Jean Hoddinott has had a long association with the Southland Indoor Bowls Centre and was first elected to the Centre Executive in 1996.
An active executive member, Jean has assumed several responsibilities including being on the match committee, a representative team manager, a tournament controller, Vice President, President, and Past President. She currently holds (and has held for many years) the position of Events Manager, Umpire, and Secretary for the Southland Umpires Association.
Various other contributions have been made by Jean in the way of her business providing sponsorship, and countless unpaid hours involving the fundraising and catering requirements of the Centre.
Over the last four years, Jean has all but single handedly coordinated a fundraising Garden Party. This involves organising stall holders, a guest speaker, and providing a delicious afternoon tea served up on her personally owned fine china for upwards of 120 people.
She is also the instigator of our fabulous cheese roll and food fundraising efforts as the Centre continues to raise money for the roof replacement.
There have been some challenges affecting Jean's family circumstances in recent times, but this has proved no obstruction. Jean has provided an outstanding contribution to a sport which is her passion, for the benefit of all bowlers at all levels of the game.
Congratulations Jean; a worthy recipient of NZIB's Special Services Award for 2023!