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Even though Jean contacted Avenel Bowling Club on Messenger, nobody got back to her. We assumed there'd be someone there for Pennants on Tuesday so drove out for a rollup. When we arrived they were on half-time break. They were playing against Mooroopna. As we walked in one a Mooroopna lady was telling her Avanel counterpart about our trip. There were several people there we'd played with there and at other clubs. They asked us lots of questions. It's a nice little clubhouse. With a pretty garden out front. There's just one grass green. Very nice to roll on. Another one named after a woman (or a couple). The Esau & Blanch Shelton Green. After a couple of ends the Pennants players came back out. There were rwo teams. Mal started out and annoyed Jean with a full count. He had three next end but Jean drove the kitty into the ditch for two. Then she got another to be three to four. Then Jean had three on the line then Mal took kitty for shot. One of the Mooroopna ladies called out "That was mean! I thought you had that!" Jean gestured to Mal. It was the beginning of the end for her. Mal got another shot and Jean said "I've had enough of this!" As we walked off lots of players wished us well on our travels. Avenel - so glad they wished us well!

Heathcote is 30 minutes west of Seymour. Jean went onto their website to discover they have social bowls on Wednesday and Saturday (outside Pennant season). We drove out today - Wednesday - to try to get a game. First person we met was Dave who was rolling up. Greg is the Vice President. He's been a member over 30 years and been Secretary a lot of the time. Greg told Jean the club has 60 members and two Pennants teams. The clubhouse is quaint with long tables. There's some interesting memorabilia. It's rumoured the club was created in 1904. Greg's not sure how accurate that is but is certain it's one of the oldest clubs. They are The Saints. They are part of Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Region. Greg gave Jean the handbook. There are two nice thin carpet synthetic greens. Greg said they got the first one in 1995. The front green is the fifth one and has been in about 12 months. The synthetics saved the club. They have owls And snakes to protect them. Lorraine took our money. $5 each. Everyone sat around and socialised at the table before the game. Mal and Dave rolled up on the front green. We played on the back green. It's three-bowl pairs. Three games of 7, 7 and 8. Dot and Jean Played Ellis and Greg. Mal and Jeanie Played Les and Blake and lost by four. Jean started off well, although Ellis hadn't arrived yet so had three! Jean and Dot won the first game 12 to 6. Jean felt she bowled well. Then they played Cheryl and Duncan and won by two. It was a tough game. Especially in the wind! Played Ellis and Greg and won 9 to 1. Third game Dot and Jean played Ilona and Lorraine. Lost by two. Mal playedDuncan and Cheryl and lost his game. He wouldn't say by how much. He said "A lot!" He did some good bowls though. Duncan took a picture of the group. Greg handed Jean a Heathcote Bowling Club glass and said "I'mt old you like the occasional glass of wine!" Heathcote - a friendly group of bowlers

We drove past Seymour Victorian Railway Institute (VRI) Bowling Club on Friday when we arrived in Seymour to find out about social bowls. There are none! We happened to catch Secretary Judy who told us they don't have social bowls during Pennant but there would be people there for training Thursday night. The navigation took us to a four-rink green that Judy told us is the old ladies green. We were just lucky we incidentally drove past the other green. THURSDAY Everywhere we went when we said we were going to VRI people said "Oh, they like a drink there". It seems that's true. They were all out on the verandah when we arrived. They were very, very welcoming. It's a nice little clubhouse. The guys called out President Ian who was so glad we came. He organised Mark to roll up with us. Mark was happy to give us a roll. There's just one small 5-rink green. Mark said the green is usually set up for four rinks but today it's five. The wind made it tough. Jean had shot but with her next bowl knocked the kitty over to Mal. She got another two But they weren't very good. Mark had shot then Mal came through the hole. We came inside because Ian told us the selectors were going to announce Pennants teams. We joined in with drinks from the barman. Ian wanted to introduce us. He did and we told some stories and answered some questions. Mark is a linesman. He once worked above the club and took an aerial photo. Jean sat and chatted with Ian, Phil Paul and Joe. Seymour VRI Bowling Club - we felt very welcome.

So we're in Kilmore Victoria just one night. We're staying at the bowls club so we're here to meet bowlers as they turn up. Our caravan is free-camping in the carpark. We saw three ladies arrive. Jean went up to meet Mavis, Lesley (club Secretary) and Charlie. She called Mal up to get in the photo. The inside of the club is nice. The ladies were preparing for the Melbourne Cup luncheon. There's a nice little hidden seating area out the back. There's just one synthetic green. It's the W Coyle green. The ladies wanted their photos taken up der the name because Warren Coyle - who's still a member - paid for the synthetic. The club's been here over 100 years. Charlie rolled up with us. Ron came down to check the Pennants board. Then Basil came down and chatted with Mal. We did OK in the rollup. Jean got one even though it was super windy. Then two. Mal got two. We stopped counting after that. A camp, and a rollup at Kilmore

We dropped in to Seymour Bowls Club on our way back to our caravan park on Friday when we arrived in Seymour just to say gidday. We met Jenny, Marg, Jenny and Donna. The Jennys confirmed Barefoot Bowls on Wednesday night and gave advice on things to see in Seymour. They told us non-members can only roll up when there's a member there. WEDNESDAY We were supposed to come for bowls Wednesday night but were too tired from playing 22 ends at Heathcote so we dropped in in the afternoon to find out a good time to rollup Thursday. We met Adam who was rolling up. Adam told us to come around 1pm Thursday and we'd be fine. THURSDAY When we arrived for our rollup on Thursday the gate was locked so we walked around to the other gate. It was locked as well. They seem to be a bit over the top with security! Allan came running over with a key and invited us to roll up with him. Nick joined us. (Nick and Allan) The guys introduced us to Milton the club Treasurer. Jean checked out the clubhouse. It's pretty big for a small club. There was a painting on the wall about bowls as a community activity. The club has two greens. One grass and one synthetic. We rolled up on the synthetic. It's the plastic kindWe . We thought the jack and bowl markers were unique. Like at other clubs they had donated seats. We couldn't really get used to the green. Mal managed a shot after a few ends. Then Jean got two. That was about it! We were done like a dinner. Mal said "Well if we can't get the kitty on the green, let's try for the one on the bank!" We thanked the boys for taking the time to roll up with us - and for the lesson! Seymour - some warning would have been nice (we'd have come for a practice)!

We dropped in at Lancefield on our way to Romsey from Kilmore. It's Saturday so it's Pennants today. There's just one green so no rollup for us. We didn't want to interrupt. They seem to be in the middle of a sports vicinity. They were about to go out. We met some of the guys and told them about our trip. Howard, Gary, Ken and Gordon. They are Division Three. Gordon said "We've got the cream of the crop right here!" Jean went inside. It's a nice little clubhouse. There's a great photo from 1969. They are The Tigers. They are playing Gisborne today The green is grass. It's running about 16 seconds. There are nice old sun shades. We had to get to Romsey so only stayed for a few ends but what we saw were some great bowls! Lancefield - another club where we felt welcome - if only for a short stay!

So we came to Romsey on our trek West in Victoria after we stopped in to watch Pennants in Lancefield. They were playing Pennants against Kyneton. It was busy when we arrived. Jean checked out the club. They share it with the Golf Club. There's a nice outdoor area. Jean sat and chatted with Jan. Jean wanted some information about whether we could park our caravan in the recreation area. Jan didn't know but got some help. Maree helped us out. She gave us instructions and welcomed us to the club. We went back and sorted out the caravan. When we got back they had just sat down for their half-time break. One of the ladies invited us to join in. At that time Romsey was way ahead on the scoreboard. They are the Romsey Redbacks. The bowls club is in the recreation area. It has cricket, netball and other sports. It seems lots of the other sports teams around are also the Redbacks. Ron came over to chat with us. We told him we'd have a rollup after the game. He said "Why not do it now while we are playing? We said we didn't want to interrupt the players. Ron said "But I want to get a look at you!" Ron went and got us a mat and jack from the box. The green is synthetic. It's the Thompson Green. Mal played pretty well. He got a resting toucher. Jean did ok. But she stopped counting after Mal got ahead. We finished after a few ends and came inside. We met Lorraine, a golfer, who tended bar. She and Mal had a long chat about everything! Romsey Golf and Bowls Club - a roll, a chat, a snack and very friendly people!

So we are staying in Macedon for three nights. We set up our caravan and drove over to the bowling club for a rollup. Alas, we didn't get one. We pulled into the carpark. The first thing we saw was a sign that said visitors were welcome. Next we saw a high colorbond fence and a lock on the gate. No way to get in for a rollup. It looks like it's a sports precinct. We walked around the back and managed to get a look at the green. It looks like grass. Macedon Ranges - oh why won't they let us in!

We came to Woodend on Monday for a rollup. We were supposed to come for social on Wednesday but our travels didn't work out that way. We were sad about that. We're at the Macedon Caravan Park. Jean spied the railway station and excitedly checked it out. She worked out Macedon Station was only ten minutes walk. She said to Mal "If we catch the train you can drink!" He liked that idea. Jean loves trains! Woodend Bowling Club is only nine minutes walk from Woodend station so we bought our Myki cards and away we went. We arrived and met John who was rolling up. He was a font of information. John told us the club was devastated by flood last year After the flood they had to laser the grass green which will be sewn in a couple of weeks. John told us the greenkeeper (we think his name was Dyson) doesn't have any greenkeeping to do so he looks after the gardens. They've had new carpet one month on insurance. A couple of weeks ago there was a massive hail storm. We rolled up on the synthetic. They have the obligatory owls to protect the green . And a lovely bird house made by a member. The club's been around since 1890s. Jean started off as usual. After a couple of ends it was 4 to 1 for Jean. Then Mal worked it out. He annoyed Jean with his bowls. Let's just say this blog post declares NO SCORES! After John left there was nobody there and the club was closed. Mal remarked "So much for drinking!" But as John left he met Rob and told him about us and our adventure. Rob is the Secretary and bar Manager. Rob said he'd open the bar for us. We just went up and back after that. Woodend - a rollup, a great chat at the bar and a train ride home.

We took the ten minute drive from Macedon to Gisborne to see if they'd put on Melbourne Cup do. Vlod told us at Lancefield while he played Pennants that he'd suggested it. They hadn't so we just rolled up. It's pronounced 'Gisbon'! We met Vlod again, and Vicki. Vlod then introduced us to Carol a new bowler who he said is doing very well. Her friend Kaye joined her. Jean sent them her blog and our trip map. They said they'd follow us. Then we met Damian. Vlod says he's a gun bowler. He also introduced us to Rod (Paddo). Rod unlocked the clubhouse and gave us a tour. Rod said the club's been around in some form since 1890 but they didn't keep records. They recently celebrated a sixty year anniversary. In the office is some recent history of flood, snow, Fire and rebuilding. There's a great verandah upstairs which overlooks the greens. The ladies loo has an honour board. There's the old green which is waiting for a new Tiger Turf synthetic . The people from Macedon have been coming to take grass to renovate their green. Bowls clubs help each other. Like other clubs the seats are donated. There's a synthetic that's been in about six years. It's the carpet kind we like. It's the Steve Wallis & David Hunton Memorial Green. The green is open. Officially in 2015 by the local member. The owl protects. It looks like their last Pennants outing was a success. It was division One on Saturday against Broadford. First end of our rollup Jean took kitty. It was super fast. None of the other bowls were within cooee. Jean had a Resting Toucher second end but Mal kicked her out and stole it. After that Mal remembered how to bowl! Jean stopped counting shots! Gisborne - nice to see Vlod again! PENNANTS FOR WOODEND 18TH NOVEMBER We met Rob from Woodend again when we went to watch Pennants at Trentham. He said their threes were short for Saturday Pennants. We said we'd be happy to play for them. They are away at Gisborne today. We were going to wear our Weston Creek uniforms as they are similar colours but Trevor brought us club shirts as a thank you. They are The Hawks. And our stickers. Jean played lead for Trevor. It was Mark, Jean, Robert and Trevor. Gisborne opponents were Wendy, Wendy, Eddie and John. Mal played second for Dennis. It was Mal, Jarrod, Dennis and Ruby. They played against Gisborne's Pam, John Garry and Carol. Jean wasn't really paying attention to Mal's game but she managed to catch a good one from him. Jean felt she bowled better than her last two Pennants games for Shepparton Park and Melton. We came inside for a roll for afternoon tea. We were both down 10 to 4. We both lost then came inside for a lovely sausage sizzle. Woodend Gisborne- We lost again but met great people!

On Monday Mal rang Kyneton Bowling Club to find out if they had any bowls on Melbourne Cup Day. They didn't but Secretary Cath told us they have a Fours tournament on Wednesday (Kyneton Cup Day) and would we like to attend. You bet we did. They rang back to say we were in. When we arrived Jean met Bev, Mick and Cath (who we spoke to Monday). Cath introduced Jean to Jimmy. The clubhouse is large, modern and nice. There are two beautiful grass greens. Jimmy showed Jean the nice outdoor area upstairs adjacent to the dining room. It has a good view of the greens. Jimmy said Kyneton is the oldest country club in Victoria and the Alex Oliver Green is heritage listed and the second oldest green in Victoria. The bowler's room is called The Chloe Stewart Room. Chloe was the National Junior Champion. She started her bowls career at age 11 in Kyneton. She was the youngest Victorian lady bowler. We played on the front green. It's the WL Jones Green. Our team was Jean, Mal, Denise and Graham. There was a good chat between a John, Mal and David who we met at Romsey the other day. We played two games of twelve ends. First game was against a Harcourt team of Ken, Keith, David and skip Smoji (of Kyneton). David is Harcourt President and Greenkeeper. Harcourt is famous for apples, cider and wine. There was nice 60's and 70's music in the background from a Bendigo radio station. After four ends Jean started to get shots but being Lead she rarely kept them. Mal as Third did though. Jean helped. It took Mal to end ten to get shot. Then Denise came down, took kitty for four. We were ahead the whole game then they got a four. Going into the last end we had 13 to 12. They got two for a win. We came inside for a salad roll. Mal won 2nd prize in the raffles. We got our $30 entry fee back. Cath came out and presented Jean with a Kyneton badge for her hat. It's a bit top-heavy now but Jean loves her hat. Second game we played John, Mick, Terry and Peter from Kyneton Golf. Mick had an interesting shirt. The club had a friend Spotty Seymour who passed away at a young age. They had a tournament to remember him with his photo on the shirts. Jean started off really well with two. We ended up with one. Next end they had two. Mal took the kitty back to his back bowl. We lost by a lot. We came back inside. Jean wanted to take photo of Denise, herself and Bev who were the only three women who played today. Our rink sat down for drinks. The boys were very happy. They were the overall winners. Kyneton - we lost twice but had lots of fun!

When we were at Kyneton yesterday we were flogged by the boys from Kyneton Golf who eventually won. They told us if we turn up at 4:30 on Thursday (training day) there'd be people to roll up with. They were right. There were lots of blokes rolling up and one lady - Lorraine. Peter who we played and who won at Kyneton yesterday was there. We met Wilco in the carpark.We saw him with a bowls bag and asked if he's a bowler. He said yes and we said we were there fror a rlollup. He introduced us to Wayne (Shrubber). We had a game of 2-4-2.. (Wayne, Jean, Mal and Wilco) Wayne is a former State champion. The clubhouse was an old shed that's been converted. We met Woodheap.who's quite a character. He told us lots of stories. Wilco reckoned Jean was a more consistent bowler than Mal. She liked that. Even though Wilco and Mal won by a lot. She proved it when she took the kitty back for two. They told us there are lots of Kangaroos that come and visit. One was heavy with Joey. After our rollup we sat down outside the clubhouse and watched the lovely scenery over the fairway. Kyneton Golf - a nice time with great bowlers!.