Bally Barker Blog

The way we view the world has changed this year and it's been a challenging time for many and we have had to learn how to adapt, connect and grow in new or unexpected ways. After such a dramatic and uncertain year with many celebrations and social gatherings and events cancelled, postponed or curtailed; many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. Luckily we could hold a Christmas party without a problem in a nice private setting in the Wine Bar at Balgowlah RSL on Tuesday evening. This year's Christmas party was a particularly happy occasion - a great opportunity to enjoy good company, have fun and celebrate with Christmas fair. Thanks must go to Tony Hill for making all the arrangements, we had a great time and meal and everyone really enjoyed themselves President Lindy opened the proceedings and after welcoming everyone outlined the amazing record of the club activities and some exciting plans and events for 2021. Tony Hill and Graham Evans Peter Stephenson, Pam and Ca

What are the brand names of the footballs used in AFL, Ruby Union and League?; What is the names of the Famous five?, and what is the name of that tune?  Good mental exercise but do you think we all could answer them correctly on the night? Quizmaster David in action David Stewart-Hunter conducted another great quiz night in the main auditorium at Balgowlah RSL on Saturday evening with 85 people attending. David was again ably assisted by Sally Fox and his daughter Clare. Subjects ranged from Sport to Books with a number in the title, Geography to Music and identifying film star characters - a great mix of questions and subjects.   Some of the tables discussing their answers: Table 4 listening to the answers Table 3 deciding their answer Sally checked the answer sheets and recorded the scores - tables had an opportunity to double points on some sets of questions in a Joker Round making the tallying of the scores more challenging. Sally tallying the scores The Raffle tickets and revers

A nice note was sent to Sue Terry from the Rochelle Courtenay, founder and Managing Director of the not-for-profit Share the Dignity which she founded to bring dignity back into the lives of women who are homeless or at risk of domestic violence through the distribution of sanitary products.    Sue has written "In case you'd like to share this with all members and friends (via the Blog, perhaps), this is the grateful response I received from "Share the Dignity" when I shared with them our excellent result of 123 bags, and some of John's photos.   Thanks, everyone ."  Sue T   Hi Sue Thanks so much for your email and for sharing your photos. We cannot thank you enough for supporting #ItsInTheBag and the women and girls across Australia that needs us. We truly appreciate all that you do. I will share these photos with the team, I know they will love them just as much as I do! Take care, Rochelle Courtenay Founder and Managing Director Share the Dignity A

Our guest speaker was Andrea Werner , who volunteers as Sports Coordinator at the Special Olympics Sydney Northern Beaches Club. Andrea was accompanied by two local members of the Athletes' Leadership Program, Annalise Fadeev and Fred Pollock .  Andrea has been a volunteer with Special Olympics for 14 years and explained the beginning of the organisation in the US followed by Australia and what people with an intellectual disability can achieve with the right support and opportunity, Annalise Fadeev, Andrea Werner and Fred Pollock Global Movement Special Olympics has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years. The global sporting community was pioneered by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy as well as Rosemary who had an intellectual disability. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.    Australia was t

Time flies: even during this abnormal year of disruptions, lock-downs and, for some, quarantine.  The club's AGM was held on Tuesday evening with 13 members attending (some via ZOOM)  and 4 apologies. The election of incoming officers was held and all positions have been filled. The President for 2021/22 is Rick Van Brugge - a very popular choice.  Rick has been the club secretary for two years and put in place a number of important improvements to club systems, especially communications.  Rick has also energetically represented the club at cluster meetings and district events and provided valuable input to cluster activities and our club's involvement. President Lindy and President Elect Rick after the meeting Well done Lindy The meeting also acknowledged and congratulated President Lindy for her drive and enthusiasm in what has been a most difficult and unusual first 5 months of Presidency. The club has managed to function effectively with ZOOM and we have successfully held