Illawarra Christmas Party and Awards 2021
14 December 2021 / Words Brendan Barr and Photos Anna Nietner
With our new president Peter Battisson there to oversee the opening event, our Christmas Party and Awards 2021 day rolled off with a tussle to see which model MX-5 would triumph in the lawn bowls championship point score. Teams were represented by owners of particular MX-5 models, Team NA looked particularly strong, but team NB had a secret weapon to counteract any perceived skills, even by the youthful Team NC and ND.
From the first end Team NB appeared to accelerate to the lead, assisted by a turbocharged Anna, but some canny overtaking manoeuvres enabled the others to keep pace! So Team NB engaged the Safety Car and substituted the secret weapon – Paul Byers, a late inclusion due to the removalist truck not departing on time. A protest was entered by Team ND indicating that Mr Byers was a Sydney import and not eligible! This enabled them to swoop to the lead on the last end and take the chequered flag. There may be more protests!
After this we gathered in the air conditioned comfort of the Figgy Sports Club. Tables were set and decorated, meals ordered and we swapped many stories before the awards commenced.
The leaders and organisers were highlighted and thanked for the wonderful efforts they made in coordinating events during the year, truly a magnificent effort during this difficult year.
New Members of the Year: Marina and John Farmer
MotorSports Member of the Year: Ralph Thompson
Finally our ‘major’ award were presented by Illawarra Convenor James Mate, and the new club president Peter Battisson.
Illawarra Member of the Year: Adele Weatherall
NSW MX-5 Member of the Year: Adele Weatherall
Congratulations to all awardees and especially Adele, whose efforts in supporting the Illawarra Chapter and the whole Club are greatly appreciated.
