Club opens its greens to students

Bowling took on a younger perspective recently when Year 10 students from Rodney College accepted an invitation from the Wellsford Bowling Club.

The students, aged 14 and 15 years, were given the opportunity to ‘have a go’ with the guidance of NZ representative player Wendy Jensen. Jensen, who has played in World Bowls and Commonwealth Games championships, is normally based in Takapuna.

She attended the coaching day at the invitation of club member Steve Card.

Card says the club hopes to run regular sessions for the students, who appeared to be enjoying their first experience of bowls.

The club will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year and Card hopes this will be an occasion to attract new bowlers to the club. He says bowling has many benefits for people of all ages, from fitness to the social side of the game.

“It’s impossible to be lonely when you belong to a bowls club,” he says. “There’s always someone to talk to.”

One of the most pressing issues facing the club is the replacement of the artificial playing surface.

The club is open on Wednesdays from 10am and Saturdays from 1pm, and anyone interested in playing bowls, whether they have played before or are new to the game, is welcome to attend. All gear is supplied, although bowlers are asked to wear soft-soled shoes.

The clubrooms are well equipped with darts, pool, table tennis and indoor bowls facilities.

Card thanked the Saloon Bar Wellsford, Bowls Warehouse and Hammer Hardware Wellsford for their support of the student bowling initiative.