Life members honoured at opening

THE Sebastopol Bowling Club’s newly renovated facilities were officially launched last Wednesday and dedicated to life members for their passionate, long-term contributions to the institution.

Kevin Allen spoke on behalf of the 11 life members and opened the updated club, which now has a refreshed, expanded bistro dining room, new kitchen, administration facilities and grand contemporary Albert Street façade.

Margaret Cassells, Leah Dwyer, Geoff Worsley, Dan Fletcher, Les Curtain, Alan Currie, Bill Gorman, Murray Rowe, Tony Walsh and Noel Sutherland were present alongside Mr Allen as Sebastopol Bowling Club life members.

“It was a privilege and an honour to be given the opportunity of assisting in the ceremony of opening the newly completed renovations… on behalf of the life members of the Club. I acknowledge the service and input they have all made in so many aspects of the Club’s activities,” Mr Allen said.

“I have always considered this structural change to the Albert Street frontage as the icing on the cake, and at this stage, I have no intention of changing that view. The portico over the main entrance sets off what this club has to offer.

“May the Club continue to go from strength to strength.”

Sebastopol Bowling Club chairman Warren Bedggood thanked general manager Rodney Beckwith for his work on the project which was completed during the most challenging periods of the pandemic.

“Rod’s done a wonderful job in getting this venue through to this stage, with all of the stresses and strains of the last 12 months. Without him, we wouldn’t have had this opening today,” Mr Bedggood said.

The official opening was attended by Club members, friends and guests, including City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.