For 98 years, Vryheid Bowling Club has been more than just a place to play a game. It’s a place of community camaraderie, friendship and competition on the greens. From seniors who find companionship on the greens to young players discovering the joy of sport, the bowling club is a home to many.
But now, the club is facing financial strain due to rising maintenance costs, ageing infrastructure and daily necessities. Without urgent support, the club may not be able to continue operating to see it celebrate its centennial in two years’ time.

The club boasts with well-known names over the past years, such as Thelma van Heusden (founder of the Northern Country Districts Women’s Bowls Association in 1958), John and Anne Edgar, Jan Joubert, Basil Sparrow, George Murray and Jack James, to name but a few. The club is also the proud home of Junior Springbok Colin Binder, who has sadly passed away.
The club is calling on past players, supporters, local businesses and community members to step in and help them preserve this important part of the town’s history.

Bowling isn’t just a fun activity; it also comes with a wide range of benefits for children and teens. Bowling helps develop hand-eye co-ordination, timing, and fine motor skills. Although it is less intense than other sports, it still involves movement, stretching and lifting, which helps to keep children active. The repeated rolling of the ball helps to develop arm and leg strength, especially for younger children who are still building their physical ability. Bowling requires concentration and planning. By keeping score, it helps to strengthen basic mathematical skills and strategic thinking. In the long term, bowling is a sport that can be played and enjoyed at any age. Talented bowlers can join school leagues or even compete regionally and nationally.
It is a sport that shapes character, builds confidence and promotes healthy habits that last a lifetime. Currently, the club has only 19 members, of which six are active.

As a community, everyone can ensure that the club remains a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and sport continues to bring people together.

To donate, use the following banking details: Account name – Vryheid Bowling Club, account number – 5417 625 5213, bank name – First National Bank, branch code – 270523.
If you would like to join the bowling club, contact Lindsay Steele on 071 361 5043.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area