Opening Day on Saturday 5 September 2026 had a more casual feel this year, with morning rain ruling out the usual lunch gathering around the BBQ area – Tim’s Place – and the traditional formal speeches from the raised veranda to members assembled on the greens.
Instead, everyone was forced inside, where the program was smoothly adapted to the conditions.
Proceedings began with an induction session for new members, led by Vice President Julie Bates, who walked participants through the updated Sturt Handbook.
Lunch followed, with the BBQ meats cooked outside but enjoyed inside the clubrooms.
One highlight was captured in the photos: Premier League bowler Alex Smith and Chair of Selectors Graham Wood were joined in the kitchen by Brian Dunstall, Robb Nuus and Martin Fry, demonstrating elite skills of a different kind – stacking the dishwasher.
The formal presentations began with club president David McVicar acknowledging the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which the Opening Day event was taking place.
David also acknowledged the Life Members in attendance: Bruce Williams, Peter Hughes, Peter Welsh, Barry Paterson, Matthew Jeffrey, John Griffith and Paul Teesdale.
Then, club supporter and local Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas, delivered an entertaining speech on the value and benefits of volunteering, including the suggestion that volunteers live five years longer than others.
Next, the Mayor of the City of Unley, Michael Hewitson AM, reinforced the importance of volunteering to bowls clubs, local councils and the wider community before formally declaring the new season open.
The traditional routine in which the club's Open Singles Champion and Women’s Singles Champion roll their bowls towards the jack was also modified to suit the indoor venue.
This year, Jonathan Webster and Jackie Hammond rolled the jack across the carpet towards an agreed target.
And in a quiet ceremony after the formalities had concluded, Cathy Stevens was presented by Paul Teesdale with her prize for being the leading bowler in Saturday Winter Bowls this season.
The lack of bowls on the day only heightened the desire of club members to get rolling as soon as possible, in preparation for the pennants season.