You might be forgiven for thinking that small-town bowling clubs are only for the elderly – retired folks keeping up a bit of activity in their later years.
But for one small-town bowling club, things are on the increase.
Ōtorohanga Bowling Club was facing the same future as many clubs around the country – a decline in numbers and an ageing membership, alongside a facility that needed to be maintained and utilised more.
That was until some women in town took up golf croquet, a natural progression from their golfing days, and needed a space for their club to play.
As with most small towns, where everyone knows everyone, word got out and the bowling club made an offer for golf croquet to use one of their two greens – the start of amalgamating the two clubs.
But that was only the beginning.
Unsure of how to work through the process of combining clubs, or hubbing, they sought advice from Sport Waikato regional connectivity co-ordinator for the area, Robbie Matthews, who facilitated a discussion and brought forward some innovative ideas for them to think about.
From there, they visited Te Awamutu Rugby Sports and Recreation Club to see hubbing in action, a meeting was had with Ōtorohanga District Council, lots of combined committee meetings, before the final agreement was approved.
As with any traditional sport, change can be difficult to navigate – and with some members initially opposed to the idea, there was a bit of work to be done in inspiring them to see a future combined club they could be proud of.
Matthews helped them to see further than just combining the two sports, looking at other activities in the district that were struggling to find space.
With a sizeable clubroom, indoor bowls was brought in, and discussions were held with other local organisations such as fitness classes, the senior citizens club, card clubs and others.
“I have enjoyed working with this collective group of not just sport-minded people; they are very wider-community focused. Progression is not always easy, however, they won’t lose their own code identities or history and are excited about the opportunities ahead, operating as a sport and recreation hub,” Matthews said.
And it doesn’t stop there. Connections have been made with the local high school, with six students regularly attending the club’s bowls and croquet sessions and plans to run high school sessions in future.
Asked what they enjoyed about attending the club, high school student Kate Murchie said everyone made her feel welcome.
“Everyone’s so helpful; it’s fun, quite entertaining, competitive but most of all we enjoy mixing with everyone and helping them out as well in return.”
The newly named Otorohanga Bowls, Croquet and Recreation Club Inc was launched and celebrated with an open day last month to recognise the new entity. With something for everyone, from bowls and croquet to darts, pool and skittles, a fun quiz, lunch and prizes, organiser Ian Clark said it was fantastic to have everyone come together as one, and he couldn’t have been happier with the outcome and the future aspirations of the club.
“We now have a structure we can build on and progress the club. The new structure will allow room for other codes and community groups that need space to play or socialise to join. We see club days as important for giving people an opportunity to get out of their houses and enjoy social engagement,” Clark said.
Although the club’s focus is on physical activity, they want to ensure that anyone can be a member without having to partake in bowls or croquet and enjoy the social aspect of coming together with a bit of banter, laughter and, of course, a cup of tea.
