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We drove an extra ten minutes on Saturday - Pennant day - to Valentine Bowling Club so we could meet our old friend Neville Beeton with whom we played at Tuggeranong. We met Neville on the green when we arrived. Neville is, of course, Mal's ex-Father-in-Law. He was married to his Ex's mother. It's a gorgeous locale. A Marina on one side and a boating channel on the other. Neville introduced us to Rob Gray the President. It's a nice spacious clubhouse. Mal wanted Jean to take a photo of him with the bus. We arrived too late to get a rollup - everyone was rolling up for Pennants. They called the cards (with Manly defeating Parramatta playing in the background just for Mal!). Four teams here today: Valentine vs East Maitland (The Griffins - a Griffin on the shirt), Swansea, And Soldiers Point. There are two plastic synthetic greens. We asked Rob if we could roll up on the carpark green but it was a no go. Jean was very happy to see a green dedicated to a woman, well, a couple! Neville was skipping The Fours. Mal said "Yes. At our club they used to say 'Neville Beeton can never be Beaten!'" Jean said "Has Neville done a good bowl yet?". Mal replied "No but it's early days yet!" Next end Neville's pink bowls knocked out their shot for one. We stayed a couple of hours but had to get back to feed Jerome. Valentine was up on all three games when we left. We said goodbye to Neville after he played his best bowl of the game. Great to see an old friend at Valentine.

When we met Jean's nephew Matthew's mother-in-law Kathy yesterday she suggested we take a drive over to Kootingal. She said it's a lovely little club. It's a nice little clubhouse. Mal chatted with Melissa the General Manager. She told us there's social bowls today at 1pm. We were over the moon! We saw the line of ex-Presidents on the wall. It's a long line of Pennants won. Too big for one photo. 27 in all! And a good trophy case. There's a nice outdoor area out the back. It has giant guitars in the dining area. Mal liked the sign out the front. It said the clubhouse was dedicated in 1960. There are two grass greens. The back one is closed at the moment. The green was being rolled as we arrived. It's the Norm Butler Green. We were surprised to see power boxes and taps for caravans at the side. It's for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. We had some time to fill in so drove around the town to check it out. In the carpark we met Slugger who saw us yesterday at North's. He's a member here. When we came back we sat with the boys. Melissa gave us caps and cloths. We played a game of Triples with Hayley as Swinging Lead. Clarry, Jean and Hayley Against Bill, Hayley and Mal. There were just two games. Jean and Hayley went well first end. Jean put a toucher in the ditch to protect from Mal's driving. Mal stole shot from Clarry. Then they got 5! Jean got skip's hat off after she moved the kitty then drew to it will her next bowl. Jean had two then thieving Mal came up. He won 15 to 13. We came inside for drinks and Lawrence showed us his great pictures from The Alice. Mal the thief wins again at Kootingal.

Also on Monday we came to North Tamworth to put our names down for Wednesday. We already had our names down for South Tamworth so we had to go back and change it to Friday. Wednesday is the only day for North Tamworth. It's a pleasant little clubhouse. There's a barbecue area. We're told the club is amalgamated with Sporties Club. They have the bus sitting by the barbecue. We met Graeme who is the Treasurer and Bowls Organiser. He put his club shirt on for the photo. They are the Scorpions. Graeme called Club Manager Chris out to show us the Scorpions flag. There's one green. It's plastic synthetic. There's an old green. The space will be used to extend the club. We arrived and met Al who looks after Wednesday bowls. Al gave us stubby holders and a cloth. It was 2-4-2 pairs. We played together Against Alex and Cammo (Graeme). There were five games. Jean and 19 blokes. Jean started off well. It was Canberra vs Tamworth on the Life Member scoreboard. Mal drew a beautiful toucher to take the shot off them. Then they caught up from 10-4 down to 10 even. We got them back next end! It was tough but in the end it was Canberra 15 to Tamworth 13. We came inside for drinks. We all felt it was a good game. Close. We won a meat tray in the raffle. A win and a meat tray at Tamworth North.

We drove to Tamworth City on Monday to find out about social bowls. The Greenkeeper told us they play Tuesday and Friday mornings. We'll be back Tuesday morning for a game. It's a small clubhouse. With impressive honour boards. There's a photo and commemorative clock in Honour of Nevell McDonald who was just shy of 106 when he passed. The club has a nice barbecue area. At the table we met Oli, Lyn and Cecilia The garden has some nice memorials for former members. There's a plaque for the club's memorial. It used to be Tamworth Bowling Club. It has a nice rose garden - Sandy's Rose Garden. Ryan the greenkeeper was mowing when we arrived. We went and asked him about social bowls. He and Mal had a nice chat, Phil came to introduce himself. He liked Jean's Millthorpe shirt as he's from Blayney. Sandy, Helen, Phyllis and Cherie invited Jean to sit with them. Mal sat with Rex, Dave, Jim and Jim. The club has two greens. They are both grass. This is the main green. The other one has been a bit damaged from corporate bowlers and other things. It's called the 'Life Members Green '. There's an old green that's now a carpark. Today it's fourteen ends of three-bowl triples. We played each other. Jacquie, Jean and Jim Played Mal, Lyn and Kerry. There were six rinks. Five triples and a Pairs. Jean's teammate Jacquie has a house made from Gunnedah bricks that might have been made be Jean's Great Grandfather Jock Hamilton. A lot of Tamworth houses are Gunnedah bricks. Mal's team won the first two ends then Jean worked out how to bowl and got on the board. Jean had two shots Then Mal put one behind, moved the kitty to it and followed. Next end Jean had to top that. Then Mal took out her shot. Jean said if he wasn't up the other end she would have smacked him. He did that the whole game - to everyone! Mal won of course, with all that aggressive play! They more than doubled the score! We came inside for a well-deserved drink. Jean decided (since we're together in the caravan) she'll still speak to him! Mal takes out all the shots at Tamworth City.

Ryan at Tamworth City told us that Oxley has very few bowling members now. He looks after the green and said it hadn't been mown for a while. He said it wasn't a good idea to roll up. The club at least claims friendliness - even though there's no bowling members. The club wasn't open so Jean took a photo through the glass. There's one grass green - it's pretty long. We agreed it's not worth a rollup. Jean read online they sometimes have social bowls on Saturday. We'll drop by to see if it's true! Oxley - no bowls to be had here.

After our stopover at South Tamworth this morning we drove over to West Tamworth to find out what days they play social bowls. Instead we got a game! It's a nice little clubhouse. There were lots of people there. There was country music playing live. It's a bit like Karaoke. People put their name down and sing with the band. The singing was fantastic! There's a few commemorative plaques - including the centenary. And a lovely fountain in the garden. We wrote our names down for Tuesday then Zoe ran up to us. "You're the Travelling Bowlers! We've got a game ready for you! We went outside and met Rod, Peter and marker Nathan who were playing the Minor Singles final. There are three greens. One synthetic that's been in only since September. It's the Tom Barry Green. It's actually made from Merino wool. It has an underlay. Then there's a grass green And the old 'Ladies' Green' they no longer use. There were just six of us because there'd been Sectionals this morning. We played two-bowl triples. Mick, Jean and Cheryl Played Col, Mal and Julie. First end Jean was happy. Jean got shot again but, of course Mal had to steal! Jean was happy with her consistency. Mick, Jean and Cheryl won by one shot because we had to stop when it poured down with rain. Good for Tamworth, not so good for bowls. They gave us some great gifts. Including chalk lipstick. Great country music for bowls at West Tamworth!

We had such a good time at Murrurundi we didn't want to leave but we must to get to Qld! We drove on today to Werris Creek. We passed Willow Tree and Quirindi but we'll catch them when we do Armidale. A little rollup for us today at Werris Creek. The clubhouse has a comfy friendly feel. We met James. He's the General Manager and Bowling Club President. He's been following our blog. James gave us Werris Creek cloths. He introduced us to Janelle former Lady President. There are two greens. One, synthetic, has been pulled up. It's uncertain if it will be replaced with synthetic or grass. Robert at Scone told us when clubs do the maths on replacement and maintenance there's little difference between synthetic and grass. The second green is a very old, mouldy Tiger Turf. It's wet so it's super slick. Sean came for a natter. Sean said the green was very quick because it rained and there were a few drops. We adjusted our weight. Grass - not so much! Mal adjusted well second end. We did better with grass after a while. Jean was happy she finally worked it out! Last end we did ok. Despite the old surface we found it ok - once we worked it out. We came inside for a drink before going to our accommodation. Charlie served and chatted with us at the bar. The caravan was parked out the front. Lovely people at Werris Creek!

We're on our quick trip up the New England Highway to Qld. This morning we did both the clubs in Scone. We moved on to Murrurundi where we are staying. We'll be tired by the end of the day! It's a small clubhouse. With a beautiful memorial gate. And matching stone fences. There's a lovely little memorial garden. The green looks nice. It's plastic synthetic. The Athol J. Frith Green. It has beautiful mountain views. Bruce (VP) and Gary (President) were rolling up to prepare for Pennant Sectional Finals. Bruce told us "We let bowlers camp out the back!" Jean quizzed them about that. They said we could hook up our hose and power. Gary even said he'd open up the back door to the toilet and shower for us. Jerome liked rolling on the gravel. It's lovely with a little river beside. There's a nice Chinese restaurant for our Friday dinner and they have raffles as well! We started our rollup. We didn't do too bad first end. Jean had a go. She was happy with the results. We met Bushy (club Treasurer) who told us when we get to Nimbin say "Bushy from Murrurundi can't wait to get up there!" We relaxed with the boys. Gavin joined us. He's the caretaker of the Vietnam Vets memorial. After our delicious Chinese dinner we came in for raffles. The club was full. We didn't win a meat tray but had fun. Gary introduced us to everyone. Murrurundi - thanks so much for the hospitality!

So we're on our way to Queensland. We spent too long in Canberra so are a bit delayed in getting there (supposed to be there in May)! So on our trip up The New England Highway were stopping at some towns on our way somewhere else. It's the two Scone clubs today on way to Murrurundi. SCONE RSL First stop was the single green at SCONE RSL. We went inside the Clubhouse to get to the bowling green. There's a sign with cartoon Bowlers. It's a very nice grass green. The Percy Collison Green. Well protected from wind by hedges. Greenkeeper Colin was marking out the green. Jean stepped up. She really liked it. Mal came next. He was all over it. We only did six ends as we had to move on. SCONE BOWLING CLUB We were told in Singleton there's only oneI club to visit in Scone. The Scone Bowling Club. We wanted to see if that was correct. In the clubhouse we met Alita at bar. We liked the welcome mat. Then we met Club Manager Matt at the bar. He sold us two shirts for $50. We bought three DVDs to support the Travelling Bowlers. There are two nice-looking grass greens. Jean met Greenkeeper Robert who said they'd finish rolling in about 20 minutes. We sat with a drink to wait. Robert came to let us know we were right to go. We chatted about synthetic vs grass. We couldn't wait to get on the green. First end Mal was on the money. Jean said "I'm glad we stopped scoring our rollups!" Mal wanted to bowl one of Jean's bowls. He got shot! Then Jean worked it out. We wanted to get to Murrurundi so we only did a few ends. The grass was tough. We had to aim at the kitty! Scone done - now for Murrurundi!

We came to Aberdeen on our way to Scone. We found out this morning there's bowls at 9:30. We got up at 6am to get there from Singleton. It's a nice little clubhouse - bigger than it looks. There's a good outdoor area on the green. And a nice little barbecue area. Next door at the oval there's a mural of the Aberdeen Highland Games. Jean's Scottish blood stirred. We met John who organises Thursday bowls. John told us Cabramatta Leagues Club merged with the club (took over) last year. He said their rules are the won't open the clubhouse (for the toilets) until 10. There's just one plastic synthetic green. The OC Adnum Green. The shades are unusual. The footy oval next door had orange posts which we've never seen before. It's usually mixed today but all the ladies are at Presentation Day in Denman. Only two guys turned up so it was 2-4-2 pairs. John and Jean played Murray and Mal. We lead. We both got our grass right. Jean got shot first end. With the wet the bowls got a little grubby. We needed our Bourke Bowling Club cloths. Down two, John called Jean to play weight and take shot out. She went narrow and missed but wicked in and got shot from Mal. Mal was playing well though. He and Murray were well ahead. Butch rolled up then sat and watched the game and gave good commentary. Mal and Murray were nine up overall after they got a five! Mal and Murray won by - well alot. Jean didn't ask the score after a six on the last end. Jean was just happy with her second-last end! We drove over to the free-camping area next door to the club. Aberdeen - the Scots didn't help Jean today.

All last night, our final in Morisset it bucketed down. We hoped when we took off for Singleton we'd leave it behind. No so! DIGGERS The first club we visited was Singleton Diggers - just a stones throw from the Showground where we're staying. It's a biggish clubhouse. Mal had a nice chat with Scott the bartender. Andrew the Operations Manager tried to convince us to roll up even though it was sopping wet. There's just one green It's a 17 year old plastic synthetic. Andrew reckoned we'd be the last people to do so because it's being pulled up in two weeks and replaced. Mal said "No way I'm rolling up on that puddle!" It's the first time we've actually seen 21 metres marked on the green with a number. It looks like they had a close Pennant game on the weekend. Andrew called CEO Michael over to meet us and related our story which Mal had told everyone at the bar when he got a beer. We wanted to do both Singleton clubs in one day so we didn't stay long despite all the friendly people we met. CLUB SINGLETON Club Singleton is a short distance away. In fact only eight minutes walk from the showground. Not doing that today as it's wet. The clubhouse is a decent size. There are three grass greens. One looks fallow. The middle one is a little patchy. Hayden (not a bowler and didn't want his photo taken) told us green two has drainage issues and problems with weeds and mould. The greenkeeper is working on it. We decided if it was fine we'd have rolled up on the one with the Pennant scoreboard. No puddles but it looked pretty damp. It's the A.J (Arie) Dorsman Green. Dorsman seems to be a big name in Singleton. We think Singleton folks must be pretty tough - playing bowls up to 40°! In Victoria it's 35°. There's a plaque for works in 1974. Wet feet for bowls today in Singleton!

A couple of years ago, after she studied Sports Psychology at uni, Jean did some sessions with bowlers around the country. One of them was Jodie Turner. Jodie saw Jean was in Zone 2 and got in touch for a rollup. We're going to drive a bit further than usual to meet at Charlestown today. We arranged a rollup with Jodie at 10:30. It was raining in Morisset so we weren't hopeful but we went anyway. We met Jodie at the door and she introduced us to CEO Michael. Jean wore her Millthorpe shirt and Michael said he's from there. It's a big club. The honour board is huge. The club has a great outdoor area. by the old green. It's synthetic but they don't play on it often as it's old. Jodie explained they are the Tigers. They have these little Tiger Emblems for each grade. If they win the stay upright. There are two beautiful carpet greens under cover. They've been in since July last year. There's a nice viewing area alongside the greens. Jodie's Dad George came to roll up with us. Jodie introduced us to Denise. Jodie actually introduced us to everyone. Paula and Terrie-Ann came to say hi. Daniel the Bowls Organiser has been following our adventures online. Mal was envious and wanted a photo with him. There was a Ladies' Gala going on on the first green. We played on the other. Mal and Jean against George and Jodie. The surface is Jean's favourite Tiger Turf. Jean loved it! Mal was on the mark as well. It started out we were up six-zip then they caught up with 5. Jodie had shot then Mal drew inside her. Then we had two and Mal took out George's blue bowl for three. It ended up we won 10 to 5. Main thing is we had a lovely time. Jean was surprised she bowled so well - though it's her favourite! We only played eight ends as Jodie had to leave but we used the fancy electronic scoreboard. It automatically adds up the scores for Pennants on the big board. It was great to finally meet Jodie in Person. What a host she is! She showed us her special Charlestown drink bottle. Jodie arranged for Damian to give us Charlestown shirts. We loved them! We felt very welcome at Charlestown.