THE Nambucca Heads Bowling Club turned disaster into triumph last week when it officially opened its new synthetic bowling green.

They originally switched to synthetic greens in 2006 in order to save on the costs of green-keeping that were becoming more than the club could afford.

The passage of time and the ravages of UV radiation saw these greens deteriorate to a point where they needed to be replaced.

A catastrophic flood event greatly delayed the replacement of the greens and that was compounded by the COVID pandemic when border closures in Queensland prevented the expert work force required for installation from getting to Nambucca Heads.

Although the club had one of its greens replaced twelve months ago the shortage of greens and the effects of the COVID-19 based restrictions has greatly impacted on the recreational and social aspects of life for the club’s many bowlers.

News Of The Area spoke to the President of the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club’s Board of Directors, Tony Stokes, who said, “Berry Bowling Systems have worked tirelessly with the Club to get us past the effects of the flooding and pandemic to install greens that are absolutely world class.”

With the club now able to once again host serious competitive bowls the local economy can expect a shot in the arm as visiting bowlers will be descending on Nambucca Heads for major competitions.

The Bowling Clubs Men’s President, Mr Ray Hunt, said, “After being delayed by two years because of COVID, the 44th Annual Ken Howard Men’s Competition will be played over the June long weekend 11, 12, 13 June, this year with bowlers coming from Sydney, the Gold Coast and many other locations.”

Ray Hunt added, “The Ken Howard (competition) has over $10,000 dollars in prize money on offer so you will see both greens in heavy use by some of the county’s best bowlers.”

The Women’s President, Mrs Margret Flagg, told News of the Area, “The Audrey Abercrombie, a major district women’s competition, will be held on 22 June and approximately 28 teams are expected to participate.

Ray Hunt concluded, “I can’t overstate how good it is for our bowlers to be able to play our Pennants and Championships here on our home greens again and I commend all those from the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club who played a part in making these new greens a reality.”

 

By Mick BIRTLES