Bowls Central Coast regrets to advise of the passing of Wal Rainbow on Wednesday morning the 6th October, in a nursing home in Kempsey, Aged 95. Wal was a past President of the Central Coast District Bowling Association and worked tirelessly for us to become a Zone in our own right. Amongst other positions he has been a State Councillor and Patron of Bowls Central Coast. Wal, together with John Peek, Jack Griffiths and Albert Heath were the very first persons to be appointed as life members of BCC.
It was Wal Rainbow who instigated the Bowler of the Year and the BCC Open Bowler of the Year which is why the Open Bowler of the Year receives the Wal Rainbow Trophy.
Incidentally when on the Board of Bowls NSW Wal was instrumental in introducing the Pennants grading system that is such a big part of our pennants these days. As our Patron, Wal was very concerned about recruitment and retention and was continually reminding us of the need to get more people playing bowls.
Wal was a driving force behind Lawn Bowls on the Central Coast and NSW. As I said he was particularly concerned that more people should be playing bowls. I know that he would have me say to all Club, Zone and State Bowls Administrators who might read this, to get on with it and do something about this problem!
There is a post on our Facebook site (click here) from Peter Springett regarding Wal and a "Staying in Touch" newsletter will be issued shortly with an excellent eulogy by Jim Phillips.
Wal Rainbow being presented by BCC President Tony Hegyi with his Certificate, Badge, Shirt and Jacket as an inaugural Life Member of Bowls Central Coast
