Bowling clubs jack up new members
Takaka Bowling Club will be holding afternoon social games on Friday afternoons.
With recent coverage in the Commonwealth Games, bowling may yet see a nationwide resurgence, says Pohara Bowling Club president Rodney Main.
Both the Golden Bay clubs (in Takaka and Pohara) are trying to up their numbers with the onset of the summer season, and are inviting the public to give bowling a go.
Last Saturday morning, with most of its 25 members in attendance for a relaxed game, the Takaka Bowling Club was in full play under a cloudless sky. The club’s history dates back to 1908, and in its heyday between 1950 and 1980, the club had up to 90 members.
On Pohara’s perfectly manicured patch of lawn with its stunning view and pleasant coastal breeze, 12 men and four women were present for the Sunday session. This club dates back to 1946, and, like the Takaka Club, welcomes new members of all ages.
The youngest Pohara player is 12 years old. Young Baydon follows in the footsteps of father, Rodney Main.
Rodney acknowledges that “all clubs in New Zealand are struggling, and for a really small club we are doing quite well—and you don’t get a better view than that,” he adds, indicating the beach beyond.
“To become a good player you need good hand-eye co-ordination, and then it is all about spending time on the green. You need two things: the line and the length; if you can get that then you can play for New Zealand.
“It is gaining in popularity with young people and it is a lot of fun, but also a big tie.”
Takaka’s club president George McGeady praises the sport as one that keeps people fit in a gentle way and can be played by all ages.
“It’s good for friendships and socializing,” says George. “It’s gentle but there is also a lot of rivalry. It is quite time-consuming; today we play all day and on Tuesdays we have interclub, home and away games.”
“All of our players in the club are over 50, and we would like some younger members. Bowling is fun for any age, but the best bowlers are pretty young because they are more agile and there is a lot of bending and walking involved.”
Players pace about seven kilometres on an average whole day on the green, as someone measured recently, so appropriate footwear makes sense.
Bowling certainly takes some skill. The aim of the game it seems is to get your ball as close to the jack (the small white ball) as possible. The problem is that the ball is not perfectly round, so it wobbles across the playing field and can take an unsuspected turn or curve.
For those willing to give it a go, the Takaka Bowling Club will hold afternoon social bowls and some fun games on Friday afternoons, starting this Friday 5 November at 1.30pm. For more information contact George McGeady on 525 7113 or Carol Kennedy on 525 9468.
The Pohara Club meets on Sundays and has a social roll-up on Sundays at 1pm, and three nights of social bowls, the “Skeets tournament”, Tuesdays 16, 23 and 30 November, 6pm start.
The club is open to holidaymakers for a social game, too. For more information please contact Skeet Barnett on 525 9058.
Ina Holst
