TG & BC News TOCUMWAL GOLF AND BOWLS CLUB NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2016

MYSTERY FLIGHT NIGHT - SATURDAY 5TH MARCH - PASSENGER FEEDBACK The inaugural flight of TGBC Airlines took off on its Mystery Flight at 7.00 p.m. With 27 passengers following boarding instructions, they passed through the Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club’s terminal lounge, presenting their boarding passes to Airline Hostesses, Mandy and Jacinta, who greeted them enthusiastically. There was momentary trepidation at the gate when some travelling reprobates were buzzed by laser beam for possible concealments - but fortunately all passengers were cleared for take-off. A unique delivery style of passenger safety regulations were carried out by our air hostesses and passengers were advised that the first destination on our flight was to be - Mexico. The menu offered 3 choices of traditional Mexican fare including Nachos, Tacos and Frijoles - all held in high acclaim by the travellers. An appropriate Mexican beverage of Tequila Sunrise was ordered by some of the more adventurous patrons - to balance out the Mexican flavours of the dishes! Significant disruption was experienced when one of the First Class passengers was handcuffed and marched off the plane and “seemingly” strip searched by two female AFP officers - with vital contraband being discovered. Mick was eventually allowed to return to his seat, dishevelled and rather the worse for wear after such an “enthusiastic” interrogation. We next landed in Italy and a brilliant 3 Choice Menu (reflective of this country) created by the Executive Chef of TGBC Airlines, Diego (aka Pepe) was presented. Many red wines were consumed to balance the pasta dishes - Trofie Pasta; Risotto and Chicken Scallopine. The final leg of our journey took us to the USA to enjoy New York style desserts of Cheesecake; Chocolate Brownies and Apple Pie with cream and ice-cream ... for those who could fit another course in !! Given the Duty Free nature of air travel, one would hope that New York still has some bottles of Cointreau left. Most Cointreau bought on board was consumed on the flight home. In summary - it was a pity the plane was only half full as our Hostesses went to extreme lengths to ensure the flight was memorable and successful. Well done to Mandy, Jacinta and Pepe (and all the other helpers) for capturing the mood of the three countries visited, and creating the outstanding dishes presented. The night was a truly memorable experience - we trust the next mystery flight will see all 56 seats booked out. This report from one of the decadent many, who ate and drank more than they should have ... Or was it just a case of air-sickness??

SEND ITEMS OF INTEREST TO EDITOR: GINA BROWN, Email: [email protected]

18TH HOLE - PRESIDENT’S COURSE - Dave Hansen, TGBC Director At the time of writing, most of our Members will have seen the majority of trees removed from the Clubhouse side of the 10th fairway. The tree removal has been essential as part of the development of the two new synthetic bowling greens to be constructed on this fairway by Sports Base Construction, the successful company selected by TGBC from quotes received. The development of these bowling greens necessitated the construction of a new golf hole to replace the existing 10th - Par 3 of the President’s Course. Ben Lucas, our Course Superintendent and his staff are well under way with building the new 18th Par 3, with seeding commenced. This new hole has been designed by our Course Architect - Phil Ryan, principal architect of Pacific Coast Design. Phil’s company has had significant experience in golf course design work in Australia and Asia and is well credentialed to provide the expertise our Club needs to ensure the new golf hole meets and exceeds our expectations. All TGBC members should be delighted with the future overall aesthetic vision of the bowling greens, our new golf hole, as well as many other projects being tackled by our recently formed Master Plan Steering Committee.

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT - Ben Lucas As you may have noticed, work has commenced on the new hole to replace 10P ... for when the bowling green works commence. It has been a busy few weeks of construction whilst still maintaining the golf course. The new green has been seeded and we have seen a very good strike so far, we just need to keep the wild life away! We plan to turf the surrounds and fairway shortly after Easter as we will still have some pleasant weather. Out on the course the grass keeps growing - it has felt like an extended season of Summer. Broadleaf spraying will resume after Easter to keep the course tidy. Some maintenance applications of fertiliser and gypsum for the soil will also be done.

JUNIOR GOLF CLINICS - 5 SUNDAYS IN MAY ... 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND AND 29TH - 9.00 A.M. FOR CHILDREN AGE 10 YEARS AND UPWARDS... $5.00 PER WEEK ... ALL ENQUIRIES TO THE PRO SHOP - TELEPHONE: (03) 5874 9172

SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS ... ARTAVILLA EMPORIUM Artavilla Emporium, Cnr. Station and Main Street, Cobram. Fifty years ago in 1976, John and Joan Artavilla opened this very successful business, which has grown like “topsy” ... it is perhaps one business in Cobram that is known far and wide for its quality products at realistic prices. If you can’t find it at Artavilla, then you won’t find it anywhere in the northeast! Son Joseph oversees the Bicycle Department, which was recently extended to accommodate a huge range of Children’s bikes, mountain bikes (their biggest seller), to top-of-the line racing bikes (Cervelo, Focus. Scott, Garmin) along with helmets and riding apparel. The bike department also caters for all repairs by specialists Joe, Terry and Christian. Artavilla has a huge range of Gifts, Household essentials, Manchester, Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Clocks, Crockery, Jewellery, Handbags, Luggage, Ladies and Men’s clothing – John, Joan, Regina, Nancy and Debbie along with Ben assist with sales in these various departments. For friendly advice and service check out Artavilla next time you’re in Cobram.

DEVELOPMENT REPORT - Craig Smith, C.E.O. Members recently received notification of works related to the Bowling Greens Development and the short term impacts of those works. The vital importance of removing trees was to ensure the area of land involved had time to fully settle, before the construction of the Bowling Greens begins. I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support and caution whilst we removed the trees. The timing was not advantageous, being extremely busy with the many golfing guests to our course. However we could not have asked for a better result. Worthy of note was the poor condition of the trees closest to the Pro Shop - these trees were very old, and despite their large trunks, they literally cracked and snapped when felled. The Club had identified the risk, and this was fully realised upon their removal. The area is now clean and thanks to our Contractors and Course Superintendent, the land affected was smoothed over and ready for the Easter holiday period. Of course any type of development work must have a story, and indeed we have one of “swarming proportions”. The very last tree, trimmed and ready for felling, uncovered a sizeable wasps nest hollowed into an old branch. With truck and digger ready, the tree was felled and the nest turned into a swarming ball of “not so happy” critters! A real problem had a arisen for the digger lifting the log and nest onto the truck. Quite simply the truck driver could not enter the cabin (which had the window down) with several hundred thousand annoyed wasps buzzing around. After a period of calming, a leap of faith was made and the truck was driven away. After the site was quarantined for a few hours I revisited the area with Director, Dave Hansen. All was going well until we were literally chased by a lone wolf wasp. After a few jabs at both of us (actually four for Dave) we took refuge inside the Clubhouse. A big thank you to Dave Hansen who sacrificed his body for the good of the Club. We are now able to enjoy our golf, until the next phase of development. Thank you all for being supportive, staying safe and within the boundaries established, to carry out the works - all for the betterment of Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club.

CAN YOU HELP ?? Director of Golf, Rod Booth is receiving requests for BILLETS for some of our PGA TRAINEES ... Dates required as from Monday 9th May through to Friday 13th. If you are able to assist, please get in touch with Rod at the Pro Shop Phone: (03) 5874 9172. PRO AM IS ON MONDAY 9th ... As in 2015, we will again have a HOLE IN ONE prize of a VW90 TSI AUTO HATCH Supplied by DARRYL TWITT VW (SHEPPARTON). Entry forms can be downloaded from the Club website or pick one up from Reception.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIRL Dianne Bright celebrated her 70th Birthday on Friday 11th March with a surprise High Tea organised by Elizabeth Thurtell. All the ladies including Mary Murdoch, Rosemary Dell’oro, Sylvia Weller, Margery Boyce, Kay Couch and Marlene Preston had a fun afternoon with champagne being the favoured drink of the day. This event was followed up on the Saturday night, with Dianne’s husband Lindsay and their son Damien in attendance, at “The Old Bank” Restaurant - recently re-opened in Tocumwal.

ROBERT “NODDY” IRELAND - DOWN, BUT NOT OUT Last seen on the golf course back in December 2015 and dressed as Santa for the Christmas Cheer Day, “Noddy” has been battling a bacterial infection for the past few months. He spent 3 weeks in Intensive Care at Shepparton Base Hospital in early January fighting the infection, which necessitated the removal of a metal knee replacement. Since then he has had to wear a leg brace and suffer the discomfort of having intravenously fed antibiotics until such time as the infection has been beaten. After that a new ceramic knee will be fitted. “Noddy” is not a happy chappie ... He’s missing his golf, work, a glass of amber liquid and all his golfing mates at TGBC. Bad luck “Noddy” but we look forward to having you back, hopefully before the end of the year.

HERE WE HAVE A MULTI-TALENTED TEAM OF UNSUNG OFFICE HEROES

From Left: JACKIE VOGEL, joined us in October 2015 as our Finance Manager. She lives in Barooga with husband Terry and their two teenage daughters . Steffanie (17) is fast making her name in the golfing world. She recently won our Easter Tournament; holds the course record at Tocumwal; is a member of Kingswood G.C. in Melbourne and is in the Victorian State Squad. Sister Courtney (16) is a keen Netballer . KATHY GIDDENS has been with us for 7 years and started by doing bar work, then Reception, Functions and now Executive Assistant to our CEO. She married husband Damian in October 2015, but is still waiting for the opportunity to go honeymooning in NZ. She was nominated and is a finalist as Young Business Executive in the 2016 Berrigan Shire Business/Environment Awards . We wish her all the best on the award night. NICOLE MOLONEY - As a high school student had work experience at the Club. Nicole joined the us five years ago, starting as a junior Kitchen hand, then moved to bar and reception work. Discovering her flair as an artist she was then promoted to the role of Marketing Manager. Nicole produces all of our posters and advertising material, social media, website updates and a myriad of other promotional leaflets. What a gal ! flyers, updates our Website and maintains our Social Media sites.

KALLY MOREY - joined the Club 4 years ago as a Receptionist and shortly after was appointed to the position of Golf Development/Packages Officer - a job she has “taken by the throat” with great success. Kally and husband Sean reside in Barooga. They have two children at University - Logan (20) studying Sports/Physio and Jordyn (18) Nursing and Health Sciences.

EASTER TOURNAMENT - MAJOR WINNERS Friday 22 March, Stableford

Ladies A Grade Carol Irvine (Toc) 36 points B Grade Glenys Durrant (Churchill Park) 40 “ C Grade Maureen Platt (Spring Valley) Mens A Grade Ian Francis (Portarlington) 39 points B Grade Ross Wilson (Box Hill) 37 “ C Grade Michael Church (Northern) 40 “ Sat. 23rd March, Mixed 4BBB Par on Gold Course - Neil and Rhonda McDonald (Thurgoona) 7 Up Mixed 4BBB Par on Green Course - Tony and Maree Ciavarella (Rich River) 10 Up Sun. 24th March, Stroke Ladies A Grade Kerry Scales (Carpentaria) 70 Nett B Grade Lyn Vidler (Nambucca Heads) 73 “ C Grade Rowena Wylie (Huntingdale) 73 “ Mens A Grade Malcolm Dickson (Cobram/Barooga) 68 Nett B Grade Gregory Hobbs (Southern) 68 “ C Grade David Gibbs 66 “ Monday 25th March, 4BBB Stableford Ladies -Vanessa Elders (Rosebud) Joanne Church(Ringwood) 46 points Mens - Michael Church and John Burke (Northern) 50 “ EASTER CUP LADIES CHAMPION - Steffi Vogel 73 MENS CHAMPION - Mark Corradin 69

TRIVIA NIGHTS STARTING IN MAY For all you Trivia fans, we will resume these nights commencing Tuesday 10th May. As it is the PGA Trainees Championships that week, Trivia will be held downstairs in front of the big screen. $5 per person - Start time: 7.30 p.m. Trivia in the Upstairs Dining Room will resume on Tuesday 14th June. Help to run Trivia is being sought ... Contact GINA BROWN on (03) 5872 2795.

ADVERTISING IN THE NEWSLETTER To prospective advertisers in this forum we welcome all business houses. Rates listed below may be used as a guide: 1/4 Page per month $25.00 1/2 Page per month $50.00 Full Page per month $85.00 For 6 months $500.00 Full Page for 12 months $1000.00 Price on application for smaller ads.

SMILE A WHILE - The Irish Angler The rain was pouring down, and there standing in front of a big puddle outside the Pub was an old Irishman, holding a stick with a piece of string dangling in the water. A passer by stopped and asked “What are you doing?” “Fishing “ replied the old man. Feeling sorry for him the gent says “Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me”. In the warmth of the Pub, as they sip their whiskies the gent cannot resist asking “So how many have you caught today? “You’re the eighth” said the old man !!

DIARY DATES FOR APRIL AND MAY, 2016 Wednesday 7th

MOVIE - “Mao’s Last Dancer” 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 16th

Entertainment - Mystical Groove

Tuesday 19th

Pink Day - Anti Cancer Golf Day sponsored by Miss Daisy Final of the Ladies Singles Knockout

Saturday 23rd

Entertainment - Ray McCartney

Monday 25th

Anzac Day - Stableford Medley

MAY Tuesday 3rd

Royal Women’s Hospital Day sponsored by Lush Hairdressing

Wednesday 4th

MOVIE - “Last Cab to Darwin” starring Michael Caton 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Sunday 8th

Mother’s Day - Lunch and Dinner (More details in April Edition)

Monday 9th

Southern Trainee Championships - PRO AM

Tuesday 10th Friday 13th

PGA TRAINEE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Course Closed Golf available at Finley, format to be advised.

GOLFERS TAKE UP THE BOWLING CHALLENGE (CHRIS PHILPOT - The Coach at Left) Pictured above, just some of the enthusiastic participants being coached by Chris Philpot. First lesson was Sunday 13th March. We seem we have some budding bowlers in the mix who may make the transition from avid golfers to avid bowlers! A huge vote of thanks to Chris who has given up his Sunday mornings to coach both locals and some of the golfing fraternity.

BOWLS NEWS - From Bowls President, Pam Van Huizen

FINAL OF TWILIGHT (BAREFOOT) BOWLS - 21ST MARCH Sponsor LAURIE WALSH (Berriquin Funeral Services) donated $1,000 and opened the Bar for an hour on our last night. The Club are extremely grateful for his generosity and support. These events are only successful because of a great band of volunteers who freely give up their time Elaine Ball and Judy Harvie ran the event every week, with support from Effie Eaton, Marie Atkins, John and Sue Wilson, Joy Palmer and Gail Bourke, plus those helping out behind the Bar - Alan Jones, Alan Whiteside, Bert Van Huizen and Bruce Read; plus others helping out when required. That is what a community is all about - well done guys and girls - Thank you so much ! Prize money was donated by the winners to their favourite local community organization. The Rural Fire Brigade; Lions Club Hostel; Lions Club Railway Museum, and Rotary Creek Walk. Raffle proceeds were also donated to the Rural Fire Brigade. Rotary Team comprising Bob Adams, Lyn and John Gradie were the overall winners. Bob Adams (L) and John Gradie pictured below. All the participants look forward to continuing Monday night bowls on our new synthetic greens later in the year, at the Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club location on Barooga Road. For Bowlers and “potential” bowlers, please note that we commenced Social Bowls on Saturday 2nd April, running through to August. Please add your names to the list which is located on the Notice Board at the Back entrance of the Adams Street Building or Email Judy Harvie on: [email protected]. Be at the Club at 12 Noon for a 12.30 p.m. start, wearing casual clothing and flat soled shoes. Now is the time to work on your game, so be in it !!

EASTER BOWLS CARNIVAL This event was extremely successful, enjoyable and lucrative. We had 346 entrants. With sponsorship money and raffles we were able to record a very nice profit AUTUMN TOURNAMENT CANCELLED Our 3 Day Autumn Tournament was scheduled to start on Wednesday 30th March, however due to insufficient entries, it was cancelled. All entrants were notified. BOWLS AGM & PRESENTATION DAY Will be at the Club on Sunday 15th May at 4.30 pm with Dinner to follow.

BOWLS NEWS SNIPPETS One more board event for ladies - CANADIAN PAIRS - a high and low handicapper are randomly matched. Commencing Wednesday 6th April. The men have cancelled their TRIPLES event due to lack of entries. It’s a great honour to win a Board Event, so it’s hard to understand why more people don’t enter. Let’s hope things improve when we are all together at the TGBC complex!

BOWLS NEWS - From Bowls President, Pam Van Huizen HOW TO TRANSLATE BOWLER’S WORDS Good Weight = Lousy Line Good Line = Lousy Weight Good Back Bowl = Lucky you didn’t put it in the ditch! That’s in their way = that’s in my way That could be useful up there = that bowl is closer to you than it is to the jack Get it next time = you sure didn’t get it this time He’s surprisingly good = You’re surprised he ever makes a shot I’d bowl with him any day = he always buys the first round.

Pictured above: At left -Ladies B Grade Championship was won by JUDY HARVIE who won in a hard fought final. R/U was WENDY DALEY. Pictured at Right: Division 2 team who won their Preliminary Final by 3 shots. In an amazing Grand Final, Tocumwal lost by just ONE shot. Proud of them all !!

Pictured Below: Bowls President, Pam Van Huizen and Effie Eaton.

GRAND FINAL 21 UP HANDICAP EVENT This Board event was played on Wednesday 23rd March. Effie Eaton defeated Pam Van Huizen 21/18. Effie had a slow start but came good halfway through the game to take out the trophy. Congratulations Effie for a great comeback - it was a close and enjoyable game.

CONTACT GOLF CLUB MEMBER JUDY TONINI: MOBILE 0418 366 628

CAPTAINS CHAT - Mick Keen 2016 VETERANS AUTUMN TOURNAMENT What a great month of golfing activity at Tocumwal, fresh from the success of the 2P Ambrose straight into the NSW Veterans Autumn Tournament held from 7th to the 11th March. 115 players descended on Tocumwal for the week long tournament and with temperatures forecast for 40 plus degrees for the week the golf committee changed the draw to 8.30am shotgun starts, much to everyone’s relief. Trophies were presented at a dinner on the Thursday night with the Neville Reid Memorial Trophy going to our own club member Ray Watmore with rounds of 74 / 74 / 148 from Peter Byford 75 / 75 / 150.

2016 EASTER TOURNAMENT The Easter Tournament was a fantastic result for the Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club with the number of entries for the four day event exceeding that of the previous year. 60 plus clubs were represented from as far north as the Carpentaria Golf Club to the Royal Perth Golf Country Club in the west. The Easter Cup for ladies was won by Cobram Barooga youngster Steffi Vogel 73 & for the men Mark Corradin 69 from the Euroa Golf Club. There were three Hole in One’s over the weekend the first was Patricia Randall on the 17C (25/03/16) followed by Charlie Hosking 17C & Peter Blood on 8C on the (28/03/16)

TRAINEE PRO AM The Trainee Pro Am on Monday 9th May 2016 is again the lead-in event to the CPM Southern PGA Trainee Championship. Entry forms are available online or at reception for all the day’s activities. A Hole in One prize (multiple prizes) of a 2016 Volkswagen 92TSI Auto Hatch sponsored by Darryl Twitt Volkswagen. The course will be closed during the week however members can enjoy a round of golf courtesy of the Finley Golf Club see details in the Pro Shop. Good Golfing to All