Magill Retirement Village resident Bernie Tobin is a keen bowler and volunteer who can often be found at Payneham Bowling Club, where his commitment has been recognised by the South Australian Bowls Association in 2016
Village Manager Heather Lodge said that many Magill residents, like Bernie, are social and very active contributors in our local community.
“We know Bernie does a lot around the club and he really enjoys his work as a volunteer,” Heather said.
Bernie’s close connection with the club was formed by a chance encounter.
“I was actually looking for a sports store called the Bowler’s Den in Klemzig and stumbled across Payneham Bowling Club,” Bernie said.
“When I walked in, a club member welcomed me with open arms and I haven’t looked back!”
Since becoming a member in 2010, Bernie has also become a volunteer and works with a team to maintaining the club’s greens, which are made of synthetic fibre and resemble a woven carpet.
“To keep them in excellent condition, especially for competitions, I have a routine maintenance schedule of vacuuming the greens, cleaning the ditches, moving the rink pegs and keeping the surroundings tidy,” Bernie said.
“I arrive each morning at 8.30 to open up and get the work ready for the other volunteers who assist me with the various tasks.”
Bernie said he was honoured to be acknowledged as Volunteer of the Year for 2016 by the South Australian Bowls Association at their annual awards night in May.
“It was humbling but good for the Payneham Club to be recognised.”
Although Bernie stays busy keeping the greens in excellent condition, he still finds time to enjoy a game of bowls.
