I am a 52 year old grandmother with 6 Kids (3 are mine and 3 are Allans) The eldest is 31 and the youngest is 25. We have 4 Girls and 2 Boys. Plus 6 Grandchildren.

Been bowling since 1988 - was in the NZ Development squad back in 1996 but dropped out of bowling in 1997 to start another life in Wellington.
Got back into competitive bowling in 2003 and got shoulder tapped by Stephen to join the NZ Ladies Squad. Felt a bit funny about this cause I only had a 160 league average and had only just got back into bowling. Worked really hard in 2004 with training and bringing my skill level up. Ended Year 2004 with a 190 League average; had a few trips away with the team (see below) and did reasonably well. But knew that more had to be done .........going by what the rest of the world is doing.

So far this year have - had my ups and downs - not doing too good in the Super 6 but bowling well at my favourite centre - Tauranga for the Nationals. Made the NZ team again this year and am pretty happy that I have (this time) earned a spot instead of getting it "handed" to me.

Stephen Penny and his wife Cushla are the greatest people ever..........Stephen is such a "giving" person and should be held up as our "National Treasure" for 10pin bowling. AJ was right.............that man just loves to help - and gives of himself. I have Stephen to thank for getting me where I am today.

When I won the Ladies Nationals this year (and the Seniors) - I felt as if it was "nothing" that I did not do anything "much" - I am not sure how one is suppose to feel when they win something like this................as it has never happened to me before on a National Level. All I want is to "bowl" - I just love it.
Because I am much older now - having started late with international bowling does not phase me as I have Allan by my side. We do things together and it is a major thing for me to have that support and knowledge "on hand" with someone else in my family to share my passion.