The Woodpecker Bowling Club in Bez Valley on 2nd Avenue is calling on the community to join the club.
“Young people see bowling as an old man’s sport, and that is not true. Young people can learn a lot from the sport,” said Carl Rijnvis, captain of the bowling club.
The club was founded by Max Goodman in 1960 and, at the time, it was called Bezuidenhout Park Bowling Club. However, it later changed its name to the Woodpecker Bowling Club and carries a rich history of the area.
Rijnvis said it concerns him how many clubs are closing down because of a lack of support from the community. “The clubs are a place to build relationships and also enjoy a good game of bowls and good company.”
He said they don’t want to see Woodpecker being closed down because they want the community to come and use the club, whether young or old. “We want to accommodate different ages and look at what other activities we can introduce to the club.”
The club has exciting plans for this year. They will be starting an over-40 dance club to encourage the elderly to come and enjoy old-school music and dance. Also, they want to teach bowls to young people who are interested in playing. The club is registered with the Joburg Bowling League and still plays challenges against other clubs.
Rijnvis said it has not been easy to keep the club running because the greens need to be maintained, which is expensive; and people are needed to run the place – and all that costs money.
The club will be playing a friendly on 12 February against the Randburg Soweto Development bowls team. The game will start at 1pm.
“We invite the community to come and support us. This can be an opportunity to learn more about the club itself and what we are all about,” concluded Rijnvis.
The Woodpecker club opens from Monday to Friday at 10am and Saturday to Sunday at 9am.
Details: Carl Rijnvis 083 453 5445.
Read: Raising funds through bowling
Tell the community about recent successes or upcoming events at your club by emailing Joburg East Express on joburgeast@caxton.co.za