If bowlers successfully motivated themselves, friends and family to participate in the proposed WPBA lottery, it could mean the end of WP affiliation fees – a unique moment in the proud tradition of club bowls in South Africa.

 

Speaking at the annual meeting at Pinewood after his unopposed re-election as president, Ron Delport (WPCC) said a successful lottery would also help make clubs self-sufficient by ensuring a monthly flow of cash, speed the emergence of the WPBA academy and assist in organising business leagues – the route to attracting 30-45 “newies” to the code.

 

Moreover, Bill Kilbride of bowls’ main sponsor, Warwick, hinted “good news” awaited bowls clubs after his company’s imminent annual indaba.

 

It was somewhat disappointing only 25 of 42 clubs attended (that old apathy again?), but under the Delport baton the meeting was brisk and authoritative.

 

Excellent administrator Doreen de Power (Goodwood) was elected as vice-president,  John Edwards re-elected treasurer; Jan Venter (Durbanville) and Elaine Wilsnagh (Meadowridge) joined Eric Green (Meadowridge), Maurice Moyles (WPCC) and Riva Myers (Glen) as Delport’s executive.

 

On the junior development front, indefatigable Paul Cohen intimated all was well with the under-19s and under-25s continuing to expand. “WP has the best youngsters in South Africa,” he told delegates.

 

 

Constantia’s world champion Sylvia Burns won two gold medals (fours and overall) in the women’s African States Tournament at Karen CC, near Nairobi, Kenya. The Proteas, who took silver in the singles, but nothing from the trips, retained their title from Zimbabwe. This completed a Protea double, the men’s side having won earlier this month. Susan Nel (Sables), Louise Larkin (Port Natal), Esmé Kruger (Gauteng North) and Burns completed a full house in the fours, defeating unbeaten Zimbabwe 26-14 for gold: 8 points, + 40 shots; Zimbabwe (6, +34), Namibia (3, +18). Uneaten Tracey-Lee Botha (JBA) went down 21-17 in her final singles and Zimbabwe grabbed gold with 8, + 20, from South Africa (6, + 17) and Kenya (4, +7). Earlier in the week SA won the pairs; Zimbabwe the trips; South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe competed.

 

 

 

 

Dedicated Bellville committee members worked hard to gain interest for bowls, successfully attracting more than 30 complete novices through a target bowls exercise, while simultaneously hosting a tabs-in for more than 20 women visitors. In the process R850 was donated to BADISA (www.badisa.org.za). Says club president Gerrit van Milligen: “It was an exercise to cement bowls in the area and to try to perpetuate our proud tradition at this club; more is to come in this area.” Well done Bellville; other clubs take note.

 

Notices:

• Malmesbury: JB’s Nissan Tournament; All Tournament; Friday 7pm-Saturday 9am; September 30; 12 teams only; 8 a side allowed; from any club; fours; strength v strength; R1 200 entry a side; 1^st prize: R4 000 contact: Gert Adams: 0828744659; Danie Oosthuisen: 0722383916 
• Oakdale/ Sussie van Freden Novices (Begun bowls post 2008/9 and who has not played at district or higher level). Sundays: September 25, October 2, 9 at 9am; R800 1^st prize; entry: R240 a team; 3 x 15; contact: Sussie: 021919 6246; closes September 16; 12 sides compete on Sept 25; 12 on Oct 2. Top six in finals on Oct 9
• Stellenbosch-Van Der Stel /Warwick All Day mixed trips on September 29; 9am; R150 a side; (tea/lunch); 3 x 14 ; entries: Marlene Lambrechts:  0218865158/082729 1730; Lmarlene@telkomsa.net
• A club coach course is to be held on the weekends of September 3/4 and 10/11 at WPCC. E-mail entries on appropriate forms (see club secretary) to brianwsmith@telkomsa.net or by faxing to 0218552460. Cost is R250 (payable by club); closing date: August 19. Candidates face an interview (SC) prior to final acceptance
• A markers and Level 1umpires course takes place at Jaggers on September 3, 4, 10, 11; R50 a course; PowerPoint presentation assist in a relaxed atmosphere, but candidates require a fair knowledge of the laws; course material made available; apply to Jean Nell: 021712 8979/ jeannell@mweb.co.za ; closing date: 

WPBA council delegates who find it a chore to attend meetings and other club officials who continue to rudely flatly refuse to accede to WPBA requests for completed forms, signatures and replies to inquiries, can thank their lucky stars they are not parking their trotters and snouts on otheradministrative troughs.

 

Sounds rude doesn’t it? Well if the cap fits …

 

So many WP clubs continue to flout requests from our excellent secretary Bob Shackleton. Why? Is there something in your make-up that means that once you have been elected you have a right to just glow in the glory of your appointment and do nothing for the sport your position demands?

 

Shame on you all; you know to whom I am speaking.

 

Boland’s cracking club administrators who drive thousands of clicks a year to attend various meetings duly attended their 13^th annual meeting in Paarl and 29 of 44 clubs (66%) attended, some with three-hour journeys from as far afield as Lutzville, Vredendal, Lamberts Bay and Clanwilliam in the far north and  L’Agulhas in the south-east.

 

Apologies for my not attending, but WPBA president Ron Delport did, as did BowlsSA executive Sergio Martinengo .In his first year as President  Basie Louw  said Boland’s membership grew by an outstanding 11.3% – exceeding the 7% undertaking made to BSA following last year’s development workshop.

 

Well done Boland and to your Commonwealth games gold medallist Santjie Steyn and the continued improvement of youngster Stefan de Jager … we are watching you.

 

WPBA club officials; please take note.

 

 

Bowls SA is to present an A District (Level 2) Coaches course from November 20-24 at Wingate Park, Pretoria. All Club Coaches (Level 1) who meet the criteria for Level 2 and wish to upgrade to district coach are invited to apply.

 

To assist those who think they may qualify, the following criteria are required:

 

 

Functions of a District Coach: District Coaches are expected to undertake additional duties of an administrative nature at Club and District level; assisting with the district academy and be available to coach district teams.

 

 

Criteria:

 

1. Be an active Level 1 coach with a minimum of 100 logged hours.
2. Physically fit and able to demonstrate delivery techniques.
3. Be a graded Technical Official Level 1.
4. Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail and Internet etc.
5. A first aid qualification is recommended but not essential.
6. Be recommended by their district executive.

 

 

Cost:

1. Transport, accommodation and costs of meals will be for the account of the National Standing Committee: Coaches.(NSCC)
2. The NSCC will co-ordinate all flights and accommodation arrangements through the Bowls SA office.
3. Candidates travelling by car will be compensated at R 1.25/km.

 

 

 

Application:

 

 

1. Candidates are required to complete CV, travel profile and nomination forms. Applications must be accompanied by a district recommendation.
2. A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 candidates will be accepted.
3. Successful candidates will be notified before October 14.

1. 4.     All nominations must be sent to Kallie Haupt on or before September 20 at: e-mail: haupt4@telkomsa.net/044874 0649/0829273625/ WWW.warwick.com/thebowlsblog.com

1.  

 

 

Pinewood will host a selectors’ seminar on September 17 from 10am-12 noon. Convenors and members of the WP and club selection committees are invited; Kallie Haupt (BSA executive) will present. Clubs must reply to the WP Bowls office before Monday, September 12.

 

 

 

Results from the 2011 Disability Bowls Nationals at Edenvale, Avion and Modderfontein:

 

B1: Totally blind: Pairs: Tracy Smith/Cathy Donaldson (C Gauteng): gold; Michiel Kruger/Douglas Nawayo: (Free Sate/C Gauteng): silver; Deidre Buller/Annemarie Nemestoty (C Gauteng): bronze.

 

Singles (women): Smith: Gold; Buller: silver; Wendy Brymer (Peninsula) bronze; men: Kruger: gold; Dean Hunter (KwaZulu Natal): silver; Hannes Steyn (Jakaranda): bronze.                                                 

 

B2: Visually impaired Pairs: Gamiet Fortune/Gwen Nel (Peninsula/EP): gold; Garrett Slattery/Helene Edwards (WP): silver; Steven Coleman/Grant van Eyssen (Peninsula): bronze.  

 

Singles (Women): Nel: gold; Edwards: silver; Catherina Pitter (Gold Reef West): bronze. Men: Coleman: gold; Van Eyssen: silver; Slattery: bronze

 

B3/B4 Visually impaired Pairs: Herman Scholtz/Flippie Walker (NW Platinum): gold; Eben Fourie/Vickus Ackerman (Jakaranda): silver; Jennifer Lloyd/Pamela van Schoor (WP): bronze

 

B3 Singles (women): May Homer (C Gauteng): gold; Princess Schroeder (Peninsula) Gladys Mbele (C Gauteng): silver; men:  Walker: gold; Scholtz: silver; Abe Crouse (Peninsula): bronze.

 

B4 Singles: Salomie Morries (Gold Reef West): gold; Lloyd: Silver; Carika Steyn (Gold Reef West): bronze; men: Fourie: gold.

 

Physically Disabled Pairs: Roger Haggerty/Jarrid James (C Gauteng/Border): gold; Annetjie Meyer/Sam van der Westhuizen (Mpumulanga): silver; Glynn Thompson/Bob Cambell/Jill Pearson (Bprder/W Rand): bronze

 

 Mixed Singles: Thompson: gold; Meyer: silver; At Stander (Gauteng N): bronze.

 

Notices:

• Malmesbury: JB’s Nissan Tournament; All Tournament; Friday 7pm-Saturday 9am; September 30; 12 teams only; 8 a side allowed; from any club; fours; strength v strength; R1 200 entry a side; 1^st prize: R4 000 contact: Gert Adams: 0828744659; Danie Oosthuisen: 0722383916
• Oakdale/ Sussie van Freden Novices (Begun bowls post 2008/9 and who has not played at district or higher level). Sundays: September 25, October 2, 9 at 9am; R800 1^st prize; entry: R240 a team; 3 x 15; contact: Sussie: 021919 6246; closes September 16; 12 sides compete on Sept 25; 12 on Oct 2. Top six in finals on Oct 9
• Stellenbosch-Van Der Stel /Warwick All Day mixed trips on September 29; 9am; R150 a side; (tea/lunch); 3 x 14 ; entries: Marlene Lambrechts:  0218865158/082729 1730; Lmarlene@telkomsa.net
• A club coach course is to be held on the weekends of September 3/4 and 10/11 at WPCC. E-mail entries on appropriate forms (see club secretary) to brianwsmith@telkomsa.net or by faxing to 0218552460. Cost is R250 (payable by club); closing date: August 19. Candidates face an interview (SC) prior to final acceptance
• A markers and Level 1umpires course takes place at Jaggers on September 3, 4, 10, 11; R50 a course; PowerPoint presentation assist in a relaxed atmosphere, but candidates require a fair knowledge of the laws; course material made available; apply to Jean Nell: 021712 8979/ jeannell@mweb.co.za ; closing date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s AGM time again for the WPBA at Pinewood on Saturday (August 20) at 9.30am, but don’t expect fireworks. In spite of some digestive grumbles, the elections are unlikely to create mayhem, but at least there is some competition for senior executive positions – for a change.

 

One thing is certain, Ron Delport (WPCC) will be re-elected unopposed by council (unless there is a hidden palace revolt of which we are unaware) for a third year, providing the type of solidity and sense required to run the largest and most successful of Bowls South Africa’s 20 districts. It is confirmed likely candidate Wilhelm Malan (Thornton) will not be standing for personal reasons.

 

Technical official supremo Doreen de Power (Goodwood), who has shone in administrative areas this season (and others beforehand) has indicated her willingness to serve as vice-president; clubs might consider a woman’s touch as a good idea.

 

New blood might be forthcoming in the shape of Keith Wakelin (Howard) who has been nominated as treasurer. But then so has the excellent incumbent John Edwards (Plumstead), who has also tossed his hat into the ring for the vice-president’s seat … one hopes he will not lose out on both, but he might.

 

Wakelin, a likeable chap, had a distinguished business career as a financial director of several companies and is a provincial bowler. He certainly knows his way around a balance sheet.

 

It would be a mistake, however, for long-serving Edwards to “just disappear” should he lose at the polls; he is too valuable not be encouraged to serve on the executive committee in any capacity.

 

 

An executive of six members has been nominated. They are (alphabetical order): Ms D de Power (Goodwood), E Green (Meadowridge), M Moyles (WPCC), Ms R Myers (Glen CC), J Venter (Durbanville), Ms E Wilsnagh (Meadowridge)

 

On the agenda is a motion from Strand BC: That sides that enter the Flag competition, in all divisions other that the Premier Division, be reduced to only two teams (eight players) a side.

 

Motivation for this is that several clubs have experienced a reduction in membership, limiting participation.

 

Might be a good idea? The introduction of a mixed league to run concurrently with the Flag will be afforded any “extra” few players, made available by such a reduction.

 

 

A greens seminar will be held at Howard on August 29 Greenkeepers and interested parties are invited to a morning session on maintenance; clubs may send a maximum of two; R10 a head. Agenda: 9am: Welcome; 9.15-10 15 Kobus Conradie: Poisons and proper use of backpacks; 10.15-11 Dr Cooper (Elsenburg): Soil sampling/fertilisers; 11.30-12.30: Mark Rust: Coring and laser levelling. Contact the WP Bowls office by August 22; information: Maurice Moyles: 0217134088/0833480696.

 

Notices:

• Malmesbury: JB’s Nissan Tournament; All Tournament; Friday 7pm-Saturday 9am; September 30; 12 teams only; 8 a side allowed; from any club; fours; strength v strength; R1 200 entry a side; 1^st prize: R4 000 contact: Gert Adams: 0828744659; Danie Oosthuisen: 0722383916
• Oakdale/ Sussie van Freden Novices (Begun bowls post 2008/9 and who has not played at district or higher level). Sundays: September 25, October 2, 9 at 9am; R800 1^st prize; entry: R240 a team; 3 x 15; contact: Sussie: 021919 6246; closes September 16; 12 sides compete on Sept 25; 12 on Oct 2. Top six in finals on Oct 9
• All Weekend Argus bowls columns and much more on WWW.warwick.com and thebowlsblog.com
• A club coach course is to be held on the weekends of September 3/4 and 10/11 at WPCC. E-mail entries on appropriate forms (see club secretary) to brianwsmith@telkomsa.net or by faxing to 0218552460. Cost is R250 (payable by club); closing date: August 19. Candidates face an interview (SC) prior to final acceptance
• A coaches’ forum for WP, Boland, S Cape is at Swellendam from August 19-21; Contact: Kallie Haupt (0829273625/haupt4@telkomsa.net
• A markers and Level 1umpires course takes place at Jaggers on September 3, 4, 10, 11; R50 a course; PowerPoint presentation assist in a relaxed atmosphere, but candidates require a fair knowledge of the laws; course material made available; apply to Jean Nell: 021712 8979/ jeannell@mweb.co.za ; closing date:

• Stellenbosch-Van Der Stel /Warwick All Day mixed trips on September 29; 9am; R150 a side; (tea/lunch); 3 x 14 ; entries: Marlene Lambrechts:  0218865158/082729 1730; Lmarlene@telkomsa.net

WP-based former Rhodes professor Dr Doug Coghlan extols the virtue of the use of psychology in bowls coaching. An extract from an article in the July newsletter of the BowlsSA Coaches’ Standing Committee, from Con Dixie, of Port Elizabeth, is worth your scrutiny:

Target sports like (sic) bowls and golf allow players time to plan strategy and shot making. Yet as coaches we hardly ever address this aspect, tending to rather concentrate on delivery technique.  “Good’ bowlers are expected to inherently possess skills necessary to strategise, yet ignore distractions – to have BMT Says Dixie.

Can coaches assist players build mental skills; of course. Granted, some are more receptive, but every step taken is a journey to greater mental strength.

We coach the Clinic style of grip, stance and delivery. Added is how to adjust line and length to allow for varying greens and speeds; etiquette and some laws.

We add and encourage, Dixie says, a consistent delivery routine from the moment a player picks up a bowl, until it comes to rest at a head – a routine offering technical and psychological advantages.

By ensuring a bowl is held the same way in the hand every time; that the feet are placed on the mat the same way every time, that the body is lined up properly every time; that the arm swings the same way every time; that the follow through is straight every time; and that the player watches the bowl to learn from it every time, harmful variables are avoided.

Dixie asserts Psychologically, such routine assists a player to move from a semi-relaxed mental state to full concentration for the actual delivery; it frees the mind to concentrate only on the weight required as the anchor foot has already set the body to a required line; it helps a player get centered, fading out distractions and stress.

What is a delivery routine? Ask 10 players and you’ll get 10 different routines! This routine is personal in the details (the how), but the fundamental elements (the what) are the same for all.

Most new players are coached over a series of lessons and this routine can be built up element by element as the players’ understanding of the game grows … “

NB: A coaches’ forum for WP, Boland, S Cape is at Swellendam from August 19-21; Contact: Kallie Haupt (0829273625/haupt4@telkomsa.net

Notices:

• Bellville invite all “girls” aged between eight and 80 to sun day at the club at 9.30am on Tuesday (August 9) – especially those who care to stretch their horizons, try something new, enjoy  fun with friends. Bowls; soup/bread; lots of music; stalls with wares for women; bowls/coaching for newbies; established players may organise bounce games; 50 % of entry fees go to social welfare organisation Badisa; dress for fun;  barefoot or flat shoes. Costs: R30; Rent-a-Table: R30 to sell products; cash bar; snacks; Contact:: Minette: 0849564841/Estelle: 0825769377; bellvillebowlsclub@gmail.com; http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/bellvillebowlsclub Notices:
• Malmesbury: JB’s Nissan Tournament; All Tournament; Friday 7pm-Saturday 9am; September 30; 12 teams only; 8 a side allowed; from any club; fours; strength v strength; R1 200 entry a side; 1^st prize: R4 000 contact: Gert Adams: 0828744659; Danie Oosthuisen: 0722383916
• Oakdale/ Sussie van Freden Novices (Begun bowls post 2008/9 and who has not played at district or higher level). Sundays: September 25, October 2, 9 at 9am; R800 1^st prize; entry: R240 a team; 3 x 15; contact: Sussie: 021919 6246; closes September 16; 12 sides compete on Sept 25; 12 on Oct 2. Top six in finals on Oct 9
• Stellenbosch-Van Der Stel /Warwick All Day mixed trips on September 29; 9am; R150 a side; (tea/lunch); 3 x 14 ; entries: Marlene Lambrechts:  0218865158/082729 1730; Lmarlene@telkomsa.net
• A club coach course is to be held on the weekends of September 3/4 and 10/11 at WPCC. E-mail entries on appropriate forms (see club secretary) to brianwsmith@telkomsa.net or by faxing to 0218552460. Cost is R250 (payable by club); closing date: August 19. Candidates face an interview (SC) prior to final acceptance
• The 43^rd   WP Provincial Bowlers Association AGM is at WPCC at 6pm on August 11; members are reminded the election of office bearers takes place

• A markers and Level 1umpires course takes place at Jaggers on September 3, 4, 10, 11; R50 a course; PowerPoint presentation assist in a relaxed atmosphere, but candidates require a fair knowledge of the laws; course material made available; apply to Jean Nell: 021712 8979/ jeannell@mweb.co.za ; closing date:
• All Weekend Argus bowls columns and much more on WWW.warwick.com and thebowlsblog.com

Why what you read in the newspapers may not always be up to standard

Seriously though, does reading a South African newspaper sometimes make you cross? But wait, I don’t mean the news, rather the manner of the writing, the style, language or in particular, at times, choice of headlines?

Why is it journalistic standards, which most readers expect, have deteriorated to a state which can be described in one world – shambles?

As a former senior journalist with my dues paid as a junior, then senior reporter, then an apprentice sub-editor and so on, until being put in charge of a national newspaper’s production, I was fully aware of style requirements, spelling (faithful dog-eared dictionary and thesaurus by my side), grammar and headline do’s and don’ts.

To get to that stage in my life took more than 20 years!

Yes, it might have taken less, but today …

For a start today’s reporters appeared fast-tracked; do sub-editors really have the depth of knowledge they should possess. I fear in some cases decidedly not.

To try to select the most worthy would-be scribes, papers now insist on a graduate. Why?  Is it the snob value, to try to keep the total duds from wasting everyone’s time or a move to uplift standards? I think the last mentioned, but is it working?

Journalism is not a corporate position. It is totally vocational, usually poorly paid and always demanding life’s work, real journalists are born, not manufactured.

And as an academic I can assure you university students have a pretty poor command of the English (or, as it appears, any other) language.

As principal of The Star Cadet School in Johannesburg in 1970 I was entrusted with about 16 cub reporters from the group’s newspapers throughout South Africa. Mostly they were blankes (surprised?) in those days.

And as World War 2’s controversial General George Patton once remarked when asked to commentate on the efficacy of his new troops, he said: “They are like a bunch of bananas – some green, some yellow and the rest plain rotten…”

None of my apprentice reporters was rotten, or yellow, but all were certainly green and had to endure six months’ intensive coaching and the intricacies of shorthand, law, court procedure etc, to ingest before being sent back and into the fray.

They later needed to work hard to maintain a place; jobs were not easy to find.

As far as I remember, all passed; of course, some much better than others. But to get back to my original point, the best by far was a young woman, without a degree, who went on to be a news editor, then, later an assistant editor of a major newspaper.

I believe a major group today has instituted another training scheme. Naturally, being a pensioner, long forgotten after 15 years as being described once as a “super star” when it came to sub-editing (and several of my contemporaries deserved similar appellation) I was not asked (nor my contemporaries) for any input. Instead worthy unknowns train the fledglings.

Unfortunately, the South Africa newspapers I read do not maintain a satisfactory standard of journalistic excellence – the fault maybe of the reporters AND the sub-editors, several of who have been fast-tracked because of equal opportunity posing as quota, BEE, “ fair play” conscience, or noblesse oblige or whatever you want to call  them.

If not their fault, then whose is it?

To begin with, basic knowledge of grammar, spelling and idiom appears ignored; is perhaps unknown?

I do not intend to go through many different papers and bore everyone to death with nit-picking examples; those you read for yourselves. Moreover, journalists do have a lot of other matters on their minds these days (even in my “during apartheid days” I had a “secret policeman” shadow me all the time – even offered an inducement to supply information, whatever that meant, laugh out loud).

There have always been and will be gaffes. That’s part and parcel of daily life. They do not, however excuse ignorance, sloppiness or sheer journalistic hooliganism.

The newspaper proprietors and their editors make a song and dance about the need for accuracy in all matters journalistic; sadly that is not happening. A glance at the long list of apologies bears witness to foolish indiscretions rather than genuine mistakes

The difference between the use of less and fewer, the use of over when more than is meant, different to instead of from and the placing of the word only are repeat offenders. One cannot “try and” do something, it is “to try to”, one does not “revert back” or “still continue”, and to say in a headline Two celebs wear same dress, must have been uncomfortable; what was meant was Similar (or identical) dress worn by two celebs.

A lack of disgust from the reading public indicates either poor education of the masses, ovine indifference or a belief they are wasting their time.

The latter is probably apt.

One amusing transgression last month cannot go unpublished. Amazingly it is in an advertisement (the Cape Town newspaper’s own, to publicise a competition).

The legend describes the prize of a dinner for two. The winners, the words say … can expect a Three-coarse meal … sounds absolutely excruciating, don’t you think.