Pat awarded Life Membership

• Bowls Tasmania life member Pat Bennett.

By Daisy Baker
06 June, 2018

SCOTTSDALE’S Pat Bennett was recently awarded a Life Membership of Bowls Tasmania, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to bowls.
Mrs Bennett started playing bowls almost 30 years ago when she was living in Ringarooma.
She said some people in the town invited her to come along and try it out, and she’s never looked back.
Since then, she has filled various administration roles for the Bowls North, Bowls Tasmania, and the Scottsdale Bowls Club, where she is currently serving as secretary
“When I started playing, I had no inkling that I’d be doing any of these roles and you don’t play bowls to do these jobs but if no one does them, you don’t have a club,” Mrs Bennett said.
Despite all her hard work over the years, Mrs Bennett said she was surprised to be awarded.
“To say I was astonished and amazed was an understatement,” Mrs Bennett said.
“You don’t do these things to be honoured – and it certainly is an honour.
“When I look at the other people who have received life memberships, I wasn’t even in the frame of mind to think I was worthy.”
She said she was humbled to be able to contribute to the sport.
For Mrs Bennett, the true highlights since 1989 have been the friendships she has made.
“The highlights really are the interactions with the players, the playing and the friendships you make on the green.”
Mrs Bennett plans to step down as secretary at the Scottsdale Bowls Club’s annual meeting this week.
Scottsdale Bowls Club president Merv Chilcott said she will be hard to replace.
“It’s hard to really put into words what an asset she’s been and everything she’s done over the years,” Mr Chilcott said.
“She’s been a tremendous asset, a backbone of the club for many years.
“She’s been the guiding force of the club, the go-to person for anything that’s happening.”
Mrs Bennett said she looks forward to continuing to play bowls with the Scottsdale club for several more years.
She will be officially presented with her life membership later in the year.