To win a major championship together would be even rarer but not if you are a member of Padstow Bowling Club where Milperra’s Shirley and Tony Freestone enjoyed such success when they recently won the Mixed Pairs Tournament.
“Mum and her husband Norm Bartlett who’s since passed away, got me involved in bowls and although other bowling clubs are closer to where we live we decided to remain here because Norm’s father and uncle had been members at Padstow since the 60s,” Tony said.
“It’s a fantastic club just so family orientated; mum and I aren’t the only families either that team up at bowls.”
Kate Morgan won Ladies Major Singles and Ladies Pairs with her sister, Sarah Barbrook, with both introduced to bowls by their father, Clive Morgan, who was the Men’s Minor Singles winner but sadly passed away three weeks ago and didn’t get the chance to compete in the finals.
Kate’s daughter Chanel Chakouch, 12, recently won the Minor Major Ladies Pairs with Kayla Courtin, with Grandad Clive introducing her to the game.
“In fact, Chanel won her first ever tournament for prize money with Grandad by her side,” Kate said.
“Bowls is the perfect game you can play with your family; it’s a gentle sport and such a great opportunity to get some fresh air, sun and easy exercise.
“People think it’s an old person’s sport but the best bowlers in Australia and the world are under 25. The beauty of it is that you never have retire from it since it’s so perfect for all ages.
“It’s such a family affair here; Chanel’s winner partner Kayla comes from a family of bowlers too, with her Dad Jason Courtin winning the Consistency Finals last week. Jason’s wife Karen also plays and Skye, 11, has just started too.”
The club was also the venue for popular life member John Rolls’ birthday, who celebrated his 90th on Sunday at ‘The Bowlo’.
