhile, Karen worked in retail sales and the finance industry, before moving into the foodservice sector which gave her vital experience for her future ventures with Don.

The couple met in 2007 when they operated neighbouring businesses and soon after, following a holiday to the Whitsundays, they decide to relocate to Queensland.

Don first met Alex in Tasmania when he worked as an apprentice at one of Dons shops, and since then has become a father-figure and mentor to the young man. As a result, the pair have a similar work ethic, standard of service and eye for a good cut of meat. Several years after Don and Karen left Tasmania, Alex relocated north to join them at the shop. After a few years he decided to take a break from the industry and accepted a General Managers role at Banjos Bar and Bistro, which is where he met the love of his life, Danielle.

The couple now have a beautiful three-and-a-half-year-old son together. Danielle is originally from Camden, NSW, but moved to the Whitsundays as a teenager and attended Proserpine State High School. With the opportunity to take a gap year between studies, Danielle landed a job at Banjos Bar and Grill where she met Alex. Discussions of owning a business together had always been on the cards so when Don and Karen offered them the opportunity to purchase Master Butchers Whitsunday, they jumped at the idea.

Alex’s passion for butchering and his managerial experience have him at the helm of the business. Meanwhile Danielle has spent the last few years learning the inner workings of the business from the accounts, marketing and administration plus completing her certificate in Meat Processing. With their years of working in customer service together, they create a happy and positive vibe at the store, one where customers always feel welcome and appreciated.

“We wouldn’t be able to do any of this and grow the business the way we are, if it wasn’t for our incredible team of dedicated staff and our amazing customer base,” said Danielle.

“We all work together, and if we don’t have something at our store, we will ring Karen at MBW On The Barbie to see if they have it there.

“It’s about making sure the community gets what they want at one of our locations and that is something that we’ve all stood for and will continue to uphold.”

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2009

Rescued a small butchery from closure and began Master Butchers Whitsunday with a single shopfront and just a couple of staff.

2011-2014

Expanded to take over the shopfront along the side of the building and added a cool room to the open shopfront. In 2015, they expanded further to the corner of the building and added a freezer space.

2014

Master Butcher Whitsunday wins Best Sausage In Australia for their Casalinga variety. Don and Karen headed down to Australian Meat Industry Council Awards in 2015 and came back with the national prize. That same year the couple opened MBW On The Barbie at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale.

2015

Master Butcher Whitsunday comes home with three State wins, first place meant they were in the top 7 in Australia in their category.

2016

Opened the Himalayan Salt Dry-Aged Cool Room by taking over another corner of the building. This cool room added a different dynamic to the offering.

2018

Karen and Don win Retail Outstanding Achiever of the Year at the Australian Meat Industry Council Awards. In May 2018, the business expanded further, opening Master Butchers Marian in May of this year.

2020

Master Butchers Wholesale was opened this year and overcame the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic to become the thriving business it is today, supplying many local restaurants with quality meat.

2021

Alex and Danni become part-owners of Master Butcher Whitsunday in July, the young couple taking over daily operations and working alongside Don and Karen to maximise business opportunities in the area.

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Don and Karen collecting their award for Best Continental Sausage in Australia in 2015

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Melbourne born singer songwriter, Phoebe Jacobs, intertwines modern soul coupled with melodic pop, giving audiences an experience like no other as she takes to the stage of KC’s Bar and Grill this Easter Monday!

Phoebe was first recognised for her vocal talent in the early stages of life after her family discovered her harmonic voice at a very young age whilst belting out Christmas carols. Coming from a very musical household, her mother and brother would often harmonise with her and impressively, she began writing her own songs at just seven years old and learnt the guitar by age thirteen, leading her passion to an array of open-door possibilities in the musical world.

After moving to the Whitsundays mid last year, Phoebe said she loves the lifestyle of the region’s tight-knit community, laid back living, great venues and cracking live tunes every night of the week!

Her independently released debut album ‘Eye Of The Storm’ is a soul/blues romp recorded with Damien Charles (the Red Eyes/Goyte) and she has collaborated with some of the world’s finest, including Moju, Hiatus Kaiyote, Tex Perkins, Ani DiFranco Triple J unearthed winner JK47, along with many other powerhouse artists.
on soul anthem 'Hope.'
Her live performances are captivating and unpredictable, involving elements of theatre and fire and she is an absolute delight to be around! She loves crowd interaction, having chats over the mic as well as getting people up and dancing as she performs her own take on classics, R&B hits and soul grooves. Don’t miss your chance to see Phoebe Jacobs LIVE this coming Monday!

WHAT: Phoebe Jacobs
WHERE: KC’s Bar and Grill
WHEN: Monday, April 1

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The Whitsunday food offering just got even more exciting with the opening of Red Fish Chinese Restaurant in Cannonvale last week.

Husband and wife team, Anna Nguyen and Dinh Le, relocated their young family from Melbourne to the Whitsundays and bring with them over 20 years of experience operating a similar eatery called Quang Vinh Restaurant.

“We’ve always loved coming here on holiday and saw a gap in the market for our food here in the Whitsundays,” said Mr Le.

Anna said they are looking forward to offering authentic Asian Cuisine, serving predominantly Chinese dishes, with a selection of Vietnamese and Malaysian items also included on the menu.

The family are looking forward to showing the community some of their delicious specialities such as the Salt and Pepper Squid, the Roast Duck and Crispy Pork.

Mr Le is also hoping to introduce live seafood to Red Fish in the near future, saying the region’s fresh local seafood is something to celebrate.

In fact, the restaurant is named after his love of fish, especially those red in colour.

On Thursday evening, a team of friendly faces greeted customers at the fully booked opening night which was a great success.

The team are made-up of four previously Melbourne-based families who have re-located to the Whitsundays to work at the restaurant, bringing their unique culture, culinary expertise and friendship to the region.

The restaurant is open 4:30pm – 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday and welcomes both dine-in guests and take-away orders.

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Organisers of the Whitsundays Writers Festival are thrilled to announce the addition of the Big Book Club High Tea which will be held on the Saturday afternoon of the event, nestled in its heart, and a treat for all to enjoy.

Hosted by two highly acclaimed Australian authors, Sally Hepworth and Kirsty Manning, the special book club event will be an opportunity for attendees to enjoy an intimate afternoon with these two inspiring writers who will share insights into their novels.

New York Times bestselling novelist, Sally Hepworth, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with her compelling storytelling. With nine novels under her belt and over a million books sold globally, including her latest masterpiece, Darling Girls, Hepworth's literary prowess knows no bounds.

Meanwhile, Kirsty Manning is the bestselling author of The Paris Mystery, The French Gift, The Lost Jewels and The Jade Lily.

Her historical novels have garnered widespread acclaim, captivating audiences across continents. Kirsty’s works, published in multiple languages and adapted for various mediums, stand as testaments to her storytelling brilliance.

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Shingley Beach, the Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea will be held 3:15pm-4:45pm Saturday 7 September at My Rainbow Bakery.

With stunning views of Coral Sea Marina, this secret gem of a café offers a quiet and relaxing space where many local book clubs have met over the years.

For the Big Book Club event, Sally and Kirsty will select some of their books to discuss and attendees will know well in advance of the event. Additionally, attendees will enjoy My Rainbow Bakery’s famous high tea.

Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to our Festival's Big Book Club High Tea”.

“Kirsty and Sally Hepworth are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promises an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary success.”

Kirsty and Sally join authors Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, and Jack Roney in this year’s program.

Places for the Big Book Club High Tea will be strictly limited. Details about the Festival’s tickets and how to purchase will be released in April.

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Abell Point Yacht Club’s next monthly sail is this Easter Weekend.

Departing from the Abell Point Yacht Club this Good Friday, join the crew.

Once departed, you will travel towards Cid Harbour, when there, gather on the beach with your fellow sailors.

Enjoy a barbecue, games, chats, adventures or lounging on the beach.

After Cid Harbour, you’ll be travelling to more of the beautiful islands the Whitsundays has to offer.

Long Island or South Molle Island are next up, the island of choice will be dependent on the weather.

There is no cost, and everyone is welcome to join, yachts, power boats and young and old.

Register now by using the email that follows: abellpointyc@gmail.com 

For further information or questions please visit: abellpointyc.com.au

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Thursday's Venuesmart stableford A and B division winners were Aaron Watts and John Oates respectively, each with 38 points, ahead of Sean Fogarty and Wilf Herweg. Pins went to Scott Mason and Zachary Esden.

Jonathon Kellaris had 22 points to win Friday's Met run by a shot from Larry Muller. Pins went to Paul Skelton and Larry Muller.

Kerr Claxton won Saturday's MBW stableford with 41 points, with his B division runner up Barry Mortimer on 34 points.

Joshua Norris had 40 points to win the A division on a count back from Scott Mason.

Tiina Randmae edged out Diane Chard on 28 points for the ladies division. Pins went to Fraser Simpson, Steve Westley, Lewis Tuck, John Clark and two to Diane Chard.

Dean Barnard had 2-under par to win Sunday's stableford with 41 points from Lewis Tuck on 37.

Diane Chard had 31 points to beat Tina Randmae by a shot in the ladies section.

Pins went to Jason Bourke, Brian Allen, Sherri Meade, Ezra Miller and two to Diane Chard.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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The weather had improved markedly, so the full 18 holes were open for the Whitsunday Golf Club’s Single Stableford competition last Sunday. While player numbers are still not back to normal, competition was still keen between the 14 competitors and scores were reasonable, if not inspiring. Well done to those who played. 
 
LADIES A GRADE: 
Winner: Tiina Randmae with 30 points on a countback from 
Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn 
Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae - only 6 inches in it 
 
LADIES B GRADE: 
Winner: Linda Wardroper with 24 points 
Runner-up: Pam Casey with 21 points 
Longest Drive: Sally Little 
 
MEN’S A GRADE: 
Winner: Lew Tuck with 37 points 
Runner-up: Jason Bourke with 32 points 
Longest Drive: No-one on the fairway  
 
MEN’S B GRADE  
Winner: Wilf Herweg with 31 points on a countback from 
Runner-up: David Hoy 
Longest Drive: Wilf Herweg 
 
NTPs: 
For the ladies: Linda Wardoper and Pam Casey, not an A grader in sight 
 
For the men: None !! 
 
NAGAs: the honours went to Tina Cook and Andrew Albergo - a family daily double. 
 
NEXT WEEK: the weather is not promising, but if we get to play, it will be a Single Stableford on Easter Sunday, April 7 will be the April MM/Least Putts. Don’t forget to enable putts on your MiScore app. 
 
Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.
  
 
L> R :  David Hoy, Linda Wardoper, Wilf Herweg and Tiina Randmae. Photo supplied 

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