Club calling out for young blood
Waiuku Bowling Club is on the hunt for new members, after a decline in numbers in recent years.
It opened in 1907, making it one of the oldest bowling clubs in the district, but the once popular club now has just 32 members.
Committee member Alan Ferguson said it was his aim to get more people playing his beloved sport.
‘‘Bowling clubs are suffering from a drop off in membership, especially within country areas, so we need to raise our profile a bit. It’s an ageing population and no one is really coming in to take their place.’’
In particular, he is after young recruits, but said battling the age perception that bowls had was a tough challenge.
‘‘The public generally think that bowlers are older.
‘‘I’ve played against some youth and thought ‘this will be easy’ but they killed me...the top echelon of bowlers are all young.’’
He added it was a highly addictive game. ‘‘It’s an addictive sport. ‘‘It hooks you in and if you can’t play really active sports, this is a way to be able to play a sport. It’s fun and we can help them all the way.
‘‘You can play it socially or you can play it competitively, and it’s non contact...the more you put into it, the more you are going to get out of it.’’
Committee member Rod Macgregor said it was also a good sport for those with disabilities.
‘‘It caters for disabilities as well. I can’t walk without my walking stick. People don’t have to be physically fit. There’s really no restriction on your ability.
‘‘I think some people might be daunted and think their body won’t hold up to it, but there’s ways around it.’’
The club is holding have a go days on October 15, 22 and 29 from 10am to 12 noon.
‘‘They just need to bring themselves and their enthusiasm and gee whiskers, if they can do that, then that’s half the battle.’’
For more information about the have a go days, call 021 1633 883.