New president of Boksburg Bowling Club shares his thoughts

New Boksburg Bowling Club president Hennie Coetzer recently had a talk with the Advertiser as the Advertiser sought to know more about the man behind the executive leader of the club.

Is there a time frame to your tenure of being president of the club?

Committee members have to be voted every year.

Did you bring any new executive members with you?

Yes our executives are Hennie Coetzer (president), Grant Sloan (vice) Anne-Marie van Heerden (treasurer) and Joy Goodson (secretary). Committee members include Johnny Viggers, Anita Meyer, Sharron Blanche and Glynis de Jagger. Men’s competition secretary is Dennis Luttig, ladies’ is Heather Waldick.

Did you also hold a sporting position before joining the Boksburg Bowling Club?

No, never had the time.

What are you looking at bringing to the club?

Main aim in the following year is to develop bowls in Boksburg, grow membership and expose and develop bowls in the community.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Florida North on the West Rand.

You’re an insurance advisor by profession, correct?

I have been an insurance broker for the last 25 years of which the last 10 has been in Boksburg.

What steps can be taken for a person wanting to join the club to play some bowls?

Bowls is a sport that can be enjoyed by young and old and can be started at any age. Boksburg will offer the necessary coaching and introduction to the game and anybody is welcome to come down to club for an introduction with no obligations. We will supply the bowls and the coaching.

What are the fees involved for a member of the club on an annual basis?

The fees are R1 292 per year which include the annual affiliation payable to Bowls South Africa and Ekurhuleni Bowls.

How long is a bowling season?

Bowls is played right through the year but District League is from November to February. Most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays we have some form of bowls happening at the club.

I take it you play bowls yourself?

I have been playing for 12 years, but still need much practise.

What’s your favourite sport, and why?

Rugby, a serious Bulls supporter.

Who’s your favourite sportsman, and why?

The older boxers such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Rocky Marciano, Marvin Haggler and Archie Moore: hard boxers that had to work hard and always gave 100 per cent.

Do you have any hidden talents?

My singing voice, that’s why it’s hidden.

Which item can you not travel without?

Phone and toothbrush.

What do you enjoy doing with your spare time?

My family and the bowls.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Iceland.

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

A Cowboy.

What was your favourite subject at school?

PT.

What would you say is the best thing about the sport of bowling?

Friendships and comradery.