Palmwoods
District News

December
1998

Page 8

Our People

Woombye's Hazel bowls 'em over
By Joanna Jones

WOOMBYE bowler Hazel Willis loves her bowls and has recently been presented with a meritorious award in recognition of her many years of outstanding service.

Local residents for 56 years, Hazel and her husband Ralph are both life members of the Woombye Bowls Club and Hazel is club patroness.

She has been the club secretary for 28 years and is also the patroness of the North Coast District Ladies Bowling Association.

Hazel’s passion for bowls started 45 years ago when the Willis family became foundation members of the Woombye club.

Since that time Hazel has been a dedicated and keen bowls player who is respected and admired by her peers.

Unfortunately Hazel has been unable to play for the past 18 months due to illness but is hoping to be back playing again as soon as she can.

"Bowls has been a life-long hobby for me and I have been disappointed that I have not been well enough to play,’’ she said.

"However I am hoping that I will be back competing again in the very near future.’’

Hazel is also a dedicated mother and grandmother, with two daughters and three grand-daughters.

One of Hazel’s daughters Bev Toomey lives locally and is heavily involved in the Palmwoods Singers.

Despite the many changes to the region that Hazel has seen over the past 50 years, Hazel still enjoys living in the Woombye-Palmwoods area.

"I love living here and I wouldn’t live anywhere else,’’ she said with pride.

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