Every successful bowls club depends on volunteers, and few at our club have contributed as much, in as many different ways, as Alan Ludlow.
A tireless worker and talented all-rounder, Alan combines practical know-how with high-level business expertise in service to the club.
His commitment is extraordinary—he is often at the club six days a week.
Here is a brief overview of a volunteer whose contribution has been immense.
Alan Ludlow's volunteer story:
I have been a member of Sturt Bowling Club for nearly 9 years and have been and continue to volunteer my time to the Club.
This involves both formal and casual activities.
The former includes the Bar, Selection, Tournament and Recycling.
Also I serve as the Club’s Bin Monitor, and make the occasional appearance as one of the Stranglers on a Monday morning.
Bar - I recall that from an early stage l helped to serve behind the bar during busy periods which led to Teesa (Paul Teesdale) asking if l would help on Tuesdays Night Owls and open the clubrooms on Thursdays.
Then about seven years ago my involvement became more formalised when l became co-manager where my role primarily involves more about stock control/ordering/purchasing at supermarkets and Campbells Wholesale, and wine stock.
The realty is that the time spent serving at the bar is far less than l spend tidying the bar, restocking, shopping, ordering; in fact, during busy times it is not uncommon for me to be at the Club at least six days a week.
As a corollary, given my experience during my working life analysing hospitality businesses trading figures, l keep records of trading particularly relating to the Bar and Functions.
For example we calculate the average spend per head on pennant days, Night Owls and at “Sunday School”. Also, based on both the Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement and our own recordings, a P&L for the Bar enables us to monitor our profit margins which assists in the pricing of the drinks etc.
Selection - I was a member of the Selection Committee for three years retiring after the last season.
Tournaments - I have been involved for the past four-five years, initially looking after the Bar at Tournaments, and most recently took over from John Griffith as the registrar/scorer.
Recycling - coordinator for recycling our cans/bottles with Direct Collect.