In the spotlight: Get to know Gary Crouser
Get to know the people in our town.
Gary Crouser (49) is the owner of the Brakpan Mines Bowling Club. A local historical landmark, the club was established in 1912, making it, at 117 years old, the oldest operational club in Gauteng and the fifth oldest in the country. Although a Boksburg resident, Gary considers himself a Brakpan local and describes the town as “the centre of the universe”. He has two children, Dane (19) and Connor (12).
• For how long have you owned Brakpan Mines Bowling Club?
Purchased it last year when the club ran into financial difficulties and was on the verge of closing down.
We couldn’t let a part of history disappear.
• How did you first become involved in the club?
We used to have disco parties there in the ’80s.
• What are your future plans for the club?
We are going from strength to strength with bowls and in the long term, we may build a retirement village around the greens.
• Do you play bowls?
Only socially and not very well.
• What is your occupation?
Self-employed with a number of business interests.
• Brakpan Mines is the only bowling club still operating in Brakpan today. How do you feel about the decay of the town’s other sporting facilities, such as bowling clubs and tennis clubs?
It’s really sad to see what has happened with sports clubs all around the country.
Even the Brakpan Hockey Club that I was involved in building has been lost.
At one time Brakpan had bowls at Sallies, Brakpan Town, Cosy and State Mines, but sadly these are all gone. As a committee we are working hard to encourage any bowlers, young or old, to come down and give it a try.
We also offer free coaching lessons.
As a club, we are also trying to assist Ernest and Jeff Waner with the establishment of a university in the town, which would be a turning point for Brakpan and its future.
• Does the club have any plans to celebrate Brakpan’s centenary?
Yes, we are in discussions with the Brakpan Museum and Heritage Society with plans for the centenary.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I collect cars and love a cold beer.
• What makes you laugh?
Clever humour, Brakpan jokes and reckless people.
• Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
Although I was born on the East Rand, I lived in Zimbabwe until I was five.
• What is your favourite thing about Brakpan?
No matter where I travel in the world there is always someone who has a connection to Brakpan, although many don’t admit it straight away.
It’s also the only place Chuck Norris is scared to travel to.
Follow us:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs Advertiser, Boksburg Advertiser, Benoni City Times, African Reporter
