Thanks a Million: How Jeff Taylor got players back on the bowling green

With an average age of 79, Jeff Taylor knew navigating a lawn bowls schedule through covid would be difficult. But he found a way.

Jeff Taylor lives for his bowls at Wavell Heights. Picture: Annette Dew

With an average member age of 79 at the Northern Suburbs Bowls club, volunteer co-ordinator Jeff Taylor knew navigating a lawn bowls game schedule throughout COVID-19 lockdown would be difficult.

But he also knew how important the social game was to the members.

Mr Taylor took it upon himself to access information from Queensland Health, Clubs Queensland, Bowls Queensland and Bowls Australia to establish the COVID-19 procedures needed to ensure the safe return of members to the club.

He was nominated in the Thanks A Million campaign by fellow club member

Diane Macdonald for his dedication to keeping the important social aspects of his bowling club alive.

Jeff Taylor lives for his bowls at Wavell Heights. Picture: Annette Dew

“Jeff was instrumental in getting our club players back into bowls,” she wrote on her nomination form.

“Jeff’s efforts ensured that our aged members could reconnect in the club and on the greens in a safe way. Our club appreciates his quiet work as a volunteer in many ways.

“Thanks Jeff – you are our hero.”

When COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, it meant there could only be eight players on each green instead of the usual 56, so Mr Taylor devised a ‘roll-up’ games schedule which allowed for two-hour sessions.

Elsewhere in the club, restrictions meant no more than 20 people could be within each section, so social clubs like the Mahjong and sewing groups were not able to meet for several months.

“It was very difficult to lose those social interactions,” Mr Taylor said.

“And because of the average age of the members, we had to be careful and so I wanted to make sure we were compliant with the rules.”

Mr Taylor, 72, fell in love with bowls 21 years ago when he visited the Northern Suburbs Bowls Club after a day out with his local fishing club.

He had a go at bowls that day and has played ever since. He has also been a club member and a volunteer at the club throughout this time.

And he is a member of a veterans bowling fraternity, a competition for the 18 clubs in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, which was cancelled in March due to COVID-19 and won’t be back until next year.

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card. Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au