All bowling clubs in the greater East Rand district gathered on October 1 for the Ekurhuleni Bowls District (EKB) AGM at the Boksburg Bowling Club.
The AGM emphasised the annual calendar and featured notable announcements and achievements by the bowlers and clubs from this year and the upcoming season.
Edenvale Bowling Club was named the club of the year for their outstanding performance during this year’s league season and growing from strength to strength.
Marina Brink, a lifetime member of Kempton Park Bowling Club, received an award for being an honorary member in the district for her outstanding contribution and commitment to bowls for over 40 years.
EKB said it had exciting events on the district’s calendar, including the start of its popular open singles, pairs, trips and fours competition and the new season league.
“With these competitions and the start of the new league season comes the entry of exciting bowling talent, affording the district more growth,” said Alana Warrender, the EKB president.
Warrender’s primary goal is to increase membership, especially for younger players, for all 20 clubs in the district.
She believes the sport’s longevity is cemented because it has adapted and become more exciting.
A new executive committee was put in place to achieve the goal, including the following members:
• Alana Warrender – president of Delville Bowling Club.
• John McArdle – vice-president of Alberton Bowling Club.
• Bruce Milne – vice-president of Redding Bowling Club.
• Leigh Austin – competition secretary of Benoni Bowling Club.
• Marianne Hunt – secretary of Kempton Park Bowling Club.
• Petro Gibbons – treasurer of Kempton Park Bowling Club.
• Gerald May – committee of Edenvale Bowling Club.
• Chantal Henn nee Grotto – committee of Northmead Bowling Club.
• Rachel Giesing – committee of Benoni Town.
• Desire Hide – committee of Brackenhurst Bowling Club.
• Willem Viljoen – committee of Modderbee Bowling Club.
• Michael Hunt – committee of Kempton Park Bowling Club.
The start of the Gauteng Challenge, which pits other districts against one another in a head-to-head competition to win the title, will be something to look forward to for the EKB bowling district next year.
The symbolism of the rose – Izimbali (in isiZulu) – is evident on The Ekurhuleni district emblem.
“Just like the rose, the bowlers in our district love the game and are passionate about the sport, which is also why the district features some high-level, top bowlers”, said Warrender.
Should you want to join a bowling club, email secretary.ekb@gmail.com, and you will receive details of the club closest to you.
You can also visit www.ekurhulenibowls.co.za for more details. Most clubs offer free coaching, and they have spare bowls to use should you not have a set.
