There is nothing like a new season opening day that rallies the troops to roll up their sleeves and get things ship-shaped in preparation. The to-do list varies from club to club, it can be anything from refreshing the clubhouse, rejuvenating greens, polishing trophies, and setting the new programme – it is all part of the joy of belonging to a club. It’s all worth the effort when opening day arrives, the doors open to welcome in members and guests.

Balmoral Bowls
After five years of planning and anticipation, our remarkable transformation is complete! The final week leading up to the grand reopening felt like an exhilarating episode from The Block, with builders racing against the clock to add those last-minute finishing touches on Saturday morning.

Among the buzz of construction, a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly, performing meticulous clean-ups, assembling tables, and arranging furniture for the big reveal. And what a reveal it was.

The occasion was made more special by Patron George Keruse, aged 105, cutting the ribbon and was the first to use the mobility ramp with his walker. George then ventured onto the green, rolled the jack and then delivered a bowl within half a mat of the jack.

In 2014, George was the oldest person in New Zealand to jump out of an aeroplane at age 95. George commented, “I decided if I don’t do it now, I’d be getting too old. It wasn’t a bucket list or anything, it’s just that I wanted to do it. I’ve always wanted to do it!”

Thanks, Bowls Auckland CEO Dean Bartlett and Vice President Helen Blick for attending. Club President Graham Farley said, “Balmoral Bowling Club is grateful for the generosity and invaluable financial support of the Rawhiti Committee and Blue Waters Community Trust who have made this transformation possible. We also thank Clearlite Bathrooms for donating the vanities and mirrors for our newly revamped space.”

— Linda Farley, Balmoral Bowls

Henderson Bowling Club
On Saturday 26 August, seven months to the day, since the big January floods spoiled things, the Club opened its newly completed green – bowling friends and members were invited to test it out. How good was it to be back on home turf!

Jump forward to Saturday 16 September. It’s Opening Day, with 50 members and guests looking on as Club President Tony Lumb led the proceedings.

Among the guests was Taffy Davies, President of Te Atatu Peninsula Bowling Club. Te Atatu was one of the clubs supporting Henderson while their greens were out of action.

Tony expressed the Club’s appreciation to everyone who helped in the massive clean-up following the floods and to all those who

enabled the new green to be installed. The re-surfacing was supported by both the Rawhiti Committee and Blue Waters Community Trust. Bowls Auckland Chair Ian Dee commented, “It was pleasing to be part of the opening celebration and to see Henderson resume their bowls and being part of their community again.”

Following the formal part of the ceremony, guests enjoyed a 10-end roll-up followed by afternoon tea.