AS warm weather nears and with the winter months depriving residents of essential Vitamin D there has never been a better time to get outdoors and join the Millicent Bowling Club.
Club president Andrea Radley and secretary Sarah Ross have overseen a spike in players through both an amalgamation of the women’s and men’s clubs and an increase in casual players in the Night Owl Bowls competition.
“We have 120 members in the club, six divisions of open pennants on Saturday and three divisions of ladies’ pennants on Friday,” Ms Radley said.
“On Tuesday mornings we have working bees as our club is more than just bowling.”
“Without a community club, our club rooms are also available to hire for birthdays, wakes and even a quiz night.”
Ms Ross is one of the youngest members but said there were plenty of older members with some bowlers playing well into their early 80s.
“I used to play with ladies who were out there in their 90s and they were just as skilled as anyone else,” Ms Radley said.
“Bowls gave them something to look forward to every week and if you do not use it, you lose it.”
“We have many different people who come out and bowl including farmers, retirees and players from smaller clubs that have folded,” Ms Ross said.
Ms Ross said Millicent High School students try their hand at the sport while Wednesday’s Night Owl Bowls attracts young players and families.
“These bowling nights mean that you do not have to commit to being in the club but you can still try the sport,” she said.
Ms Radley said bowlers contributed to the upkeep of the club and volunteer behind the bar and canteen as well as ground maintenance.
“Everyone is a volunteer here and the greens are impeccable,” she said.
The club’s spring and summer season kicks off after the second week of October and continues during the warmer months until March, with finals to be played April.
Contact the Millicent Bowling Club on 8733 2421 for more information on casual games.
