Glen Eden Bowling Club has just celebrated its 101st anniversary. And that significant milestone confirms the sport’s long-standing popularity among West Aucklanders.
‘We currently have 160 members,’ reports Marketing Office Darren Schroeder. He adds that while many members are competitive bowlers participating in inter-club and regional tournaments, most are social players. ‘Many members enjoy the bowls, but getting together with friends is even better,’ says Darren.
Bowls is often labelled as a sport for older people. However, Darren says club members are of all ages. ‘Our youngest is aged 13,’ he declares. Glen Eden Bowling Club also coaches local schools, including Kelston Boys’ High School.
The club boasts some excellent facilities, with two full-size greens, including an artificial one. The artificial green has floodlights and is currently being refurbished. The resurfacing is soon to be completed, so all-weather, twilight bowls will be back on the calendar.
The Bowling Club is also a social hub for the local community. The clubrooms are available for hire and have hosted a variety of functions, including weddings, parties and quiz nights. There’s even a Texas Hold’em group that meets at the clubhouse.
As a community club, funding is an ongoing challenge. The clubrooms were built in the 1970s, and accessibility for disabled or wheelchair members was becoming a problem. The committee was determined to do something about it and approached the Your West Support Fund for help.
Glen Eden Bowling Club received $10,000 from the latest funding round. The club plans to use the money to convert an existing toilet and shower facility into a unisex, accessible one. ‘A wide door and handrails are more practical for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues,’ says Darren.
The upgrade is well underway, with plans and contractors lined up. Subject to securing top-up funding, the work should be completed before the end of the season in May.
‘Thanks to the Your West Support Fund, we can get our club facilities up to 21st century standards,’ declares Darren. And that’s good news for club members and the whole community.
The bowls season has just begun, so it’s a great time to get involved. If you want to get rolling and give this fun sport a go, check out the website for all the details.
