The high standing president Merv enjoys in the bowling fraternity was ably demonstrated by the impressive list of acceptances for his President’s Day, lead by Geoff Hancock (Zone 7 president) representing the Royal NSW Bowling Association, Max Young (President South Coast District Bowling Association) representing the district, Alan Askew Secretary and Treasurer (SCDBA), Peter Head Secretary Manager (GB&RC), Representatives from: Berry BC; Bomaderry BC; Greenwell Point BC; Huskisson BC; Milton-Ulladulla BC; Shoalhaven Heads BC; Shoalhaven Ex Servos BC; St. Georges Basin BC; Sussex Inlet RSL BC plus the Executive of the Gerringong Ladies Club and forty (40) fellow members of Merv’s own club – Gerringong Men’s Club.     

Two other special guests (non bowlers) joined us for the day namely: Burnice (Burnie) Clark and David Higham – Merv’s family members. 

The day’s program included a friendly game of bowls for all visiting and local bowlers followed by a gala luncheon with all the traditional formalities.

To the delight of the members present, president Merv recognised some fellow members for their contributions to the club over the past year by awarding them appropriate badges which were duly presented by Geoff Hancock and Max Young representing the Royal and the district respectively. 

The recipients of the awards are: Colin Tindall, Ian Gilbert, Bob Macpherson, Richard (Dicky) Bowen, Kevin Kelly, Barry Smithers, Errol Jones, Jeff Black, Jan King, Judy Hall and Jan Lillye.

In conclusion, all members wish to acknowledge the special effort made by another club stalwart, a very unwell man indeed who made it his business to get out of his sick bed and come to the club in his wheelchair just to shake hands with the president, of course that man is past president and life member Mervyn King. 

John Zarb.