On Friday 22nd September 2023 women bowlers from all over the Eastern Suburbs District and Sutherlandshire District came together at Clovelly for a fantastic 21 end, 2 bowl game of 4's. This was followed by a wonderful lunch of sandwiches, fruit and cake from our new Kiosk. Each player was greated into lunch by a smartly dressed sommelier who offered each player or offical a small glass of sherry. Very quaint! It was wonderful to catch up with all our pals from down south and reconnect with friends we hadn't see for far too long thanks to COVID. The day was seamlessly simple which was only made possible by all the wonderful women who organised everything behind the scenes. As always, thank you all for your dedication and effort, we appreciate it all. The craft table was a huge hit as was the Money Grid - and the overall winner on the day was Sutherlandshire District who won the coveted trophy. Well done ladies - let's do it again next year!

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6th June 2022 Clovelly had a record 12 ladies in the annual representative game against Sutherland Shire. It was a freezing cold, extremely windy day and rather than the fast greens we’ve become used to, the Gymea greens were slow, slow, slow. SSD won the day, but only by 15 shots overall, the closest we’ve been in a while. We are gradually catching them year by year. It was a great day, we have many friends in the Shire through our bowls. Thank you to the District for organising the bus to and from Gymea- lots of fun there and back. Oh and we cleaned up on the raffles!

Another hard fought battle in the District Shield competition with our Clovelly team playing against Double Bay - one of the best teams in the Eastern Suburbs District. Gina O'Reilly's team had a healthy win and though Ros Madgwick's team faught hard they lost on the last end. Congratulations to Matraville for winning the competition and thank you to Double Bay for yet another wonderful day!

As always, Anzac Day was a moving ceremony at Clovelly Bowling Club. Members and guests dressed in whites filled Green 2 for a morning game regardless of the threat of rain.

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 love to play bowls and we love the friendships we make here at our Club. So, as we watched our very own Gina O'Reilly, Sue Snape, Judith Staunton and Sandra Starrett play live on Facebook in the 2021 NSW State Women's Fours, you can imagine how excited and proud we were! 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.

On Sunday the 20th March it didn't rain! 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.

Wednesday 26th January 2022 was Australia Day. It was also our chance to honour our departed member Bruce Hockey , and all our beloved members who are no longer with us. Bruce kindly donated his van to the Club which was sold to create a perpetual fund that would finance our Annual Australia Day tournament: The Bruce Hockey Memorial Cup.
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! Slide Show (Click arrows)

Clovelly Bowling Club hosted the Region 13 Open 4 playoff on Tuesday 25th January 2022. 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!!!

It was a raining and cold day at Taren Point for the Grade 2 Pennant playoffs. We played Engadine in the pouring rain and sadly didn't make it through - but not because of lack of effort! Our buddies from Double Bay and Matraville were there playing their finals as well so we all had a wonderful time!

Our own Judith Stauton represented Eastern Suburbs Womens Bowls Association and Clovelly Bowling Club by playing against Natalie Noronha representing Sutherland Shire Womens Bowls Association and Engadine Bowls Club . 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.

What an exciting finish to the year in the Woman's Pairs finals! The final was played by Betty Skinner and Diana Lovegrove vs Kay Smith and Louise Baldwin. After a greatly competitive game Betty and Diana won 20 points to 9. The score did not reflect the closeness of the match! Congratulations to all players and good luck to Betty and Diana for your next level!