Tuesday, 23 June 2026, would have been Rachel Long’s 80th birthday. To honour her memory, a memorial was combined with Consistency Day, with many participants wearing Rachel’s favourite colour – red.
Rachel was well known for her love of red clothes as well as her two sets of red bowls. In tribute, almost every player made the effort to wear something red, creating a colourful reminder of Rachel’s vibrant personality – players sported various items including a glittering red hat, red silk corsage, and large fluffy red sash.
Forty-two players took part in the tournament, joined by a number of supporters. Among those attending were the Horne family from Amberley, members of Rachel’s family, and others who wished to share in the memorial. The clubhouse was filled and Enid’s timekeeping ensured the afternoon ran smoothly.
Trevor Long organised a delicious afternoon tea, and together with Rachel’s sisters, shared treasured memories of her life. The seventh of thirteen children, Rachel was never fazed by crowds or noise. She was remembered as a hardworking, generous woman whose laughter and good humour brightened the lives of those around her.
A new bench, painted in the club colours, was unveiled during the afternoon. As Trevor officially presented the bench, he recalled the last words he heard Rachel say: “I wish I was at bowls.” Those words perfectly captured her love for the game.
Bowls was Rachel’s happy place. More importantly, she shared that happiness with everyone she played alongside. The memorial day was a fitting celebration of a much-loved member whose warmth, friendship, and enthusiasm for bowls will long be remembered.
Results
Three wins David Lloydd, John Gledhill, Hanaan Shahwan (107 points)
Louise Ball, Peter Orgias, Rosemary Nicol (104 points)
Two wins Tony Stanaway, Muy Chhour, Bruce Aley (105 points)
Brian Rogers, Larry Cain, Stuart Mackay (104 points)
Steve McGregor, John Lindsay, Joy Watkinson (93 points)
Russ Noble, Graham Ward, Margaret O’Carroll (72 points)
Lucky dip Barry McCrystal, Ralph Cullen, Phyl Humphries
