Medal for bowls man

Umina resident Mr Alan Johnson has received an Order of Australia medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List for his 45 years of service to lawn bowls.

What began as a fun game of lawn bowls with his grandfather's encouragement, soon found Mr Johnson joining Young Bowling Club as its youngest member in 1965 at the age of 27.

"I fell in love with the game straight away," Mr Johnson said.

"My grandfather had been playing for years so I decided to give it a go and have been playing ever since.

"Everything about the sport is wonderful.

"Anyone can give it a go really since it is an easy game to follow with the added enjoyment of meeting new people and playing with old friends time and time again."

Mr Johnson went on to be a part of the match committee, selection committee and umpires committee before becoming president of Young Bowling Club between 1978 and 1981.

This led Mr Johnson to become the senior vice president of South West District Bowling Association for six years as well as chairman of the umpires committee and district selector.

Mr Johnson also served six years as a councillor on Burragong Shire Council between 1971 and 1977.

Having lived in Young as a cherry farmer most of his life, Mr Johnson and his wife decided to make the sea change and retire to the Peninsula 22 years ago where he became a member of Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club not long after.

Mr Johnson said the Penisula was a great spot to retire to and enjoyed all the area had to offer.

"Umina and the surrounding area is a great place to live," Mr Johnson said.

"We are close to the beach, shops, medical services and public transport, not to mention most importantly the bowling club."

Mr Johnson served as president of Ettalong Memorial for 10 years from 1990 to 2000, was made a life member in 1998, served as president of the Central Coast District Bowling Association for three years and treasurer of the Royal NSW Bowling Association for one term.

Mr Johnson said he was looking forward to celebrating his achievement with a special dinner amongst family and friends at Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club.

"One of my greatest memories of the past 45 years in the game is my first major club singles win and district singles win with South West district," Mr Johnson said.

"Now one of my greatest achievements would have to be receiving the Order of Australia medal.

"It is hard to believe that I have been recognised in this way for something I love doing."

Clare Graham, 16 Jun 2010 Interviewee: Alan Johnson, Umina