LAST Friday, News Of The Area spoke with members of the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club who were extremely excited to be able to play a game of social bowls again after the closure of bowling greens for resurfacing earlier in the year.

Club Member Michael Audsley said, “I’m very happy to be back for a game, and a chat.”

The last game played was on 19 February when the two greens were earmarked for resurfacing.

The Club planned a major greens renovation project to replace the old synthetic green with a new superior needle punch product.

Berry Bowling Systems commenced the project in early March only to be impacted by the flooding events that occurred throughout the region on 19 March.

As a result, the bases of the greens were severely damaged and rendered unfit to be played on.

Nambucca Bowls & Recreation Club decided to fund one green to be ready for social bowls and work commenced a couple of weeks ago.

Chairman Tony Stokes said, “Berry Bowling Systems has pulled out all stops to get the green finished to be played on today.”

Men’s and Women’s bowls is an integral part of the Nambucca Heads community providing a means of socialising and exercise to its members.

Unfortunately, the Annual Ken Howard Carnival which attracts players from all over the state this long weekend has had to be cancelled again this year as one green could not support the numbers of bowlers that normally play.

“It’s unfortunate the Ken Howard Carnival is cancelled for another year, last year it was cancelled due to Covid, and now this, next year it will be back,” said Tony Stokes.

Tony said the other green would hopefully be back in operation again soon, saying, “You need to remember people lost their homes and belongings in the March floods, the bowling greens will survive.”

Social Bowls commenced at 1:30 pm with Jack Young who is the club’s oldest bowler at 96 years of age opening with the first bowl of the day.

The Clubs Board of Management will negotiate the resurfacing of the second green regardless of the hold ups with insurance claims due to the flooding event.

 

By Karen GRIBBIN