Greetings everyone. My apologies for the delay between newsletters. I usually try to get a new issue out at the beginning of each month but I have struggled to find the time to sit down and write. Easter Monday is a good day to do it so here I am.
…………………………………………..
NEW MEMBERS:
It is with great pleasure that I welcome a number of new members to the club.
Welcome to Doug and Helene Hay who reside in Palmerston North. As there is no club there now, Doug and Helene have been playing in Khandallah as they visit family members there. They have decided to join our esteemed club and we are very pleased that they have done so. Most of you will remember, Doug winning the grand prize at our Christmas Party.
We also have a group of people from the Takahe Probus Club who have been using the piste on a Thursday morning and they have decided to join. We hope that they will join us in some of our social activities and melee’s.
Welcome to Doug Leigh, Heather Presow, Joan Allen, Jenny Fuller, Marian Nelson, Roma Brice, Norma Wilton, Bernie and Ruth Ryan.
………………………………………….
CLUB CAPTAIN’S HOME PHONE
Effectively immediately, please use my mobile if wanting to contact me.
We will soon be removing our landline and will only be accessible by mobile. My number is 027 270 5666. You can always ring me during the day at work on 3770139 or text my mobile and I will call you back.. I know everyone will ask why, so the answer is – Rochelle, Tim and I all have mobiles and we do not see the point in paying for another phone that we rarely use. It also eliminates all the calls you don’t want!!
……………………………………………
CLUB DOUBLES AND TRIPLES CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Notices are on the board at the club for entries to the above tournaments.
The doubles will be held on Saturday the 16th of April and the Triples on Sunday the 17th of April.
Names must be up no later than Friday 15 April.
Start times will depend on the number of entries but it will be in the morning.
……………………………………………
AGM AND PRIZEGIVING:
A pot luck dinner, the AGM and prize giving will be held after the club triples champs on Sunday the 17th of April.
Depending on the numbers playing we may start the tournament a little later in the morning so we can go straight into the evenings activities. Please all remember to bring a plate.
If you are not playing in the triples we would encourage you to come along in the evening, It will be a chance to meet new members, raise any club issues at the AGM and celebrate with the winners of this years champs. There will also be a presentation to the most improved player.
In the past we have also had an award for the club member who has contributed the most to the club throughout the year. The committee has decided to do away with this award. It was felt that it is unfair to single one person out and we also felt that as it had been presented by Gary Craig who is no longer a member of the club, it did not have as much significance any more.
……………………………………………
THINKING OF YOU:
Most of you will know that Tina collapsed at the club a couple of weeks ago and has been in hospital. She is home now and I am sure that she would love to hear from any of you. We hope it won’t be too long until you are back on the piste Tina. You gave us all a fright when it happened but luckily you were surrounded by friends who called the ambulance and got you off to safety.
Also one of our new members, Bernie Ryan has recently returned from Australia. A Christmas holiday with family turned into a nightmare when he was rushed to hospital on Boxing Day and diagnosed with a brain tumor. I saw Bernie on Thursday and he is looking great. I hear you are back on the piste too Bernie – Welcome Home!!
……………………………………………
WELLINGTON TRIPLES:
We had four teams entered into the Wellington Triples that were held last weekend at Park Avenue. Overall we had a very successful tournament. Tom, Roger and Barbara Nicholls (Barbara is from Park Avenue and played in place of Tina) and Graeme B, Ralph and Doug were the only two teams from our club who qualified for the championship round on the second day. Tom, Roger and Barbara played excellent petanque and came 3rd equal which is a great result considering they hadn’t played together before. Graeme B, Ralph and Doug had a mixed morning but went on to win the plate against a team that had already beaten them twice during the weekend. Helene was playing with a couple from Windy Hills and they got into the final of the bowl, so we had all points covered.
The same teams are playing in the national champs this weekend at Park Avenue and we wish them lots of luck.
Graeme B & Ralph were part of the team that won the plate at last years triples.
……………………………………………
INTERCLUB:
There are only two more rounds of Interclub left and they are both in April.
On Saturday the 9th of April we play at home against Khandallah and on Saturday the 23rd of April we play away to Park Avenue.
Both games will be tough so we need good strong teams. Please let me know your availability as soon as possible.
…………………………………………….
HOROWHENUA MELEE:
The Horowhenua club are holding an open melee on Sunday the 10th of April in Levin. This is to celebrate the opening of 12 of their planned 30 piste. Entry fee is $5.00. Five games of doubles with a new partner each time. Bring your lunch. A bar will be available. Graeme B is going so lets see if we can get a few more. Entry forms are on the notice board at the club.
……………………………………………
FRENCH FAIR – TAUHERENIKAU
The French fair is on again this year and will be held at the racecourse next weekend 2 and 3 April. We have been asked to man the piste and show people how to play. I have asked for volunteers and thanks to Tony, Myrna, John, Sheila and Elsie who have offered time but I need a couple more for Saturday.
If you area available and want a fun day out please let me know.
…………………………………………….
UPDATED MEMBERSHIP LIST
An updated membership list is attached.
Please check that all your details are correct and let know of any amendments. If you are on email and I don’t have your email address, please let me know it.
………………………………………….
CHAMPION OF CHAMPION’S
Each year WPA hold a tournament for all the club champs to compete for the title Champion of Champions.
This year we had no entry in the singles.
Graeme M and Barb competed in the doubles and missed out winning on a count back. Barb, Joan and Claire competed in the triples and had a thrilling win. At one stage they were 10/0 down in a game and decided to relax and enjoy what was left of the game and they went on and won it.
A very impressive trophy will be on display at the club for the next 12 months.
Congratulations to all of you.
…………………………………………….
That’s about all now. I look forward to seeing you all on the 15th and 16, if not on the piste then at the dinner.
Graeme B
Club Captain
