January 2010 - Steve Glasson
BAREFOOT BOWLS A BIG HIT FOR CLUBS AND PATRONS
It's all the craze all over the Country! Different versions, different concepts and different names!
It's Barefoot Bowls (or Business House Bowls, or Corporate Bowls or Get on The Green Bowls or Bundy Bowls or Night Owls). Call it what you like but it's a happening thing and it's happening everywhere!
It's also proving to be a great benefit to Clubs. There are companies out there now who actually contract their services out to arrange these types of activities. Clubs are benefiting from increased turnover and patronage to their respective venues. And you know what else? It's a popular, fun, unique, trendy activity which is benefiting the community.
Of course, as statistics will demonstrate, the bowling population has stagnated in general somewhat and while numbers officially have decreased, particularly in the last decade or so, I am confident in saying if we knew how many participants were actually taking part in our game in an unofficial capacity, we would no doubt find that our numbers haven't decreased, in fact, the amount of people participating in bowls activities these days have increased!
In relation to Barefoot Bowls, I'm sure most of you know of it, have heard about it or witnessed it somewhere along the lines. The question is, where and when did it really kick off?
Although I have no real proof officially of the very first time or place, I can tell you of the following example and how it benefitted one particular club!
About 10 years ago, the Greenkeeper (Kevin McNamara) at The Camperdown Bowls Club in Sydney instigated Barefoot Bowls in a big way. They advertised it, had music playing, fired up the BBQ and initially charged $5 per head. It was a big hit every Sunday afternoon at 2pm and apparently still is although the price has increased to $10 which is still a bargain.
As it was considered by some to be a fairly drastic measure at getting folks on the green, many members were in opposition and frowned upon the idea. Anyway, it went ahead in leaps and bounds and literally stopped the club from having to close its doors all these years ago!
Of course, it also helped in increasing membership and gave many people the fun opportunity to try bowls when they probably wouldn't have bothered under the traditional format! Of course, the Club benefited and I am led to believe that in 2005, the club actually increased their revenue by approximately $50,000 in green fees! Not bad hey!
Well, as they say, the proof is in the pudding and these days it's a great social occasion and certainly an important attraction to so many clubs nationally! Well done Kevin and to all of you out there who put in the dedicated effort to run such programs!
On to other news and this month my "Club of the Month" features none other than the East Lismore Bowling Club. Situated about 40 minutes South West of Ballina in the NSW North Coast Region Lismore itself is a striving community and is certainly a very popular area for Lawn Bowls. The East Lismore Club itself features 3 magnificent (and I mean magnificent), tif greens. Set in a park with plenty of open spaces, the always well manicured surrounds always looks a treat!
The main tournaments at the club is towards the end of January (this year it's the 23rd) featuring men's triples followed closely by the Australia Day men's pairs!
The inside of the club features 20 pokies, keno and bistro which opens Thursday, Friday and Sunday Night as well as for special events and functions. With the open style of the club and the picturesque outlook, it's an ideal venue for hiring for that special celebration or function.
If you one of those lucky ones who clean up in raffles, don't miss the monster raffles on Friday and Sunday Evenings. I guarantee the beer is icy cold too!
With approximately 200 bowling members and a proud bowling history Eat Lismore enjoyed great success in pennants in 2009 with their No.3 men taking out the Zone Title and the no.7 men being runners up in the State. Well done to all involved!
So, if you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to call in and say G'day. I know you will be made to feel right at home. Watch out though for club stalwart and character, Owen Tanks. He loves a chat, a practical joke and loves to stir everybody up! The club is situated on Neilson Street, East Lismore or call them and put your name down for a game on 02 6621 5098.
On another note, I was delighted to attend the Bowls Bet NSW Premier League Finals series conducted at Raymond Terrace just prior to Christmas. To the newly crowned champions, Engadine, congratulations on your outstanding performance in taking out your first Premier League Championship! Beating the defending champions, Minor Premiers and highly fancied Taren Point in an exciting and tremendous tussle in the final must have put icing on the cake and made the effort all the more rewarding.
Awards were presented at the Grand Final Brunch with Taren Point's Wayne Turley being crowned top skipper for the year. Well done Turls! Special mention must also be made of Gary Willis who, in an incredible feat, also featured on the skippers table with a record of 1 win from 7 starts. Gaz, my friend, you must be delighted! Ha Ha!
Well, that's about it for this month. As I write this I'm at the World Indoor Championships at Potters Leisure in England and with that in mind, next month I'll fill you in on all the details from the event and tell you more about the Potters Leisure Resort!
I hope you all had a safe and very merry festive season and now look forward to a big year of bowls in 2010.
Don't forget to email me at steve@bcib.com.au
Best wishes and good bowling
Steve Glasson
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