ORMISTON resident Wally Ross may have recently celebrated his 90th birthday, but that doesn't mean he plans to stop playing his beloved sport of bowls any time soon.
Between games at Aveo Cleveland Gardens Retirement Village and Cleveland Bowls Club, Wally still plays bowls five days a week; and Cleveland Bowls Club president Paul Boevink recently presented the long-time member with a Patriarch Medallion.
The medallions are handed out to all members when they reach 90 years of age.
Wally said receiving the tribute was an honour.
"I love playing bowls," he said. "I used to love the competition, but not any more. Now I like the social aspect.
"People are so friendly on the bowling green and I've been making friends through bowls for many years."
During his time playing competitive bowls, Wally won several tournaments, including Mixed Fours in 1988, Mixed Triples in 1990 and, also in 1990, Mixed Pairs with his wife, Mary.
Mr Boevink said Wally joined the club in 1987 and initially helped in the kitchen and helped Mary maintain the club diary.
"He was also involved in bingo and helped with the poker machines for many years," he said.
"Wally is an individual who has always been very involved with the club.
"If something needed to be done, he was always there."
"He was never shy to put up his hand to help out."
