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09/05/11 - Mt Maunganui Bowling Club recently held a raffle for a set of bowls sponsored by Drake's Pride, in support of the Christchurch Earthquake Funds. This has now been drawn and the winning ticket was number 1157 won by Dave Harmon, a Mount Maunganui twilight bowler. The club decided that the funds should be used in support of Christchurch bowlers, and around $3,500 has been forwarded to the Canterbury Bowling Centre. They have been requested to share the amount between Christchurch clubs who have been affected by the earthquake. The organisers have expressed their thanks to the Omanu bowlers who gave their support to the raffle.

04/05/11 - 30 bowlers were present today for the Founders Day Mixed Progressive Triples. On a nice, fine, warm windless day, they played four games. Winner on the day was Jim Whitelock, Colin Wood and Neil Meltzer, runners-up were Winston Davey, Kath Steiner and Gail Wood.

30/04/11 - The final tournament of the season, played last Thursday, was an Optional Open Triples sponsored by Eves Realty. It was a very cold day, the bowlers wearing coats, hats & scarves. Lynnette Sims from Eves presented the four prizes. Winner was a composite team of Geoff Trappitt, Tom & Karen Clarke. Second was a Mount team, third Graham & Marion Caie with Sue Weal. The fourth prize went to Tauranga South

Today, twelve bowlers competed in the RoF Singles (over eighty), three ladies and nine men. They played three games of one hour, two three-winners taking first and second. Pam Rhodes was the Winner with 41 points, Keith O`Connor Runner-up with 25 points. Playing on the same green, our two first-year bowlers played their event. In beautiful warm sunny conditions with no wind Sam Graham overcame his opponent, David Garner to claim the trophy.

21/04/11 - 16 teams competed for the Jack & Jill Pairs Trophy (donated by Mavis & Brian Cotter). First for the second year running were Lance Orsler & Josephine Connolly, John & Gwen Jennings came second while Jim Whitelock & Margaret Bromell were third. The event was played in rather cold and rainy conditions, play was reduced to three instead of the four intended games.

20/04/11 - Only one team represented Omanu at the two-day triples held at the Mount club these past two days. Also contesting the event were strong teams from around the Bay and the Waikato with a large sprinkle of representatives from both Centres. The days were bright but cool with winter starting to show it's face.

Josephine Connolly with Bev White and Sue Pepper started well, and with three wins on day one qualified for the top division. The morning went well with a win and a draw but it was two wins in the afternoon that clinched first place for them. Well done for representing Omanu so well, we are proud of you.

18/04/11 - As winners of their section, Omanu had to face off against the other section winners, Omokoroa. In a see-saw game, the A Team of Graham Caie, Jim Whitelock & Colin Wood hung on for a draw. The B Team with Ken White, Charles Pettit & Garth Murdoch had a win while the Graded Team of Ray Bailey, Dale Maxwell and Frank Pettit lost. The eventual winner was decided by the differential of the last two, a win +10 against a loss -7. Well done all who played during the season.

17/04/11 - It has been a busy, busy week following on last weekend's Mixed Triples. On Tuesday and Thursday, the Club's Mixed Champ Pairs was played for the Val Body Trophy. Fourteen teams contested the event, eight qualifying for the second day's play. Coming First were Gary & Pat Andrews followed in Second place by Lance Orsler & Josephine Connolly. Bev & Garth Murdoch finished in Third place.

On Wednesday the Men's Open Triples was sponsored by Clarity Hearing, Papamoa. 22 Teams participated with the first prize going to the Arawa team of Alan McCaulay, Phil Spackman & Mike Jensen. Three teams from outside the club won the remaining three prizes.

The Mixed Drawn Champ Fours (the French Trophy) was scheduled for play on Saturday but due to rain was put off until Sunday, with six teams competing. It was played as a round robin with five games of one hour. Lynlie Edwards capped a good season by winning the event with Colin Wood, Dale Maxwell & Colleen Houghton. Coming second was Charles Pettit, June Gerrard, Walter Riddell & David Barsdell, third was Keith O`Connor, Dale MacLeod, Ray Bailey & Faye Coombes. The twenty four players mixed and mingled having drinks, chips & peanuts while waiting for the results. The winning team was presented with the Des French Trophy.

10/04/11 - The Club Champ Triples was played for the Pierre Syben Trophy over two beautiful Autumn days this weekend. Only 10 teams participated with eight to qualify after the first day. Most of the lucky non-qualifiers were allowed a sleep in Sunday, athough two team members were called in to substitute for late withdrawals. Winner of the event was the team of Charles Pettit, David Thomson and Fay Coombes with the Runner-up Keith O'Connor (substituting for Ron Browne), Colin Wood and Bronwyn McMahon. Coming third was Ken White, Walter Riddell and Dale Maxwell (substituting for Joy Inch who was taken ill).

24/03/11 - The Tauranga City Mixed, played over the past four days, was completed today. Quite a few of our members participated, both as Omanu teams and as part of composite teams. Ray and Pauline Bailey were volunteers who helped make up Mike Oldfield's Waikato team. That worked out very well for all parties, with four out of five wins in the post-section they gained fifth prize. Bev White playing with the Simons' Tauranga South team was in fourth place. Winner for the third consecutive year was Hugh Jorgensen with 5 wins, Stu Settle and Gerald Lockett were second and third with four and a half.

20/03/11 - The questionnaire on changing the uniform shirt has been available at the club for some time now. If you have an opinion now is the time to record it. I have to say my household is divided - not on the design with which we have no problem - but on the degree of discomfort in the heat! It is available for members to convey their thoughts for another two weeks, on the table outside the office.

13/03/11 - Around 50 men contested the Centre Singles this weekend, one section being played on our greens. The standard was high and no Omanu entrants won the required three games. There were a perfect 16 qualifiers to play at Matua today. The Women's event was held at Arawa with 26 participants. Our sole representative was Josephine Connolly who was one of only eight qualifiers. She returned today to win the first game convincingly taking her into the semi-final. There she met former New Zealand representative Patsy Jorgensen who won the game. Patsy went in the final where she in turn was beaten by Ngongotaha's Mere Eden.

08/03/11 - Bev and I have just returned from three weeks in the South Island. We were in Nelson when the earthquake struck and observed several of the side-effects over the following few days. Queues for petrol in Westport, a Hokitika motelier worried about her clean replacement linen sourced from Christchurch, the absence of bread in the Fox Glacier store. We were relieved to find that our Christchurch friends were relatively unharmed and accepted their recommendation that our ultimate passage through Christchurch would be a swift one. Two weeks after the event now and there is no end in sight for the good folk of the South.

Not surprisingly, bowlers and their clubs shared in the suffering. Bowls Canterbury reported that clubs with serious damage to greens were:
Barrington-United, Canterbury, Cashmere, Christchurch Richmond, Dallington, Edgeware, Elmwood, Kaiapoi Riverside, Linwood, Mt Pleasant, Opawa, Parklands, Redcliffs, Shirley, Sumner, Sydenham and Tai Tapu.

It occurs to me that our club, possibly in concert with other Mount/Tauranga clubs, could be proactive in supporting the bowlers of Canterbury. We could 'adopt' a club and support them in various ways. Fund raising, the use of our equipment are options. The knowledge that we are there for them in itself would be a boost for their morale. I commend the thought to our Executive and those of neighbouring clubs.

10/03/11 - Twelve teams entered the Men`s Handicap Pairs and on Wednesday eight teams qualified. The main event was won by Lance Orsler & Tom Clarke, the runner-up being Winston Davey & Neil Meltzer. The Plate winners were Alec Horsburgh & Colin Wood, runners-up David Thompson & Walter Riddell.

03/03/11 - Twenty four teams entered the Men's Open Triples sponsored by Stihl Shop Mt Maunganui. Omanu team Lance Orsler, Ron Parton & Colin Wood were the winners with four wins. Three outside teams, also with four wins, collected the other prizes.

01/03/11 - Only eight members entered the Women's Handicap Pairs, all being leads or twos. We don`t really know what happened to the threes and skips! The final was held today the winners being Pat Couchman & Kath Steiner. Pauline Bailey & Fay Coombes were the Runners-up.

23/02/11 - The Men's veteren Singles were held today with ten taking part. First place wnt to Charles Pettit with 4 wins and plus 29 points. Second was Ray Bailey while third place went to Don Allan. Goodness me, I didn't realise how old you guys were.

13/02/11 - Omanu Women are again part of the BoP representative scene. Pat Andrews played in a Junior team which had a win in their event played in Tauranga today. Later this month, the Juniors will be playing in Thames while the Seniors will be playing in Auckland. Pat will again play for the Juniors while Josephine Connolly will be playing for the Senior team in Auckland

13/02/11 - Omanu was fortunate to get two days of magnificent weather when it hosted the Centre Champ of Champ Women's Singles. Twenty one club champions, including our own Mary Conroy, from around the Bay of Plenty participated over the weekend.

Competition was cut-throat and by the time the semi-finals arrived, there were no two-lifers, just the four one-lifers. After two days of intense competition, Wendy Green of Taupo prevailed against the ever-competitive Judy Roycroft of Tauranga. Centre President Mike Spring was present to congratulate the players. The win gave Wendy a bar to her Centre Gold Star.

05/02/11 - As was reported in early December, the two Omanu teams playing in the B Division of the Saturday Interclub won their respective sections. Along with the winners of the Eastern Bay section, Ohope, and the winners of the Rotorua section, Arawa they gathered in Rotorua for a round robin play off.

Inevitably our two sides clashed in round one, the result being one game to each. Results of the next games were mixed but it is pleasing that Omanu Blue ended the event in second place while Omanu Red were placed third. The games were played in extremely hot conditions and our ladies had a tough day, leaving at 7.00 in the morning and not getting back for almost 12 hours.

02/02/11 - Today was the final day of the Men's Singles and the Women's Pairs. Two-lifer Ron Parton lost one life to David Thompson before again meeting him in the final. This time the result was reversed with Ron taking the Championship. The final of the Women's Champ Pairs was between Sue Pepper & Pat Andrews and Lynlie Edwards & Pat Couchman. They had previously met twice over the course of this event, the honours being even. On this last occasion Sue and Pat had the edge. Lynlie has the distinction of being runner-up in three Club Championships this season.

01/02/11 - The Tauranga South club held their Open Women's Variety Pairs sponsored by Althorp Village. Eighteen teams entered with four teams from Omanu. The games played were two bowl pairs, three bowl pairs, four bowl pairs & 2x4x2. The day was very hot and testing, four teams gaining the maximum four wins. Coming in second place was Omanu with Gail Wood & Pat Couchman gaining 4 wins with 32 Pts. Well done.

31/01/11 - The Men and Women representing the club in the BoP Sevens contest had a difficult weekend. The torrential rain falling on Friday through to Saturday morning caused the closure of the Ngongotaha green so there was no play for the women on Saturday. As the weather got better the men got at least some play that day. Conditions of play needed to be changed with time limits applying, but it was still late on Monday before the event was finalised.

Despite our low membership numbers, the ladies were placed in the Premier A Division. There were many difficulties in even fielding the side, with a number of defections and late changes to the teams. Their finish in the middle of the section (including a three point all draw with winners Taupo) was a tribute to their spirit. Kath Steiner, who was a late replacement Manager, gave sterling support to the team during the two days. Our men did even better, finishing third in an extremely strong section. The Fours team lost only one game, the Singles only two and the Pairs won a creditable three games. The teams are listed below:

We Don't Know How Lucky We Are!

30/01/11 - John Wheeler writes "My comments re 'Epitaph to a Blog' upset some people, although I feel comfortable with the notion of free speech! I contribute the following comment that may help to lessen the negativeness of my last one".

"After playing at a nearby new complex, the experience brought home to me that we are very fortunate to have two excellent greens, our own club house, a President and Executive who work very hard to maintain the smooth running of the club and a great group of members! We are only lacking new members and I repeat my early season plea to members to bring along a mate/neighbour. Twenty new members a year would make all the differance for the club to survive for many more years".

"For my part, every new resident who enters Pacific Coast Village gets the hard word from me to come and play at Omanu. So far I have two "nibbles" for next season. It is too easy to become complacent - so come on guys and gals - 'Bring a Mate!'"

27/01/11 - The Women's Champ Singles final was played today, Bronwyn McMahon with one life only, besting Mary Conroy in the first game. Mary must have eaten a hearty lunch as she came out strongly in the afternoon to take the title. There were some great bowls played on a beautiful day.

23/01/11 - Twenty two teams entered the ANZ Banking Group sponsored Open Women's 2x4x2 Tournament today. There were 13 visiting teams, from Papamoa, Mount, Matua, Tauranga South & Ohope together with 9 Omanu teams. Despite the drizzle three and a half games were played. There were three prizes, former member Mary Hingston & Ann Box from Papamoa taking first. Josephine Connolly & Bev White and Lorraine Grafas & Pat Davis of Mt Maunganui were second and third.

ANZ Bank were represented by Mary Kater, who made available a special Term Deposit offer of 5.35% for 9 months with monthly interest (10k minimum) to Members, only available at Bayfair until 1 February.

23/01/11 - The Singles Championships scheduled for this weekend are now to be played on Thursday 27 January at 10 am (Women) and Wednesday 2 February at 9 am (Men). The Women's finalists are Mary Conroy (2 lives) who will play Bronwyn McMahon. The Men are down to seven players, Ron Parton (2 lives) has a bye and the remaining one lifers will play as follows;
David Thompson plays Gary Andrews,
Noel McLeod plays John Francis,
Graham Caie plays Keith O'Connor.

Also this weekend our Junior Singles Champs played in the Champ of Champs. Pat Andrews at Ngongotaha played and won three games before rain caused the postponement of play. She is one of two two-lifers who will play at a later date. John Wheeler had a couple of good games at Kawerau, but will not be taking any further part in the Men's Junior Singles Champ of Champs.

09/01/11 - Today Bev and I went on a cruise where we met two ladies, Vania and Zelia, aka twin Tropical Cyclones. However more importantly four club championships were finalised.

Women's Junior Champ Singles

• Winner - Pat Andrews
• Runner-up - Bronwyn McMahon

Men's Junior Champ Singles

• Winner - John Wheeler
• Runner-up - Sam Graham

Men's Champ Pairs

• Winner - Ron Parton & Lance Orsler
• Runner-up - Graham Caie & Winston Davey

06/01/11 - For the last two days Omanu`s greens have been humming. Thirty two teams, two full greens, entered the Men's Open 2x4x2 tournament sponsored by Ultimate Motor Group. As usual with these major events, most of the prizes were taken by outside teams, the winners being Derek Dean & Tony Parkinson of Tauranga South.

Omanu teams did feature, fourth and fifth prizes going to Gary Andrews & Charles Pettit and Lance Orsler & Ron Parton. Graham Caie & Tom Clarke won the prize for top of the second day. A glitch with the club computer caused a reversion to the old 'manual' recording of results, Jim and Sheena were on hand to look after this.

06/01/11 - Today was a big day for the Mount club as they held their first tournament at their new facility on Totara Street. Twenty eight teams entered this Open Women`s Triples tournament, five teams from Omanu. Coming in third was Marion Caie, Bronwyn McMahon & Pat Andrews with 3½ wins. Congratulations to the Mount and well done ladies.

02/01/11 - The New Year started with a bang for Omanu. Twenty-six teams entered the Katikati Mixed Pairs 2x4x2 with Omanu very well represented. Four teams played, the Caies, the Andrews, the Murdochs & the Woods. Our congratualations go to Gary & Pat Andrews who won the Tournament outright with four wins.

20/12/10 - The weather had been awful and the forecast was no better but the cancellations committee said "play on". They happened to be right because despite the threat of a downpour, which persisted all day, nobody got wet and all games were completed.

Twentyeight teams took part in the annual Christmas Hams Tournament, sponsored by Farmer Motor Group who had a number of their new cars on display. They were represented at the presentation by Mark Vercoe, New Car Sales. There was a total of five great ham prizes for the winning teams representing four local clubs. Only one Omanu team featured, the fourth prize going to Lance Orsler, Ron Parton, Ted Barker & Colin Wood. A great decision to hold this event.

17/12/10 - The first series of 2x4x2 for the season has now been successfully completed. Unfortunately the last day was rained off (as were 3 and a bit other scheduled days). Still there was play on 9 days and 63 members were involved in 128 games! This is an excellent response especially considering the participation was restricted to 32 players when we only had one green available.

Lucky draws went to Margaret Dalley, Garth Murdoch, Pauline Bailey, Stuart Pemberton and Jim Marks. The winners were;

12/12/10 - A gathering of sixty plus members and partners attended this year's Christmas Party. Once again the ladies excelled themselves in the food department, there was a variety of salads and savouries as well as some great desserts. A big thankyou goes out to Margaret Dalley and her helpers for all the work they did on the day. A demonstration of a bowls collector (yoke), made by Chris Bromell, was given by Brian Cotter. Everyone enjoyed listening to the music played by Colin Wood, and after lunch the duets played by Colin with Ted Barker on his pan pipes. We even had a song from Gail.

12/12/10 - Yeah! I know. I was bragging about the Men's Saturday Interclub success only to find out that Te Puke sneakily caught up with us on the last day. The Mount was one point in front, Te Puke somewhere behind, and we beat the Mount 6 nil, going on to take 10 from 12 potential points! How was I to know that Te Puke got 12 points and had 362 shots for against our 359? Putting that disappointment behind me, I have the pleasure of reporting that our two Women's teams came top of their respective sections of Division B of the Saturday Interclub. They both go forward to the Bay finals to be played on 5/6 February in a round robin event involving the winners of the Eastern Bay and Rotorua/Taupo divisions. Go Girls, Go!

11/12/10 - Our BoP Junior Rep, Pat Andrews, was up early for her trip to Rotorua to play in the triangular against Thames and Waikato. It was all worth while - she won both her games to help BoP defeat Thames and finish on equal points with Waikato. Back in Tauranga, our reps Bev White and Josephine Connolly paired to sail to a convincing 20 to 7 victory in their only game against Thames. The day ended for the Bay with comprehensive wins by both the Men's and Women's sides.

10/12/10 - There was a great turnout for the annual OceanShores Lifestyle Village sponsored Hams Tournament. The event was played on a 'progressive basis in pleasant sunny conditions. The fifteen generous prizes were presented by the Oceanshores Manager, Sandy Quigley. Prizewinners were;

04/12/10 - The regular Saturday Interclub season has now run it's course, with Omanu doing particularly well. Although the official results are not yet out, it appears that both a Men's and a Woman's team have come top of their respective sections. Both the other teams also did well but their placing is currently unknown. Finals are due to take place in February.

25/11/10 - The Women's Champ Fours final played today could not have been closer. After a see-saw battle, the contestants went into the final end of the preliminary final all square. It was looking like a win to one-life team Lynlie Edwards, Mary Conroy, Mollie Norman and Pat Couchman, they held a very tight shot with only the skip bowls to play. A brilliant run from Marion Caie (playing with Bronwyn McMahon, Audrey Humphrey and Pat Andrews) saw the shot displaced and the and the kitty nestled next to the toucher in the ditch. Another great spectacle from all concerned.

10/11/10 - Our Open 2x4x2, Leads & Twos Tournament, sponsored by Robinson's Menswear, was only able to fill one green. David Thompson with Walter Riddell from Omanu comprised the winning team, Omokoroa, Papamoa and Matua gaining the next three prizes. It seems that Leads and Twos events are not so popular as they were. To use our other green a club Mixed Box-Drawn Triples was held and attracted six teams.First was Stuart Pemberton, Bill Peters & Jack Stone, the runner-up was Jim Marks with Tom Cairns & Fred Clarke.

07/11/10 - Eight teams only competed in the Men's Champ Fours starting on Saturday, with four teams going through to day two. Two-lifer Gary Andrews took care of Graham Caie, John Jennings, Tom Clarke & Winston Davey on the last end, while Keith O'Connor won over Ken White, Larry Pepper, Jack Dobson & George Hollingworth on an extra end, the game was 16 all after 16 ends! In the possible final, Gary (with Charles Pettit, Fred Lewis & Don Allen) had the measure of Keith, Stuart Pemberton, Tony Mountford & Garth Murdoch, winning with both lives intact.

04/11/10 - If you happened to notice a small logo just above the News Headlines, you may have wondered what it was about. Who is W3C? Well, W3C stands for the World Wide Web Consortium, they are the folks who make the rules governing web sites, they approve the sites that conform strictly to those rules. For the first time in its five year history, our web site is now fully compliant in every way, and has earned the right to the use of the W3C logo. This is the result of a lot of 'tidying-up' over the past year, and places your web site among the elite.

03-4/11/10 - On Wednesday and Thursday,the Mount held a two day invitation Open Mens Triples Tournament. There were a full three greens used before teams were separated into divisions. Outright winner in the top division was the team of Lance Orsler, Ron Parton & Colin Wood. The Second division runner-up was the Omanu team of Graham Caie, Jim Whitelock & Winston Davey.

31/10/10 - There was some brilliant bowling to be watched if you were game enough to brave the biting wind. Three finals were played and all were worthy of the name. The first to finish was the Handicap Singles, won on the last end by John Jennings against Noel McLeod. After the final end proper was played, the Women's Triples game was all tied up. The extra end was won by Merle Jamieson, with Bev Murdoch & Gwen Jennings, leaving Lynlie Edwards, Mary Conroy and Kath Steiner as Runners-up.

The remaining final was an equally tense and tight affair, a number of killed ends meaning it was the last game to finish. They entered the last end with two the difference, the single shot to Graham Caie's team was not enough to take the game. With Graham were Winston Davey and Garth Murdoch, the winners were skipped in the final by Ron Parton with Lance Orsler and Tom Gilchrist.

31/10/10 - It is a big day for Omanu's four Bay of Plenty reps on their way to play Waikato. It is not a new experience for 'young' Sue Pepper and Pat Andrews but it is a major achievement for Bev White and Josephine Connolly to break through the age barrier.

20/10/10 - With Josephine Connolly indisposed, Bev White skipped an Omanu team in the Centre Fours. With her were Marion Caie, Sue Pepper and Pat Andrews. In gusty and rather cold conditions at the Mount club they qualified, unfortunately defeating the only other Omanu team skipped by Lynlie Edwards in the process. After winning their first post section game to achieve the final eight, then lost to the strong team skipped by Marilyn McLeod, which included Karen Clarke, to end their campaign. The Tauranga South team led by Marilyn was the eventual winner when play resumed on Thursday morning.

10/10/10 - The Bay of Plenty Women's Teams to play Waikato for the Thelma Kidd Trophy on 31st October have been named. The Games are to be played in Tauranga and the teams include a number of Omanu players;

Bev White and Josephine Connolly comprise one of the Pairs teams, while Sue Pepper will play Two and Pat Andrews Lead. Skipping a Pairs team is Marilyn McLeod, an Omanu Associate Member and at Three is President Tom's wife Karen Clarke.

Well done Ladies and good luck for the Trophy.

7/10/10 - The Women's Handicap Singles is all over, congratulations to Kath Steiner and Runner-up Pat Andrews. This means that there will now be a Mixed Roll-up on Tuesday 12 October, 9.00am start.

Eleven Teams will be contesting the Men's Champ Triples this weekend. If you are not playing, come along and support the contestants.

29/09/10 - Mount Export Meats again sponsored this popular Mixed Tournament which was held in ideal conditions. Two teams had four wins each, first was Gary and Pat Andrews with Ted Barker, second Winston Davey with Colin and Gail Wood. Coming third with three wins was Brian Cotter, June Gerrard & John Wheeler. Greg from Export Meats presented the prizes and joined us for a barbecue.

24/09/10 - Our Remax sponsored Club Tournament was held today in fine if breezy conditions. The play was Progressive, 40 members took part with prizes for the first three places in each Grading. Our Sponsors provided prizes of wine, chocolates and a mystery prize along with afternoon tea of hot savouries and potato chips. John Wheeler made a fine production of the novelty presentations.

21/09/10 - A full green of 16 teams entered our Vision Papamoa open Women's triples Tournament today, there were no four winners.

1. Papamoa team of Jean Wright, Joy Welten & Helen Kendall with 3 wins - 23 points.
2. Omanu team of Lynlie Edwards, Mary Conroy & Kath Steiner with 3 wins - 18 points.
3. Arawa team of Jan McLeay, Joyce Suckling & Gillian Lanprey with 3 wins - 18 points

Conditions were very windy, but we were lucky to have no rain. Special thanks must be handed to our kitchen personnel of Eric Aroa and John Wheeler. They did a terrific job of providing tea and coffee with hot savouries - in spite of a power cut 20 minutes before the bell. Well done guys, you are a credit to the club.

11/09/10 - The weather wasn't flash and there weren't a lot of bowls sent down but today's Bring A Mate day was a great success. There was a good turn out of Club Members and some hardy prospects. We already have one nomination form, are expecting another and hope for more. The short time we had together was good fun and very well organised by John Wheeler (with assistance from his better half). There was a good prize draw courtesy of our sponsors Reimax. (Why does the wine go before the chocolates????)

Next Saturday it is all on again - Let's hope for some better weather. Come along. The more the merrier.........what are your neighbours doing??

11/09/10 - In a 'first' for some time, the club has two new Umpires. Dave Cook and John Powell have obtained their Umpire badges. In the past the club has always had a good number of umpires, although this has dwindled recently. It is great to see this new blood, well done.

4/09/10 - Opening Day was held today with 70 members present. Commencing at 10 am, a morning game of bowls was played followed by a leisurely lunch of finger foods supplied by all members. In the afternoon, a second game was played, followed by a social hour of drinks & left overs. Five new members were welcomed to the Club, four ladies and one man. The day was fine with everyone enjoying their day and looking forward to the new season.

8/09/10 - The first tournament of the season, sponsored by Jones & Co - Men's Open Triples, was held today. Fourteen teams participated, the outright winners with 4 wins were the Omokoroa team of Ian Mason, John Jeffery & Colin Judd. Second was the Omanu team with 3 1/2 wins of Graham Caie, Winston Davey & Garth Murdoch. Coming third was also an Omanu team with 3 wins Gary Andrews, Charles Pettit & Don Allan. An enjoyable day was had by all.

22/08/10 - A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who contibuted to the Garage Sale. Graham and Marion with super Deputies Gwen and Lynlie organised everything brilliantly. With lots of willing assistants the event was a wonderful success.

There was a heap of 'stock' donated by Members and despite somewhat challenging conditions on Saturday there was a good turnout of Punters. An enthusiastic band of sellers encouraged buyers and hot sausages fortified them. It was great fun. The proceeds amounted to $3,500 with some residual sales to come, there has definitely been a good boost to the Club's funds.

Cheers and well done all

19/07/10 - We all have birthdays, some have more significance than others. For many of us at Omanu we look forward to (or in some cases back to) an eightieth. We look with disdain, or is it envy, on the mere seventy-year-olds.

It is good then to congratulate our hard-working Secretary, Pat Andrews, on her significant birthday. Pat makes a habit of enjoying her July birthday somewhere rather warmer than Mt Maunganui and this year was the turn of Maroochydore. Along with a few family and friends she and Gary enjoyed a night out at 'Yabbies' on the Cotton Tree Esplanade.

11/07/10 - Each year in Maroochydore the visitors from New Zealand play Australia in a three test series. Having lost the first test, the Kiwis regrouped for a second assault on the neighbours. It is obvious that the current recession has had an effect on the number of us crossing the Tasman. So much so that NZ teams had to be augmented by some 'spare' Australians. It seems that these infiltrators had a diluting effect on our efforts and consequently we lost the second test today. It should be noted that the Mt Maunganui team of Bev White Mary Hingston, Trevor Hingston and Pat Andrews won by a healthy margin.

08/06/10 - We had a great Optional Tournament, full green, with visitors from Tauranga South, The Mount, Gate Pa, Papamoa and some of our own members. The green played exceptionally well, a bit slower than it would have been in the Summer but everyone is starting to look at the prospect of having TWO similar great greens for the New Season. The new green has been sown and is now covered with black shade cloth to promote growth. The tournament was great but man was it COLD.

30/05/10 - Three Omanu players joined a group of twenty something bowlers at Tauranga South this weekend. The Bay of Plenty rep Training Camp was held presided over by Selectors Judith Payne and Jenny Willis, assisted by Centre Vice-President Iain Dalton. Over the two days they took part in a series of exercises and disciplines designed to improve their skills. Our members at the camp were Bev White, Josephine Connolly and Pat Andrews.

28/05/10 - In the light of our reduced membership, the Annual General Meeting was well attended by over sixty members. Tom Clarke was elected President and succeeded in filling the Executive apart from Vice-Presidents, no one being willing to fill these two positions.

There were disparate opinions regarding the financial viability of the club, but it was generally agreed that it would be desirable to increase the number of members and to closely monitor our finances. Subscriptions were raised slightly ($195 reducible to $190 if paid by 31 July) and Limited to $135, others to remain as is. It was decided to do away with lunches at Club Tournaments, and the meeting agreed to discontinue the payments of accommodation at Championship venues other than Opotiki and Taupo.

There was concern expressed at the low number of participants at Championship (and the Mixed 'pseudo' championship events) by some junior bowlers. After considerable discussion and by a small majority, it was agreed that the Mixed Fours and Triples only, be box drawn. The rule for Pairs is to remain unchanged to allow husbands and wives to play together.

08/05/10 - Around forty members played in the final roll-up of the season this morning Another twenty arrived and contributed to the fine finger food luncheon. So much great food was provided, with heaps left over. In the afternoon, presentations were made and the season was formally concluded.

06/05/10 - A fine Autumn day saw the delayed Women's Handicap Singles take place. With only eight participants, three games were played. As the only three winner. Judy Smallbone gained the award while the runner-up, the top two winner was Kath Steiner.

02/05/10 - The Omanu Club was today represented at Honour's Day in Rotorua by a team of ladies, all to be recipients of awards. After three games of bowls followed by afternoon tea and a social hour, the presentations took place. Both the Men's and the Women's Development Teams were winners of the Baywide Interclub. Receiving the Trophy and the Certificates on behalf of the Men and the Women were Sue Pepper and Pat Andrews.

The presentation of a New Zealand Certificate to our runners-up in the National Pairs, Josephine Connolly and Bev White, was greeted with warm applause by all present. They were both humbled and gratified to be nominated by the club for the award of "Bowler of the Year", despite the award being granted jointly to Jan McLeay and Suzanne Meek. Today at Rotorua was a proud day for Omanu bowlers

The "autumn clearances" have taken place once more, most items from the 2009/10 season have been removed to Archives. They make interesting reading if you would like to refer back to them.