Twilight bowling helps out farmers

THE Anglesea Bowling Club’s Twilight Social League has raised $1,014 to aid farmers struggling through the severe drought conditions in parts of Australia.

A charity auction was conducted by Ian Lawless and Paula Fowler from league sponsor Great Ocean Properties, with auction items donated by the Bowling Club, Go Ride a Wave, Great Ocean Properties, as well as generous individuals and teams playing in the social competition.

Bidding was vigorous with items ranging from bottles of wine to portable barbecues, toiletries, surf lessons, cheese boards and chocolates.

Raffles also contributed to the money raised which will be paid into the Anglesea Lions Club accounts and forwarded to the Australian Lions Foundation for distribution to those farmers in need of assistance.

As with all funds raised by Lions Clubs, no administration fees are charged and all funds raised go directly to where they are most needed. BY JAMES TAYLOR TORQUAY’S Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) unit has appointed a new controller.

At their last training night for 2018, Graham Pocklington handed over to Jan Juc’s Rodney Hose, who assumes the unit leadership on January 1, 2019.

VICSES provides a wide range of roles including responding to floods, storms, earthquakes and tsunamis and their effects; providing rescue services including road accident rescue; and providing a support role to other emergency service agencies such as Victoria police (search and rescue operations, lighting and assistance at crime scenes), Ambulance Victoria and the CFA.

Mr Pocklington has served as controller for the past four years, leading an effective volunteer rescue service for the Surf Coast community.

Mr Hose has been a volunteer with VICSES Torquay since 2010. He has attended more than 350 incidents including deployments to major storm events in Newcastle and Mildura, two flood events in central Victoria, and fire support in southwestern Victoria.

“It’s an honour to be given this opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge, and putting my experience to work for Torquay and the Surf Coast,” Mr Hose said.

VICSES Torquay has wished the Surf Coast a safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and asked everyone to be especially careful on the region’s roads. Please avoid distractions and alcohol if you are driving and be tolerant of others in this busy holiday period.

The Anglesea Bowling Club has wrapped up its Twilight Social League. With two rounds missed due to inclement weather, the players have shown that they really would not be deterred from having fun regardless of the conditions.

The final week of play for the social competition on December 12 determined the premier team. Even though play was cut short due to rain with many teams in contention, the winners of the 2018 Premiers trophy and Premiers Medallions were Trevor Taylor’s “John’s Jokers” with Greg Davies’ “Sailor Bluff” as the close runners up.

Some striking fashions were on display on  the night with many competitors getting into the Christmas spirit with their fancy dress, while ‘70s hippies and a Stevie Nicks lookalike walked the catwalk.

The Anglesea Bowling Club restaurant operators Pete and Ben supported a weekly encouragement
award, with the lucky winners able to redeem their voucher for a great meal in the restaurant, which will be open most days and evenings over the summer period.

The Bowling Club has thanked Great Ocean Properties and all volunteers who helped throughout the Twilight League, which will be followed up by the Anglesea Bowling Club Triples for Triers Competition in January and February in the new year.