In early April BQ Presenters and Assessors Alan Thorp and Eric Tomsene conducted a two day skills and bowling arm seminar at the Boyne Island/Tannum Sands Bowls Club, commonly referred to as BITS. The venue is exceptional and I strongly recommend that if you are passing through that you call in, they will certainly make you welcome.

Day one

Approximately 40 bowling members from the district attended and the feedback was very encouraging with members enjoying the on-green component, practising their delivery, and completing various drills set up by Eric and his helpers. I took on board one piece of feedback which was to see more time on the green and this will certainly be addressed in future presentations.

Day two

There were about 25 members in attendance and there was some theory once more, prior to the on-green component. The bowlers had the opportunity to inspect and try out the bowling arms currently approved for use by Bowls Australia. The advantage of members seeing and using the arms allows for the bowler to try the different release mechanisms suitable for grip and comfort.

Whilst the on-green session took place under the guidance of Eric, some one-on-one training was conducted by Thorpy who was later joined by Eric who also offered this service.  All in all, the trip was very rewarding and I must congratulate the BITS Club for their organisation and in particular, the Men’s President, Peter Cameron, Ladies’ President and District Secretary, Margaret Henderson and the Ladies’ District President Sue Ellen Tapperden, who all contributed making the visit fantastic. Also to Howard Davies and Neil Nugent for the for the refreshments and of course Geoff Turnbull for the green’s presentation and entertainment the first night, thanks one and all.

On the way home Eric and I had the opportunity to call into Gin Gin Bowls Club to meet and classify Rodney Jones, a bowler in a wheelchair who is looking forward to competing in the State Championships in September. It was great to catch up with Rodney and few other members of the club, and Gin Gin is very good club to visit if you’re passing through that way.