Raumati Bowling Club

“As an avid sportsperson and keen golfer, I always had the urge to get into lawn bowls at some stage. For many years I had been employed in sports management and had experienced a sense of apprehension with new members joining a club and not knowing anyone.  The initial introduction to Raumati Bowling Club was so welcoming that any reservations where quickly dispelled and joining became a formality.   Many sports clubs advocate how friendly and welcoming they are and I can honestly say Raumati Bowling Club sits right up there.   It is now clear to see the positive vibes, the enthusiasm, the direction of the Raumati Bowling Club and its prime location in the heart of Raumati and that this is the place to be.”

I have lived in the Raumati Beach area for over 40yrs and have often stopped and peered over the block wall to watch the bowlers play thinking this is something I would like to do but far to young to start. My regret since joining the Raumati Bowling Club this season is I should have done this sooner. My early assessment of the game of bowls is that you need technique, it’s a thinking game and there is some luck involved, I can also see that the game could become addictive. Though I’m still working full time but edging closer to that year of retirement I want to play as much as my spare time permits and who knows once in retirement I may never be home.   I have found the Raumati Bowling Club very welcoming since joining with senior club members making their own time available to run training sessions for the new bowlers, awesome. This is a club worth joining.

I’d always thought I might play bowls at some stage. My parents both played, my father till well into his 90’s. And of course bowls is a less vigorous sport than golf, my current sporting passion, so offers the prospect of being playable later in life than golf.  So when John the president twisted some arms to sign up social members I took up his offer and intimated that I’d been thinking of taking up the game.  John, ever keen for new members, took me for a roll up, introduced me to some members, and arranged for Dennis to provide coaching.  For a couple of reasons, not least the lockdown, I’ve had a delayed start but am hopeful of getting more involved as the year progresses.