PLANS to change the Durban Wanderers Bowling Club into a vibrant hang-out spot are underway.
The newly instated scribe, Keyuree Pillay, said she and the club’s committee hope to change the idea that the club is limited to just bowling. Commenting on the restricted numbers for events and functions, she said the alcohol ban knocked business out.
“Sports clubs are dying out slowly, unfortunately, and we need to keep ours alive by keeping things interesting and bringing people in. It’s very challenging and Covid-19 has not helped in this situation,” she said.
“We’re not just limited to bowls, we also have squash, socials and a bikers club called Thumpers Motorcycle Club. We don’t discriminate against anyone – as much as it is a member’s club, we’re more than willing to have people come in, have a look around, in the hopes that they do join.”
She added that their experienced bowlers are more than willing to teach anyone who wants to learn how to play. New members are also needed. Following the former scribe Jeff Bolt’s untimely death, filling in the role has been intriguing for the 26-year-old lab technician at New Forest High School.
“I’ve been with the club for the last eight years and I offered to help out wherever I could. Uncle Jeff’s partner, Richard, said he needed a scribe and I was willing to do that.”
“The fact that I am at the club every weekend also helps, it is like my second home. It’s been an interesting few weeks as a scribe for the Wanderers, especially with meeting the deadlines. It is only by Sunday evening that I know exactly what had happened during the weekend as scores are in by then,” she said, adding that her new role requires multi-tasking.
Having had two sold-out comedy shows, Keyuree said it attests to how well this idea is coming along. They plan to have at least one show every month as she believes it’s something that will get people excited about it. A live band performance for Father’s Day is also underway.
“Our kitchen is open from Tuesday through to Sunday. We do a special every day and on Sundays we do roasts. For Father’s Day we’re running an eisbein special. We’re hoping to make the club child-friendly as well because we’ve seen generations walk through our doors and we want to keep it that way,” she added.