Latest News from Balmoral Village

There’s nothing better than some healthy competition! Especially when it involves fun, camaraderie, teamwork, bonding and plenty of laughs. For those who participated in Balmoral’s inaugural ‘Residents and Staff Bowls Competition’, it was that and much more.

Battling the elements (the odd unseasonal rain shower or two!), 16 Balmoral teams vied for the honour of lifting the coveted Balmoral trophy.

The atmosphere was carnival-esque. Music played from the outdoor speakers. Teams and supporters dressed up for the occasion. And with a team line up including “Old School Cool” v “The Barbie Dolls”, “Bowled Over” v “Charlie’s Angels”, and “The Incredibowls” v “Shake Rattle & Roll” (to name a few), the village was abuzz.

Village manager, Jody McDonald, welcomed everyone and officially launched the event. And what better way than with a ‘village spider’! Placing the jack in the centre of the green, all bowlers lined the green perimeter and, on Jody’s signal, everyone launched a single bowl at the same time, with closest to the jack being winner. It was pandemonium. And a victory to the staff team, with Lee Evans taking the chocolates.

The main event followed. Teams played two 5-set ends with a tie-break at one set-all. With resident supporters cheering from the courtyard area and lining the community centre viewing spots (from the indoor pool to the lounge), it was a fantastic morning of competition, fun, skill (at times!) and all-round entertainment.

The day finished with a celebration morning-tea with hot food, drinks and nearly 100 people gathering in the multi-purpose room. In scenes akin to Brownlow night, the results were announced – with “The Kelley Gang” (residents Norm Weight, Glenis Smith and Ron Kelly) taking the honours!

Although very worthy winners on the day, the Balmoral community spirit and that unique sense of happiness, inclusiveness, pride and engagement that is so much a part of Balmoral was the real winner. What a day.

We’ll see you on the green at the next event!