Sport
20 October, 2023
Dedication recognised
"The Life Members are the backbone of the club and have done extraordinary things" SITUATED close to the CBD with tranquil park views, it's easy to see how bowlers would be attracted to playing at Horsham City Bowling Club, and for the club's five...
"The Life Members are the backbone of the club and have done extraordinary things"
SITUATED close to the CBD with tranquil park views, it's easy to see how bowlers would be attracted to playing at Horsham City Bowling Club, and for the club's five newest Life Members, that's just what they have done for a combined 165 years.
Started in 1909, in 1972 the club built new greens on the site of the former Spotlight building in McLachlan Street, before later settling in its current Park Drive location, where current club president Colin Morrell said the members have been starting renovation works to improve the facilities.
Describing the life members as "the backbone of the club, who have all done extraordinary things for the club", Mr Morrell said the five new life members join 25 others to have received the honour throughout the club's history.
Gary Knight joined in 1978, after retiring from cricket aged 30. Having played sport his entire life, Mr Knight said he enjoyed the social aspect of the game and has seen a relaxing of the game over the years.
"When I started bowls was pretty staunch and was played by business people," he said.
"Now it's more relaxed and friendly".
Practicing a lot to increase his skill in the early days, Mr Knight has been a stalwart of the club who has not only served as president and secretary, but also as a board member, selector, and involved in the hosting of tournaments for more than 15 years.
As a player, he is impressive also, claiming a spectacular total of 17 division one premierships, four division two premierships, triple club pairs champion, five-time club fours champion, and a number of other titles.
For Ron Goudie, giving up tennis to take up bowling in 1984 wasn't without its challenges.
"My first year I was coming into town from my farm at Drung to play, but hadn't realised that pennant started in October; I turned up in November," he said.
"Gary and Jim Wright were good coaches and I ended up leading for Gary in my first pennant year,
"I have had a bit of success over my time, but for me it's about the people I meet and the friendships I make,
"Unfortunately, as the population changes we have seen less members signing up to play, particularly women. I'd like to see more people come along and play, and am happy to teach anyone wanting to give bowling a go".
During his years with the club, Mr Goudie has won no less than 20 division one premierships, was a former Wimmera Bowls Division singles Champion of Champions, is a three-time club singles champion, six-time club pairs champion, and a nine-time club fours champion.
Joining in 2000 after relocating to Horsham from Brim, Betty Cozens' late husband was involved with bowling.
"I have always enjoyed sport and when I finished tennis I thought I'd join my husband in bowling," Mrs Cozens said.
"When he was alive we used to travel a lot for bowls and made some long-time friendships as a result," she said.
Practicing the sport early on proved beneficial for Mrs Cozens, who has won 15 club singles throughout her time with Horsham City.
Representing the club as secretary, assistant secretary, ladies committee president, and Central Wimmera Bowls Division match committee member, Mrs Cozens is definitely not one to rest on her laurels.
Also a board member since 2008, she has been a selector for seven years, and has also represented the club at Wimmera region level including as a board member and selector.
And, if that wasn't enough to keep her busy, Mrs Cozens' list of on-field achievements is the stuff of legends.
From 15 club singles titles, to 11 club pairs and eight club fours, Mrs Cozens has also claimed nine division one midweek premierships, four division two weekend premierships and a host of other awards, and is described as a great club ambassador and tireless worker.
"I value the tremendous support I have received from the club," she said.
For Kevin Clyne whose name reportedly appears a whopping 78 times on the club's honour boards, it's also the mateship which has kept him coming back since 1987.
"One of my employees invited me down for a roll and I enjoyed the fellowship," Mr Clyne said.
A board member for eight years and later president for two, Mr Clyne has also served as a selector and has hosted the sets play tournament for the past 25 years.
If that phenomenal effort wasn't enough, he and his wife Greta also ran concerts for over a decade to raise funds to synthetic surface the club's A green, and has also been the bar manager for many years.
"Being involved with the bar was something I'd always done for the past 30 years, before I stepped up as manager," he said.
Also lamenting the reduction in players, Mr Clyne, a 17-time division one premiership winner, 11-time club pairs champion, and 10-time club fours champion, invites anyone interested in trying bowls to the club for a roll.
Ducking too late and copping a whack from a cricket ball was the catalyst behind Derek Ballinger joining the club in 1998.
"After I got hit, I gave up cricket and walked over to Sunnyside, later transferring over to Horsham City," Mr Ballinger said.
"I enjoy playing competitive bowls," he said, something which has seen him win the club singles championship twice, as well as claiming pairs and fours championships.
Serving as a board member for 17 years, Mr Ballinger has also taken up office bearer roles including president and secretary, and has been a selector and a tournament director.
Spending an enormous amount of time and energy on sourcing tournament and club-event sponsorships, Mr Ballinger can also often be spotted undertaking maintenance and tidying the club grounds.
Also a Wimmera selector for a number of years, Mr Ballinger believes transfers to other clubs and player ageing is responsible.
Congratulating the five life members on their dedication and efforts, Mr Morrell said bowling is for all ages, "not just old people".
"We are a progressive club," he said.
"We were one of the first to get coloured uniforms and, despite our dwindling membership, we are a strong club,
"We have a number of try out events, scroungers, night owl and social competitions, and invite anyone thinking about giving bowling a try to come along and have a go at it".
