A big well done to the top four qualifiers:
1. WTF
2. Oddballs
3. Big Bowls
4. Silverstream Rollers

The 2 semi-finals were: WTF vs Silverstream Rollers and Oddballs vs Big Bowls with Oddballs and Silverstream Rollers coming out on top to face off for the final.
 
The overall winner for 2020 Mates in Bowls was: Silverstream Rollers 
(Craig Butler, Samuel Butler and Hector Adams).

The runner-up team Oddballs (Jason Heckman, Darryn Pegg, Grant Cross and Phil Hawthorne) were first timers in MiB. 

Congratulations to both teams for these great results.
 
A big acknowledgement also to our sponsors: Team Ledger, Silverstream Pharmacy, Art Hair and The Mad Butcher without whose support this competition would not be possible.
Also a massive thank you to Robyn Tuckett for organising this annual event and to the Silverstream Club Members who come to assist.

Please find HERE a set of guidelines that have been developed for the bowls community to work within in relation to the Covid-19 Alert Levels that the Government advise are in place at any given time.
 
These guidelines are based on present thinking but may be updated if necessary as a result of any alteration in the Government’s Alert Level protocols, feedback received from centers and/or clubs, or a reconsideration of Bowls Wellingtons existing thinking.

An updated version of this document will be provided if / when any of the above occur.

The current Management Committee had a meeting earlier this week by Zoom (a web based video conferencing service). This enabled them have their meetings via computer from the comfort of their own homes. Meetings will continue to be conducted like this until Covid-19 restrictions are eased. *Thanks to David King for setting this up.

At this meeting it was decided to postpone the annual AGM and Prize Giving until the Covid-19 Alert Level is reduced to a level that allows these functions to take place. This was in line with advice received from Bowls NZ. All members will be advised once a date can be set for these functions.

Normally around this time nominations are sought for Management Committee Positions for the next season and also an indication from those members interested in any of the Appointed Positions.
As there is a delay in the AGM the request for nominations will also be delayed.
Relevant information will be sent out in due course once dates can be decided for the AGM.

On Monday 6 April the Government eased restrictions to allow maintenance of turf for golf clubs and bowling clubs. As a result of this Don and Ian have been able to cut the greens and will continue to look after any urgent maintenance matters.

A sign of the times as memberships dwindle and clubs struggle to remain financially viable. The importance of continuing the effort to grow our members is all too obvious after reading this article: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/120586006/not-the-ending-the-southland-bowling-club-wanted
​

The Ministry of Health advises that anyone aged over 70; or anyone with compromised immune systems should isolate themselves at home and only venture out for the absolute necessities due to covid-19 being particularly harmful to these groups.
Anyone who identifies in one of these groups may understandably be very distressed about going out and exposing themselves to this illness. 
If you are in this position and you need help to get supplies (food, hygiene products, medicines, pet supplies or anything really) please look in the comments below and contact one of the people who are happy to help with your needs. 
Any members who are happy to help, please add your name and contact details to the comments section so you can be contacted if needed.

A massive shout out to Clare Hendra from all members at Silverstream Bowling Club!
After an amazing year including being selected for the Black Jacks, a National Title, Wellington Rep success and more Wellington titles, it is only fitting that Clare has been recognised as Wellington Player of the Year for 2019-2020.
Clare amassed a whopping 410 points throughout the season. To put this into perspective, second place was Helen King on 180 points and the highest male was Ray Martin on 175 points!

Recognition is also deserved for the following Silverstream players who made the list:
+  Kennie Critchlow with 60 points
+  Denise Goldsmith, Sharon Ritchie and Helen Baker with 45 points
+  Adam Turner with 35 points
+  Andy Gray with 20 points
​

The Bowls Wellington Board, after convening for a special meeting, have agreed that for the time
being Bowls Wellington events will go ahead as scheduled. This is in line with the current
recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Bowls NZ.

Clubs are encouraged to be vigilant in their operations with regards to the hosting of bowling and
social activities at the club.
The following measures are recommended to minimise risk:

 Don’t pick up other people’s bowls or equipment.
 Maintain a distance of 1.5m from other people where possible, including in the clubrooms.
 Wash hands regularly and thoroughly.
 If you need to cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow.
 Refrain from shaking hands or other body contact, including high fives.
 Don’t lick your fingers before playing a bowl.

Other general considerations to ensure you keep yourselves and other safe include:

 Using disposable gloves and follow good hygiene practices when dealing with money and/or food.
 Using EFTPOS instead of cash whenever possible.
 If you feel unwell or someone you are in close contact with feels unwell, please stay away.
 If you have returned from overseas in the past 14 days, stay away.
 If you have had contact with someone returned from overseas in the past 14 days, stay away.
 If you are in self isolation, stay away.

If you have entered a Bowls Wellington event, and you feel unwell or anxious about participating,
you are eligible for a full refund. Where possible contact Bowls Wellington prior to the draw being released.
This situation is continually evolving and Bowls Wellington will continue to monitor the
situation and follow the advice and recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Bowls NZ.

​We are proud to announce that our women's fours won the Champion of Champions final against Island Bay by 20 to 15. This is the first center win for Helen, Sharon and Denise - well done ladies!!!
​The team was: Clare Hendra - Skip, Helen Baker - Three, Sharon Ritchie - Two and Denise Goldsmith - Lead.

Congratulations Clare Hendra and team (Sandra Keith, Selina Smith and Tayla Bruce) for taking out the Womens National Fours. Silverstream Club and its members are all exremely proud of your continued success!

It was a fierce battle between these two but after some brilliant ends Sharon claimed the win. Hats off to both Sharon and Andrea for putting on a great performance for the spectators. 

His first year bowling and his first of what are likely to be many winning moments if this fella keeps playing like the way he has started. The final between Hamish and Wilson was an absolute delight to watch but in the end Hamish claimed the victory.

Forget the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle debacle... we have our own famous prince to read about right here. SBCs very own club president Ian Prince has made his way into New Zealand headlines!
Well... ok, not exactly headlines... and perhaps not all of New Zealand has seen it. But page 5 of the free local rag is still classed a s fame in our books. 
Take a look at Ians piece here.

A much loved and respected member of the club is celebrated for a milestone birthday. Many happy returns Gill !!

To celebrate Adam and Clares double win in the Wellington Centre Singles, we are holding a celebration this Friday evening at the clubhouse:

• Happy Hour 5:30pm until 7:00pm.

• Nibbles and finger foods.

• Special Presentation of Trophies.

Please feel free to come down and celebrate this great achievement!

​A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Clare Hendra and Adam Turner who were winners of the Wellington Open Women's and Open Men's Singles on Monday 4th November at Island Bay.
For Clare this is the second year in a row that she has won this event and for Adam it is his second win having won the event in 2017. Great achievements for both!!
Final results were:
Clare Hendra (Silverstream) 21, Helen King (Victoria) 17
Adam Turner (Silverstream) 21, Sar Alefoaio (Naenae) 20 
​See the score cards here.

Congratulations to Sharon Ritchie, Christine Hewitt and Andrea Gray who were part of the WKWM  winning team. Here they are with the proof! Pictures of the whole team can be seen on the Bowls Wellington Facebook page.