Is there a bowls club in heaven?
If there is then at least there?s no need to amalgamate up there to ensure a solid membership. The game of bowls, as skilful as it is, has always been associated with the older generations. Needless to say, the more sedate pace of the game has meant it has missed out on the high profile coverage and marketing campaigns that rugby, even basketball, enjoy. For many members, the lack of ?hoo-ha? probably suits them down to the ground. Unfortunately, the reality of life is that for most sports clubs in the country, strength comes in numbers. With the average age of most bowling members being in the mid-70?s, the possibility of bowling numbers increasing in the near future is looking grim. ? As our story on the demise of Petone Bowling Club and its subsequent amalgamation with Central shows lack of membership equals lack of funds - equals lack of club. Admittedly, the fortunate location of the Petone Bowling Club?s premises behind Jackson Street suggests the eventual sale will provide some bumper funds for the club. Yet for those who have been involved with the club throughout its existence, there would certainly be a hint of sadness at the end of a legacy that began 108 years ago. It seems that this trend has extended throughout the country. Australia is not immune to the slump either, with an equally sustained decline of members in recent years. This is in spite of many bowling clubs introducing poker machines and cheap beverages to encourage a younger demographic into their ranks. But while this worked in a social capacity, playing numbers have failed to soar. The nation?s bowls clubs face a tough road for survival as numbers drop. Indeed, as long as there are senior citizens in our community wanting to play, bowls will continue to be as popular as ever. But if there is no way to attract the necessary numbers of new talent to the greens around the country, even amalgamation may be a lost cause.
