Wanaka Bowling Club
Newsletter February 2026
Weekend of 31 January & 1 February
Some great bowls were played in both Alexandra and Clyde.
Firstly. We had several teams in the mens pairs where again there were record entries of 33 teams. Congratulations to Simon Nyhof and Dion Kiddey who made it all the way to the semi finals before being eliminated by the Cromwell team Glen Mitchell and Richard Byrne.
Greatest excitement for the ladies in 25 years was the winning of the premier tournament for the season, the Women's Sevens. This is the first time Wanaka women have entered two teams in the competition. Special congratulations to Wanaka Aspiring who competed well: Rae Hammond, Val Ransom, Suzanne Ewing, Lyn Wells, Jenny Sawers, Jan Allen, Deb Hurt and likely all worthy of being in Wanaka Maude.
Wanaka Maude took out the title. It was quite a test of stamina and concentration and the happy faces on our ladies tell the story. They played Cromwell in the semi-final recording three wins across singles, pairs and fours. The final was against Arrowtown, last year's winner. It came down to whichever team won the fours. They narrowly squeaked in by one point. Rhonda Hurley stepped out of her umpire uniform and into her Wanaka uniform to coach the game. At least they were then on a par with Arrowtown who had a named coach.
They will now travel to Wellington to compete in the "National Interclub Sevens" to be held from 9-12 April.
from left team Wanaka Maude are: Pip Kiddey, Raewyn Hall, Nick McDonald, Kim Tilly, Jo Stock, Barbara L Wilson, Bev Mee.
25 years ago the Wanaka ladies won the Central Otago Sevens. Three of our ladies are still very active in our club and are bowling excellent bowls whilst the others have sadly all passed. In those days Central Otago played off in the Zone 6 and were narrowly pipped by Timaru Westend club. See photo and newspaper clipping. In the photo having drinks (Could be tea) and cake. Second from left are Delma Guy, third left Rhonda Hurley. Far right Alison Hebbard.
January Corporate Events Report
Bookings have definitely slowed down, which is a relief for many of us. But we had two large events just after the Classic.
A pre-wedding event on the Friday and an "after match' wedding event on the Saturday... this earned over $7000 gross to the Club.
Thank you for the stirling efforts put in from the volunteers - Alister, Jim, Pat, Alan & the Hurleys plus Hurts. (we'll have to arrange a double shift for any future events instead of the same volunteers doing over 7 hours! (lesson learned!)
The last one for January was the Waterbar - thanks to Ian, Brett, Marg & Roger Marshall.
We have made a slight increase to the Hire fee, which is slowing down the requests for small groups... hopefully this doesn't deter too many.
Thanks to all helpers.
Kathryn Mitchell (Booking Liaison Person)
Womens Triples played Wednesday 4 February
Congratulations Women's Wanaka champ triples: Winners from left Jo Stock, Rae Hammond, Kim Tilly (s); Runners up Barbara L Wilson, (s) Nick McDonald, Bev Mee.
Won by one shot on an extra end.
Aspiring Lifestyle Village Grandmothers Fours Tournament 20th January
Congratulations our women's convenors who put on another wonderful grandmothers tournament. The weather was warm and sunny and games were played in good spirits. Wanaka had 4 teams and there were 12 visiting teams.
Well done to the Queenstown women. They took both first and second prize on a close countback. Only one match point separated them. First was Margaret O'Connors team, second was Andrea Dowman's team. Two ladies came from the village to mingle. In the morning Steph McNab (marketing) in the photo on the bowling green. Presenting the prizes was Lara Metcalfe (sales manager) Lady in Blue
Womens Ferns
Someone on Facebook called these two ladies (from left Shirley Mercer, Heather Malcolm )"two hot chicks" who won the January Ferns on 14th January. There was a third "hot chick" Wendy Ferguson, who was not available for the photograph.
The four ladies are February ferns. Congratulations from left Kerry Seymour, Debbie Brent, Jan Allen, Heather Malcolm,
Mens Old Mug
Congratulations winners of the old mug for January. Pat Traynor, John Rich and Terry Outram.
Winners of the Old Mug for February Clive Kirkland and John Rich.
Doing online meetings or training? Suddenly my laptop wouldn't get a good signal when usually it worked well. I tried my phone it worked well. Yes its a thing according to google.
Person of Interest Keith Hutton
Keith is one of our newer members. This sprung out at me on my notifications so I thought I would share it.
Meet Keith Hutton. The 76 year old maestro Won 7 gold medals, and 1 bronze medal at the NZ masters this week.
GOLD - Javelin, shot put, discus, heavy weight, hammer, pentathlon and high jump.
BRONZE- 200m
Man of many disciplines.
Go Keith!
Around the Region by Ian Hall
On 10 January, two teams travelled to Omakau, one of the smaller clubs in our region. Omakau has one carefully manicured grass green, a wonderful Club house, and typically generous country hospitality.
The Club currently has 37 playing members, notable among them being Nikki Milne with 5 Centre titles and last year’s joint Winner of the Women’s Player of the Year for Central Otago Bowls. Both of our Tournament Secretaries, Angela Wilson and Ian Clouston also come from Omakau.
Womens Beginners Coaching
Fridays 9.30am up until Easter. This will likely be inside to eliminate all the other factors which effect bowls. Except for the day we practice wind. (probably March)
We had 6 ladies ranging from a 4 week member to senior level. Thanks to Tom Malcolm who came to observe. Any ladies intending to join are welcome, you don't need to be a member.
Womens 1-5 champ singles coming up 19 & 26 February. Singles is the best way to improve your bowls. At 10.30am next Friday 13th (after the session) we will practice measuring and jack throwing with a few basic singles strategies thrown in. Anyone can come.