PLAYER POCKET PROFILES

Whilst every club has its characters it is impossible to ignore the popular and convivial John (“it was the other bloke, as we three played alright”) Mulhall. Always sparring with mates over a beer and especially mate John (“longpockets”) Biglin. He possesses that talent to deliver a light hearted dig at which you do not take offence.

John commenced bowling at Byford Bowling Club in 1983 and was thrilled to bits to be part of the clubs 7^th division pennant winning side for the 1983/84 season. As told by the man himself, they built a house in Safety Bay and with Hilary working at Rockingham Hospital it was convenient to join the Safety Bay Club. Especially after they hearing of such a talented player was available and “they just would not leave me alone until I joined them” !??

Success followed in the 2006/07Mixed Fours with Doris Sharpe, Noelene Pugh and Terry Eades and the 2007/08 Triples with Russell Heydon and Norm Read.

In terms of enjoyable achievements, satisfaction came from being an integral part of the group that gained promotion from Division 2 to ultimately compete in the 1 Blue North pennant competition.

After much encouragement John finally persuaded Hilary to play bowls and with the caravanning and bowling expedition North via Cervantes, Green Head, Leeman and Dongara to look forward to there is nothing but good fun to come. Being multi-talented John played cricket, golf(off 10), tennis, squash and Aussie rules football. Fondly he tells of playing in the U/16s, U18s and subsequently the renowned Mount Hawthorn Mets before joining the Navy in 1959. Selection in the Navy’s representative teams in all his participating sports and subsequently the Combined Services Teams as a RAN player were all very proud moments. Besides being a long term Cardie follower he keeps an eye on all sports as well as gardening, reading and with holidaying and spending as much time as possible with the family and being a constant spectator at the grandchildren’s sports. As a people person the comradeship gained by participating in bowls and other sports he says has added to the enjoyment.

Three of Johns toughest opponents were named as Peter Sardelic, Steve Shroy and Keith Doncon with those that he enjoyed playing with as Lionel Dobson, Gary Carberry and Les Cranfield.

Appreciative words were spoken in favour of firstly Hilary ”who gives unlimited freedom over summer to pursue bowls on a serious note and secondly to Les Cranfield who was a great mentor.

Southern Ireland as a tourist destination gets a recommendation plus (“as it is part of my heritage”)

Recent holidays have been to Europe, British Isles, Ireland and a 22 day cruise to South East Asia. Recomendation is to plan ahead and to get good advice from a reputable agent.

Good advice is when Rob Stanley is your bowling partner do as he tells you. When he says put the jack in the ditch as was the case against Cliff and Keith Guelfi in the state over 60s pairs, do so. ”Success” and it was the match winner.

When you’re as active as Mully there are always stories floating around the club and I’ve always wanted to ask him were there any other factors involved other than a very, very strong gust of wind that caused him to free fall over the side of the Aircraft Carrier HMAS Melbourne. Further, what was he thinking as this massive vessel headed over the horizon and were his first words upon being picked up - “thank god you’re here”.

During a stint at Australia House in London John played a part in the successful recruitment of around 100 Naval Military Police, amongst which was our club member John Mortimer,

The photograph following below this profile was taken in 1999 in the gardens of Government House after Hilary’s Investiture of Public Service Medal as part of the Queens Birthday Honours List. A proud moment.

Whilst not having had the pleasure of watching Jean White bowl one can only conclude from the achievements notated on our honour boards that here we have the highest achiever to have played at and represented Safety Bay Bowling Club.

Jean commenced bowling at Narrogin and gives credit for her early development to next door neighbor Sid Glover. The eventual move to Safety Bay was occasioned by the necessity of having a higher degree of health care for her husband.

As is evident by having won a total of twenty Singles titles (twelve at Narrogin and eight at Safety Bay) followed by playing lead in a successful Australian WBC Fours team, Jean has been a skilful and highly competitive player.

Enjoyable achievements were mentioned as being the first time selection in the State Team (from Narrogin) and the selection as a skipper in the Top Division pennant side for Safety Bay.

In terms of other sports played, ice skating at the Ice Palais in Sydney ranked highly whilst at netball she was a better than average competitor.

These days activities are confined to less strenuous activities in cryptic crosswords and enjoying watching the many sports on TV.

Toughest opponents were Merle Richardson from NSW, Norma Massie from Victoria and Hilda Pochron out of South Australia who had won a World Championship Singles. The 3 players that impressed were Roma Dunn, Connie Hicks and Mary Underwood of Civic Centre.

Team mates that impressed were Edna Chiffins who was her first skip in the state team. Etta Smith as the other half of the winning state pairs team from Safety Bay and Ollie Rowe from Melville.

Upon moving to Perth Jean was approached by Kings Park and Victoria Park to join their respective clubs. Having been for a stroll past Safety Bay club with husband Wally and being so impressed with the friendly people after JD Smith had invited them in, she decided The Bay was the place to be.

Safety Bay were still part of the country leagues in the late 70’s and early 80’s and had always lacked confidence when competing against Mandurah. Well the pennant play offs was an absolute thriller as Jean tells it with heaps of supporters cheering the girls on. Jean won by two with the second skipper only losing by oneand the last off was Mabel Kennedy who was victorious by one. As it was the first pennant for ages you can imagine how they all enjoyed the moment.

Jean has over time won the Champion of Champions Singles, State Singles, State Pairs, State Triples, State Fours and many Masters events, some more than once. She fondly remembers those people with whom she shared the success’s with in Pat Whitworth, Etta Smith and Doris Sharp for the State Fours and Dulcie King and Agnes Watson for the triples.

Favourite holiday destination is Esperance where there are many family connections to enjoy.

Favourite meals are steak and chips and more recently there is nothing better than a roast dinner.

TV show to be enjoyed is Bold and the Beautiful which” is good for a laugh.”

For the beautiful beach and scenery Esperance and Cable Beach are recommended as holiday destinations.

A satisfying memory that sticks is the winning of the first Champion of Champion Singles against the Dalkeith champion where with the last bowl of the match she drew shot for victory. This was special and life was good as my husband and sons were there to watch and share the moment.

Whilst Jean is no longer as mobile as she would like to be she still spends a day or so each week quietly encouraging our current players when asked.

In being involved with Rob Stanley one would describe him as convivial, enthusiastic and even dynamic when you are encouraged by his drive to sing one version or other of the club song. Those that know him would agree that he is forever ready to be involved in any project or social occasion for the club or otherwise.

Recent news is that Daphne could be insisting that their property be fenced completely after Rob left his crab bait out overnight so as to allow it to thaw. As it was not found next morning methinks that there are some very well fed dogs in the vicinity of Arcadia Drive.

Bowls at Safety Bay became a passion for Rob in 2004 and to date his highlight, he says, was being part of the winning team at the Geraldton 2007 Carnival with Gordon Wooldridge ,Graham Scott and Lionel Bell. Not only did he collect his share of 1^st prize but the team had purchased themselves in the Calcutta. The 2005 4 Gold Pennant was named as an exciting significant event to be part of.

Rob played in the representative State Schoolboys teams in both Aussie Rules and Cricket where we hear he was a rather fearsome fast bowler. League football with the East Perth Football Club became his passion with the likes of Jack Sheedy, Mal Atwell etc. In his ever excitable manner he recounts the enjoyment gained from being part of many premierships in both sports during that era.

Brother Roger had a disability that confined him to a wheelchair but they always seemed to find a way to include him in their activities, whether it be mixing with family friends, traveling, boating and sport with their motto being “make the most out of life”.

Typically when asked about his other interests he simply says ”my journey has been magic”.

When on the subject of toughest opponents he simply says “they are all tough, give them all respect”.

On players he has played with that warrant respect, he has a soft spot for the 3 guys with whom he won the Geraldton 2007 Carnival as well as the end of season group with whom he goes North with each year and not forgetting the effervesce of John Mulhall.

The subject of ambition and the future brings a typical Rob reply with “stay motivated, give respect, be positive, enjoy life friends and family, be a champion person, a successful person and sportsman”.

Favourite holiday destination is Europe with its wonderful and never ending history.

Meals to delight include Italian Scollopini and Marsala with Spaghetti Bolognaise.

On the TV - News, Current Affairs, Travel and Sport are the preferred highlights.

Daphne and Rob have recently been to Europe, Italy and the UK as well as some enjoyable cruises.

The Stanley philosophy is ever positive and is “Don’t leave it too late, travel, learn enjoy who we are. Appreciate and enjoy all the opportunities of life.

If you are in the mood for a good laugh, get Rob talking about the days with the old Sandovers Sunday League Football club and their many interesting fund raising activities. Very imaginative!?

Without doubt Rob is an inspirational person that we would hope will in the future play a major part in the development and growth of our club.

Maureen began bowling in Narembeen in 1981 and upon relocating to the city, over time, became a member of City Beach, Sorrento and Doubleview.

The various moves were occasioned by living close by and in the case of Doubleview being persuaded by the state selectors that to be considered for a representative position in the side you had to be part of a 1^st division team. It was an exciting time at Doubleview during the 4 year stay with a pennant win and a runner up trophy.

One always treasures the memory of the first success in a club event and in Maureen’s case it was the 100 up at Narembeen in what was a marathon day, having to play 5 games in a day.

In the case of club singles titles the first of 4 was at City Beach, with 2 at Sorrento 1 at Doubleview and 1 at Safety Bay.

Major titles were the State triples in 88/89 and the State Fours in 2001/02 and more recently in 2009 the Over 60”s State Triples with Jennifer Kite and Maggie Main of Safety Bay.

Other sports played were tennis, darts and golf with memorable competitions being the Narembeen Darts Championship Pennant, Tennis at Narembeen and Mt Walker Golf. Highlights were winning the Narembeen and Mt Walker golf championships and the Eastern Districts Championship 13 times, representing the state on 4 occasions and success in the Mt Lawley Foursome Club Championship. (Ray and Maureen had the distinction of parring the course in the mixed foursome).

Maureen’s lowest handicap was 5 but 7 seemed to be the standard for quite some time.

Toughest opponents were Beryl Godfrey, Phyl Menagh and Roma Dunn with Gloria Smith, Paul and Jim Cook named as the people who most influenced her development in the game.

Opponents that impressed are Helen Morss, Therese Hastings and Roma Dunn and similarly team mates that impressed being Margaret Kuriata, Beryl Tutt and Norma Follington.

Current ambitions are to retain the Premier Division with Safety Bay club and to remain a strong competitor within herself. After playing a test against Victoria and fours in a Development team during a period when there were a number of players vying for a spot unfortunately it was disappointment when the state team was announced.

Caravanning around more of

Australia

remains an ambition but Exmouth is still a favourite.

Playing in the 2009/10 Club pairs against Val Gilmore and Pam Slater with Claudette Harper as partner on a particular tight end with the opponent having 2 very close bowls as counters and having 3^rd shot touching both of theirs. A gentle touch against that bowl resulted in displacing both of the shots. “They don’t always come off, but a very satisfying moment”.

Maureen’s father was a self taught musician playing most instruments. As such music played a big part in their lives with them together playing Accordions at local dances and remembering fondly the singing of songs so often with guests at home.

In the few years that Maureen has been at Safety Bay she has been very generous with her willingness to play with a considerable number of developing players and can have pride in the growth of, the success and enhanced competitive spirit of our ladies.

Ray was a Cottesloe boy and moved to Narembeen in 1960, commencing bowling in 1981 where he won the 1983/84 club singles title. The General Store and bulk fuel business in the district put bread on the table and with whatever spare time he had was spent in supporting Maureen in her golfing exploits. As a four time state representative there were many exciting times.

Ultimately moving to Perth to be closer to children and grandchildren Ray got involved in furniture removal, lawn mowing, managed a service station, drove fuel tankers and subbied the Fremantle and Northern Suburbs shuttle buses to the Airport before retiring to Rockingham.

On arrival in Perth he played at the City Beach and Sorrento clubs, during which time he won three titles with the Beach and two at Sorrento.

Bowls highlight was as runner up in the Champion of Champion Singles to Geoff Ellis in 87/88.

Most enjoyable achievement was the winning of his first Metro Club Singles at City Beach.

Ray’s sporting career embraced golf with a handicap of 12, tennis, darts and Australian Rules Football for the Narembeen Warriors.

A more than accomplished player he represented the state at darts and states that the winning of a Golf Club Championship at Mt Walker gave him great pleasure. Country tennis and golf were not only competitive but very social ,with some great Sundowners at Wamenusking, embracing a drink or threeish, and the stopovers after away golf days. Playing in the Country Darts Championships with some success turned out to be a leg up to an invitation to four weekends of practice as part of the State Squad. With six in a team they selected eight and Ray was in.

After each bowling season Ray and Maureen head for Exmouth and invariably spend 4 months whiting fishing in the Gulf on most mornings. His habit of wearing gloves whenever crabbing locally draws a lot of good natured queries related to his manhood, on the club crabbing days.

As toughest opponent Geoff Ellis ranks the highest with George Smith as the person that influenced the quality of his bowls.

Competitors that impressed were again George Smith with Steve Shroy and Stewart Davies followed by teammates George, Cam Pascoe and Keith Bransby.

Favourite holiday destination is Exmouth because of the fishing, bowling, weather and last but not least, the people there.

Having a laugh at himself Ray tells the story of his younger days antics at Swanbourne Beach where after a few celerbratory drinks a group spontaneously decided to disrobe and go for a dip. It was a disaster when in the surf he discovered that he and his false teeth had parted company. Next day his hopes were raised when a friend phoned to tell him that 6PR had announced that a set of false teeth had been found at Swanbourne Beach. Upon phoning the station he was advised that he could take his pick from the sugar bag full of teeth that they had. Needless to say he declined.

Ray is a Junior Vice President at our club at the moment and plays as a skipper in our 1 Blue South team. Whilst not a big upshot player he has the soft hands of an accomplished draw bowler and fine tuned shot player. He has won a number of club championship events at Safety Bay, more recently being the Club Triples for 2009/2010.

The faces behind the bar in any club and the manner they respond to you can influence the extent that you can enjoy your day. Those people in our club that use the bar services and wear a name badge will soon find themselves recognized and welcomed with the use of their Christian name by the ever convivial Bob. Generally one finds that amenable, courteous and professional people such as our Bob are snapped up by the higher profile hospitality organizations. Not to be with our Bob ,as he obviously enjoys the locale and the hours he spends at Bowls Safety Bay.

Born in Carlisle England and having 2 brothers and 2 sisters they had a family pub in the village of Scotby located 4 miles from Carlisle. Unfortunately his father died at the age of 44 years when Bob was 19 years of age. With increased family responsibilities he took up work with Courtalds, a textile manufacturer which lasted 3 years. It was back to the pub trade as a 25 tear old, with the Post Office Club, as a steward.

As an active young fellow he played soccer for Cumberland Schoolboys and subsequently for a group named Club 63 which resulted in his being selected as a representative in the County of Cumberland team.

He has two sons, one daughter and three grandchildren all of which are boys. Mum who was the rock in the tough times remarried to Jack Scott now deceased (“was a good man”) and now as a contented lady of 86 leads a quieter life.

Memories include Dad as very much a disciplinarian who bagged coal to supplement his income and the fact that the ever present dust most likely caused his early demise. Working in a club atmosphere, sportsmans dinners were very much the go with speakers of the like of Basil DÖlivera, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton often entertaining.

Asked about his impressions of Australia after a 6 week visit he remembers his difficulty in getting used to Australians drinking from such small receptacles as pony glasses etc when in UK it was always pints. Having been persuaded by an Australian girl that the lifestyle in

Australia

would be worth a longer try he has enjoyed it more permanently with periodical visits to keep up with Mum and family.

Passing observations are his enjoyment of the Club Revues and involvement with the Darts group. Bob says he would be happy to be involved in more social activity and or quiz nights at the club and has volunteered to look after a more extended footy tipping scene or anything similar.

A change of direction for our latest profile which is focused on one of our newer emerging champions in the husband of Kaye, that is of course Norm.

It was in 2003 that Norm joined the Safety Bay club and with coaching by Harry McLaren was successful in winning the 2004 Novice Singles.

Since that time a close fought club singles in 2008 against George Hallums has resulted together with victory in the club triples, together with John Mulhall and Russel Heydon.

‘With a wry grin and obvious satisfaction he advises that in partnership the Kaye, high on the scale of lifes achievements must be fathering 5 kids and the subsequent involvement with 9 grandchildren.

In displaying a golfing trophy that depicted the rear end of a horse, it was obvious that some lows had occurred during his golfing career as the badge thereon read NAGA award 1994. Even so with a handicap low of 13 but generally around 18 there no doubt were many successes not revealed this time.

Aside from the many coaching managing and presidents jobs he enjoyed in supporting his childrens sporting interests, there was beach and boat fishing at Bremer Bay, Derby and Mundiwindi (Buranbar Pool).

Highlights come along in the form of the Broome Open Golf Championship and also the Doubles Championship of the Quairading Tennis Club with Rob Comley.

His development and maturity in the game were said to be in part due to Harry McLaren and Graham Scott.

Champions that Norm admired and/or competed against were stated as Daniel Brown, John Goddard and David Opie.

Those that he played with that were able on many occasions to play the difficult saving shot were Paul Beaumont, Graham Scott and Peter Bootsma.

Still possessing of that insatiable desire to win he indicated reluctantly that to succeed in club events in the singles, pairs and mixed pairs would be his ambition.

Exmouth is his recommended holiday destination due to the variety of activities to participate in. The warm weather, bowls, golf, fishing in the gulf and inside the Ningaloo Reef as well as touring and the proximity to Coral Bay with the whales all around.

Early vehicles were a Lambretta 150 followed by the FX Holden (which 2 months after purchases made close friends with a passing lamp post.)

Recent trip was to Shark Bay (Denham) with a recommendation to go on the day visit to Dirk Hartog Island.

Norm has been a much traveled servant of Telstra with time in Norseman, Mundiwindi, Port Hedland, Derby, Marble Bar, Quairading, Goomalling, Jerramungup and Exmouth to name a few. There was also 2 years in Papua New Guinea and an earlier 2 years as a proud defender of Australia as part of the Nasho’s which was in Victoria then to Brisbane as part of the Signals Corp.

I have played a lot of bowls with Norm over the past 3 years and have found him to be good company, a determined competitor, a worthy representative of Bowls Safety Bay and congratulate him on his selection as a 1^st Division skipper.

Continuing on with the Pocket profile scene, it was quite a pleasant surprise to find that Neville had already compiled a detailed summary of interesting features of his life. As you will perceive Neville is not only a gentleman of bowls but is ever ready to contibute his time and expertise to community clubs and projects.

Other memories gleaned were:

The healthy respect he has for Keith Doncon as a bowler and a gentleman
A quote after his team defeated Wickepin. "We no longer have the wood on you"
Playing golf with Bill Reynolds and upon arriving at Safety Bay winning the club pairs with Bill
With the Dalyup bridge being washed out after a storm, having to drive 1000km each way to Kojonup as part of the Southern Zone representative team. It was Esperance, Coolgardie, Merredin and then Kojonup.
Travelling 200km by bus to Norseman and staying the night after the game
Having both knees replaced one month apart and then having one stiffen up. The drugs taken after encouraged gallstones. Key hole surgery was necessary but luckily it was found that the stones had calcified.
As strong competitors he always had respect for Lance Strawn, Keith Doncon, Kim Jones and Kevin Bairstow.
Those that influenced the development of Nev's game were Les & Dot McCallum and Glyn Bosisto via his book "Bowls by Bosisto".
Being a single father Neville, for many years, had his three children for all their school holidays. Trips to Sydney and Melbourne on the Indian Pacific and the flight home were the highlights of this time.

Thanks to Neville and Barbara for the cup of coffee and some very enjoyable conversation.

Graham Scott December 2009

Sporting Profile for Neville Crocker

I started my sporting life following my father to cricket on a Sunday hoping the team would be short so I could field. I was about eleven years old at the time.

About five of us young ones stuck together as we grew up to play basket, cricket and football for Towns. Merredin in those days was a railway town. I played in premiership teams in basketball, cricket and football. As soon as I was old enough I joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade and went to Easter Demos in Fremantle and Geraldton.I remained an active member until about 1994.I started to play golf and in four years brought my handicap down to twelve. My only holidays when I was young was Country Week cricket witch was very enjoyable.

I bought the bakery in Ravensthorpe in 1968 and moved there. With new land being released a lot of golfers came to the district so we got together and started the golf club.After two years work we started to play. I was the inaugural Captain and won the first championship. In the following twenty years I won the championship about five times. I was the handicapper for the first thirteen years plus the captain for some of that time.

About ten years after starting the golf the Shire asked us to start a bowling club. We called a meeting, I was elected president, and under the guidance of Lawry Ball started to build a green. With a couple of bowlers in town we were off and running. Les and Dorothy McCullam knew what to do so Les was our secretary and Dorothy our captain. I was president before I was ever capitated. I the years following I won all of our club championships and shared the pairs, triple and fours with some great friends. During this time I was also president of the main committee of the Ravensthorpe Golf and Bowling Club. I was also president of the South East Coastal Bowling League for two years. I played for the S.E.C. League for many years in the Southern League Round Robin. Twice I played for the Southern Zone and on one occasion we won the Inter Zone Round Robin - Colin Fleay was my skipper.

In 1994 I sold the bakery and moved to Esperance. In my six years there I won all their club championships and also won the South East Coastal Championship.

I have put a lot of time into sport and it has been very rewarding as I have made many friends. In my second year of bowls I became a State Umpire to learn the rules. I have also been a coach for twenty years.

In 2000 I moved to Safety Bay. At the Bay with the help of some very good bowlers I have won all the club championships plus the mixed fours. Playing in First Division Red for two years was a great experience. Safety Bay is the biggest club I have been involved in and as a delegate for two years I am very impressed with how it is run.

I have one regret. My father, two uncles, brother and sister all won club singles at different clubs. They all passed away before I started playing bowls - I nver had a game with any of them.

I was still playing cricket and basketball at forty and I feel very lucky now as I am in my seventies, have two new knees, and am back playing bowls again after missing last season. I have a great partner and friend in Barbara and in good health for a seventy two year old.

PS....I was also a member of the P & D Board of the Ravensthorpe Football Association for about fifteen years. I also won Sportsman of the Year for the Ravensthorpe District. I am also a life member of a cicket, golf and bowling club.

Favourite Holidays: Darwin in our winter with Barbara
First Vehicle: New VW 1957
Favourite TV: Mash and Funniest Home Videos
Best Quote: On the mat you control the game
Best Players: At Safety Bay - Frank keogh, George Hallums and Max Petchell - all very different but their record speaks for itself.

Neville Crocker November 2009

Neville, on the right, the 1996 League Singles Winner with the President Geoff Chambers

BACK TO TOP

It was quite pleasant to have the opportunity to discuss life's achievements and bowls through an era that covers ones own playing days. Such was the experience with John and Noreen Kennedy when names thrown up were mostly recognised.

John resided in Mt Helena and joined the Mundaring Bowling Club in 1972. As you would expect his mates from the Mount Helena Cricket Club made many disparaging remarks and simulated people with physical shortcomings whenever he caught up with them at the local. After two years he was persuaded to join 1 White club Bayswater, there playng as a third to Owen Kelly.

During the two years at Bayswater he met Noreen and found that residing at Swan View and travelling back and forth with celebratory juice was unwise. They then both joined Morrison Park Bowling Club and very much enjoyed the regular dances at that Club.

Those who remember JK from his early days as a skipper will recollect his ability to stand a bowl up and the success he had running into a head with a little weight.

It was two years later that Noreen made a phone call to her friend Rod Wishart (President) at Kalamunda which paved the way for John to realise his ambitions to once again play 1st Division. It was eight years at Kalamunda and then in 1994 he moved to his present club at Safety Bay.

Bowling Highlights are:
    Reaching the semi final of the State 4s and having the disappointment of defeat by one shot to Brian Katunarich.
    Subbing in a Melville Carnival 4s with Keith Doncan, Colin Fleay and a player name forgotten prior to them heading east to represent WA. To be sure they won the carnival.
    Success in the 4s at Kalamunda, Morrison Park and Safety Bay.
    The Masters Pairs won at Doubleview in the early eighties with good mate Eric Elliott (Kalamunda and previously Alexander Park).

Another sporting highlight was being selected in the State School Boys Football Team in 1949, from Merredin in the Eastern Districts, and then not being picked up from the Perth Railway Station for three hours - some experience for a 13 year old.

Other continuing activities in latter years were mentioned as being cricket and tennis - with Ray Hardie involved in the Mount Helena activities.

As a golfer JK laconically states that he "picked up a few trophies here and there". Out of clubs at Wundowie and Mundaring and on a 10 handicap you would wonder why not!!

Other interests would embrace his beaut little dog "Zeus" - after the Greek God of sky and weather, Noreen tells me, plus his three glorious tomato bushes which resemble trees or soon will.

John owned and operated his own business "Kennedys Of Mount Helena Pty Ltd" (BP and Shell fuel depot) for twenty years but after a hypotension heart attack, on doctors advice, he sold the business. Gull Petroleum then asked him to work for them but he made the condition that he had to have Thursdays and Saturdays off for bowls - to which they agreed.

Tough opponents were named as Steve Shroy, Robbie Ball, Brian Katunarich, Gil Sayers and Kevin Bairstow. The smartest tactician with the ability to read the positioning of a head and then play the shot to his teams benifit went to John Rainoldi. Ron Butler of Scarborough and Doug Arrowsmith of Hollywood-Subiaco received a tick for being worthy competitors. Recently deceased good mate Rod Volich being applauded as the bloke first picked in JK's team of the century.

Carnivals and Pennant Success:
    Wickepin Carnival with John Biglin and Richard Pearce
    Wongan Hills Carnival with Mike St Jack
    Carnarvon Carnival with Ernie Lawrence
    Northam Carnival in 1989 with Brian Holfrector and Billy Rogers
    Pennants with Mark Clancy, Rod Volich and Paul Keating

A fond and treasured recollection was going through a midweek pennant season playing for Kalamunda, playing against Cockburn in the final, and not losing a single game.

The conclusive moment that persuaded our sportsman to retire from cricket and take up bowls was following a cricket grand final. Needing quick runs JK went after a big six with the ball hitting the top of the bat and coming up under his chin knocking two teeth out and thereby dispensing a lot of claret. Even so he said it took two days for the decision.

Another memorable moment was at a carnival in Northam where having imbibed of a reasonable quantity of the Swan product it was off to the motel with a few king browns under the arm. In looking for his unit a kerb jumped up in front of him and it was a head butt of the bitumen. As you can imagine the safety of the king browns was of utmost importance with the result there was blood everywhere, including all over his creams, and two broken ribs.Fortunately his mates were domesticated and washed his creams and shirt sufficiently clean to enable a reasonable presentation at play the next day.

Memorable Moments:
    Playing third to John Biglin in the grand final at Manning and putting the jack in the ditch thereby avoiding any possiblity of losing.
    As an opponent to John Rainoldi, nominating an upshot to take four bowls out, all on deflections, and proceeding to do so.

Ambition - to keep playing competition bowls

Holiday Destinations Recommended - Cruising to Canada and Alaska via Hong Kong, Anchorage, Vancouver, Calgary, Whistler, Jasper and Edmonton.

Favourite Meal - the old fashioned traditional roast.

First Car - Initially had a 1948 Austin Truck and subsequently a 1964 EH Holden.

Favourite TV Shows - Comedy, AFL Football, Australian Story and Catalyst

Reflections - admiration of the courtesy of those people that actually wear a name badge during play.

Scuttlebutt - Finally JK has purchased a set of Taylor Redline SRs. Having had some early input towards the coaching of Rhett Butler and David Goddard, Noreen takes pleasure in their recent successes

Thank you John and Noreen for your ongoing competitive spirit at Safety Bay and may you continue to enjoy bowls and your other pastimes.

Graham Scott
November 2009

Recently I had the pleasure of having a cup of coffee with June and Max Petchell and broached the subject of Max being the central figure in a pocket profile. In his usual genial and smiling manner he suggested that he really didn't see himself as being sufficiently creditable to warrant such attention but, with June's help, we established that his bowls career commenced in 1969 at Koorda as part of two teams and one of five players recruited from the tennis club.

Subsequent clubs were Dowerin, Bedford, North Beach and present club Safety Bay where it has been seventeen years of representation. Moves were occasioned by the necessities of farming, contracting and other employment opportunities as well as consideration for their four children.

Within the ten years at Dowerin to 1983 success came along in the championship singles, pairs and fours and in 2003 at the Bay it was another singles against Barry Thompson. A recent triples completed the quad with the added bonus of three seniors singles to date. Those who know Max would be well aware that he does not like to pass up an opportunity to use his big drive. Whilst not taking credit for his recent success June is quietly pleased to mention that he would be a better bowler if he used his draw more often. Doing this has resulted in more good results.

Those bowlers that have been around for a while will remember that it was a sign that you had arrived at the top level when you received an invitation to play in the Tom Scaddan Fours at North Beach. The event was named after the bowling journalist at the Sunday Times during that era. Playing with Gordon Parker, Basil Underwood and Peter Hudson, Max was justifiably very proud to have achieved success in that prestigious event during the 1981/82 bowling season.

The mention of a 22 golf handicap brought a laugh as for some reason it became a 19 overnight due to a change of rules and apparently a different form of calculation.

On the subject of other interests it was hard to ignore the maximum use of space available for Max's pride and joy, his vegetable garden, which has a great range of herbs and vegetables and extends to the side verge in lieu of a lawn. A ladder on the side fence allows him to lean over and give the broad beans a good squirt each day. A mention of farming in years gone by brought a smile to his face and the retort "prices were good and super was one tenth of the price it is now".

Bowls once again became the subject with players that were hard to beat being Neville Crocker, Mal Dempsey and Reg Humphryson and those that had a positive influence on his game named as Jack Watt and Charlie Main (John's brother) from Koorda. In the mix as opponents that impressed were Peter Sardelic (who Max eventually beat by ten shots a year or so ago), John McIntosh and Tom Glendinning. Those that he played with that impressed were George Hallums, Billy Johnson, Phil Kimberly and Ron Kuzelea.

On a lighter note, apparently it was tradition for each player to buy a jug each after the game and then two King Browns each for the trip home. The distances, not always being short, they would stop half way, light a fire, then consume the beverages. On one occasion the celebration was next to a telephone pole when the jungle juice came into play with a challenge being made as to whom could shinny up the pole and place his hat on top. Our hero Max took it on but didn't notice there had been a bushfire through the area which had singed the pole so he was in it up to his knees when his once friendly wife came to wash his creams the next morning.

Ambition: To be still playing quality bowls with George Hallums in five years

Favourite Holidays: Caravanning at Palm Beach with the four kids when there were fourteen in the annexe and even after ten years the bowls excursion north to Leeman, Dongara, Northampton etc.

First Vehicle: BSA 500 Twin, BSA 650 Gold Flash, Vauxhall Ute

Favourite TV: Mash and F Troop

Best Quote: The shot bowl is in your hand!

Pay Attention: Upon crossing over skip Max says to his lady third "I'm going to drive" and she at one side of the head in a position with her leg out-stretched enters into a discussion with the adjacent rink finds that with the crash of impact the Jack has hit her toes and gone straight up her leg and under her apparel with the cry nearby "thats gone". Fortunately, other than a sore toe, the lady was not hurt and apologised for not heeding the warning.

A Younger Max Max (on the right) with his brothers Norm & Bill

Best wishes Max and June and we thank you for your enthusiasm and contribution to Bowls Safety Bay. Continue to enjoy your family and eight grandchildren for many years to come.

Graham Scott
23rd October 2009

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