Bowled over by Mike Blackstock memorial
So, for Mike, the B20 Cricket Bowls section of the Lake Club put on a memorial day that, according to the members of the club, Mike himself would have agreed to without reserve.
All the stops were pulled out at the Lake Club this past weekend in honour of the late Mike Blackstock, former president of Lake Club Bowls.
“Not only was Mike the president of the bowls section at the Lake Club for many years, but he was also a well-known bowler in the district. But his joy came from playing at his club, with his fellow bowlers and friends,” explained Tony Norris, co-founder of B20 bowls.
“Not only was Mike a good competition bowler, but he also enjoyed his social bowls, where he and June enjoyed the company of the members, friends and having a beer or two after the game, whereas, in true tradition, Mike would comment on everyone’s game except his own.”
So, for Mike, the B20 Cricket Bowls section of the Lake Club put on a memorial day that, according to the members of the club, Mike himself would have agreed to without reserve.
“It was a true family fun bowls day where everyone was invited, and a great time was had by all,” said Tony.
“Both greens were filled to capacity within a very short period, not only with his fellow bowlers, their children and grandchildren, but the golfing section also played with their children in tow. This was a day to remember by all who not only played but also those who came as spectators.”
Although this day was planned as a memorial, the day not only belonged to the memory of Mike but also to the B20 Juniors, as they have now been christened into the sport.
“Our B20 Juniors, some of which are Lake bowlers’ grandchildren, took to the game of B20 cricket bowls just as a duck takes to water. Not only did they really enjoy the game, but they also gave some of the older bowlers a lesson in how to play the new format of bowls, which at this stage has taken off so well it is now being played at many clubs around South Africa and overseas,” explained Tony.
“The juniors are keen to take this format of bowls to schools. We think this is a great idea starting in the Benoni area, as this is where B20 cricket bowls were developed. Not all schoolchildren are keen on normal school sport, but this type of bowls, which is a cross between T20 cricket and lawn bowls, may be another sport to add to the school list. Because of the popularity of B20, we are now under the guidance of Robbie and EXCO, taking on corporate team building and fun days, the first has been booked and will take place on December 3 with a sum of 36 people from the company. Not everyone can hit a golf ball at a golf day, but everyone can roll a bowl at a B20 day.”
According to Tony, this is where the memory of Mike will remain and always be strong.
“When the older people were bringing up their own children, they did not really have enough time to become involved as much as they would have liked, but as retired people we have all the time in the world now, not only to become involved but to become actively involved with our grandchildren. They grow up so quickly, enjoy them while you can. In memory of Mike Blackstock. RIP Mike.”
The Mike Blackstock Memorial will be an annual event and always played at the Lake in November.
For more information or to join the bowls teams contact Tony Norris on 082 553 1607/tonynorris12@gmail.com or Val Smith on 073 234 4312/0732344312/val@gmail.com
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