HELENSBURGH BOWLING CLUB

SUNDAY SOCIAL GOLF CLUB
Twenty-one members and guests met on the first tee in early March to remember and contest the inaugural Joe Doherty Mug. Playing one of Joe’s favourite events (Stableford), everyone relished the sunny conditions and set out to do battle for the glory to hold and to be the first to have their name on the much sought after trophy.
The trophy itself is a very large crystal mug (it holds four schooners) appropriately engraved with the words “In honour and memory of a friend, golf partner and drinking companion”. It resides in a specially crafted wooden case and it is proposed to leave it for all to appreciate behind the bar up at the club, until next year’s event.
It was pleasing to see so many old faces join the regulars on this special day. The high attendance is testament to how well Joe was thought of, appreciated and regarded.
We extend a hearty welcome to a number of new players who have joined the club - Ms Shay (I can tackle any red bellied black snake who thinks he can steal my ball) Armstrong, Lance (tall timbers) Delehunt and Brian (I can belt it to the moon if you like) Kane.
It was nice to see our two stalwarts Norm and Brenda Bell make an appearance to the delight of many. Normie played as if he had never left, (once you have it you never lose it), though don’t get too close to him when he is driving a cart (whoa!).
A big hello and welcome back goes out to the effervescent and “young” Margy Maxwell who has been away on yet “another” holiday (seems it’s a full time job these days). We were hoping we could persuade Norm to throw on his apron on the day and cook up one of his super special luncheons - but alas, he couldn’t be persuaded.
With a variety of prizes on offer, the day was filled with good cheer, good golf and good fun.
Winner on the day was Clarrie (boom boom) Whitten, with a score of 37pts. Clarrie won the coveted Joe Doherty perpetual Mug and the joy he expressed in achieving this honour was self evident in his moving acceptance speech. Presenting the trophy was Robyn Doherty whose kindness and good wishes made the day complete. Robyn kindly donated a carton of beer as part of the prize (much to Clarrie’s pleasure). Clarrie also won a huge ghetto blaster for his efforts.
Coming in a commendable second on a countback was new member Mat Green on 35 points. Mat picked up a portable B/W TV for his troubles. In third place was Peter (my putter is bigger than yours) Sullivan. Pete scored a $50 Bunnings hardware voucher and when he was presented with it we could hear his wife Cheryl cheering from the other side of town. (more painting Pete).
Our “strike it lucky” hole still hasn’t gone off and now stands at $108. You could buy a lot of Easter eggs with this sort of cash.

I have just heard that Kevin James will be assisting Wendy in this adventure. I must admit that Wind in the Willows was one of my earliest favourite stories and with Wendy and Kevin’s talents the performances should be magical. So if you are interested in performing or helping about set keep your eyes and ears open for future news.

SPAT’s AGM is usually held in August each year. Anyone is welcome to attend. Notice will be given nearer the time.

Jean Doherty
Minor prizes (umbrellas, gloves and balls) were shared through the starters.
All in all it was truly a memorable day and we thank Robyn for sharing the day with us. Joe, you will always be in our hearts and with us on the greens at the old ancient Royal Boomerang.
On April 6 we were back on course to test our mettle and patience against the little white ball. With a large contingent on hand the winner on the day was one of our new members, Socrates or Soc for short.
He powered home with a score of 38 points and in doing so scored a Sony Walkman and a free game at Boomerang. In a close second was Trevor (can I get that for you) Chipperfield with an admirable tally of 37 points. Big Trev picked up for himself a b/w TV, a Boomerang golf cap and a free game at Boomerang as well. Third place with 34 points and making it two games in a row now was the big putter man himself - Pete Sullivan. Pete took home a watch and a stainless steel hip flask (for those long cold winter nights).
It was a delight to say hi to Dan Buckley, Mitchell Sullivan and Dan Bracegridle who joined us for a hit after a little break.
The third hole is proving untamable and with over $146 dollars up for grabs in April it seemed to elude many of us. It almost did go off with the would be lucky participant (Andrew C) hitting a sweet shot, then counting the booty only to see his ball slide ever so slowly pass the cup and beyond. Bad news for him, but good news for the rest of us (snigger, snigger). The prize could well be over the $160 mark next month (pending starters).
It was pleasing see one of our lady members pick up some of the minor prizes this month - well done Shay.
The championship point score race is currently being headed by the ever smiling Dave Green with a win and a second to his credit earning him nine points and the outright lead at present. Well-done Dave, keep the momentum going.
Our eclectic competition is shaping up to be a fiercely contested one this year with a number of players in contention. Leading the charge is Gersy with a net score of 60.5. Tone is hitting the ball well at present and in his current form may indeed end up the Eclectic champion for 2003. Nice one Tone.
New members are always welcome. Come on, give it a go don’t put it off any longer ... grab those clubs (and a friend, if you wish) and join us on the first tee on the first Sunday of every month. With a late tee off time, what could be easier? In the meantime, keep swinging and hit ‘em straight.