Norma Betteridge – A Local Legend

BY MICHELLE TAIT

NORMA Betteridge started Bowling in June 1984 at Webconna Bowling Club after watching and supporting her late husband Stan. Stan was a very keen bowler both indoor and outdoor. Back then they played in colours, not divisions.

From 1984 to 1997 Betteridge rolled at Webconna, playing lead for the first four years, then moving to skip. During that time she was selected as a late player for the Victorian State team in 1987. One of the highlights was skipping the ladies fours to a gold medal in 1989 at the 20th nationals.

Betteridge moved to the new club Invermay, again supporting Stan and in 2013 moved to Central Wendouree. On a local level Betteridge first won the Ballarat Indoor Singles in 1991 and has gone on list the trophy 10 times and achieving a hat trick in 2016, 2017 and 2018. She has been involved in well over 10 pennant flags and multiple victories in ladies fours, triples, pairs, singles and mixed fours.

In her 32 years on the State team Betteridge has won many medals and has played over 200 games. She’s also represented Australia, being a late call up to play as skip in the ladies triples in 2003.

Betteridge has won 29 V.I.B.B.A State medals throughout her career. Behind the scenes Betteridge has been on the match committee and a club delegate at all three clubs. She’s also served two years on B.I.B.B.A match committee, four years as a V.I.B.B.A delegate and four years on State selection.

Bowls has had an enormous influence in Betteridge ‘s life. For her it’s about community and friendships with her biggest influences being Stan, and late friend Ken Gullock. Her advice to people is to start young, get a couple of friends together or come alone, but try the game. She would like to see clubs working more with the primary schools and see some programs and competitions get up and running.