MEMORIAL DAY SUCCESSFUL UNDER SUNNY SKIES

It was looking very much like we might have insufficient teams for this year’s Memorial Day, with so many other events being held on the same weekend. We thank all those who chose to come and play bowls in our carnival.

Saturday morning brought more of the hot and steamy conditions we’ve been experiencing as we head into what looks to be a long, hot summer. The quality of bowls played by all twelve teams was extraordinary across all three games during the day. The clubhouse air conditioning was greatly appreciated during each of the breaks, and the water cooler certainly got a workout as players made every effort to maintain both their performance and their hydration.

Before getting to the scores, a huge vote of thanks must go to those who have worked tirelessly over the past couple of months to rectify drainage issues, remove and reinstall all new rink edging, and increase the height of the external ditches — which also involved replacing ditch rubbers, building up the surrounding edges, and raising the sprinkler heights. This, combined with laser levelling, topdressing, and aerating, has produced a green that not only looks great but runs beautifully and stands up to whatever the weather throws at it. The efforts of these individuals are deeply appreciated. Without a quality green, we can’t attract bowlers or develop the consistency, accuracy, and confidence needed to achieve high standards of play.

Thanks also go to everyone who helped in the lead-up to and on the day of the carnival to ensure everything ran so smoothly. The greens played beautifully, the food was delicious and well presented, the clubhouse was comfortable, and the music kept everyone smiling, singing along — and even dancing on the green! The bar was well stocked and efficiently run, and despite starting just ten minutes behind schedule, we managed to stay on track throughout the day.

Results:
Fourth place went to the RSL team of Martin Lee, Tim Brook, Steve Christensen, and Grant Edmonds with two wins plus 10 points.

Third place was a mixed team of Kendall Watts and Gavin Noonan (Proserpine) with Maryann Harrigan and Wayne Handley (Souths Suburban), finishing with two wins plus 27.

Second place went to the Airlie Beach team of Noel Crosbie, Carol Crosbie, Andrew Butler, and Ladda Purdie, with three wins plus 21.

This year’s winners were a mixed team of Philip Brown, Heather Brown, and Grahame Kinnear (Proserpine), joined by Charmayne Sleeman, who has been playing at Souths Suburban and will move to Northern Beaches in 2026.

We thank all the players who joined us on the green, representing clubs from Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Northern Beaches, Souths Suburban, and Wangaratta. It’s always wonderful to catch up with familiar faces and to meet new players we might not often get the chance to play with or against.

A reminder that our AGM will be held on Sunday, November 23, starting at 10am. It would be lovely to see all our members make the effort to attend and mark it firmly in their calendars.

With the greens open again, Social Bowls has returned on Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons. This Wednesday, November 12, play will begin at 1.30pm, before we move to summertime hours from Sunday, November 16. Summertime bowls will see names in and afternoon tea at 2.30pm, with play on the green from 3pm to around 5pm — sometimes a little later if a 21-end game is close.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Winners of 2025 Memorial Day Carnival Heather Brown, Charmayne Sleeman, Grahame Kinnear and Philip Brown with Club Chairman Mike Harrison. Photo supplied

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