The discussion around the dinner table at the Nelson Bay home of Pam and Reg Smith – a former prominent Newcastle bowls secretary of 15 years - rarely drifts away from the pleasures of playing lawn bowls.
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So much so that the couple’s son Dean decided to take up the sport 20-odd years ago aged 12, and recently the couple’s grandchild was bitten by the family bug, marking three generations of lawn bowlers enjoying a roll-up.
Having retired to the Bay 10 years ago, Pam Smith became a member at Soldiers Point Bowling Club, joining the match committee and taking on the role of coach and district selector.
At a gala dinner held in Sydney’s Bankstown on November 22, Pam’s years of devotion to the sport were duly recognised by being announced the WBNSW (Women’s Bowls NSW) Club Official of the Year
“I was absolutely shocked and elated when my name was read out. I had no idea I had even been nominated for the award,” said Pam.
“Having had time to reflect back I can say that am truly honoured to be recognised in this way. I have always been passionate about bowls and the sport has played a huge role in our family over many years.”
Pam, who began playing bowls at Mollymook before moving to the Nowra club, is a previous state pairs champion and decided to take up coaching to give back to the sport that had provided the family so much pleasure over the past 30 years.
“I enjoy the coaching side … over the past decade at Soldiers Point I would estimate that I have put through well over 35 women bowlers,” she said.
“It’s tremendously rewarding to watch the women develop their skills and we have lots of fun at the same time.”
Pam paid tribute to her first two pupils, Helen Brown and Pat Krestensen, who were also behind the award nomination. She has been a driving force behind an increase in membership by giving her time coaching new faces.
“It’s an area that I am very passionate about and I hope continue for a while yet. The satisfaction is seeing the enjoyment new members get from playing bowls. It’s just a wonderful feeling to be able to pass on my experience.”
Soldiers Point bowls director Terry Antrum described the award as “a great honour for the club, the area and for Pam and the entire Smith family”.
The club runs free bowls coaching for women every Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10.30am – 12noon. For more information contact Pam Smith on (02) 4984 1671.
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