The ceremony commenced at 12.30 with a warm welcome followed by a small verse from the WW1 historian Charles Bean:

What these men (and women) did…. Nothing can alter now.
The good and the bad, the greatness and the smallness of their story.
It rises……it will always rise, … above the mists of ages,
a monument to great hearted men (and women), and for their nation …
a possession forever. LEST WE FORGET

Duncan Horscroft spoke to us about remembering and celebrating the people who fought for our freedom then four wreaths were laid by the Bowling and Recreation Club, the Men’s Club, the Women’s Club and the Bocce Club.

We turned west for a minutes silence after which the Last Post and the Rouse were played, and finally the Australian National Anthem.

It was nice that the Barefooters and passing walkers joined with us to pay respect to our soldiers.

The ceremony concluded and everyone entered the club where sausages on rolls were served to all.

We gathered at the Club to share the experience together and held our breath as every Clovelly bowl glided over the immaculate South Tamworth green towards the jack.

And what a game! The women didn’t let Neutral Bay onto the board until the 6th end! The competition was fierce and points rose in tiny increments until, on the 7th end Neutral Bay made 5. On the 9th end they were even with 7 each then by end 14 they were 13 each! At 18 ends our cohort were on 14 but the opposition were leading with 18.

In the audience we could see our beloved Margaret and Terry Ireland snuggled together and cheering our girls on. The Irelands have been sorely missed since they moved to the Gold Coast a couple of years ago, so seeing them there was a huge delight!

By the 21st end, victory was awarded to Neutral Bay ending the game after three hours. The score had been 14 to us and 22 to them at the 20th end and Neutral Bay held the last head.

We didn’t win but you wouldn’t know it! We only wished we had all been in Tamworth for the after party! The caravan of players and supporters, including reserve Carmel Sowden, would have had a night to remember! I guess we will hear the stories when they return home!

Thank you ladies for giving us all such an enjoyable experience! We can’t wait to have you all home safely – anyone for roll up? Watch the game here.

We joyously went ahead with our Combined Bowls/Bocce Day. It involved 40 players in 10 teams of 4 who rotated from Bowls to Bocce for a turn at each. The team with the most points won the overall prize money!

Our Bocce members were kept busy explaining the rules of their beloved Italian game to delighted Lawn Bowlers who, in turn, taught them their game.

There was much laughter and friendship which was made even more wonderful by a delicious lunch of sausage sandwiches fresh from the BBQ.

It had been two years since we had been able to stage this event so that made it even more enjoyable!

Thank you and well done to everyone who helped organise the day, especially Steve Sampson who not only made devised the draw but was MC for the day.

Everyone was organised into 10 teams of 5. We played a combination of singles, pairs, triples and fours against the other teams. A cheese and dip platter was served at the interval and a sausage with fried onions on a soft roll was enjoyed by everyone and topped off the event.

Everyone had a wonderful time and agreed it was a fitting way to remember our friends. Thank you to all who helped organise everything and Steve Sampson for organising the draw and being MC. Also, thank the Gods for a spectacular sunny day and thank you Bruce!

Clovelly was represented by Sandra Starrett, Judith Stauton, Carmel Sowden (subbing for Sue Snape) and Gina O’Reilly(Skip).

Representing Engadine was Pam Hocking, Lesley Leech, Natalie Norohra and Anne Johns (Skip)

The game was hotly contested and both teams played with skill and determination.

The Clovelly girls lead throughout the game and went onto win the match, they will now play at the State Championships at Tamworth in April.

Well done ladies!!!

Our buddies from Double Bay and Matraville were there playing their finals as well so we all had a wonderful time!

Judith showed great promise during the first half of the game leading most of the way until Natalie found her length and line. At 15 all on the 12th end Natalie put her foot down and went on to win 25/15.

The game was played with great spirit and excellent play by both ladies .

Natalie will go on to represent Region 13 in the State Championships to be played at Tamworth in March.

Judith was supported by a large contingent of her friends on the beautiful verandah of the Double Bay Bowling Club.

Congratulations to both ladies.

The two wonderful players showed the considerable crowd what can be achieved with practice, concentration and grit. No one will forget this match for a long time!