Cash-strapped bowls clubs face closure
SANDRINGHAM – A frank observer of bowls clubs' demise sees the influx of 'riff-raff' as another factor that is sounding the death knell for the genteel, therapeutic sport.
Many people have limited choices when it comes to finding an outdoors, sociable hobby that allows them to stay fit, and that is why some turn to the sport of lawn bowls, a low-impact therapeutic exercise that improves coordination and confidence.
Sadly, many bowls clubs in Joburg, such as Hilson in Highlands North, Paterson Park in Orange Grove, and Fairmount in Sandringham, are closing down because there isn’t enough money to sustain them.
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Chad Thomas, CEO of IRS Forensic Investigations said, “The problem is that it only costs R500 a year to be a member. These clubs are not getting enough money from members and, therefore, sublet to others, and this causes misuse of the clubs and allows any riff-raff in.”
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Ward 72 councillor, Steven Kruger, said, “We received quite a few noise complaints due to a bar being leased out to karaoke evenings. It has brought down the reputation of the bowls scene.”
Fairmount will renew their lease in 2019, but Hilson won’t. New members are needed to keep the bowls scene alive in Joburg because the sport is enjoyed by many, and gone are the days when it was seen as a sport for the retired.
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