Last remaining bowling club in Springs closes down

Springs Town Bowling Club closed down on April 30 after 98 years of existence.

Club president Izak Hattingh said the club was established in 1924.
“It is sad to think it is only two years until the club is 100 years old, but we need to shut down. Years ago, when I started bowling, there used to be 11 bowling clubs in and around Springs. We were the only one left.
“This is the only sport we as senior citizens could enjoy, and now that has been taken away from us. Is that the way to treat people who have been loyal to Springs their whole life?” asked Hattingh.
He said they received a hand-delivered letter from the City of Ekurhuleni informing them they have to pay rent of R10 800 per month, as well as 10% of the proceeds from the bar and tearoom.

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“Maintaining this club is not possible anymore, as 80% of the members are pensioners that live close to the breadline. Bowlers and a lot of our friends from other clubs in Ekurhuleni spent many joyful hours playing competitions on our greens that were known to be above average,” he said.
Springs Town Bowling Club will now go the same route as PAM Brink Stadium, Springs Jukskei Club, Olympia Park Swimming Pool, Springs Cricket Grounds, Springs Tennis Club, Springs NetballCourts and Olympia Park Rugby Club.

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“Once upon a time, the Olympia Park sports grounds with all the facilities was a gift from Springs municipality to the community to enjoy the sport they love, fully subsidised and well maintained, but that has all changed over the years,” said Hattingh.
He hopes the club’s facilities will still be maintained.
“We are heartbroken and angry about what is happening to us. We hope the other bowling clubs that belong to Ekurhuleni take notice of what is happening here and take precautions to survive.”

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