The retired crop farmer was this week named the West Coast Bowls Region’s 2015 Bowls Victoria Volunteer of the Year.

Ritchie will attend the governing body’s annual general meeting on October 22 and is in the running for the Victorian award.

He said the recognition came out of the blue and was a team effort for the club.

“I suppose I instigate things and get the major jobs going, but it’s not just me,” he said.

“There’s a major group all volunteering. We have four or five turn up every Monday morning for our maintenance day and it’s always a social event.

“We’ve got a terrific crew outside - a builder, farmer, plumber, painter, machinist, all retired and we all enjoy what we do. 

“Everybody appreciates what gets done. People enjoy what they’re doing and it’s saving the club a lot of money, so there’s benefits two ways. 

“At the moment we’re laying more paving and over the past two years we’ve done $40,000 of pavers outside all the three greens without charging for labour. 

“The place looks a picture at the moment.”

Ritchie said he and other volunteers were working hard on Friday to prepare the A green for the opening round of pennant bowls.