I would like to thank Des and his team for a wonderful Closing Day. The weather was perfect and it was great playing against the men, even if we had to jump off the green for the many drives! It was pleasing to hear from the Life Members about the history of the cups and trophies, especially for the newer members. A special thanks to Jeanette and Des for the trophy presented for the Championship Mixed Fours. It was a great privilege to be in the winning team which received this lovely trophy. Many thanks for a great day.

Thank you June. It is good to know that someone else in the Club appreciates the opportunity to express their views via the web site!

Throwing back the jack - what a silly rule, specially when we are having a time limit game. A few years ago Bowls New Zealand were keen for clubs to introduce domestic rules (like re-spotting the jack after a kill) to speed up the game. Why can't they show a bit of leadership and encourage clubs to allow placement of the jack after a bad throw.

Don't tell us - tell Bowls New Zealand! However, I will pass on your concerns to them. Anyone else got something to say - just click this link to email Bowls New Zealand here or on the Home Page.

What an excellent programme we have had this season (still a lot of interesting events to be held). I am in the process of perusing this year's contents with the aim being of making some minor changes to make it even better & fairer on the demands of members. If others have any similar opinions for changes please let us all know via THE WEBSITE. Members thoughts are necessary & essential.

During April the Selection & Grading Committee will be meeting to make changes to gradings & handicaps for the next season. Already some members have requested to be down-graded for health & age reasons or regraded due to improved health. Shortly we will be approaching members seeking their opinions on any changes. In the meantime we would like to hear from members who want changes. Do not hesitate to approach me personally. I would love to discuss personal concerns members might have before final decisions are made.

TV NZ have BREAKING NEWS, what could be more up to date than the results of the Tauranga City Mixed. You have out done them this time Ken. Congratulations to you on your excellent reporting, it is a true lifeline for the Club, please keep it going. What a great result Jim, to you and your team. Congratulations to you all. Again Omanu is proud.

What a pleasure to receive such perceptive comment!

Referring to Jim Pratt's invitation for users of the website to comment. I agree - outstanding site - always up-to-date - informative & interesting. Congratulations Ken.

My comment concerns FUTURE USE BY OMANU MEMBERS, including the Executive committee, the Match committees etc. We can already reach some 70% of members on the internet, including circular emails. This % will grow as younger members join us.But the STATISTICS show many do not use the site regularly. A "casual peep" at the site is not sufficient. Members must all learn to use the site for changes to the programme book, soliciting additional entries, announcing events etc and for submitting opinions and requests in a reasonable way. The STATS should grow rapidly as we learn to live in the modern world. The site is not just for "looking at". Please use it actively & to stay informed.

Well, Dorchester Twilight Bowls has ended for this season. We have had an enjoyable time & I'd like to thank all those who have attended, especially those club members who helped our casual players enjoy their efforts at the game we love so much. Thirty five bowlers enjoyed a shared meal on our last evening, 5 March, followed by a game of bowls & the presentations. It was a great meal - thank you all for your efforts. Also, many thanks to participants for your generous contribution to the acknowledgment you gave to me for running Dorchester Twilight Bowls this season. It has been my pleasure to do this for bowls in general & it gave me a great feeling to contribute to the enjoyment of many people through having the opportunity to play bowls.

104 individuals came during the season with our best evening being 51. $397.10 will be handed over to the Club Treasurer as a contribution from participants, a quarter of the total collected this season with the remainder providing prizes for the games & raffles. I would also like to thank Dorchester Finance for their grant of $300 less GST. This enabled me to provide extra prizes, sometimes being able to give everyone something. I look forward to next season when we recommence on the first Monday in November.

I would like the club users of the web site to write in & give their opinions with a prize for the best contribution. I consider the site to be the best by a long shot. It is always up to date & has results & information that can not be found anywhere else. Other bowls web sites do not come close to ours, (yours & mine)
Ken. you deserve a medal. I would like to congratulate you & thank you for putting so much time into ensuring that the Omanu Club web site is one that conveys great messages for bowlers. I took the trouble to revisit the vast information you have recorded this season. Reprinted in booklet form, it would make a great summary for including in the history of the club for future members to one day recall.
NB If members don't want to be considered for the prize, don't write in & I'll be the winner.

Thank you Jim. The satisfaction I get is from members accessing the site. I would be more satisfied if members increased my work load by making more comments!

I have no objection to 12.30 start, but I do object to names in by 10.30 for no due reason. If triples were assured, then that's fine, but as they are not, then 15 minutes before play is all that is necessary.

I was interested in what Stu Pemberton had to say about how the Match Committee had changed their idea of making triples teams for each Wednesday afternoon triples. I like the early start at 12.30 & names to be in by 10.30. Let's not change this set-up again, let's try to keep to triples teams. I remember a suggestion put forward previously that we have a list of members who could be rung if extra players were needed after 10.30. Please put this into operation & so keep Stu happy & contented in his old age. Let's not spoil a good thing we have set-up.

I really appreciate the re-activation of the Bulletin board - but, must it be a two horse race? High time some other members spoke up.

A brief report on how we are performing this year. So far we have achieved our two objectives, i.e. to try to win the competition & to give members the experience of playing in the event. Our No 1 Side is leading their section with two rounds to go. Both sides play at Omanu next Monday, 19 February, starting at 1.00 pm. Come along members and see our teams in action. The No 1 side plays Mt Maunganui & the No 2 side plays Tauranga RSA.

I see Stu Pemberton has brought this serious subject up for debate. I agree with him in that we need to know of those who would like to become members of the executive next season. Anyone, male or female, please write to the webmaster & put forward your name & give details as to why you wish to help run our club. Also, now is the time for members to approach people who would have something to offer to ask them to put their names forward via the website & state their cases. Let's not have any vacancies on the executive next season. Members, if you get approached by me please say yes. I like the way our club has functioned this year but there is still room for improvement. I issue a challenge to all members, as a life member, to enter this debate to ensure we have the best executive possible next season.

We all agreed to the names in by 10.30 to enable a triples afternoon beginning at 12.30. Of late, the triples can no longer be relied on (obviously encountering difficulties). May I suggest that we revert to names in by 12.45, making do with the best draw available, as is customary on other days.

I have heard of four names being bandied about as willing candidates for this years club elections. While I have confidence that anyone standing would fulfil the roll well, each would have their personal agenda for the club's future.

I would like to have the opportunity to hear their policies, and perhaps question them, prior to the AGM. Perhaps time could be allowed for this at our closing day (providing, of course, there should be more than one contender)

I like the idea, Stuart, although the AGM might be a better forum

The weather has been good during January & attendances have been better. I would still like to see more club members attending during the cool of the evening. We are often short of experienced players to act as skips. We have five more nights remaining. The greens have been running well and so the standard of bowling has improved.

Since the last report in January, 20 new faces have turned up - 8 members & 12 visitors, seven have been new bowlers. To those who have supported me, thanks for your attendance. A total of 83 individuals have been along - 34 members & 49 casual bowlers. Our best attendance has been 41 on 22 January. Plenty of prizes for thiose with the best resuls & lots of raffle prizes each evening. We hope to conclude our season on Monday, 5 March with a shared evening meal - wet or fine.

Thanks for your report, Jim, it's been a long time between drinks.

At last the evening weather has favoured the bowlers. At our Monday Dorchester Twilight Bowls yesterday thirty seven keen players attended. Of these, six were playing at Omanu for the first time and five of these had never played bowls before. Judy Smallbone gave them a quick 3/4 hour lesson on the "ins & outs" of the game before we started. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We had another three members attend for the first time this season & three non-members who had attended in the past returned. So far 26 members & 39 non-members have taken the opportunity to play this game we enjoy so much & love to share with others. So folks - an open invitation to come along with your friends next Monday, the last Monday before Christmas.

Thanks, Jim, we appreciate your enthusiasm that makes these folks want to keep coming.

Mr Webmaster, I see we have a club only Hams Tournament coming up on Tuesday, 19 December. I notice the handbook indicates it is a Dorchester 8 pt Mixed Triples, so at least we have a restricted one this year. I was at the club on Sunday, 26 November, & saw all the information about the prize money available if we have "a full house". Great stuff for the members. I've entered my team, so come on bowlers - do the same. We are also to have a barbecue to finish off what should be an enjoyable mixed club day. Only Omanu could arrange a day like this - the best club in the Bay.

Monday's Dorchester Twilight Bowls has been encouraging with the number of bowlers & non-members turning up even though the weather has not been the best.  So far, 22 members have been along & joined in with 25 visitors - 9 who are new to twilight bowls.  Nightly attendances have been 25, 30 & 28. I look forward to seeing more members coming along & enjoying the best part of the day when our hot summer returns.

Regarding the suggested Club only Xmas Hams event, I think this is a great idea. I am sure the club ladies would willingly support this. Good thinking.

Well done to the ladies' representative teams with their successes. (Read the reports on these). Congratulations to the selectors for their wise choices. I had a strange feeling they'd perform well as I have had many a tussle with many of them on mixed days. Gee, Omanu is a great club to belong to.

Ken White has 'hit the nail on the head'. I agree with him about our open hams tournament. Too late for this year - sure, but let's have an open draw & give Omanu a chance to play Omanu & visitors to play visitors. Next year we should keep it "in house" & just have an ordinary tournament if need be, at that time of the year.

What do the rest of the club think, specially those women members who would then become involved?

I have just seen your web page, I linked through your feature at http://bowls.toplisted.net. It is one of the best bowling sites I have come across. I enjoyed your news items and the profiles of your members. You obviously have a great club with a strong and active membership. Keep up the good work.

Great to hear from a visitor. Members can visit the site Bowls Top Listed through the 'Links' page.

A couple of years ago I became disillusioned with Ham Tournaments. After attending half-a dozen I found the same old stacked rinks turning up and taking away the bulk of the prizes. Not that I mind taking on the top dogs and having the occasional victory, but in Ham Tourneys the odds are stacked against the club teams.

It might sound parochial, but I was disappointed at last years Ham Tournament to find five of the six prizes going to non-Omanu teams. Why not make our annual Sponsored Hams Tournament a mixed, domestic event, open only to Omanu teams and keep the prizes in-house? After the success of the 8 Point Triples events, I am sure that we could fill the greens. Too late to change this year but I would like to see it happen next season.

I was a fan for varying our local rules to allow the placement of the kitty after one throw, solely at club roll-ups. I have changed my mind after watching numerous leads scatter the jack all over the place at today's 8 point triples. The kitty-throwers need all the practice they can get! I would say that one in four were thrown recklessly out of the rink or into the ditch. Yes, we play to have fun, but give the game, and the kitty, the respect they deserve.

Why do men have to moan all the time, (they seem to do most of the emailing). $2 for 2/3 games of bowls when you can't play your shots because you're too worried you might offend the other members in case you miss & lose. Accept scrims - it allows the dumpers to play & so restricts the type of game that is allowed according to the laws. It also allows new bowlers to not worry about the real game until they become better at playing. I do agree, however, do let's have more time when we can have an organised roll up. We could make use of spare Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday &/or Sunday mornings. The Match Committees, next season, would welcome people with these views to help plan the programme. I might even find time to come along & join in instead of coming down & practicing on my own.

I enjoyed Ray Connolly's contribution (16 Nov. "Running of the Club") but I must admit I had to stop reading it so I could find time for breakfast. He is a great guy, much loved & respected who says he has no problems with what has been happening. But has he really considered others points of view or concerns? Ray, people are not spouting out criticism but expressing points of view as paying members who want better service for their money or volunteered help. I'd love to fill the lady vice president's vacancy but I couldn't explain that one at home. Finally, I do wholeheartedly agree with Ray. We have an amazing group of volunteers who are doing their best for their fellow members. Just another reason why Omanu is such a great club to belong to. I decided today to go to the Plaza & buy that extra Lotto ticket. Members, keep writing in. The Bulletin Board is better that the BoP Times for reporting bowls news - we even get the occasional photograph. Mr Webmaster - you are to be congratulated.

Mr Webmaster, I'm certainly enjoying all the comments you have been receiving. I decided that if I win Lotto, I'll donate a huge amount to Omanu Bowls. Will anyone else match that? I want our club to enter into the future with the best that modern developments can offer. I want Omanu to be the hub of the Bay where bowls & fellowship is available all the year round & even in the evenings. I actually only intended to state another great reason for being a member of Omanu but got carried away. It is that we have an interesting, varied & reasonably priced competitive programme that has been arranged for all members - the best in the Bay. You check out what other clubs have to offer.

Anonymous male, I'll pay your $2 at the next Friday mixed afternoon that I attend just to see you relax & try out your shots. We all should be encouraged by the skips "to have a go". I certainly structure my game this way. If our team wins that afternoon then that's a bonus. If we don't succeed we may drown our sorrows later. They tell me that Twilight Bowls is when you can try out your shots & have some fun. Let's go along & find out.

My submission is that I am very largely satisfied with the way the club is operating. It is probably stronger, better administered & better funded than ever before. However, the tone of recent submissions from men has been disappointing - all too negatively critical and not supportive of the people doing the real work.

I have no problem with use of scrims (when instructed by the greenkeeper), no problem with the very modest user-pay fees for all events, no problem (thank the Good Lord) with wretched arguments over payment of teas and no problem with star weed/cotula greens. Nor do I have a problem with the sensible rosters for kitchen duties.

The club exists to enable members to play bowls AT ALL LEVELS and to enjoy it. We have some great volunteers helping us to achieve whatever we may want to achieve in bowls - in spite of frequent criticism thrown at them. How about we just get on with it and stop anyone who wants to spout off criticism. This bulletin board is great - but let us hear now from members who HAVE NOT yet made submissions - especially from newer members - and especially from women. Who knows - we might even fill the Lady Vice-President vacancy.

Jim wants the Fountain of Youth & a Pot of Gold, Ray only wants Utopia.

What interesting reading in the latest copy of "BOWLS". Do read it if you haven't done so already & make a few observations. I was really impressed with the range of articles presented & the information about playing bowls, I wish I was young again. Of special interest to me is the future of bowling surfaces & of the knowledge presented regarding the use & advantages of all-weather surfaces. (I wish I had some spare money.) The advertisement "Tiger Turf" made me realise what Omanu is missing even though we have the best greens in the BOP. How about some other opinions.

Don't want much, Jim, just the Fountain of Youth and a Pot of Gold.

I have strong sympathy for the views of Anonymous and Lynlie Edwards. There is another aspect we must remember and that is the elderly (and not so elderly) bowlers who do not go to Tournaments and whose bowls largely revolve around Roll Ups. To these bowlers, the striving for a prize, is all important, and they would regard the suggestions of Anonymous as irresponsible, to say the least. After all, there are coaches and practice times available, for such "education". As in all democratic institutions, there could be compromises to suit all shades of opinion. We have a fantastic club and I believe it is fantastic because we are good at accommodating all types of people and ideas. Discontent, although it can exist, is rare, and can usually be "sorted". Long may it last.

Trust Stu to have a bob each way!

You have missed the point, Mr. Web-Master. It is not about affording the $2.00, but rather about branching out into more challenging type shots with the aim of raising the standard of bowls, educating younger players, heightening the overall enjoyment by introducing variation, etc. Introducing entry fees and prizes creates a need to be somewhat more responsible with other people's money, leaving bowlers to miss out on a dimension of challenge and experience, all in the hope of winning a few dollars. There are many bowlers out there who would like to take advantage of these opportunities. Could we please hear from some of them?

Can't wait to hear from Anonymous Male No 2!

Anonymous male has made a very valid comment. The Social Roll Up is the only vehicle available within the club to practice shots to be learned against opposition of wide and varied experience. To complement this we have very experienced senior players present to guide and encourage junior members of the team. I would suggest on two or three days each month Roll Up winners for the day be drawn by lot with the $2 entry remaining. This providing interest, incentive to take part and a shared reward.

The presumption is that it improves the competitiveness of the game by striving to win a small reward at the end of the day. My contention is that we are naturally competitive and we don't need an incentive to become so. A social "roll up" is an ideal venue for the practice of shots that may not be used in a more serious game (where prizes are at stake). For instance: Where a bowl is tight on the jack, a lead could practice a yard on shot. Something he would never be asked to do, normally, yet requires to learn, to become a two. A skip, when faced with two possible shots, could play the more adventurous one, with no great loss if missed, but improving his experience.

Alternative tea arrangements would be needed but that is another story.

Don't be miserable, Anon, you can afford $2.00 !

Once again we are indebted to Colin Wood for implementing the decision to improve the seating at the west end of Dorchester Green. The improvement in access and appearance is really appreciated. The astonishing thing is that it took 35 or 40 years to get on to it! Well Done

I may not win a bottle of wine, but I support Ailsa's comment. This was a good Club social day - we still don't seem to have enough of them. The men who accepted the invitation to play appreciated the atmosphere, the colour, the food and the prompt announcement of results. Congratulations and thanks to the lady organisers.

Good to hear from a mere male. The competition is now wide open

I would like to endorse Ailsa's comments about the very enjoyable time had by all on Melbourne Cup day. Many thanks once again to Lynlie and the team. Well done! Good to see so many members enjoying themselves.

I would like to congratulate Lynlie and her helpers for a very enjoyable Melbourne Cup day and one which I think, if judged on the laughter and chatter, would receive top marks. Well done.

Thanks Ailsa, well said. You are current odds-on favourite for first prize !  Sorry Stu.

What a vast improvement it is to just have the first prize winner speak on behalf of all winners. It is very fitting for the President to acknowledge all the contributors to the days activities. I believe we could now take the next bold step and not require even the winner to speak (often with reiteration). Unless, of course, they specifically ask to

Send in your comments to the Webmaster. I'll start the ball rolling. I like the atmosphere that has been created by members who come to play bowls & to enjoy each other's company. Send in as many as you wish. Agree or disagree with those statements that get sent in. Let's use our Bulletin Board.

Dorchester Twilight Bowls recommences on Monday, 6 November (6-8 pm). Names in by 5-45pm for a mixed box-draw. $2 each with a raffle. This is an opportunity for anyone who would like to try outdoor bowls to come along to OMANU & join in. Coaching available from 5pm for those who require assistance, it's easy to learn the basics. Club members, do come along & bring your neighbours, bowlers from other clubs or non-bowlers. Let's make use of daylight saving & our excellent greens during this summer period. My phone number - 542 1973 for any additional information. Please pass this invitation on to those interested especially those who have been in the past.

It's now the end of October. We had scrims for our Mixed Tournament & the first day of the Handicap Singles. I didn't enjoy the comments I overheard. I wanted to reply but I didn't. You try applying the new law re throwing of the jack. What a farce! I watched a few bowlers who don't have perfect styles (dumping) & I didn't notice any damage later on. One real problem with using scrims is that we stand on the same areas every end & deliver into the same spots each time. I agree with Ken's comment. We shouldn't be penalising the other bowlers or the tactics of the game. Let's get back to normal as soon as possible.

Did you enjoy the first of the 8 Point Mixed Triples? Great to see so many members enjoying a day out together. Write in with your views and any (if any) changes that may add improvement. I thought it was the best thing since free tea and biscuits! We have a great club and I look forward to future events. Melbourne Cup afternoon looks to be a great occasion coming up. Check it out in the handbook.

How are you managing the Law changes.. Check them out at the Umpires Corner, especially the two green sheets from Bowls NZ. Get your own copy soon.

I liked the idea of six prizes and using all the entry money plus the sponsorship to provide these. However, some of the teams in future tournaments may never win a prize so slightly less for the six winners. Create two prizes for the also-rans, one lucky morning prize and one lucky afternoon prize for two losses. Spread the money around.

The Bulletin Board is back! Hopefully it is more than just a vehicle for Jim Pratt & Stu Pemberton to express their views. In it's few months of life, the previous board attracted only one comment from the women of the club! So, all members, let us hear what you have to say. If you are wrong, I am sure someone will tell you!