Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Monster sale to boost club coffers
The Blenheim Bowling Club is still celebrating its success at a national competition this year – but it’s also still paying the bills.
Four teams competed in the men’s and women’s Bowls NZ national interclub finals last season, proving fierce competition for teams from across the country.
The division one men’s team and the division two women’s combination both reached the semifinals in their divisions, each placing third equal.
But the cost of transporting 32 people to Auckland and paying for accommodation has left the club’s coffers a bit low.
So the club is holding a ‘‘monster’’ garage sale in two weeks, to boost funds by selling all sorts of household goodies – including some big-ticket items.
Club president Lloyd Gallop says members had generously donated items clogging up their garages and cupboards.
There will be two electric lawnmowers, a gas barbecue, a refrigerator and an oven, a compost bin, a heat pump and some televisions, alongside other household items.
‘‘We’re just trying to catch up a bit, put some money back in so if we do [make the finals] again this year, we’re not scraping the barrel.’’
Most of the club’s funds come through membership fees but the Weld St clubrooms in Blenheim are also available for functions, and Lloyd says he welcomes more bookings to help top up their funds.
‘‘We do hold quite a few Christmas parties and people use the space for bowls at the same time.’’
Lloyd, who is about to start his 40th season with the 125-year-old club, says members range in age and the sport is ‘‘not just for old people’’.
‘‘We’d like to change the image of it. We do have some younger members and families. My son is 30 and he’s been playing since he was 12. ‘‘The club is quite competitive. ‘‘The walls show all the titles we’ve won at national events and we’re pretty proud of our achievements.
‘‘We’re probably the envy of a few clubs, for the facilities as well as our achievements.’’
The monster garage sale will run from 9am until noon on September 9.
Members of the public are welcome to donate items for the sale, and should contact Lloyd on 027 4331 203.