By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A spectacular, state-of-the-art roof could elevate Narre Warren Bowls Club into one of Victoria’s premier bowls venues.
On the verge of the club’s 30th anniversary, the proposed light-weight translucent canopy with LED ceiling lights across the club’s two greens is part of an ambitious “game plan”.
It’s a far cry from the friendly club’s early days when members drank ‘tinnies’ in an under-construction clubhouse with a bare building frame and no roof.
It also points to a reversal of the club’s dwindling membership since a new board took over 15 months ago.
“Our charter is to become the premier small club in Victoria,” president Eric Sydenham said.
“We want to be the first club that people in our community think of when they want to have a function, join a bowling club or attend a bowling club.
“We want to become a community hub and we’re working towards that in various ways.”
Without resorting to pokies, the 175-member club has been recently accredited the lofty Lighthouse Club status from Bowls Victoria for its high performance and innovation.
Participation in bowls is generally on the rise even if some clubs are folding due to a lack of members, Mr Sydenham said.
“So many young people are attracted to the game. Most of the top bowlers are under 30.
“It’s a changing scene.”
Long-time member Stanley Birkett said the sport’s appeal is its accessibility to all-comers.
“It’s the only sport I now that strength and speed is not a requirement.”
“You just have to be wily,” adds member Micki Horton.
The club plans to take advantage of its prime location within metres of Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and Bunjil Place.
It is opening its doors to disability bowls players and school students and launching a junior academy.
It drove up members with a stall at Fountain Gate and a come and try day.
It’s also marketed itself – with its floodlights, kitchen and outdoor barbecue gazebo – as a venue for work functions, barefoot bowls and Christmas parties.
Major renovations such as more synthetic greens, a semi-commercial kitchen and upgraded clubrooms are on the way.
The club will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its Magid Drive clubrooms on 2 September from noon.
The event will be marked by first president Bob Roff rolling the first jack to mark the start of the bowls season.
