Hillcrest Bowling Club expands

HILLCREST Bowling Club is ready to expand with the bold initiative taken by its members to build a new green.

The club, which has been running for 82 years, has a thriving membership of 220 and is situated at the William Gillitt Sports Ground in the heart of Hillcrest. It attracts not only couples of retirement age but also a significant number of younger players.

The club’s busy calendar has resulted in the wear and tear of the two existing greens. The solution was to either to build a third green or to restrict membership and/or playing time. The members voted for the expansion project.

“In today’s bowls world of declining membership and clubs closing, this project has bucked the trend, setting itself up for the future wellbeing, strength and stability of the club,” said Keith Sanderson, president of the Hillcrest Bowling Club.

“We soon realised that the only way we could afford a third green was to do a DIY job. And, in another show of courage, that’s exactly what we did, knowing that among our members we have enormous hidden expertise and experience.”

The 3G team, as it is fondly known, consists of a small group of talented and dedicated club members, who have planned and built the green. Financial support for the project has come from club members as well as local businesses, such as Martin & East, who laid the foundation for the green.

The green has been planted and the young grass is starting to show through. It is expected to be ready for play in November.

“If you think laterally, and dream a little, anything is possible. As one member said at our approving meeting: ‘Have faith!’

“With a bit of courage, some out-of-the-box thinking, some dedicated members and a sprinkling of luck, I’m sure that the local bowls community will benefit enormously from our initiative in future years.”

The club is encouraging new members to join, whether experienced or beginners. Qualified coaches are on hand to provide coaching tailored to individual needs on Friday afternoons at 2pm. Social bowls is on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday and Sunday mornings. Competitions are played throughout the month.

Contact Hillcrest Bowling Club on 031 765 4151.