Ninety-three members and guests from across the Clarence River area and beyond gathered at Yamba on May 6 to honour District Women’s Bowls Association President, Denise McLachlan.

Denise’s President’s Day was a wonderful celebration and testimony to the high esteem in which she is held across the District and beyond.

Official guests included Bowls NSW Director, Sue O’Keeffe, CRDWBA Life Member, Esme McLennan and Patron, Shirley Drum and YBC President Ian Lauder.

Denise’s special invited guest was fellow South Grafton club member and a long-standing Treasurer of CRDWBA, Gwen Ryan.

In attendance too were two ex-South Grafton members, and special friends of Denise, Noel Graham and Betty Ford, who travelled from Banora Point and Ballina respectively.

The day started with a guard of honour for Denise and her party, which was followed by a delicious “Biggest Morning Tea” – scones with jam and cream donated and made by CRDWBA ex-president and YWBC Life Member, Lyn Olsson. A gold coin donation raised $135 in the names of the CRDWBA and YWBC for the Cancer Council.

There followed a morning of fun bowls and then a delicious hot and cold buffet lunch and celebratory cake.

During lunch the gathering was entertained by a Power Point show of photos ranging from Denise’s childhood to the present day and highlighting her bowling career and presidency.

CDRWBA ex-president and current committee member, Alma Bowling along with CRDWBA Chair of Match, Robyn McPherson, as well as friend Noel Graham all spoke glowingly of Denise before she was presented with an array of wonderful gifts.

In response, as is her way, Denise modestly underplayed her role and paid tribute to her committee and the District members for supporting her in her work of successfully leading the CRDWBA through what has been, at times, a challenging couple of years.

She was overwhelmed both with the presentation of the YBC auditorium for the occasion, and with her gifts, as well as the accolades, but held it together to sincerely thank all who had played a part.  

Concluding the day was the presentation of rink prizes and the drawing of raffles and 100 Club. The generosity of all donors was on show, and another CRDWBA ex-president and current Match Committee member, Judy Abbott, concluded the formalities by thanking them and the many others who contributed to the success of the day.

Wendy Ballantyne