Geoff Close - VRI Life Member

“My fondest memory of the VRI is belonging to something - a family, group, and interest that I have enjoyed for almost 40 years” – Geoff Close, VRI Life Member

We asked Geoff what he would say to someone considering joining the VRI, his response, “the VRI is a great value for money group, as long as you join in somewhere, and get some value out of it.  Along with the accommodation, sports club, and centres, there is also the discounts on offer, that can cover your Membership fee each year easily, if you use them.”

Geoff joined the Victorian Railways and VRI on the same day, 19th November 1984. He worked in head office in accounting roles, until ill health forced him to retire in 2006.

Geoff had Railways in his family, one of his grandfathers, Jack Hocking, worked in Ballarat and Newport Workshops, as an Upholsterer, working on the great trains of the past.

In 1985, Geoff joined the VRI Bowls Club, and became an enthusiastic member of this group.  From 1990, he was involved in the General Committee, as Treasurer from 1994 – 2001, general committeeman, Vice President and Webmaster.

After his retirement, Geoff became involved in a voluntary role as Webmaster of the VRI Website, until 2010.  Geoff also developed and produced the Centenary DVD of the VRI in 2010.

Geoff remains an active member of the VRI Bowls Club, also assisting the VRI Board and Management in voluntary tasks from time to time.

The VRI Bowls Club was officially formed in the 1930’s, to play against NSWRI & QRI Bowlers in the then Commissioner’s Shield and Dennis Cup Competitions held in the ANZRI Lawn Bowls Carnivals, something it continues to do every 2 years.

The Club hosted the last ANZRI Lawn Bowls Carnival in 2020 in Moama and looks forward to playing in the next Carnival in 2023 in NSW.

During 2022, a number of weekends will be held, where the VRI Bowls State Singles, Pairs and Triples Championships will be played for, and Memorial Trophies presented at the conclusion of each.

To join the VRI Bowls Club, kindly contact Geoff on 0404 813 773.

Cost of Membership is $15pa, in addition to the normal VRI Inc. Fees you pay.