BROADFORD Bowling Club got its 2022-23 season underway at the weekend by inviting life members to roll the first jack and bowl on a newly-installed bowling green.
The club celebrated the opening of its new $170,000 bowling surface with life member Geoff Kirby rolling a ceremonial first jack, followed by fellow life member Hannah Green bowling the first bowl of the season.
President Jim Hinchcliffe said it was a special occasion for all involved with the club, with about 30 current members in attendance.
“Geoff is now at [Blue Cross] Willowmeade, so we had him out for the day and he enjoyed himself,” he said.
“We’d like to thank all the sponsors who have supported us through the years and helped us to install the new green. We don’t have a lot, but they are special to us.
“Our bingo committee give up their Thursday nights to run bingo, sometimes under extreme difficulty, but they keep on keeping on. The proceeds from bingo have gone a long way towards establishing this new green.
“The Bendigo Bank also donated about $8500 to help fund part of the new green, and the members have supported us with raffles and other fundraisers in the past 12 months. It couldn’t have happened without their support.”
Mr Hinchcliffe said the club was disappointed Mitchell Shire Council declined to help fund the new bowling surface, but said members had rallied behind the project.
“When the council wouldn’t help us out our members really got behind us and were able to fund it ourselves,” he said.
“We’re not going to have any money once we pay the last payment, but with the new season starting we feel we can make our way through it alright.
“We really want to thank our members and sponsors for supporting us during this time. You’ve got to put up with a bit of pain to get the gain.”
People interested in joining the club can call Mr Hinchcliffe on 0418 345 744.
