Norlane seeking roll-ins
Fine mess if old club cannot field two teams each week
NORLANE Bowling Club members are making a passionate plea for new players to help ensure the club’s future in the local competition.
While the 52-year-old organisation remains in a good position financially, club director Bob Purves said a membership decline had left the group in “dire straits”.
“Years ago we used to be a very strong club, but we are down to two (competition) teams now and even battling to fill the second team which — if we can’t — will mean we get fined every week because we can’t play,” Mr Purves said.
“At the peak of the place there was 100, now we are down to 30, not including social members, which are still pretty strong.”
The club needs a minimum of 28 players to fill two sides each week but Mr Purves said the pool needed to be large enough to cover holidays, illness and injury.
Potential players should not be held back by stereotypes, he said.
“It’s not a game for old people, it’s a game for every age group. The members themselves are good and easy to get on with and the club is financial,” Mr Purves said.
“Women are welcome as well and the kids are free, all under-18s don’t pay membership to play a game.
“We’re trying to change the concept from being a bowling club to a community club.”
Transport to away games is supplied and while there is a small membership fee to join, if money is a barrier to participation Mr Purves said the club could come to some sort of arrangement with regards to buying a uniform.
“I’ve been playing since 1985, I am 81 now, and I am still competitive, I love it,” he said.
“I am sure there are a lot of people around Norlane who don’t know we exist.
“We want to open it up to the community and welcome people in.”
The new bowls season starts on October 6 and runs until March with a four-week break over the Christmas period.
Prospective players should contact the club on 5275 2309