The bowling greens were officially opened for the 2022/23 lawn bowls season on Saturday 3rd September after being closed for the month of August. We welcomed 5 new bowlers to the club as well as 2 returning members.
We have 4 weekend (16 a side) and 2 midweek (Tuesday morning – 12 a side) pennant teams entered this year. Bowls Victoria also introduced a new Friday night pennant 6 a side competition running till the end of the year in which we have 2 sides competing. We are confident that with the quality of players we have, the club we will do well this season.
Barefoot Bowls
We had a very successful barefoot bowls special in March 2022 with over 500 people attending the 6-week Friday night program. Unfortunately, we could not accommodate everyone, but the good news is that we will be running the special again this year once we know the pennant fixture list for the Friday nights. Watch our website for further news. Our aim is to provide alternative and fun entertainment for the local community and the response has been beyond our expectations.
Strategic Plan for this bowls season
The management committee, together with the input from club members, are in the process of developing and refining a strategic plan for the club. Our key objectives are:-
– Increase the number of pennant bowlers by 35 over the next 3 years.
– Attract a younger demographic of players and increase the number of lady players.
– Cater for the local community by having barefoot bowls and more social events.
– Improve our communication to members and the local community through social media.
– Prepare a masterplan/schematic design of what we would like our club to look like in 3 to 5 years. This would entail the club entrance being more accessible from Melbourne Road and making the clubhouse and surrounds more modern and welcoming to visitors. Williamstown Bowling Club is situated in a wonderful part of the suburb, and we want to make the local community more aware of us and what we offer.
Hobson Bay Council
Alec Inglis, a member of our management committee, has been on the forefront of initial discussions with the Melissa Stojanovic and Cameron Pullen from Hobsons Bay Council to assist us in achieving our strategic plan. They are also assisting us in solving our problem with the tree roots from the nearby reserve that are sucking the moisture out of the greens and causing an uneven playing surface. As the trees have grown so has their root system which have found a good water source in the summer months when our greens are irrigated. We are liaising with Hobsons Bay Council to install root barriers along the north and south boundary.
Membership
Our social membership has continued growing over the past year which gives us a good base to work from. We are still looking at ways to increase the number of bowls players. Our members have been fantastic in volunteering their time especially with the barefoot bowls special that we had in March.
Floodlights
Mats Gamby, another member of our management committee, undertook the task of managing the upgrade of our floodlights. This was completed in July, and we now have wonderful playing conditions in the evening. The committee is looking to run some fun events on a weekday evening for social bowlers and welcome enquiries from anyone interested in playing.