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Whangaparāoa 10 Pin Bowling Club recently marked its 20th birthday, and members fear it could be the last.
President Wayne Dickinson has been a member since the club was formed in 2000 by the Whangaparāoa bowling alley owner. He remembers the days when 35-40 members would play over two nights at the 10 pin bowling facility behind Coast Plaza.
Five or six other original members remain in the club, but total player numbers are now only just making double digits.
Club captain Lesley Greaves says the current 11 active players still enjoy the game but declining health is an issue. The club was set up for members in the 55 plus age bracket and most are now in their 70s and 80s with one, Mac Hine, recently celebrating his 90th birthday with the other bowlers.
Members pay an annual fee of $25, plus the bowling alley’s charge. Your first day is free.
As well as the option of joining other members for games three times a week, there are a number of away matches – the next one on November 5 is in Palmerston North.
Wayne and Lesley say it’s a friendly club. “We give each other stick about the games, and go for lunch,” Wayne says.
There is also a Christmas dinner, as well as prizegivings.
Lesley says no 10 pin bowling experience is necessary, as everyone has a handicap to create a level playing field.
Anyone interested in joining can phone Wayne, 09 422 3283 or Lesley, 09 425 8877 for more information.
