Audrey Stokes
Muli-talented and competitive, Audrey Stokes can look back on a lifetime of achievement – as a part-time photographic model; mother of three; artist; singer; and latterly a lawn bowler.
Audrey was born and brought up in country NSW, and Sydney. At 24, Audrey took over her parents hotel with a staff of 24 as they went on a world tour for twelve months - an early introduction to responsibility. In 1982, she moved to Western Australia when she married consultant physician, John Stokes whom she met while teaching golf in the Kooralbyn Valley. Not knowing anybody, Audrey took up bridge with Hans Rosendorff. Making many friends along the way, Audrey, now a Silver Life Member is to be found at the bridge tables at least once or twice a week.
It was however another game of strategy that has most profoundly influenced Audrey’s life. Golf! Her natural talent for the game was spotted early but she casually refused an offer of professional coaching at 15, as it was an “old person’s game”. A scratch player, with an impressive overall handicap of 2, Audrey has met; played with or caddied for famous players such as Kel Nagle; Gary Player; Von Nida; Roberto De Vincenzo; Jack Newcombe; Jack Nicklaus; an exhibition match with American JoAnne Carner, and on one memorable occasion with the Prince of Brunei in Perth. She has played golf and on occasion provided advice on new course ratings around the world. She has been invited to play in Singapore; Hong Kong; Thailand and Malaysia at the inaugural Women’s Open with Tunka Ampun, staying as her guest in the palace. Seeing the newly designed The Lakes golf course in Sydney at one under par in a Ladies Silver event she remembers as a highlight. Audrey has experienced the golfer’s holy grail - a hole in one, not once but three times!
“You have to think your way around a golf course, working out the best strategy”, says Audrey. “Starting from where to hit off your tee shot; steering away from trouble; knowing your capabilities – especially in matches; when deciding whether to go for the big shot to the green or to get there through a layup; a job for a 7 or a 6 iron; reading the greens; assessing wind conditions”. All very similar decisions in a winning approach at bridge!
Bringing up three children, Audrey also found time to become a keen choir singer. Together with an aunt who is an opera singer, she loves the opera. As an accomplished artist, Audrey taught art at Wearne. She remembers with fondness mother-daughter exhibitions with daughter, Michele. Wryly says Audrey, Michele soon overtook her mother in talent and went on to solo exhibitions and became artist-in-residence at Perth Zoo. Sadly, Michele succumbed to an auto immune disease, three years ago.
Arthritis forced Audrey to hang up her golf clubs. She now plays bowls as well as bridge, employing her knowledge of strategy and enjoyment of social interaction as a pennant player at Mosman Park, representing WA in three test matches.
Penni Fletcher-Hughes
(Published in May 2024 edition of Trumps Plus)
