Wendouree bowls needs more rollers

CENTRAL Wendouree Bowls committee are calling out for more players to join their club this coming season.

Bowls Committee president Laurie Wadeson said they are looking for new or experienced players to compete in the Ballarat District Bowls Division’s Saturday and Tuesday competitions.

“We need 64 players on a Saturday and 48 players for Tuesday, we’re trying to boost our numbers.”

“Our youngest member is 24 and we range to having a couple of 90-year-old but mostly we’re around the 60s or the 80s age range.

“We cater for all capabilities, we have one person who bowls in a wheelchair, we’ve got two people that are legally blind that bowl, everyone is treated the same.”

For a brand-new bowler joining the club, Mr Wadeson said there would be a variety of perks and privileges.

“For someone who has never bowled before you get free membership for the first year,” he said.

“We do have coaches for free for brand new bowlers and they also get a free membership for the first year and see how they like it.

“Generally, on a Friday night we have a happy hour sometimes a bit of a barbecue, sometimes we have social bowls, pizza nights.”

Aside from beginner’s perks, the club also boasts top range facilities including two grass pitches, a new synthetic pitch, a barbecue area and event and bar space.

“I think we’ve got the best facilities in this competition,” Ms Wilkins said.

“We have marvellous bar facilities and the hall is for hiring for all of the members as well as the outside public.”

In addition to the club and its members, Ms Wilkins and Mr Wadeson agreed that they love playing bowls because of the community spirit that comes along with it.

“Why I like it is the social aspect, it’s the only sport that I can think of, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, we have people from the council, lawyers,” Mr Wadeson said.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are, everybody’s equal.”

Ms Wilkens said not only does she enjoy the competitive side of bowls, but especially the social side.

“The beauty of the social side is that it doesn’t matter if you’re married, or single, divorced, whatever, people feel comfortable here,” she said. “Being a part of a club is great and we’re a very welcoming club.”

The Tuesday Ballarat bowls season is set to commence 17 November and the following Saturday for the weekend competition.

To join the Central Wendouree Bowls Club email [email protected] or call 5339 1264.