Westville bowling club always open for new members

WESTVILLE Country Club bowls section has been in existence since 1966 when Bede Cooke, a Westville stalwart who died recently, was involved in the laying of the first two greens and in the construction of the bowls pavilion.

The club was officially opened in 1968 by the then Mayor of Westville, Teddy Brown.

A member of the club, Ian Walsh said, “Bowls was extremely formal, men and women were subjected to stringent dress codes which have fortunately been relaxed over the last ten years.

“Women had to wear dresses, stockings and brown shoes, while men had to wear their blazers which they were allowed to remove while playing bowls.

“There was no bar at the bowls pavilion and therefore all bowlers had to walk up to the main club for their thirst quenchers.

“The game was extremely popular in the 1970s and when the membership exceeded the capacity of the two greens, a third green was built and the pavilion was expanded to accommodate the increased numbers of players.

“While a lot of people have played occasional holiday bowls at some of the Berg resorts, the game played at clubs is a lot more competitive and structured.

“The art of getting your bowl next to the jack consistently becomes a self inflicted drug that drives one to spend hours practicing. The speed of the greens and the varied length of the jack from the mat throws confusion into the minds of the best bowlers,” he said.

Over the last ten years there has been a drop in the numbers of bowlers in South Africa.

“Many people opt to become couch potatoes rather than enjoy the outdoors and the good company and friendship that is always offered out on the bowling green.

Westville Country Club Bowls section has maintained a constant membership over the last five years and this can be seen by the numbers of bowlers that participate on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons when they play social bowls and always extend an open invitation to new and experienced bowlers.

“We also have monthly competitions and both our men and ladies play in the district interclub leagues.

“We have also got involved with our community over the last ten years and have hosted several company and service sector bowls days. A lot of our members are involved in some of the service clubs in Westville and every Friday we host the patients from Headway .

“Westville Country Club Bowls section is a competitive but friendly family club where both husband and wife can participate as a team and enjoy the benefits of club life and good friends,” said Walsh.

New members and beginners are always welcome, should you be interested in joining contact Sylvia Munro on 031 262 2788.