GRANGEBURN Bowling Club has a new life member after Owen Ross was presented with the honour during Friday night’s official opening of the club’s ‘A’ green.

The 82-year-old had some warning it might happen, and said it was a special honour to receive the acknowledgement.

“It is very good, I thank them (the club) very much,” he said.

“I knew a little bit about it, but it is good to get acknowledged.

“I like coming up here and helping the younger bowlers and help them get started and keep the game going for future generations.”

Ross has been bowling since 1986 and started his bowls career up at Beulah Bowling Club.

“I was in the Mallee and there wasn’t much to do on Saturdays, so joined up at Beulah Bowling Club and I came down here and joined Grangeburn,” he said.

With nearly four decades of involvement in the sport, it was the simple things which kept Ross involved for so long.

He said the people he met and helping teach others were the main things he looked forward to doing, particularly given he has recently stepped away from playing pennant.

“Just the people and the thrill of seeing people helping and seeing them all in good spirit,” he said.

“I do a bit behind the scenes, there is a fair bit to do with two greens to run.

“I have had a couple of years off, but still keen enough to stay around.

“I finished (pennant) just before COVID and thought I’d have a bit of a break away from it.

“I would like to get back into it, but I will just play it by ear.”

Ross’ highlight was a strong performance with others from the club, which is still on display the club’s rooms to this day.

“We got through and won the pennant in the Far Western, back when Geelong was in the same division,” he said.

“We ended up going to the State 16 and it was a big thrill for the club when we did that.”