Ravenshoe and Malanda - two greens closed for now

RAVENSHOE

We met some people from Ravenshoe a couple of weeks ago when we were at Yungaburra. We drove over to Ravenshoe from Heberton today. They are both towns in the mountains. Ravenshoe is the highest green in Queensland.

When we arrived we met Tony the President. He told us the club has suffered over the last few years with dwindling membership. Recently though they got a few more and now have 30 members. Tony said they hold dinners there once a month on Friday to raise money.

We told Tony about our trip and he gave us a Ravenshoe cloth and pens. We heard all about the Ravenshoe possum at Yungaburra.

It's a nice old-fashioned clubhouse.

We liked the wall-hanging.

There's a nice commemorative plaque for the 50th anniversary in 1998.

There's a nice outdoor verandah. There was a working bee and they were re-painting it.

We learnt at other clubs that Ravenshoe green has been out about eight weeks due to the storms. We couldn't roll up as they'd sprayed for moss. They are also putting nutrients in to recover the green. They said they'd be back up and running tomorrow. In fact, they have planned a 75th anniversary tournament on 28th July. Any bowlers wishing to come and support the club can register by email at: Rmbc@live.com.au.

The guys explained that they have a permanent survey marker on the bar to record the highest peak around.

There's a plan on the wall that explains it (kinda!).

It's a grass green that was being sprayed while we were there.

The highest green in Queensland!

With nice old permanent shades.

Ravenshoe - nearly brand new again!

MALANDA

After Ravenshoe we drove to Malanda. Dennis from Herberton told us it's unlikely we could bowl there as their green was out. He said their greenkeeper had other things to do.

The club was closed up. Jean got a photo through the window.

According to the big sign out the front they have social bowls on Sunday. Not today!

Mal said "There's nobody bowling on that!" It has insect holes and weeds all over it.

Nevertheless it's called the Alf Morris Green.

Malanda - we hope they can get back and play!