Club squashes rumour

West Toowoomba Bowls Club has big plans

West Toowoomba Bowls Club is ready for a future after the COVID-19 crisis.

LAWN BOWLS : Their doors are closed now, but West Toowoomba will be ready to roll when the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Club deputy chairman Graeme Wockner said there was no truth to rumours the club would not re-open when government “bans” on licensed venues and sports facilities are lifted.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Wockner said.

“Aside from having to close the doors during the shutdown we’re actually quite happy with how things are looking.

“The club is in a good place financially and we have a few more years left on our lease.

“We will be ready and looking forward to returning to normal operation when we get the okay.”

Adding to the club’s steadfast optimism is the fact they received two pieces of unexpected good news in the past few days.

“Our greens are looking great at the moment,” Wockner said.

“We were worried we were going to lose our greenkeeper in the midst of all this – right after he had done such a great job on things.

“He’s hanging around doing casual work in town now though and should come back.

“There’s also been a change to ruling which means we can accept roll-ups (practice) again provided people adhere to social distancing.”

Looking further ahead Wockner sees opportunity for the club to grow post COVID-19.

“A bowls club membership is probably the cheapest sports membership you can have,” he said.

“A lot of people think it’s just a sport for old people but that’s not the case at all.

“It’s usually the young ones cleaning up at the competitions.

“Anyone can pick up the sport and the community is very supportive.

“We’d love to see more people take it up and would welcome new members.”

Originally published as