Club News

New Life Members Inducted

We were so pleased to award three very deserving members with Life Membership to of Murrumbeena Park Bowls Club at the recent 2020/21 AGM held in May. Originally intended to be presented last year, COVID prevented our ability to have an in-person AGM, so these awards were delayed until this year’s AGM. Honoured with Life Membership, the first presented in many years, were Barbara McPherson, Don Hawse and Sid Rich.

Pictured L-R, Barb, Don & Sid receive their Life Memberships – with President, Danny Bermann.

BARBARA McPERHSON
A familiar face at the Club for over 20 years, Barbara (or Barb as she is known), has held nearly every position within the Club over the years, and still helps behind the bar, runs the footy tipping competition and is a current club coach. Barb’s list of positions and volunteering achievements over many years includes:

  • Ladies General Committee
  • Ladies Section President
  • Poker Machine Staff
  • Club Secretary
  • Club Assistant Secretary
  • Bar Staff
  • Bar Purchasing and Upkeep
  • Level 1 Coach
  • Tournament Committee
  • Selection Committee
  • Club Events and Functions Booking Manager
  • Carpet Bowls Organiser – Wednesday & Saturday
  • Organiser of end of season trips
  • Sponsorship (when no other member would undertake the position)
  • Cup Sweeps and Footy Tipping Competitions

DON HAWSE
Our current Immediate Past President, Don has been a member for 15 years and has served in many, varied positions throughout that time, including:

  • General Committee
  • Tournament Committee
  • Umpire (ITO level)
  • Greens Director
  • Vice President
  • President (currently IPP)
  • Property Manager
  • Bar Staff

In addition, Don has been mowing and edging the grass surrounds since 2007, ensuring the general club surrounds are always beautifully presented. Don continues to serve as an umpire at both club and regional events, as well as helping behind the bar and with tournaments.

SID RICH
Sid has been a wonderful ambassador of the Club for over 32 years, having joined back in 1988, one of the club’s longest serving members. Sid has had a strong financial influence at the club over his many years of involvement as an office bearer, and his roles have included:

  • General Committee
  • Assistant Treasurer
  • Treasurer
  • Fund Raising Committee
  • Vice President
  • Selection Committee

Sid was instrumental in achieving the sale of the house next door to the club (42 Bute Street – previously owned by the club), as well as negotiating the transfer of the club’s small number of gaming machines to Bentleigh RSL (2004/5).

Sid’s bowling ability has also seen him continue in the club’s top Division 3 side, and playing a vital mentoring role to newer bowling coming up through the ranks.

MPBC congratulates Barb, Don & Sid on their achievements over many years of dedication to our club – all very worthy recipients of Life Membership.

Also recognised at the AGM were Ann Pumpa and Doreen Whatley for their incredibly hard work and years of service as outgoing Secretary, Treasurer and Provedore. Ann continues to assist Don with the garden maintenance as well as assisting with tournaments and other events, and Doreen continues to assist in the kitchen for club events. Both have made a huge contribution to the club over many years and have been instrumental handing down their knowledge to the incoming Secretary, Treasurer and Provedore. Thank you Ann and Doreen!