Like a shining beacon of fun and entertainment, the new cluBarham bowling facility lit up the night sky at the official opening on Friday, September 16. Members, invited guests and bowling dignitaries made up the 170 strong crowd in attendance.
cluBarham CEO, Jason Wallace, paid respect to the team of people who collaborated to see the new facility take shape. As a new CEO 18 months ago, Jason was greeted by a muddy, messy site and all the challenges that Covid-19 restrictions brought about.
“We thought 2020 was hard for Victoria with lockdowns, but in 2021, New South Wales equally copped it just as hard, it was really, really challenging times.
“The first person I saw was this bloke called Champy.
“You must be the project manager? Champy gave me a big wry smile and said nah you’re it.”
What unfolded was a team of local trades and services that shared a common goal of building a facility that can attract regional, state and even national competition. Champy Thompson became the unofficial project manager and along with three others, formed what Jason described as his winning trifecta.
Brian Goble earned the title of fullback, for his reliable and assisting nature, reassuring Jason, “We’ll get through this, she’ll be right,” as they encountered hurdles along the way. cluBarham staff member, David Drake, formed the third member as he expressed an interest to be more involved with the project, bringing tremendous support and consistent reliability.
The fourth spot was Graeme Boyd. As electrical works and capabilities were challenged, Graeme stepped up to the plate.
Dignitaries on the night included Josh Thornton, North West Country Manager of Bowls Victoria; Marie Scott, Murray Mallee Bowls playing area secretary; Steven Arthur, regional bowls manager Western Victoria for Bowls Australia; Tony Cantwell, president Murray Mallee Bowls Association; Tony Shirwill, CEO of Bowls Victoria and Neil Dalrymple, CEO Bowls Australia, soon to be World Bowls CEO.
Barham Bowling Club president, Reg Scott, said he found himself in a privileged position to see the club advancing.
“From old to new, and this new is just fantastic. It’s going to be so good that it is going to blow people away. We’ve had people coming off the street the last couple of days we’ve been open, or they want to join membership socially, we want to be able to play bowls here.”
Reg announced the official opening bowlers for the evening – Bev Berry would roll the kitty and Geoff Walker, bowl.
L-R: Neil Dalrymple, CEO Bowls Australia, Barham Bowls President, Reg Scott, Josh Thornton, North West Manager, Bowls Victoria.
Photos: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper.
Bev was with the Barham Sports Bowling Club before the amalgamation with an impressive list of achievements – president for two years, secretary for eight years, treasurer for 12 years, senior vice president for three years, junior vice president for two years, captain of the club for 16 years, Northern District delegate for five years, match committee for 17 years, the selection committee at Barham for two years, catering committee, club champion five times, runner up four times, club pairs champion 12 times, 100 up twice, runner up with 100 up twice, sixty and over group five region winner in 2010 and 2011, Northern District champion of champion pairs 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, state pairs runner up in 2010, Victorian state pairs in 2012 and 2013, Northern Country champion of champions fours winners 2012 and 2013, Victorian state four at Tooleybuc in 2012 and 2013, region state pairs runner up at Euston in 2014-2015, Northern District champion of champions pairs 2013, 2014 region state pairs Bendigo 2013-2014, and triples winner in 2021.
The inaugural bowler, Geoff Walker, will celebrate his 90th birthday later this month and still gives many a run for their money on the green.
Geoff has been bowling for 40 years with many achievements; singles champion 2009, a pairs champion, fours teams six times, committee member, participated in 11 premierships, won the 100 up, match committee, and a selector.
A motivational speech was given by Josh Thornton, North West Country Manager of Bowls Victoria. Josh was born with a congenital birth defect and was in and out of hospital with major surgeries for most of his early life.
Those setbacks didn’t stop him from setting his goals and living with a positive mindset that brought success in both the able open and disabled aspects of the sport.
Josh has represented the country in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, getting gold in the open para-sport triples, 2017 Trans-Tasman team champion, 2017 Multi Nations team champion, and 2017 Trans-Tasman (2) team champion.
National playing achievements include 2021 Australian Open – gold – multi-disability singles, 2018 Australian Open – silver – men’s fours, 2017 Australian Open – gold – men’s pairs, 2016 Australian Open – silver – men’s fours, 2015 Australian Open – gold – physical disability singles, 2015 Australian Open – gold – multi-disability pairs, 2014 Australian multi-disability champion – pairs.
The Saturday saw lots of action as teams tested out the new greens. Many reported it faster than the grass, but felt at home very quickly on the new surface. We look forward to the bright future. The inaugural bowls co-ordinator is Nick Jarman, and inaugural coach is Brody Harker.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 22 September 2022.
