ROSEWOOD Bowls Club secretary Joanne Marshall enjoys writing books for children to help them learn.
Although her eight books aren’t published, Joanne says she gains immense satisfaction penning words to encourage young people.
She sees her writing hobby as an extension of her secretarial commitments at the Mill Street bowls club.
Ipswich born, Rosewood bred, Joanne became involved with the club about 10 years ago through her parents Nigel and Larraine who lived in the area for three decades.
Nigel was a former club president, vice-president, providor and secretary.
Joanne took on the secretarial role three years ago after Nigel passed away.
“When I saw what he did, I thought that’s a good contribution,” she said.
“Anything you can do to help is always good.”
Joanne now performs a range of duties from making sure players and memberships are up-to-date, to providing alerts about forthcoming games and helping out behind the bar.
“It’s a lot to take on but in the last few years, I’ve learnt a lot,” she said.
“The staff are friendly, the people are great and there’s always people here ready to help you out if anything goes wrong.”
Apart from the friendships she enjoys at the club, Joanne has another reason to support the Rosewood sporting organisation.
She has strong family ties through the efforts of Nigel and club member and former team manager, Larraine.
The family involvement has continued through Joanne’s son Christopher, brother Raymond and grandson Chayce.
Without any previous secretarial experience, the Rosewood mum and carer was keen to continue the work of her father while also enjoying time on the greens.
“The more you can do for your club the better off it will be,” Joanne said.
“I was helping dad when he was near the end of his life so when it came time to get a new secretary, they just thought I was an obvious choice.”
With the AGM coming up later this month, Joanne hopes to continue her secretarial work.
Joanne also enjoys being among the three Rosewood Cobbers pennants teams involved in the latest series of matches around South East Queensland.
“I do practice and hopefully getting better as I go,” she said.
Joanne said the biggest challenge was being able to organise more club games in addition to what is already scheduled on weekends.
“To do that, you really need sponsors,” the former Rosewood State School and Rosewood State High student said.
She said having more prizemoney for events and green fees would help the club as a whole.
“There’s lots of big businesses out there that don’t recognise a small club,” she said.
However, Joanne knows the importance of the historic 70-year-old club to the Rosewood community.
“You’ve got a chance to come outside, fresh air, have a couple of drinks with your friends,” she said.
“It is a friendly sport. It’s just a very friendly environment. That’s why I got my son and grandson involved.”
Joanne is keen to welcome other bowlers at the second annual Marshall Family Memorial Day on October 13, honouring Nigel.
“I just really enjoy coming down and playing bowls with my friends … having a laugh,” she said. “It’s all about the friends you make along the way.”
The club secretary said she appreciated the efforts put into organising last year’s 70th anniversary function, which attracted past and present members to the celebration of what had been achieved.
“A lot of the older members are willing to give advice to the younger ones and up-and-comers, which is where I get all my knowledge from,” she said.
Joanne was proud of what the club has delivered in building a terrace and new verandah with wheelchair access.
That has enhanced the club’s ability to host more functions and parties in a relaxed country setting.
However, Joanne said the club needed toilets for disabled people – one of the items on the wish list that would be possible with a grant.
