Long-time bowlers celebrate 70th anniversary

by bqmedia on November 10, 2021

By Susan Williams

Ever heard of a platinum wedding anniversary? Members at the Pine Rivers Ladies’ Bowls Club got to witness and celebrate what less than 0.1% of couples are able to achieve – 70 years of marriage, a platinum anniversary. One of the club’s long serving members, Marian O’Brien and her husband John, a member of the men’s club, were married at the Christ Church Milton, on September 29, 1951.

Marian and John joined the Pine Rivers men’s and ladies’ club 40 years ago when the club was relocated to Bray Park. John volunteered to assist in cleaning the new premises, then obtained his coaching and examiners accreditation and helped Col Hattersley in coaching both club member groups. He was a games director when he assisted Cyril Dunn during the time he instigated the Junior Carnival, which continues to this day.

Marian has held many positions including Honourable Secretary, Patron and President and was an umpire for 16 years. She was awarded life membership in 2000. For many years, Marian kept a photographic record of all the club’s activities at Bray Park. This information and collection of photographs was invaluable when a PRLBC booklet was produced to celebrate the ladies’ club 70th anniversary in 2019. To continue the collection of ongoing archival information of the ladies’ club, a new committee position of media officer was created. This new position moved the collection into a database and extended the role to include online communication.

Both Marian and John were in winning teams at the club’s championships including mixed pairs and both participated in pennant games. Owing to mobility problems, John (97) and Marian (93) no longer bowl, but Marian regularly attends the club on bowling and special days and is an active participant in the club’s quarterly and AGM meetings. She regularly meets fellow non-players at the club for coffee to catch up on all club activities.

The couple received congratulatory cards from the Queen, Governor General of the Commonwealth and his wife, Governor of Queensland and his wife, the Prime Minister, the Premier of Queensland and the member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd, who also sent a floral arrangement. A family celebration was held on the night at Club Pine Rivers.

The Pine Rivers Ladies Club would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Marian and John for this outstanding wedding anniversary landmark celebration.