Rivals green with envy

By Kim Brooks
HAMPTON Park Bowls Club celebrated the opening of its second green on Saturday 8 May, with the Mayor of Casey and president of the Royal Victorian Bowls Association.
Over 70 people attended a luncheon at the bowls club to commemorate the new green, which the club has been requesting for five years. Approval was finally given by the council in the 2008/9 budget and construction began early this year.
Club secretary Geoff Ladner was pleased to see mayor Lorraine Wreford and Rivergum councillors Wayne Smith and Lynette Keleher present.
Bernice Helle represented the District Ladies Bowling Association.
“It was absolutely marvellous,” Mr Ladner said.
“The weather was great and it was a very successful day.”
Graeme Hosken, president of the RVBA, officially opened the new green and presented two of the club members with their Super Veteran badges.
Members earn the badge when they reach the age of 80. Life member Werner Melzer received his badge on Saturday and Phil Unwin received the badge on behalf of her husband Les, who is in hospital for a triple bypass operation.
“It was a perfect day,” Mr Ladner said.
Formalities over, members went on the green for the first time. Mr Ladner said there was only good comments to be heard from the crowd.
The new green will allow the club to expand membership and have three teams in the metropolitan pennant.