The name Andrews is well known within the Forbes community from business to sport while also including the social aspect with the family involved in for decades.
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Currently Scott Andrews is among the headliners after winning the Major Singles at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club during this COVID-19 interrupted year while also tasking with duties as green-keeper at the club.
Scott, or 'Scooter as he is more commonly known on the bowling green, and family are what life in a county town is all about, community minded while helping where possible for all.
So after a positive response to last week's article on 'Bowlie' president Peter Mackay today we look closer at the life and times of Scott. Enjoy the read on a colourful character everyone loves while next week we may have sporting results from the green to report with covid restrictions lifted last Thursday.
Scott was born in Forbes to former business owners, the late Bruce and Joan Andrews. He has an older brother in Doug and younger Adam.
He attended Forbes North Primary and Forbes High School until the end of Year 10.
"Growing up I enjoyed playing golf, being a part of local swimming club and fishing," Scott said.
Not shying away form work on weekends Scott would look for any work that was going, which included tomato picking or working at the Tanning Factory. During the school holidays he would work at the Forbes Abattoirs.
"I was fortunate enough to obtain a bricklaying apprenticeship with the late Roy Simmons when I left school in Year 10. During my time with Roy I also obtained qualifications in rendering, tiling and paving. I enjoyed working with Roy as we had similar interests, in particular golf which he was very talented at," Scott added.
During his bricklaying apprenticeship Scott had to travel to Sydney for TAFE and the only way to get there in those days was to jump on a train at Parkes at 6pm Sunday night, sleep on the sleepers and arrive in Sydney 6am Monday morning to get ready to start the week of TAFE.
He had company travelling to Sydney once a month with Kevin Gunn who was also completing the same apprenticeship.
Upon completion of his apprenticeship Scott moved to Sydney working with Dan and Tim Murphy of Fugen Pty Ltd for two years before moving to working for Civil and Civic working on large constructions such as football stadiums and Twin Towers, to name a few.
After four years living in the 'big smoke' Scott decided it was time to move back home to Forbes.
"That started a new phase in life for me, an important one with no regrets what-so-ever as in 1992 I married local girl Lisa Drabsch. We purchased a block in Reymond Street where I bricked up a garage where we lived in until we build out dream home, Scott said.
"When we moved into the home we were were blessed with three children, Jarrod, Mitchell and Kaitlyn. Being in the trade allowed me to be able to assist with the other homes that we have bought, renovated and sold over the years," Scott said.
Life is never dull for Scott as he also enjoyed fishing trips away with his mates while salt water fishing is a passion.
"I have been up to Gulf of Carpentaria three times, Greenwell Point, Bermagui and Sussex Inlet to name a few," he said.
"I also thoroughly enjoyed playing golf in the earlier days and was successful in winning many events, which included the foursome championships twice, I also represented Forbes in golf playing Grade 3 pennants."
As the children got older Scott and Lisa became focused on their interests and travelled all around the country to watch them participate in their many sports.
Jarrod and Mitchell started playing rugby league at a young age and whilst they would attend training, Scott and a few other parents would walk over to the Bowling Club and enjoy a quick refreshment until training finished.
It was here one day that someone mentioned to Scott 'why don't you come down Sunday mornings and have a roll, and that's where success in bowls all started.
"My late father-in law Don Drabsch was a legend on the bowling green and gave me some good advice and lessons in the game over the years," Scott proudly said.
"Other experienced bowlers like Greg Parslow, Clive Herbert and Bruce Williams were also good to draw knowledge from.
"Winning the club fours with my two sons Jarrod and Mitchell along with their grandfather Don was a very special moment for me," he said.
"In 2014 we also entered the Easter Bowls Carnival playing against teams from Dee Why, Belrose and were lucky enough to win the event. This was another memorable day for me and my family having the whole Drabsch clan down cheering us on, What a great experience.
"I also enjoyed winning the triples event and pairs with Jarrod," Scott said.
"To be able to play with a champion like Don and learn from the best has seen my ability to bowl improve over the years. I kept playing and in 2019 I won my first major singles event and have been fortunate to win it again this year in a very tight tussle against one of my best mates 'Spro' (Brian Aspirus).
"My goal for the future of the club is to try and get younger people involved in playing the game where you are able to meet a lot of people of all ages, travel and play in different tournaments like zone and district and the prize money can be pretty good as well," Scott said
Scott began volunteering at the club, assisting with the greens and general maintenance.
It was around this time that he was offered the greenkeeper's job which he said did not take as much toll on his body as bricklaying.
"I am very lucky to be assisted by many volunteers, as without these smaller clubs would not be able to survive. It is great to see so many involved as they only have the club's best interest at heart," Scott added.
Scott said COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone, in bowls most people play for the companionship, banter and a few refreshments after the game.
"Being in lockdown has stopped people from doing this, but the club is fortunate enough to have a devoted committee and volunteers behind it to welcome everyone back now restrictions are lifted," Scott concluded.