Kensi Newsletter 27/10/2025

Funeral Notice for Douglas John Young 24/04/1938 - 11/10/2025

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate the life of Douglas, Kensington Gardens Bowling and Tennis Club, East Terrace, Kensington Gardens on Friday, October 31 at 11.am. Please wear your favourite bow tie to honour Doug.

The Key to a Strong Bowling Club Culture

Facilities create first impressions of a club but what lies behind that is of far more substance. A great club is all about the people, what they bring to the club, the friendships made, a sense of belonging and care for each other. From my perspective the Kensington Marryatville Bowling Club has these characteristics.

During the off season many bowlers come to the club to play. Why do they come? Yes, we can play year-round which is a huge advantage, but they also return because they enjoy our friendly welcoming environment week in week out.

In the last few weeks there have been occasions where some of us have neglected the importance of inclusion and acceptance shown towards new members, visitors and each other. I ask that we look after each other and warmly welcome new members (they are gold to the club) and visitors.

Having said all that I was reading a blog in the Bowls Academy that resonated with my thinking. I have included much of it below.

The Bowls Academy blog October 16, 2025

Walk into any bowls club and you’ll feel it straight away. Sometimes it’s the warm greeting at the door, the laughter around the tables, or the sense of pride members show when they talk about their club. Other times, it’s more subtle, the way people encourage each other on the green, or the respect shown to volunteers who make everything run smoothly.

This is club culture. It’s the heartbeat of a successful bowls club. Culture is what makes people feel like they belong, what inspires them to return week after week, and what keeps clubs thriving for generations. A strong club culture goes far beyond winning games. It’s about shared values, mutual respect, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone, whether you’re a long-time pennant bowler, a social member who enjoys a roll-up, or a newcomer giving bowls a go for the first time.

In today’s sporting landscape, where clubs are competing not just with each other but with countless other leisure activities, culture has become one of the most important factors in attracting and keeping members. Without it, clubs risk becoming transactional places where people come and go. With it, they transform into vibrant communities that people are proud to be part of.

Take time to think about what our club and each member is doing to foster a positive environment where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated to grow.... Club culture isn’t built overnight or by a single committee decision. It grows through the everyday actions and attitudes of everyone, from experienced bowlers to first-time visitors.

When culture is strong, members feel they belong, volunteers are proud to give their time, and players are motivated to improve together. Visitors leave thinking, “That’s a club I’d love to join.” But when culture is neglected, engagement drops and clubs struggle to grow. That’s why focusing on inclusivity, communication, recognition, and purposeful practice is one of the smartest investments any club can make.

The best part? Culture can always be nurtured and strengthened. By leading with respect, celebrating small wins, and creating opportunities for growth on and off the green, your club can become a place where people don’t just play bowls, they belong.

As I have stated already, many people enjoy coming to our club, and we need to make sure they continue to enjoy our warm and welcoming environment. How are we welcoming visitors and supporting new members? How are we treating each other? Think about how important a smile and friendly word is to a newcomer or a member. Ask yourself a question: “how would I like to be treated?” In most cases, the answer will clearly direct how you will treat others. Kindness and consideration cost nothing but are priceless.

Pennant Results

Wednesday - all teams were home

Division 2 vs Sturt. Won 125 to 94.
Division 4 vs Beaumont. Defeated 56 to 58.
Division 4 vs Payneham. Won 70 to 53.

Thursday - all teams were home

Division 1 vs Happy Valley. Defeated 50 to 70.
Division 2 vs Beaumont. Won 73 to 44.

Saturday

Due to thunder, lightning and rain, matches were abandoned. Points were shared in Division 4, 5, 6 and 7. Division 2 side goes back to Grange on Friday night to complete their game.

Division 2 vs Grange away.
Division 4 vs Payneham at home.
Division 5 vs Millswood at home.
Division 6 vs Adelaide High OS at home.
Division 7 vs Walkerville away.

Availability:

Please remember: If you will be unavailable for a game, please write your name in the unavailable book with the blue cover. The book is located outside the kitchen door next to the blue box. Contact selectors as noted on selections as they are sent out each week.

Norwood International High School

We welcome students from year 10 again this month and into November on Monday mornings. The first session is on Monday, October 27, from 9am until 10am, with the final session on November 17.
If you happen to be at the club during any of the times they are there, please make them feel welcome.

WEA

WEA classes begin again on Sunday, November 2 from 10–12 and run for three consecutive Sundays.

Renovation

The renovation continues to progress positively towards completion by the Christmas break. For up-to-date information please visit the page below:

Visit our Club Renovation Works page for more information.

KMBC Ladies Gala Day (Nov 24)

Our Ladies Gala Day is just over 5 weeks away. Entries are starting to build with some other metropolitan and country clubs registering teams. However, there are plenty of spots available so we encourage you to get your teams organised as soon as possible, write your names on the board and let Allan Wilkins (0431 137 865) know you are coming along. We are hoping to have 32 teams playing on the day. Of course, you will want to also start thinking about your outfits.

As you are aware, we play triples, have great prizes, a delicious lunch as well as pre- and post-game snacks. There is a prize of $150 for the best dressed team, which always makes the day a lot of fun, seeing everyone dressed up, this year in their 70s outfit. See you there.

Visit the Ladies Gala Day page for more information.

Christmas Raffle

Tickets for our Christmas Raffle are selling fast. All books have been allocated to members for them to sell. If you haven't already, make sure you buy a ticket. Please get your sold books and money back to Pip. Thank you.

Visit our Kensi Annual Christmas Raffle page for more information.

Club Championships

Club Championship draws are now posted on the board in the clubroom. For any queries, call Kim Draper.

Kim Draper 0457 274 923

ADF Lawn Bowls Nationals (Results)

The ADF Lawn Bowls National Championships were conducted at Salisbury Bowling Club last week, with NSW and Navy winning the respective competitions. All matches were played in the 4's format.

State Results"

Lost vs NSW 0-3 (44-66)
Lost vs Vic/Tas/NT 1-2 (49-70)
Won vs WA/ACT 2-1 (67-48)
Won vs QLD 3-0 (78-41)

With 22 Air Force members to choose from, I was selected in the final 12 to play as 2nd.

Service Results - Air Force:

Lost vs Navy 1-2 (46-76)
Won vs Army 3-0
Navy vs Army Lost 1-2 (86-66)

While the Air Force won more rinks, Navy won the tournament based on points scored (The game they won vs Army was 39-5)

From the Service matches, a 16-person team, plus 4 reserves were picked to represent the ADF in bowling tournaments over the next 12 months, including the Aus Open and Vic Open. The ADF team played an SA Development squad on Friday with the ADF winning 3-1 (85–69).

Pat Lee

Club Hires - Volunteers Urgently Needed!

The club has a number of hires coming up in Nov/Dec which require the assistance of 2-3 people each to help set up and provide assistance throughout the afternoon or evening. If you are available to help out for a couple of hours, please contact Pat on 0449 018 849. The days we require assistance on are as follows.

Friday Night Happy Hour and Dinner

We look forward to you joining us for a meal this Friday. Happy Hour commences at 5.30pm and meals are served between 6pm and 8pm.

Please note that Happy Hour prices only apply to club members. Guests pay the regular price for their drinks which are still very inexpensive.

Please either put your name on the sheet in the clubrooms nominating what you would like to eat, or alternatively, give Pip a ring and she will add your name.

Don't forget to invite your neighbors, family and friends to join us. Meals are bistro-style, pay when you order at the counter on the night. Although we prefer to know how many are coming, walk-ins will be accommodated. Take-away meals are also available. We are relying on your support for this initiative. Kensi Club is the place to be for a Friday night meal.

Visit our Fun Feast Fridays at Kensi Club page for the menu.

Happy Hour

Happy Hour is on at the club again this Friday at 5.30pm.

Visit our Kensi Friday Happy Hour page for more information.

Social Media

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news and updates. We also love seeing your photos of club activities and events, so feel free to share them with us!

Kensington Marryatville Bowling Club

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