The presentation of the new sign was made during last Sunday’s President’s Bowls day, with a number of visitors from surrounding bowling clubs present to see the dedication delivered.

Bowls President Graham Davidson said when he first joined the club he thought Don was the greenkeeper, Don spent so much time tending to the grounds.

Graham said he was shocked to learn Don’s time and dedication to the club was all voluntary and done for the good of the club and its members.

Cootamundra Country Club general manager Geoff Knight said Don epitomises what bowls is all about.

“He is a great ambassador not only for our club but for the town of Cootamundra.

“He just has to be asked and he will do anything to help out.”

The Herald asked Don how many hours a week he puts in assisting at the club and always humble he answered “about 20”, a figure those around him scoffed at, saying Don does as much as a full-time employee.

“When I see something that needs doing, I just do it, like anyone else would,” Don said.

Over the last seven years Don has assisted to paint all of the seats around the greens as well as the numbers, pegs, mat boxes and anything else which needed a lick of paint.

He assists the greenkeeper with mowing grass surrounds, weeding ditches, checking rink lines and anything else the greenkeeper comes up with.

It was an emotional moment when the plaque revealing Don’s name was unveiled. His fellow bowlers cheered and offered their heartfelt congratulations, before returning to their game.

In saying thank you for the honour, Don typically handed praise to his compatriots at the Club.

“We have a great team of people around here who keep the green going.

“To think we can keep a Club of this size going with one greenkeeper and one apprentice is great,” Don said.