Fond memories, good food and laughter aplenty were shared when the Kawakawa Bowling Club once again hosted its highly popular Huxtable Memorial, a mixed triples tournament, on Saturday, March 16.
Organisers were honoured to have playing in this tournament, three presidents in the field including Centre president Margaret Walters (BowlsFar North) along with John Hay (Russell) and the hosting club's Larrie Taylor (Kawakawa).
The tournament was opened by Pres Taylor who eventually welcomed 14 teams and supporters from Kaitaia, Opononi, Russell, Hikurangi and the host clubs. On behalf of the organisers, Taylor also thanked the Huxtable whanau for their ongoing sponsorship to keep the tournament alive, said club secretary, Karen Mackie, in her review of the event.
"There were eight siblings and lots of grand- and great grandparents playing and supporting the legacy of Ted and Pearl Huxtable, both of whom were proficient bowlers as the honour boards confirm. Ted would attend as much bowls as possible and was such a competitive player, lo and behold should someone upset his concentration he would let you know it loud and clearly, such was his dedication to the code. At one period Ted, Pearl, four of their children and a grandson were full members of the Kawakawa bowling club."
The raffles prizes were provided by the whanau and various friends of the family, who were all thanked, while the spread featuring a large variety of seafood was abundant and scrumptious. The day was hot, with squeals of laughter heard across the green along with encouraging banter, all of which required lots of rehydration and the old but requisite "slip-slop-slap".
On behalf of organisers, Karen gave a big thank you to the Huxtable whanau, the team in the kitchen, the greenkeeper, the barman and all who contributed to this wonderful memorial to a longstanding family of the Kawakawa community.
The tournament results were: Kera Parata, Paddy Sherwin, Fred Sherwin (Kawakawa) 1, Peter Doreen, Robin Sowerby, Millie Tangira (Combined) 2; Henare Wikaire, Margaret Walters, Rangi Hau (Opononi) 3; Sam George, Maudina Milner, Charlotte Oriviri (Kawakawa) 4. As well: Good sports: Huxtables (Paul Huxtable and sisters Joan and Sue) 1; Derek Wano, Cindy Stuart, Emily Cherrington (Kawakawa) 2.
