On Thursday September 10 ninety-six bowlers enjoyed the inaugural Gwen Ford Springtime Triples at Maclean Women’s Bowling Club. Gwen Ford was a very talented bowler who won the Major Singles twenty times as well as many other championships at club and district level. The highlight of her career in bowls was when she skipped the number 3 pennant team to victory at the state finals in 1995. A table was set up in the auditorium with a photo of Gwen, the new perpetual trophy and a list of her achievements and awards. Her two daughters, Christine Porter and Robyn Clarke, other relatives and close friends were special guests on the day. Two games of eighteen ends were played after which everyone repaired to the auditorium for the presentation of prizes. Life member, Lorraine Eggins, introduced the special guests and spoke about Gwen Ford’s achievements. Patron, Marie Burnes, who was a close friend and bowling colleague of Gwen reminisced about their bowling friendship. The head of the social committee, Leonie Bodycote, presented flowers to Christine and Robyn on behalf of the Maclean Women’s Bowling Club. A special Nine Pins Award was given to L Demery, A Bowling and J Axon. There was an impressive array of raffle prizes donated by members and the lucky winners were M Grimes (M), F Flaherty (I), M Thompson (Y), B Ford (guest), R Duncan (I), L Robertson (G), W Peachey (I), R Clarke (guest) and V Terry (Y). In the bowls, Round 1 winners were R Pendergast, M Swan and F Stewart-Butcher (skip). Round 2 went to V Terry, M Conlan and C Cole (skip). A Maclean team came third over all, M Crelley, M Grimes and R (W) Haselum (skip). Second was the team of R Arthur, R Grainger and M Arthur (skip). First prize and the trophy went to another Maclean team consisting of L Asbury, E Triffitt and D Robson (skip). In conclusion the president, Margaret Stallard, thanked the Maclean Bowling Club Ltd for generously sponsoring the day and the men who umpired, Leo Wood, Doug Starr and Michael Bailey. Also thanked were the social committee for the lovely table decorations, morning tea and nibbles, the match committee for organising the draw, Iris Cutting, who was the controlling body, and Di Starr for managing the score board. The work of Paul, the greenkeeper, in providing three greens in top condition was much appreciated. Finally, the president thanked the players whose attendance and good sportsmanship contributed to the success of the day. Maggie Combley