Allen Park Bowling Club reflects on successful 2025 season and calls for new members

Allen Park Bowling Club has reflected on 2025 as a year marked by hard work, camaraderie and continued commitment to the sport of bowls.

Club secretary Greta Bezuidenhout said the club strives to provide well-maintained bowling greens for its signed-up members through careful management of subscription fees and various fundraising initiatives.

The committee also oversees the maintenance of the greens to the best of its ability within the club’s budgetary constraints.

Throughout 2025, several fundraising events were held to help cover expenses.

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Members sold vetkoek and mince, which was well supported by the community.

On Women’s Day, the club hosted a “Pik en Proe” event, where meals, donated by members, were sold. The theme for the day was black and white.

In October, sosatie rolls were sold by taking orders from residents at the local old age home and retirement village.

Various raffles were held during the year, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day raffles.

A Joker Jackpot ran continuously, and the club also received donations from supporters.

In addition to fundraising efforts, members enjoyed a number of social events. Valentine’s Day was celebrated with a light-hearted “Kings versus Queens” competition. Members also gathered for Easter Day tea, as well as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations.

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Women’s Day and Spring Day were marked with special events, and the year concluded with a function at the clubhouse.

Every Friday afternoon, members participate in a 4-3-2-1 competition, followed by time spent socialising together.

On the competitive front, the club entered various tournaments organised by Ekurhuleni Bowls.

Two fours teams, one men’s and one women’s, represented the club. The women’s team finished second in their division, while the men’s team placed fourth.

The club also entered men’s, women’s and mixed pairs teams. The women’s pairs team won their division and advanced to further play-offs.

Members competed in an interclub competition against clubs from Benoni and Boksburg and performed well.

Some members affiliated with Bowls South Africa also participated in individual competitions, gaining valuable experience while representing the club.

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Looking ahead, the club plans to enter teams in the 2026 Ekurhuleni Bowls competitions and hopes to increase the number of teams participating.

In June 2026, members will compete against bowlers from Eastlands Retirement Estate, with plans to expand these friendly matches to other retirement villages.

The next Annual General Meeting will take place on May 9, when the annual prize-giving ceremony will be held and a new committee for 2026/27 will be elected.

The club also faced moments of sadness, having lost two members in December 2025 and February 2026. Bezuidenhout said these losses had a significant impact on the membership.

“One of the biggest challenges facing the club is its ageing membership. The average age of members is currently 75, and recruiting new members is very important to ensure the club’s future and financial stability,” she said.

“Funds will always be a challenge as the club works to maintain its greens and facilities.”

Despite these challenges, Bezuidenhout said the club remains a place of friendship, community spirit and enjoyment of the game.

Anyone interested in joining the Allen Park Bowling Club can contact Greta Bezuidenhout on 082 875 6837 for more information.