IN THE N E W S SPONSORED BY facebook.com/ BowlsSouthAfrica ISSUE 90

YOUR SOURCE FOR BOWLING WORLDWIDE INFORMATION i n c r e a s e d f r e q u e n c y o f t h e Wo r l d WORLD BOWLS’ PLAN TO Championships, World Bowls feels regional events provide another great opportunity to gain posive exposure for our sport around the SPUR AFRICAN NATIONS’ world. For the World Singles Champion of Champions, It is also felt they should be a valuable element in World Bowls indicates this annual event is STRENGTH introducing emerging naons to internaonal recognised as having a wide appeal to the global compeon and for them to benefit from the compeve player with a disnct place on the interacon with larger ones. calendar, not designed to be part of naonal elite/high performance pathways. Improving performance along with the ancipated increase in interest and ambion The sets format will be retained, the number of from the smaller naons can only smulate the secons subject to ongoing review subject to development of bowls. level of confirmed entries. It is recommended, therefore, regional events in World Bowls will connue to cover competors’ Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania accommodaons costs, however, this requires to be smulated and enjoy enhanced World Bowls be subject to ongoing review. But greater status, becoming a vital part of the overall World emphasis is required on requesng/encouraging The Atlanc Championships and Asia Pacific Bowls framework of internaonal events. It is increased contribuons/support towards Championships, previously used as qualifying recommended views be sought from relevant a c c o m m o d a o n c o s t s / p r o v i s i o n o f events for the four-yearly World Championships, interests on how enhanced status can be accommodaon in future tender documents for are to be terminated; the World Bowls effecvely achieved. Championships will be held every two years in the this event. odd years from 2023. Exisng events such as the European (The only other opon is to require entering Championships, Asian Championships and These and other recommendaons were MNAs or their competors to make a African States Tournament are already in place. approved by the board of directors at a World contribuon, but World Bowls consider overall World Bowls recommends establishment of an Bowls board meeng held in April. that would have a detrimental effect on entries - Oceania Championships, and a Pan American especially from smaller, less well-resourced event be acvely progressed. Men’s and Women’s World Bowls Championships MNAs). will connue to be played concurrently and The relevant regional controlling body of these championships will be open to all member World Bowls & IIBC indoor events: Under 25s & events will be encouraged to review the formats naons. World Bowls Indoor Championships, have been at the events and to experiment with innovave well received and World Bowls is honour bound features such as during-play substuons or Singles, pairs, triples and fours disciplines will be to hold these annual events for the foreseeable rotaon of players within teams during games played in the exisng regular format, with secons future. From 2022, eligibility to enter for naons etc. in each discipline subject to final level of with separate indoor and outdoor naonal confirmed entries and naons seeded into on the authories will be restricted to the naonal Also recommended is the board consider inial basis of finishing posion in each discipline at the indoor authories only. financial support for each regional events to previous championships. enable them to achieve the level of compeon, World Bowls Outdoor Junior/Youth event: It is Unseeded entries will be drawn to make up status and exposure expected from them. recommended a World Junior/Youth team event secons in an equitable random manner - be established on a four-yearly basis to be held in Open events: It was idenfied during the consideraon to be given to drawing from the even-numbered year which is not a meengs discussions that opportunies be different pots, such as separate pots for full Commonwealth Games year. Entry eligibility to progressed for certain MNAs or group of MNAs members and development/associate members. mirror the biennial World Bowls Championships. to establish ‘open’ events similar to the Australian Open or US Open, leading to a future Condions of play will include me limits to mirror Regional internaonal events: Building on the ‘Grand Slam’ circuit of ‘open’ events. condions of play for the next appropriate Commonwealth Games, but some flexibility may be required in relaon to me limit, dependent on playing surface speeds.

The introducon of para disciplines at earliest opportunity; para disciplines to mirror those for the Commonwealth Games.

World Bowls suggests naonal teams be encouraged to use team-coloured bowls and that the hosng of the championships rotate between regions. Test matches: The number of Tests played internaonal events. between member naons has been seen to Ÿ World Bowls to invesgate the feasibility of decline in recent years, again reducing establishing a World Bowls event for seniors opportunies to develop naonal squads, suggested to be held on a two-yearly basis in promote and market the sport. MNAs need to be the even-numbered years from 2024. encouraged in this regard. These, plus previously detailed World Bowls Challenge/Australian BPL Style recommendaons would then produce a four- Event: The inaugural World Bowls Challenge was a yearly cycle of events as follows: Year 1 (2023) great success – especially for those able to access World Bowls Championships; Year 2 (2024) live-streaming and broadcasng. However, it was World Bowls Junior/Youth Outdoor evident from discussions its global reach and Championships, World Bowls Seniors aracveness was disappoinng. World Bowls will fully support Bowls Australia's Championships; Year 3 (2025) World Bowls lobbying for bowls' inclusion. Championships; Year 4 (2026 same year as While there was some indicaon of lack of Commonwealth Games)-World Bowls Seniors Equally, MNAs should be encouraged to connue awareness regarding the Australian BPL event, Championships general comments were it is an event seen to have to support the lobbying process via their own a short sharp format, and aracve, excing, naonal Olympic commiees/naonal sports inclusion of senior age disciplines in colourful and very popular to broadcasters and authories. internaonal events: The World Bowls Media & the media. Communicaons Commiee to consider Other recommendaons: World Bowls will discussion points arising from the meengs in engage with major bowls organisaons and As such, many expressed the opinion they would relaon to events informaon and promoon encourage MNAs to be encouraged to start to love to see something like it played in their naon on the World Bowls website and social media change the exisng culture of the sport as to increase profile and promoon of bowls to a plaorms and present recommendaons for experienced at club level to appeal not just to wider public. The recommendaon is to consideraon by the Board & CEO. encourage MNAs to establish such events. Again current players, but to appeal to and aract a this could ulmately lead to a credible 'World much wider market of potenal parcipants. Strengthening World Bowls branding: Progress Tour' of such events aracve to competors, the desire to establish global broadcasng In this respect World Bowls encourages: playing and non-playing public, broadcasters, arrangements through established partnerships Ÿ Maintain equality of medal winning other media, sponsors, spectators etc. and contacts. The inclusion of a 'colourful' lead opportunies for men and women in all presenter of broadcast events supported by an World Bowls events and ensure the same Olympic Games/Paralympics: World Bowls to expert summariser is considered most applies to all relevant regional internaonal connue to progress IOC/IPC recognion. With desirable. events. the announcement Brisbane is preferred host for Edited by Alan Simmonds Ÿ Support the inclusion of Para disciplines in the 2032 Olympic Games/Paralympic Games, Media Officer, Bowls SA

World Bowls is to throw its considerable punch cricketers. behind the bid for Brisbane – see lead arcle this OLYMPIC 'Introducing sports familiar to the host naon newsleer (Editor) will be crical to engaging fans, and we've seen BOWLS COULD The news has raised interest among several other that for this year's Olympics in Tokyo with the codes as they jockey for a spot in probably the addions of sports more familiar to the ROLL IN 2032 planet’s biggest sporng event. Japanese audience.' Bowls is sll a heavily Commonwealth-based An Internaonal Cricket Council (ICC) source, sport, but is growing fast in China, Malaysia and speaking on the condion of anonymity as they Hong Kong, while it proved a drawcard during the were not authorised to comment publicly on the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast organisaon's posion, said the governing body with Broadbeach Bowls Club turning into a had Olympic ambions. vibrant locaon. They said that the ICC was not yet ready nor 'As a host country, bowls is intrinsic to Australian commied to making a formal bid to join the society and the bonus is that our facilies are Olympics, so instead they would be relying on exceponal, especially in Queensland. For the organisers for the 2028 Los Angeles Games or Paralympics, bowls as a sport already is modified the potenal 2032 Brisbane Games making the The age-old conundrum: Should bowls be part of to easily allow play,' says Bowls Australia chief sport a host city pick. the Olympic Games, has been bandied execuve Neil Dalrymple. He is convinced his Cricket was played at the 1900 Olympics in Paris, relentlessly. sport has a place at the Games; Brisbane would with only the UK and France compeng in a two- be the ideal entry point. Now, one of the world's oldest and most day game. respected newspapers The Age, first published in In an arcle issued by World Bowls, a Cricket About 25 sports are considered 'core' to the Melbourne Australia in 1854, touts a possibility of Australia (CA) spokesman is reported as having Olympic programme, including athlecs, lawn bowls being included on the playing said his governing body was delighted to hear the swimming, weightliing, gymnascs and schedule of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. news about the Brisbane bid, saying CA hoped hockey, while others, such as soball, have their cricket might be one of the sports the host A story by staff writers Anthony Colangelo and Roy place reviewed more regularly. Ward in February, declared ‘cricket, lawn bowls, naon's Olympic Commiee recommends for mixed maral arts, squash and soball have inclusion. Sports outside of the programme regularly lobby to join - squash (unsuccessfully) and golf declared their desire to take part in the 2031 'We will absolutely work closely with the (successfully at Rio 2016). Olympics, whick look (sic) desned to take place in Queensland Olympic Council to ensure cricket is Brisbane.’ front of mind,' the spokesman said. There are rules that guide how IOC members decide on the Olympic programme - history, This was wrien aer Internaonal Olympic 'Cricket is a truly naonal sport here in Australia governance record, popularity, business model Commiee announced Brisbane as preferred and it would just be fantasc to see our sport and value-add potenal – but some have more candidate to host the 2032 event, entering into represented at the Olympics, whatever the influence than others. exclusive discussions with Australian bid format may be. That dream of represenng your organisers to bring the Olympics Down Under for a country and even winning an Olympic gold medal For the Tokyo Games sports perceived as third me. could become a reality for many of our junior popular with young people, and popular in Japan, were added at the recommendaon of Japan – baseball/soball, karate, skateboard, sports climbing and surfing; breakdancing has NATIONALS’ been added for the Paris 2024 Games. ENTRIES HIT A host country can pick the sports it wants. The Ulmate Fighng Championship (UFC) BY COVID-19 directed quesons about MMA at the Olympics to Entries are understandably limited for the the Internaonal Mixed Maral Arts Federaon, Men’s (Cape Town) and Women's which said: 'The IMMAF would love amateur (Johannesburg) Naonal championships from MMA to feature at the 2032 Olympics. ʺ May 8-16. While soball featured at the Olympics from 1996 MEN'S OPEN SINGLES: 80 Secons of 3 = 240 to 2008, it disappeared unl being re-selected for entries; MEN'S VET SINGLES: 41 Secons of 3 = Tokyo. 123; Soball Australia and the World Baseball and MEN'S PAIRS: 38 Secons of 6 = 228/456 Soball Confederaon want it at the 2032 Games. players; MEN'S FOURS: 11 Secons of 6 = 66/264 players. It won't be at Paris 2024, but given baseball and soball's popularity in the US and Australia there Bowls Australia chief execuve Neil Dalrymple WOMEN'S OPEN SINGLES: 46 Secons of 3 = is opmism it will feature in 2028 and 2032. playing sport now which is a short, sharp fitness- 138 entries; WOMEN'S VET SINGLES: 18 orientated sport where you get a decent Secons of 3 = 54 'We have won a medal every me soball has workout,' Squash Australia chief execuve been to the Olympics,' Soball Australia chief WOMEN'S PAIRS: – 24 Secons of 6 = 144/288 Donaghue said. Entries are understandably limited for the men's execuve David Pryles said. players; WOMEN'S FOURS: – 19 Secons of 6 = (Cape Town) and Women's (Johannesburg) open 'I know as part of the bid for the recent Olympic 114/456 Bowls Australia chief execuve Neil Dalrymple is championships from May 8-16. Games, the two current world champions said convinced his sport has a place at the Games, they would give up their six or seven world Line-up: saying Brisbane would be the ideal entry point. championships just to compete for an Olympic Bowls is sll a heavily Commonwealth-based gold medal.' Men's Open Singles: 80 Secons of 3 = 240 sport, but is growing fast in China, Malaysia and Meanwhile, Australian netball great Liz Ellis says Hong Kong, while it proved a drawcard during the entries; Men's Vet Singles – 41 Secons of 3 = her sport shouldn't be le out of consideraon 123; 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast for the Olympics despite it being almost solely with Broadbeach Bowls Club turning into a vibrant played in Commonwealth countries and having Men's Pairs – 38 Secons of 6 = 228/456 players; locaon. only a developing men's component. Men's Fours – 11 Secons of 6 = 66/264 players. 'As a host country, bowls is intrinsic to Australian Ellis, who led a review of the sport last year, said society and the bonus is that our facilies are netball had evolved significantly in the past 20 Women's Open Singles: 46 Secons of 3 = 138 exceponal, especially in Queensland,' Dalrymple years with a broader array of countries in said. 'For the Paralympics bowls as a sport can be entries; Women's Vet Singles – 18 Secons of 3 = women's internaonal play and a men's game 54 modified very easily to allow people with different which was among the fastest growing sports in disabilies to play it.' Australia. Women's Pairs – 24 Secons of 6 = 144/288 players; Women's Fours – 19 Secons of 6 = Squash has been knocking on the Olympic door ‘The sport has to ensure it's prepared to sing its 114/456 for over a decade, with 20 million players around own praises,' Ellis said. 'Somemes we are very the world, an established professional world tour humble but we should be out there shoung that and events in the Commonwealth Games, Pan we are developing netballers through Africa, American Games and Asian Games. Squash there are plenty of internaonal players in Super Australia chief execuve Robert Donaghue said Netball and Super League in England.' squash was a modern sport. CHAMPS: Protea Jason Evans won a fih Original words by Les Chrise; consecuve JBA Singles – a record; Debbie 'It's a sport that does suit the way people are edited by Alan Simmonds Muller Phillips, le, her first women's tle

re-elecon is Andy Strong of Ekurhuleni CHANGES AT THE TOP AS district. He has been steadfast for many years offering business experse and good counsel. South Africa’s Prince Neluonde, Bobby Donnelly BOWLS SA’S AGM APPROACHES He too is offered thanks and good fortune in his and Pierre Breitenbach struck gold in the men’s It's elecon me for the Bowls South Africa grateful and pay homage to a fine administrator personal endeavours. triples at Kelvingrove execuve; there are several changes in the and human being. He is wished well in his private In terms of clause 25.4 of the constuon, pipeline. life. nominaons for president and vice-president may be accepted for individuals only who have Both Naonal Convenon (Workshop/Districts) His execuve has also played no small part. served on the current execuve for a least a from 9am on Saturday, August 28 and the AGM Unpaid, unsung and tossed from pillar to post, year. meeng to immediately follow, will take place they and the administraon led by stalwart via ZOOM. Aendees shall receive an electronic operaons manager, John Ravenscro have Those currently standing are: invitaon. stood firm amid world chaos. President: Heather Boucher - BOR Vice-President: Johan Barkhuizen - NIBA But no doom and gloom. Aer three magnificent years as president, in David Hamer - BGN which me he has been subjected to disgusng Nominated unopposed as the second woman Execuve: Johan Barkhuizen - NIBA and misguided personal verbal aack, global president this millennium aer Debra Ferguson, David Hamer - BGN pandemic strife and a constant shuffling of is a leader of rare disncon in Heather Boucher Jenny Sinclair - EDB internaonal and domesc events, Port of East London and Border Bowls. I will introduce In terms of clause 26 of the constuon, only Elizabeth maestro Rob Forbes is standing down. readers to her in full aer the annual meeng in members of the Naonal Council (Provincial August. Bowls South Africa and its en r e Associaons) are entled to nominate persons member/club/district entourage should be Another experienced execuve unavailable for for the execuve commiee of Bowls SA. ...cont/ More South African Gold when Colleen Piketh and Tracy-Lee Botha defeated England in the Women’s Pairs Final FROM THE PRESIDENT’S

D E S K ROB FORBES shaking hands with grandparents through a through it successfully and now that format protecve shield told its own story. No doubt is entrenched. Similarly, we held our first CHANGES all of you will have a tale to tell of friends or virtual workshop and AGM and this was relaves who were struck down by the virus, met with enthusiasm by all. Many districts CEMENTING sharing their stories of the fight to survive - if are moving to the virtual plaorm or a lucky enough. hybrid and this enabled parcipaon from many a president who, due to distance, had DAILY LIFE 3. It’s a me for tolerance and paence, not been one of the apologies. This will be the antagonism. Pulling against one another only way of the future. Our standing commiees SKILLS exacerbates an already tesng me. The day will all be looking at on-line training as a we received permission to return to play from method of accreding coaches, technical It is a lile more than a year since that dramac the department of sport goes down as one of officials and green-keepers. We now exist day one Sunday evening in March 2020 when our the most memorable in my life. Experiencing in two worlds, one based on physical lives were turned upside down. From where we the joy it brought to members to be able to intervenon and another virtual. I am sure just concluded the 2020 Inter Districts and return to clubs, albeit in a restricted, more and more me will be spent looking forward to our next Naonals, to a total constrained manner, made all the work we interacng on the virtual plaorm. shutdown of our sport. It certainly was a me put into in negoang with authories worth likes of which many of us have never before every minute. It reaffirmed my belief of the 5. Rapid efforts to create a vaccine to combat experienced - from freedom of movement and role bowls clubs play in members' lives - from the virus reaffirms my belief that when put associaon, to confinement at home in such a a sport parcipaon perspecve, to an to the test mankind will prevail; who knows short me. equally important vehicle for social what this scienfic intervenon might do engagement. Studies conducted in Australia So what lessons do I take from this me in my for future soluons to myriad human health recognise bowls facilitates long-lasng life? issues? friendships oen a central feature of 1. Never take life for granted, it can be turned members’ social support. I received, and 6. Finally, it made me stop and think about all upside down in a maer of minutes. connue to do so, numerous complaints those at the coalface fighng this Everything taken as a given was suddenly no about so-called onerous protocols we put in pandemic. From nurses, doctors, more. All the planning put in place, be it from place to have play back on the greens. Firstly, ambulance services. cashiers in stores, a p e rs o n a l , o r s p o r t p a r c i p a o n it should be understood consultaon was with delivery staff and all who put themselves at perspecve, suddenly required a re- the departments of sport and of health and risk so our lives connue in some normality evaluaon and a re-assessment. I also while some protocols appeared excessive we too oen take them for granted. It has consider why they were introduced. If a life realised how blessed we had been in our lives taken a global pandemic to make us realise has been saved it’s a small sacrifice to pay. I to be able to enjoy freedom of movement our dependence others. Grateful thanks to and associaon to do that which added value, believe compliance with the protocols, all unheralded workers who risked so much with those with whose company we enjoyed. whether it be a trip to the supermarket or to the club, helped suppress spread of the virus. on our behalf. 2. Cherish every moment you have with loved It is said me and de wait for no man. So we ones and friends - you never know when you 4. Technology came into its own. Working from might lose them. Family maered more than home, virtual meengs became a norm of the need to move on as best we can in a me of we realised and the very thought of taking modern era; we have embraced this. Imagine uncertainty. Our bowling fraternity’s spirit fills someone to hospital, never knowing when, a world without cell phones and all the apps me with firm belief that just as we faced or indeed if, you might see them again was which allow us virtual contact? I would COVID-19 head-on, so will we adapt and find most sobering to me. It was a huge thought- venture to suggest the mental struggle we ways to connue engaging in our sport and invoking moment for me to read a report faced would have been worsened without the socially interact with club members - so much from a doctor on life-saving decisions made, technology at our disposal. By necessity we an integral part of daily life. unfortunately at the expense of others. That as an execuve engaged in our first ‘virtual’ hug or handshake taken as a given was no m e e n g w h i c h o b v i o u s l y re q u i re d Rob Forbes more. To see pictures of grandchildren Bconsiderable adjuWstment. L But Swe came President, Bowls South Africa #1SPORT4LIFE In terms of clauses 26.1.1 & 26.1.3, current council member of the naonal council General: Naonal council and naonal execuve members were voted into office at the (provincial associaons), may submit moons for convenon members should provide items for 2019 AGM for a period of two years. These adopon at the AGM. These moons shall be the workshop agenda by May 31. Vong rights appointments, therefore, expire on August 28; discussed and debated at the workshop and of provincial associaons are determined in members may submit nominaons 90 days placed before council at the AGM for adopon. terms of clause 23.3 of the constuon and be before the AGM - May 31. The same applies for Any moons must be with Bowls SA by May 31. advised by July 15 - 45 days before the AGM. the posion of president and vice-president. NB: Districts should place moons before their Prepared by operaons manager John Noces of moon associaons for adopon and provide their Ravenscro; edited Alan Simmonds In terms of clause 21.6 of the Constuon any delegates with a mandate to vote at the AGM. GERRY BAKER - LEGEND WITH MUCH MORE TO COME Alan Simmonds - Media Officer

He was around on the internaonal scene for two decades; he struck fear and gained respect from Lethabo Mathibela all against whom he played. Off the green he is a private family man, a role model to any with bowls aspiraons and a successful businessman to boot. Obviously - Gerry Baker.

His peers laud him; he has no enemies I know of and as a bowls writer of more than 40-years' experience, I have found Bryanston Sports BC, Johannesburg Bowling Associaon’s Baker always ready to assist and readily approachable to any request, no maer deadline or detail.

“Leie’s” bowls record is in the public domain; it is sport dominated by an old boys' club when it staggering. But the man behind the figures and comes to the manufacturers/suppliers to the the always-needing-cleaning silverware remains game. amiable and humble. Gillian Young “But soon thereaer I realised how wrong I had playing for the Eden Open ladies' interdistricts Baker, born and bred in Bloemfontein, went to been. Aero was about to become a major team, Baker enthused. school in Kimberley at Chrisan Brothers College. disruptor to what was a mundane and ordinary He studied for his CA(SA) at UOFS, completed environment. Walter then asked be to take Aero The Aero bowl has also been accepted COVID-19 HOTLINE arcles at KPMG and was transferred to to the South African market. worldwide. NO MASK - DO NOT PLAY IF Johannesburg. 0800 029 999 SELF ISOLATING OR “Its success has been nothing short of “Internaonally, Aero has the biggest names in NO PLAY! www.sacoronavirus.co.za SHOW SYMPTOMS! phenomenal, so much so that we have followed a the game on board - super stars such as Alex worldwide trend in Aero - outselling all other Marshall, Paul Foster, Karen Murphy, Barrie makes.” Lester and current world singles champion Shannon Mcilroy of New Zealand. Baker's expanding network connues to spread the word in South Africa. “Aero has revoluonised the bowl from its new grip, new bend, trifecta colours and an ability to “I import two models to South Africa specifically be made-up into an absolute bespoke bowl for tailored to our condions - the Groove a stronger- any individual. biased bowl and the Quantum, which has become so popular, which takes a slightly ghter This makes the brand unique, giving broad- line. based appeal; it's fair to say Aero has changed the face of bowls everywhere, “says Baker. “The unique aspect of the bowl is the line follows a gradual half-moon bend without the hook at I asked Baker about his administrave posion the end, unlike other makes – a huge Aero with World Bowls. advantage.” “As far as my appointment to the board of World His bowls career began in earnest in 1989, playing “Since launching the bowl in SA some seven years Bowls; it has been interesng so far. with another SA legend Bill Moseley to win the SA ago, every SA Masters men's champion has Fours that year. In 1992 Baker made the JBA played with an Aero, which is speaks for itself. “The board has enormous challenges at the district side; he sll skips a team today. moment with the Coronavirus pandemic “I am lucky to have current SA stars such as Jason causing havoc with internaonal schedules. Aer smoothly making the SA side in 1994, Baker Evans, Pierre Breitenbach, Prince Neluonde, Also, as many associaons, including Bowls played in every event unl rerement from Anneke Snyman, former SA Proteas and South Africa, are struggling to preserve internaonal duty; but he is keen to sll play Australian Test cricket icon Kepler Wessels and membership. districts and SA Masters “I sll want to win a the 2019 SA Singles Open Champion Grant couple more of both, “says Baker; by the way also George, on board. “Nevertheless, there is a worldwide survey on an 11-handicap golfer. the go and many excing changes to the game “There are many more SA squad players playing may come out of it. Our biggest challenge and When this SA supremo, now off the internaonal with Aero, but I am extra-excited to have two focus is to expand the sport globally; hopefully scene, competed at the 2012 World definite future internaonal stars joining Team some of the iniaves can be implemented once Championships in Adelaide Australia, where he Aero. the brunt of the pandemic has been overcome. won a bronze medal in the singles (one of his toughest of many events in which he has “Lethabo Mathibela is a junior provincial player in “I would like to pay tribute to John McArdle and succeeded) he met Walter Jacobs - a former South Johannesburg and I am on record as saying he is his service to our sport. His offices include: Past African - who had just launched a new-concept the best raw talent I have seen - he is President of Bowls SA, Past President of World bowl. unbelievable. Bowl, recently rered World Bowls Regional Director: Africa, John McArdle, director Baker recalls: “Then there is Gillian Young from the Eden district Africa/Americas, Honorary Life Member of “Inially, I did not pay too much aenon to it. I (see picture; with Baker). She has already Bowls SA, now elected to the execuve thought it may just be a fleeng moment in a small achieved amazing things in her short career commiee of Ekurhuleni Bowl; his business acumen and internaonal experience from 1995 brings credibility to his elecon.” PERFECT One local happenings, Baker was his usual forthright self, urging rapid transformaon. DELIVERY “Membership, for myriad reasons is declining. CELEBRATE The game here will grow only if 90% of the ST populaon is given easy access. And on the 21 BIRTHDAY internaonal front the same thing applies – numbers are stagnang; to grow on a global basis WITH GIFTS the centre of power and compeon venues must Perfect Delivery one of Bowls South Africa’s move from Australia/New Zealand to growth most faithful and valued sponsors for 21 years, areas such as India, China and the US.” is celebrang and wants to share its happiness draw for the grand prize; your club will with exisng and new clients. receive a donaon equal to your first month's Baker thinks the SA team – highly respected premium. overseas – is in good hands under current EXISTING PERFECT DELIVERY management, but will be severely prejudiced by a POLICYHOLDERS: GRAND PRIZE (TOTAL VALUE R50 000): lack of regular internaonal opposion. For the next 12 months a draw will be held on The lucky policyholder from the 12 monthly the 21st of each month. The lucky winners will also win a vacaon to the West On local events, Baker was straighorward. policyholder will receive R1 000 and a branded Coast. It includes four air c ke t s , Perfect Delivery cap or peak plus go into draw accommodaon for four people for 7 days/6 “Like so many, I was disappointed the SA Masters on March 31, 2022 for a R25 000 grand prize. nights, rental vehicle and R1 000 cash. The and Interdistricts had to be side-lined. But it was His/her club will receive R1 000. bowls club of the winner of the grand prize, necessity, I fully agreed; now am delighted the will also receive a similar prize to be used by Masters will take place. That the naonal NEW BUSINESS: the club for a raffle fund-raiser. championships have just ended is a fantasc effort For the next 12 months PD will supply the first 21 bowlers requesng quotes, a PD bowls bag. Well done GC: Another great gesture from on behalf the Bowls SA administrators. Should you accept the quote and pay your first Perfect delivery (Editor, who re-wrote this “But a goal to reach is a be-all-and-end-all for me. premium, you will be entered into the monthly arcle)

“Of course, with nothing big looming I feel in bowls limbo, but will use this quieter me to recharge my baeries and re-energise my DAVID HAMER – ADMIN WIZARD desnaons.” sport management through UNISA.

“In February 2002 I was fortunate to marry my beauful supporve wife, Anne-marie, one of four sisters, who was born in the then South- West Africa (although she is a South African cizen). We have no children, but our dogs (two Dachshunds) are family.

I began my sport administraon snt in 1993 when elected secretary of the Pretoria Military Cricket Club, where I also served as president from 1999 to 2002. I also served as secretary of the SANDF Cricket Associaon from 1999 to 2001.

My bowls administraon era began in 2004 when I was elected a social member of Pretoria Some of Baker's amazing victories and medals Military Bowls Club, where I also served as (excluding mulple club and domesc triumphs) secretary from 2006 – 2010 and then again in include: 2012 and 2014 and as selector from 2015 to 2021. SINGLES: An industrious, innovave administrator David SA MASTERS - 5 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze; I also have had the pleasure of serving on the John Hamer was born in Germiston in October SANDF Bowls Associaon’s execuve JBA MASTERS - 7 gold; 1964 and although his family moved to commiee in various posions (mainly JBA SINGLES - 7 gold; Kempton Park, he aended Kempton Park secretary) since 2007 and as president from GAUTENG OPEN - 2 gold. Primary, then Sir Pierre van Ryneveld High 2016 to today. ATLANTIC RIM/CHAMPIONSHIP: Gold – singles, School where he matriculated in 1982. fours and pairs. I was fortunate to be elected secretary of the He takes up the story. Bowls Gauteng North execuve commiee in WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Bronze singles; silver 2011 and became president in 2015 to 2017. pairs. “Aer school I began work at the Miner’s Medical Bureau, Johannesburg and also at I was appointed convenor of the Bowls South COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Gold pairs; bronze Transmed (Joburg) and Deutz Diesel Power Africa Naonal Standing Commiee: singles. (Elandsfontein), in the financial sector joining Membership & Markeng in 2017 and elected HONG KONG CLASSIC: Gold pairs; silver singles. the SA Defence Force) in January 1990, where I to the Bowls SA Execuve Commiee in 2019.” currently work as a physical training, sport and AFRICAN STATES: Singles, Pairs and Fours: Gold recreaonal “manager”. This year he will stand for vice-president in up- medals several mes. coming elecons at the AGM. I was fortunate SANDF paid for my studies for a Quite an amazing career so far – happily for us all, Diploma in Sport Management (Boston College) David also has an older sister Jillian. it's not over just yet. and I completed a short learning programme in Edited by Alan Simmonds When a Gauteng bowler had a heart aack and died on the green, fortunately the club had an DEFIBRILLATORS automac external defibrillator (AED). His heart was restarted and he recovered in hospital. Clubs considering obtaining this equipment: Tom Watson [email protected] SAVE LIVES (083 266 5359)

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Rayfield represented South Africa with him as a “go to man” at second. disncon aer gaining internaonal colours in OBITUARIES Rayfield, whose dogged drawing skills earned 1980. His bowling brother Dennis won colours him admiraon worldwide, also took a silver in 1983. medal at the 1986 SA Masters at Germiston, Bowls South Africa president Rob Forbes going down to legendary former World recorded grateful thanks for Rayfield’s Champion Bill Moseley, also of Transvaal. contribuon to the sport and extend Rayfield was again runner-up in 1987 and in condolences to family and many fellow players 1992. and friends. Moseley said Rayfield was a top class player, I watched the Transvaal and then Gauteng star especially in the second posion. win the triples silver medal and fours bronze Rayfield reached the final of the Near East Rand medal at the 1992 World Outdoor Bowls Bowling Associaon Singles in 1997, to be Championship in Worthing; later a gold medal defeated 21-5 by a rampant internaonal star in the fours at the 1994 Commonwealth Games Bobby Donnelly; Rayfield's internaonal in Victoria, Canada, with Alan Lohouse, swansong came a year later in Malaysia. Donald Piketh and skip, Neil Burke. “Had good fortune to play with Robbie, RIP a true gentleman of our sport”, wrote Lohouse on Facebook. Four years later Rayfield won a bronze medal in LEGEND RAYFIELD the fours at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in DIES AGED 77 Kuala Lumpur with Burke and the late Bruce Makkink and Mike Redshaw. Former Springbok and naonal lawn bowler Bobby Donnelly, le, aer defeang Robbie Robbie Rayfield has died. He was 77. Burke spoke warmly of Rayfield, describing Rayfield, in the 1997 Nerba Singles

baling emphysema. Northern Transvaal, before rering to East London in middle Ninees to be with his family. We all have fond memories of him. Dad cared for Dawn at home and in frail care and was a He was well known at Hamilton BC and ended loving husband. He was a good sportsman and his career in the Border. a straighorward man of his word. He had a Frans loved sport, braais and a beer with huge English vocabulary and enjoyed nephew friends and family; a man who enjoyed simple Johann, a player with wonderful talents and a pleasures. He will be missed by many. naonal champion, who won Protea colours in 2001.” Many thanks to all the caring staff at Fairlands who were so kind unl the end and all friends “He was bowls’ ‘tough guy’, but decent and and family gave support. honest. He provided much strength to the South African bowls scene,’ said Bowls SA Frans leaves Melani, Andre and Marc, seven president, Rob Forbes. grandchildren and two great grandchildren.’ TOUGH GUY; Frans was a man’s man and always tried to be Edited by Alan Simmonds - Media Officer, BSA WARM HEART fair. He worked in the furniture business in CT in the A heart-warming tale from the Dup Plessis Sixes at Astra furnishers, but learnt to play children aer the death of former internaonal bowls at Katberg in the Eastern Cape while on and SA selector Frans Johannes du Plessis. holiday. He went on to represent Western “This morning we said goodbye to our dad, Province and later became a Springbok. Oups. He went peacefully this morning, a month He returned to Pretoria in the Eighes where he Classy Frans du Plessis as the bowls world will short of his 90th birthday aer spending the last remember him; internaonal Alan Johnson worked in the flooring industry and represented three years missing his beloved wife Dawn and (Mowbray) looks on

Jan Koekemoer, who served as president of North West Bowls with disncon and his wife sadly both succumbed to Covid 19. Bowls SA record grateful thanks for his contribuon to our sport and extend our condolences to his family and many friends.

Charlie Clarke a past president of Alberton Jan Koekemoer Bowling Club, has died. Charlie Clarke ICONIC MOWBRAY BC BEARS BRUNT OF TABLE MOUNTAIN FIRE The huge fire on Table Mountain last month devastated 600ha of parkland and caused extensive damage to UCT, also taking its toll on iconic Mowbray Bowls Club, founded in 1919, adjacent to the university on the lower slopes of the global landmark Mountain. “Damage is extensive and it is not yet possible to completely quanfy. We have the obvious structural damage to roof, storage shed and garage, but also secondary damage from smoke, ash, soot and water. This is sll being evaluated and categorised,” said Mark Douglas, club chairperson. invesgaon; especially toilets; greens will be There is also a queson of insurance. maintained throughout. “We believe we are fully insured, but this is Douglas reports: “We have had open to interpretaon by Santam. An assessor communicaon from a majority of WP clubs, believes the claim total will exceed R500 000, so offering green space to our members and we he is unable to proceed. He will report to are discussing opons with a number of them.” Santam and a quanty surveyor and team appointed. He esmated the process would The Western Province BA is to assist and take up to five weeks before repairs could discussions are ongoing. begin,” Douglas said. Thanks to Mark Douglas; edited news by The greens survived well, but ulies need Alan Simmonds

Welcome Winter MIXED PAIRS WITH A SELECTION OF BEANIES & WINTER SETS The South African Mixed Pairs Championship takes places at Stella Park Bowls Club (Port Natal) from 17-20 June and districts are invited to enter CAP-1030 CAP-901 CAP-1750 COLORADO ALASKA a qualifying team – the winners of each district SOLO BEANIE BEANIE BEANIE mixed pairs championships. BU GY L BL GY BU N R BL GY BU N R LB O R Entries to the events commiee on or before April 30 (Maureen Florens) to [email protected] HELLO CAP-1751 CAP-1800 NEBRASKA NEW HAMPSHIRE WINTER, BEANIE MELANGE BEANIE BL GY N BU GY TIME TO GET COZY

BIG WEEKEND INCLUDES Taking place on Spring Bank Holiday, May 28-31, INCLUDES INCLUDES MATCHING BLACK BLACK COLOUR Bowls England’s Big Weekend is a naonal NON-WOVEN NON-WOVEN NON-WOVEN DRAWSTRING DRAWSTRING DRAWSTRING iniave to promote bowls and aract BAG BAG BAG

members. Affiliated clubs will be able to access GIFTSET-7476 GIFTSET-7479 GIFTSET-9430 free resources, including bowls-specific NEBRASKA WINTER SET SOLO WINTER WARMER SET GREENLAND FLEECE SET workshops to help run the event. BL GY N BU GY L LB O R BL N R COURSES 2021 With the return to COVID-19 Level 1 restricons cell 083 659 0336 districts may begin training courses. All health e-mail [email protected] facebook DesignPrintPromotion protocols are to be strictly enforced to protect the parcipants.