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CLUB NEWS
New EBC Constitution back
Due to the unification of the RVBA and VLBA a new Eltham Recreational Bowling Club Constitution was drafted view PDF
 
New Green back
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The grass was removed in 2010 along with 40mm of top dressing.  Slow release fertilizers were added based on soil testing results; the whole surface rotary hoed and the green laser levelled.
 
The planting was delayed for a week by a forecast of very heavy rain. The rain fell depositing 100mm and the green became a lake. Unfortunately when the water drained away algal growth appeared. Mike Jones sprayed the algae and when dried the surface looked crusty.
 
The regular heavy rain confirmed that the existing drainage system is still working very well which avoided a much more extensive and expensive renovation. Our new grass green is making good progress despite some weather extremes.
 
Eltham enjoyed two weeks of consistent warm weather; the sprinklers were in operation every 2 hours to keep the soil damp.  More rain and fertilizer encouraged good green growth.  A working bee was organized to skilfully remove all the weeds and the coverage looks even healthier.
 
The green will be given a light top dressing in November to fill any local settling. We expect it to be ready for bowling after Christmas although in its first year the speed is predicted to be less than thirteen seconds. Because we cannot confidently predict how the green will play, three of the Saturday pennant teams have been entered to play all of their home games at either Diamond Creek or Greensborough. If we have a warm spring and the green is at "pennant standard", we have the option of switching remaining home games back to Eltham after Christmas.
 
Our grass green has been officially reopened and has exceeded all expectations. It is currently running at 13 seconds which is a pleasant surprise.
 
 The grass green has been approved for pennant play but anyone who visited the Club between Christmas and New year will have been shocked by the size and extent of the ripples on the synthetic green. There were numerous ripples that affected all seven rinks and it is very doubtful that we would have been able to play a pennant match on it in that condition. We are therefore reluctant to commit the grass green on Saturdays by returning "home" matches to Eltham in case we need it as an emergency option if the synthetic is unplayable.
Forty/40 Competition back

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The first Forty/40 event was a complete success. The Organizing Group would like to thank the members who entered teams with their family and friends. The fourteen teams were made up of 49 participants who had little or no bowling experience.
Tuesday Pennant back
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Division 4 Section 5 progressed to the Post Sectional Finals. The side finished on top of their section and as a result they have gained promotion to Division 3 next season.
They won their Quarter Finals against the MCC B C. It was a close match with Eltham winning by 6 shots. Their Semi Final match was held on Thursday 17th March, 2011 at Maribyrnong Park against Heatherdale Rec B C. Although beaten our Division 4 Side is to be congratulated on reaching the Semi Final. The team wishes to thank members who came to support them.
 
Saturday Pennant back
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Division 2 Section 3 won their final with a score of 104 - 84. Eltham Recreation BC now has a "Division One" side for the first time in its 29 year history! The side's great run in the finals came to an end when they were beaten by Glenroy in the Semi Final at Ivanhoe. The side's performance during the season and the bowlers who played during the finals should be very proud of their achievements. Division 1 awaits in the 11/12 season.
 
Night Pennant back
For the first time an Eltham team finished in the top 4 (second in fact). We play Ivanhoe in the  semi-final. Cliff Lynch was voted the best player of the season followed by John Baker (2nd) and John Sparke (3rd).
 
3rd Monday Triples back
The 3rd Monday triples will be held again this season. Although we will once again be restricted to one green. We anticipate good support and competition from other clubs.
 
Eltham Bowlers in Action back
Men's pairs final
The men's pairs final was between John Sparke/Cliff Lynch and Steve and Lee Williams. Team Williams got off to a dream start picking up six shots on the first end. Sparke/Lynch mounted a determined fight back  but as the game progressed Williams/Williams settled. The match became a tense struggle between draw bowling and driving.  John placed many bowls close. Steve played a dominant role either drawing or driving in a typical  display of control. Skippers Cliff and Lee were almost cast in supporting roles trying to gain the final advantage. By the 10th end the pattern was established. Driving was gaining the upper hand over consistent drawing. Putting bowls close was not nearly as difficult as keeping them there till the end and Williams and Williams were worthy winners.
 
Over 70 final
The Over 70 final was between Bruce Goodman and Ernie Richards. Spectators were treated to a typical Ernie match. Bruce was bowling well but as he commented "How can I have a resting toucher and end up two down without any drives on that end?" In the end Ernie was too accurate too often.
 
Ladies singles final
The ladies singles final was between two new contenders, Rina Baker and Cath Andrew. The pattern of this match was based on "it only takes one great bowl to win the end". The significance of the occasion seemed to affect both players in the hot conditions making the game more difficult. Over the length of the match Cath bowled very well but Rina consistently corrected well and played at least one "ripper" bowl each end.  An exciting match won convincingly by Rina in the end. Great to see two new players emerging to challenge our historical ladies champions.
 
Special Events back
Scroungers on Saturday 7th January, as the name implies, means every bowler is out to score for themselves and have a lot of fun doing it!  The winners for 2012 were Colin Hines, Cath Andrew and Mike Theodore (again!!)
 
A Welcome to the grass on Thursday evening 12th was consummated with consumption of 72 sausages, several glasses of wine and a few beers and a "blessing of the grass" followed by 36 bowlers testing their shoulders on the new surface. 
Around the Club back
TV Coverage.
Bowls Australia have recently announced that the TV coverage agreement with the ABC that showed elite bowling at 5PM on Saturdays will not be renewed in 2012. Bowls Australia contributed $40,000 each year towards the cost of the coverage but the ABC has declined to renew the agreement. It is possible that coverage will continue on Foxtel.
 
Bowls Victoria Affiliation Fee
The 2011/12 Bowls Victoria Affiliation Fee has been increased to $35 per member (up from $32). Bowls Victoria stated that the increase was due to increases in affiliation fees from both Bowls Australia and World Bowls.
 
SES Neighbours.
The Eltham SES has lodged a planning permit setting out significant changes planned for the land to the north of the Club fence. A series of large sheds will be built to house four trucks and two trailers. These units are required to handle the 800 emergency calls the volunteer unit receives each year. The plans as presented will take over the car park area and the current sand storage area. One of the conditions imposed by Melbourne Water is the construction of a concrete flood wall along our northern boundary.
 
The Club lodged a formal objection based on the loss of car parking and access but after meeting with the Nillumbik Mayor, Helen Coleman and the local SES leader I expect to be able to negotiate some parking access and suitable alternative arrangements for storage and access. If the project is approved, construction should be completed this year.
 
Fund Raising
Marj Baussman and Phyllis Dight have taken on the role of fund-raising for the coming season. Our first endeavour is to up-grade the "Trading Table". In the past it has been rather non-descript. We would like to see it furnished with articles both pretty and practical. To this end we are asking members (both male and female) if they could contribute items that they have made themselves. Perhaps some of the ladies may be into knitting, sewing, embroidery, coat-hangers, wheat heat packs for sore muscles, etc. Gents may enjoy woodworking etc.(key-hangers, triffids) or are able to provide attractive potted plants. If you are able to help please talk to Marj or Phyllis.
 
 
Australian Open
Volunteers are needed to help with the running of the Australian Open in February.  There are a whole range of jobs not requiring specialised skills that need to be covered.  The "perk" of volunteering at this event is you will see some super skilled bowling when you are not rostered elsewhere and looking after the scoreboard means you can watch while you work. If you think you may like to give it a try either go to the Bowls Victoria website or ask Ann Climas who can give you all the details. 
Website is:  www.bowlsvic.org.au or Ann's phone number is 9431 5463
 
Club Voice's back
Frank Camera has been busy with his pen and resulted in 2 poems:
Farewell Dear Old Clubhouse (2002)
The Club Champion (2002) 
 
New Rules and Safety Practices back
Safety Practices
This comes from the Official Bowls Australia Club Coaches Manual P. 32.
Placing the mat on the bank.
Place it correctly; ensuring it is flat on the surface of the bank, without part of it hanging over the edge. This will reduce the risk of someone tripping over it, or slipping by stepping on it.
Closing and storing bowls bags.
By correctly closing bowls bags, and stowing them under seats and away from walkways, we minimize the chance of a player catching part of their clothing, or tripping over the bag.
Bowls scoops, bowls lifters and umbrellas.
These items should be placed out of the way on the bank when not in use. When placing a bowls lifter on the green it should be placed under a bowl when not in use.
Be aware of what is around.
Being aware of what surrounds you will help reduce the chances of falling or tripping over bowls & equipment.
 
Jack displacement
Q. Whilst measuring during a game of bowls the person doing the measuring accidently moves the jack, what should happen? 
 
A. If the jack is displaced by the equipment being used by a player during measuring, an opponent should put it back to its former position. (law 33.4.1) 
 
If the jack is displaced by the equipment being used by the marker during measuring, the marker should put the jack back to a position agreed by the opponents. 
If the opponents cannot agree, the marker should put the jack back to its former position. (law 33.4.2) 
If the jack is displaced by the measuring equipment being used by the umpire during measuring, the umpire should put the jack back to its former position. (law 33.4.3)Note: nowhere in this law does it say that the end shall be declared dead.
 
New Rules
Bowls Victoria law changes come into effect on January 1.
Changes include:
(Copies of the new rules books can be ordered from Bowls Victoria via your club secretary.)
 

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