Cardinia Waters Bowls Club recently set the new bowls season in motion with its Annual General Meeting held on Monday afternoon followed by its Trophy Presentation dinner that evening.
The Annual meeting saw the official business routinely dispatched before the election of office bearers.
The executive from the previous season was re-elected with Michele Bondfield continuing as President with Del Dance (Secretary) and Ian Kennedy (Treasurer) also continuing their key roles.
There was one vacancy on the General Committee when John Van Vugt did not seek election.
Chosen unopposed to fill the vacancy was Jenny Cole.
Continuing with their two-year terms are John Moore and Ray Naylor, while Robert Mitchell was elected unopposed for a two-year term.
All subcommittee positions were filled for the 2025-26 season:
Selectors: John Moore (Chairman), John Van Vugt, Kerry Lewis, Marion Stevens and Ray Naylor.
Match Committee: Paul Brindle, Therese Mitchell, Lorraine Devine and John Cleland.
Tournament Committee: Del Dance, Keith Lewis and Ray Naylor.
Greens Directors: John Van Vugt and Ray Naylor.
Following the AGM that evening was the Annual Presentation of Trophies, a function well attended and very much enjoyed.
Highlight of this evening is always the announcement of the “David Blake” medallist, a highly esteemed award for Club Person of the Year.
There was a wonderful sense of satisfaction in the room when it was announced that John Cleland was the 2024-25 winner.
Ninety-year-old John is a popular man around the club.
Still a keen bowler he also featured in the bowls presentations that evening, as runner-up in two categories.
His award recognises the work he does as scoreboard attendant at home Pennant Games, and his active support of the club in caring for the surrounds and spectator comfort, as well as his regular attendance at many bowls events.
Bowls Victoria also recognised his 90th birthday with a framed certificate presented on the same evening.
Special awards were presented to bowlers who have reached their 80th birthday, and the veteran badges were presented to Del Dance, Lorraine Devine, Peter Mitchell and Alan Curtis.
These medals were presented by Maria Giramondo representing the Eastern Ranges zone.
Winners of Club events who received trophies were.
Men’s Singles: Keith Lewis.
Ladies Singles: Cathy Swinkels.
Men’s Pairs: Ray Naylor and Keith Lewis.
Ladies Pairs: Jill Naylor and Cathy Swinkels.
Mixed Pairs: Marion Stevens and Paul Brindle
Minor Singles: Ron Seamer.
100 up: Keith Lewis.
Thursday night triples: Mick Knight, Len Judge and Sandra Wilde.
The bowls club now starts preparations for the 2025-26 season and has entered two Saturday and two Tuesday Pennant teams in the Metropolitan Competition; the same as last season.
Practice games have been organised and skills sessions are proposed as well.
The first social event for the new season will be Season Opening Afternoon to be held on Tuesday August 19.
Bowls will start the event followed by afternoon tea.
Participants are asked to bring a plate and details will be on the noticeboard.
-John Moore-
