HBC opens new bowling green
Despite the growing trend of declining numbers among bowls clubs, the Hillcrest Bowling Club sets itself against the norm as the club continues to grow.
THE Hillcrest Bowling Club officially opened its new third green on Friday, 19 February.
There were 120 members and guests at the ceremony to celebrate the momentous occasion for the club. Guest of honour, Charles Levy of Bowls South Africa, rolled the traditional first bowl and unveiled the plaque of the green, ‘Endeavour’.
DA PR ward councillor, Gillian Noyce, was present to witness the occasion. Hillcrest Bowling Club is 83 years old and forms part of the Hillcrest Sports Club operating on the William Gillitt Sports Ground in central Hillcrest. The sports ground was generously ceded to the people of Hillcrest, under trust, by the Gillitt family in memory of William Gillitt.
In today’s world of declining bowls club membership and clubs closing, HBC, in a show of faith, courage and determination, has bucked the trend, setting itself up for the future wellbeing, strength and stability of the club and its status in the district.
Green construction was a DIY affair, built by a small dedicated group of club members and financed by individual club members, significantly supported by donors and sponsors from the local business community. Margaret Bassett cut the tape to open the new green’s rest area and bench that she donated in memory of her late husband, John.
“Outstanding among the donors is the construction company, Martin and East, currently working in the area, which assisted with much of the initial groundwork. Other significant sponsors include Build-It Botha’s Hill, the Maccaferri Group, Marriott, Miclin Motors, the SPAR Group and Toyota. Revenue from advertising comes from Eldorado Spur, Hear-It, Meumann-White, Q4 Prawns, ReMax, Wakefields and Warwick,” said club president, Jimmy Clark.
After the opening and naming ceremony, the crowd retired to the clubhouse for refreshments and were addressed first by Keith Sanderson, club president during the initiation and construction period. He said, “You have just witnessed the completion of a bold project that sets our club up for long-term stability and success in the bowling world of the future.”
Charles Levy, representing Bowls South Africa, confirmed that Hillcrest Bowling Club has indeed moved against the general trend of declining numbers of bowlers and bowls clubs around the country and the world. He congratulated the club on this positive and bold achievement.
