Roll the Jack
With Rozanna Muriwai, as the new president of the Martinborough Bowling Club, the Club is humming.
“When we returned from Bahrain 2 years ago, we wandered down to the Bowling Green to check it out. Both my husband and I love bowling, says Rozanna. We joined. The social side of bowls was strong, but there were only around 6 competitive playing members.
“We realised to make the club financial and competitive we had to invest and start making changes. The cost of a new green was $15,500. Council provided a grant of $4,500 and the club covered the remainder. But with the green out of action we do have a dilemma. Social bowl nights have been postponed in the interim which impacts on our financial situation. We are presently fundraising to boost the coffers.
“Even so full-time membership has grown, as have social bowler numbers. Martinborough members are still competing in local and regional competitions and practising on other club’s greens in the meantime. This season we hope to have around 40 full playing members and over 100 social twilight bowls players. Twilight bowls will hopefully start in the new year and new players are always welcome.
“But best of all the new bowling green is underway. In May we hired a Levin contractor to slice the green into squares and cut below so we could lift away the top inch of soil and grass. Members, friends, and neighbours worked tirelessly. Especially Colleen Paddon, 80 years old, in her gumboots, with wheelbarrow and spade, and Vice President Maryanne Ashworth, despite recently having twelve screws put in her ankle. Not to be outdone, Colleen was there every day lifting the turf. She was a Trojan.
“The green has only just been sown with Maniototo grass. It will take time for it to develop. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the right weather conditions so that the grass will grow quickly.
“We have had fantastic support from local businesses for our forthcoming raffle. If you are asked to buy a ticket, we would welcome your support. “
Lyle Griffiths
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