http://yourbowls.com/forum/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:52:11 +0200 MyBB http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=46 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:48:38 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=46 Do you play 21 ends or 21 shots?

Wade]]> Do you play 21 ends or 21 shots?

Wade]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=45 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:46:39 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=45 Firstly I would like to say that I read all your articles in the Citizen and agree that you are fearless, but fair, in what you consider to be the wrongs done to bowlers.
I enjoy your perception of what goes on in the world of bowls and I am sure that many people have the same perception.
For all the members that belong to this forum....do yourself a favour and read John's column in the Citizen newspaper. You will receive a wealth of understanding and I am sure you will find it very interesting.
I normally discuss John's latest column over the weekend at our bowls club with some of our members and am astounded that so few people are aware that this bowls column in the newspaper and this forum even exist.
I think that by making more people aware of this we would be able to receive more feedback from members which in turn could put a bit of pressure back on to Bowls South Africa (and possibly districts) to publish results, events, etc.
I know that Northmead Bowling Club's website has a link to EGB happenings and results and possibly there are a few other websites up and running for other districts but from the discussions I have had there is no awareness of any of this??? Makes one think!!
I would love to hear the comments from other members about this topic.]]> Firstly I would like to say that I read all your articles in the Citizen and agree that you are fearless, but fair, in what you consider to be the wrongs done to bowlers.
I enjoy your perception of what goes on in the world of bowls and I am sure that many people have the same perception.
For all the members that belong to this forum....do yourself a favour and read John's column in the Citizen newspaper. You will receive a wealth of understanding and I am sure you will find it very interesting.
I normally discuss John's latest column over the weekend at our bowls club with some of our members and am astounded that so few people are aware that this bowls column in the newspaper and this forum even exist.
I think that by making more people aware of this we would be able to receive more feedback from members which in turn could put a bit of pressure back on to Bowls South Africa (and possibly districts) to publish results, events, etc.
I know that Northmead Bowling Club's website has a link to EGB happenings and results and possibly there are a few other websites up and running for other districts but from the discussions I have had there is no awareness of any of this??? Makes one think!!
I would love to hear the comments from other members about this topic.]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=44 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:34:05 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=44
What are the best possible spots for a lead to position his bowls (In fours and trips?)]]>
What are the best possible spots for a lead to position his bowls (In fours and trips?)]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=43 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:48:36 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=43 Perfect Delivery - EG Bowls Masters Singles Championships - August 16 and 17 at Delville Germiston.
Men
Open: Andrew Barrow; André Basson; Terry Daley; Des Day; Clive Dicks; Brian J Dixon; Mike Esmonde-White; Bruce Greig; Ian Herron; Tinus Oelofse; Dave Scholes; Terrence Stopforth.
Seniors: Dave Chapman; Brian Dixon; John Drysdale; Bob Elliott; Tienie Gerber; Abe Griessel; Clive Locke; Ron Slack; Dennis Stewart; Ashley van der Muller; Clive Webb; Edmund Williams.
Women
Open: Linda Dixon; Sheila Buncombe; Jenny Jones; Wendy King; Cherry-Ann Mills; Di Smith; Margaret Cousins; Engela Gerber; Frieda Topham; Lisa Smit; Ellie van Coller; Lientjie Hardy.
Seniors: Santie Balios; Rina McDonald; Dot Jackson; Patsy Willis; Anita de Beer; Brenda Webb; Cilla Minshall; Lorna Bruton; Ann Johnstone; Carole Gill; Anne Rodwell; Ann Gibson.
]]> Perfect Delivery - EG Bowls Masters Singles Championships - August 16 and 17 at Delville Germiston.
Men
Open: Andrew Barrow; André Basson; Terry Daley; Des Day; Clive Dicks; Brian J Dixon; Mike Esmonde-White; Bruce Greig; Ian Herron; Tinus Oelofse; Dave Scholes; Terrence Stopforth.
Seniors: Dave Chapman; Brian Dixon; John Drysdale; Bob Elliott; Tienie Gerber; Abe Griessel; Clive Locke; Ron Slack; Dennis Stewart; Ashley van der Muller; Clive Webb; Edmund Williams.
Women
Open: Linda Dixon; Sheila Buncombe; Jenny Jones; Wendy King; Cherry-Ann Mills; Di Smith; Margaret Cousins; Engela Gerber; Frieda Topham; Lisa Smit; Ellie van Coller; Lientjie Hardy.
Seniors: Santie Balios; Rina McDonald; Dot Jackson; Patsy Willis; Anita de Beer; Brenda Webb; Cilla Minshall; Lorna Bruton; Ann Johnstone; Carole Gill; Anne Rodwell; Ann Gibson.
]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=42 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:25:02 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=42 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=41 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:36:21 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=41
SA Under 25 tournament - Bloemfontein.

ROUND 1

Section 1
Southern Free State B 16 Border B 8; Eastern Gauteng A 28 Northern Free State A 13; Eastern Province A 14 Gauteng North A 13; Natal Inland B 23 Northern Cape B10; Western Province B Bye.

Section 2
Southern Cape 9 Boland A 18; Eastern Gauteng B 8 Central Gauteng A 23; Port Natal B 18 Limpopo A 10; North West A 17 Southern Free State C 14; Northern Free State B Bye

Section 3
Southern Free State A 25 Boland B 22; Kwazulu Natal 18 Central Gauteng B 12; Port Natal A 30 Limpopo B 3; North West B 9 Mpumalanga 17; Sables Bye

Section 4
Southern Free State D 12 Border A 19; Eastern Gauteng C 30Central Gauteng C 9; Eastern Province B 11 Gauteng North B 17; Natal Inland A 24 Northern Cape A 10; Western Province A Bye

ROUND 2

Section 1
Southern Free State B 21 Eastern Gauteng A 10; Border B 16 Gauteng North A 16; Northern Free State A 8Eastern Province A 16; Natal Inland B 14 Western Province B 14; Northern Cape B Bye

Section 2
Southern Cape 16 Eastern Gauteng B 14; Boland A 24 Limpopo A 5;
Central Gauteng A 16 Port Natal B 15; North West A 18 Northern Free State B 12; Southern Free State C Bye

Section 3
Southern Free State A 31 Kwazulu Natal 8; Boland B 19 Limpopo B 13; Central Gauteng B 13 Port Natal A 17; North West B 10 Sables 15; Mpumalanga Bye

Section 4
Southern Free State D 17 Eastern Gauteng C 14; Border A 18 Gauteng North B 17; Central Gauteng C 11 Eastern Province B 17; Natal Inland A 16 Western Province A 22; Northern Cape A Bye.
]]>
SA Under 25 tournament - Bloemfontein.

ROUND 1

Section 1
Southern Free State B 16 Border B 8; Eastern Gauteng A 28 Northern Free State A 13; Eastern Province A 14 Gauteng North A 13; Natal Inland B 23 Northern Cape B10; Western Province B Bye.

Section 2
Southern Cape 9 Boland A 18; Eastern Gauteng B 8 Central Gauteng A 23; Port Natal B 18 Limpopo A 10; North West A 17 Southern Free State C 14; Northern Free State B Bye

Section 3
Southern Free State A 25 Boland B 22; Kwazulu Natal 18 Central Gauteng B 12; Port Natal A 30 Limpopo B 3; North West B 9 Mpumalanga 17; Sables Bye

Section 4
Southern Free State D 12 Border A 19; Eastern Gauteng C 30Central Gauteng C 9; Eastern Province B 11 Gauteng North B 17; Natal Inland A 24 Northern Cape A 10; Western Province A Bye

ROUND 2

Section 1
Southern Free State B 21 Eastern Gauteng A 10; Border B 16 Gauteng North A 16; Northern Free State A 8Eastern Province A 16; Natal Inland B 14 Western Province B 14; Northern Cape B Bye

Section 2
Southern Cape 16 Eastern Gauteng B 14; Boland A 24 Limpopo A 5;
Central Gauteng A 16 Port Natal B 15; North West A 18 Northern Free State B 12; Southern Free State C Bye

Section 3
Southern Free State A 31 Kwazulu Natal 8; Boland B 19 Limpopo B 13; Central Gauteng B 13 Port Natal A 17; North West B 10 Sables 15; Mpumalanga Bye

Section 4
Southern Free State D 17 Eastern Gauteng C 14; Border A 18 Gauteng North B 17; Central Gauteng C 11 Eastern Province B 17; Natal Inland A 16 Western Province A 22; Northern Cape A Bye.
]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=40 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:05:29 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=40
Attached are the names of the players selected to play in the Perfect Delivery CGBA Masters and Presidents.

]]>
Attached are the names of the players selected to play in the Perfect Delivery CGBA Masters and Presidents.

]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=39 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:32:03 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=39 Mervyn Tankelowitz is on the hunt for Maccabi bowlers to play in the 18th Maccabi Games in Israel from July 12 – 23 2009.
Should anyone wish to be considered for selection for the Men’s and women’s Lawn Bowls teams, please contact the Maccabi office by either phoning 011-645-2557, faxing 011-485-1011 or emailing maccabisa@beyachad.co.za for an application form for consideration for selection to be sent to you. Entries close on the July 31 2008 and no late entries will be considered.
Any Maccabi member wishing to apply for the position of Convener / Manager for the team, may do so by sending in an application together with their c.v. to the Maccabi Games Committee, using the same fax number or email address as above.
]]> Mervyn Tankelowitz is on the hunt for Maccabi bowlers to play in the 18th Maccabi Games in Israel from July 12 – 23 2009.
Should anyone wish to be considered for selection for the Men’s and women’s Lawn Bowls teams, please contact the Maccabi office by either phoning 011-645-2557, faxing 011-485-1011 or emailing maccabisa@beyachad.co.za for an application form for consideration for selection to be sent to you. Entries close on the July 31 2008 and no late entries will be considered.
Any Maccabi member wishing to apply for the position of Convener / Manager for the team, may do so by sending in an application together with their c.v. to the Maccabi Games Committee, using the same fax number or email address as above.
]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=38 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:12:47 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=38
Yep it is me again. Okay, so yesterday I spoke to you regarding adding your club name to your profile. Another suggestion maybe is to add a "for sale" section to this site as well.
This could ultimately promote this website to other bowlers when they run searches for various products regarding bowls.]]>
Yep it is me again. Okay, so yesterday I spoke to you regarding adding your club name to your profile. Another suggestion maybe is to add a "for sale" section to this site as well.
This could ultimately promote this website to other bowlers when they run searches for various products regarding bowls.]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=37 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:57:25 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=37 I have played this wonderful game in both Durban and Johannesburg and have a suggestion which I know works very well in Durban.
As you all know league is both good and bad for the wellbeing of our clubs.
The good is that it engenders and stilmulates competition.
The bad is that it aslo brings dissention and unhappiness in all our clubs.
We definately do need league but in the CGBA district it is drawn out over some 5 months.November to March.
This means that for 5 months you have a bunch of unhappy bowlers.
Why not, like in Durban, play the league competition over 5.5 weekends, Saturday pm and Sunday am, and get the whole unhappiness behind us in as short a time as possible. Why not in June or July when the weather will not interfere.
You only have to have 5 selectors' meetings as well.
This shortened league season will allow more time for internal and other competitions.
I am sure that 99% of the CGBA bowlers would agree.
If there is an argument regarding religious committments why do so many of us play in the various district competitions on a Sunday anyway.
What do the CGBA bowlers think????
Lets here from you.
Smokey]]> I have played this wonderful game in both Durban and Johannesburg and have a suggestion which I know works very well in Durban.
As you all know league is both good and bad for the wellbeing of our clubs.
The good is that it engenders and stilmulates competition.
The bad is that it aslo brings dissention and unhappiness in all our clubs.
We definately do need league but in the CGBA district it is drawn out over some 5 months.November to March.
This means that for 5 months you have a bunch of unhappy bowlers.
Why not, like in Durban, play the league competition over 5.5 weekends, Saturday pm and Sunday am, and get the whole unhappiness behind us in as short a time as possible. Why not in June or July when the weather will not interfere.
You only have to have 5 selectors' meetings as well.
This shortened league season will allow more time for internal and other competitions.
I am sure that 99% of the CGBA bowlers would agree.
If there is an argument regarding religious committments why do so many of us play in the various district competitions on a Sunday anyway.
What do the CGBA bowlers think????
Lets here from you.
Smokey]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=36 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:08:38 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=36
GROUND BREAKING DECISION BY BOWLS SOUTH AFRICA

The Executive of Bowls South Africa have considered the views and thoughts regarding the format of future South African Nationals developed through various meetings held with interested parties.

The following proposal is to be presented to Council for consideration at the Workshop on Saturday, 30 August 2008:

That from 2009 the format of the Men’s and Women’s National Championships be changed from the current format and not exceed nine days in duration.

Considering the proposals put forward by various interest groups, which have been widely published in the press and presented to Districts by way of circulars, the Executive recommend the following proposal.

FOURS
That the Fours consist of 15 end games to allow for three rounds to be completed each day.

PAIRS
That the Pairs are played over 15 end games and that the discipline is played with four bowls. Furthermore, that this discipline completes a minimum of three play-off rounds before starting the National Fours. This will allow for large numbers of bowlers to return home should they be only entered into the Pairs.

CLUB CHALLENGE
That the Tournament retains the Club challenge consisting of the Pairs and Fours only. The teams contesting this challenge would require the Fours team to split into two sets of Pairs.

It would not be compulsory for teams to enter the Club challenge which allows for participants to only enter one discipline at the Nationals.

SINGLES
The Singles are to be considered as the finals of the South African Singles and should be played over the last three days of the Championships. Players qualify for the Tournament by qualifying through their respective District Singles event. Allocations per District will be weighted according to total membership. The total entry into the finals shall not exceed 128 players. Eight entries are to be reserved as a Presidents Invitation. The format is to conform to the World Champion of Champions event.

In order to provide participants with an incentive to appear in the finals the first day should be arranged for sectional play of 32 sections of four entries. The second day will continue with knock-out play.

SENIOR SINGLES
The Executive wishes to re-introduce the Senior Singles to the Nationals and for players to qualify through their respective District Senior Singles event. The finals are to be restricted to 64 entries using the same system as the Open Singles.

Those Districts who do not provide a District Senior Singles event should consider doing so, or failing this withdraw from this discipline and therefore, provide for extra entries from other Districts.

In the Singles events, it is not the intention that should a qualifier not be able to attend the finals that substitutes be allowed. The organizers will be required to conduct a closed-up draw.

Motivation:

In order to expand the appeal of the National Championships and possibly increase entries the President has consulted widely to gain the views of players. The formats as detailed in the recommendation allow for a festival of bowls in the Pairs and Fours and provide for players to enjoy a minimum of 10 games at the National Championships. The event takes into account costs and is therefore restricted to a maximum of nine days.

As the winner of the National Singles Championship gains automatic entry to the World Champion of Champions event the new presentation of the Singles is proposed to attract the best Singles players in the country. All bowlers can qualify for the finals by entering and progressing through their respective District Singles.

]]>
GROUND BREAKING DECISION BY BOWLS SOUTH AFRICA

The Executive of Bowls South Africa have considered the views and thoughts regarding the format of future South African Nationals developed through various meetings held with interested parties.

The following proposal is to be presented to Council for consideration at the Workshop on Saturday, 30 August 2008:

That from 2009 the format of the Men’s and Women’s National Championships be changed from the current format and not exceed nine days in duration.

Considering the proposals put forward by various interest groups, which have been widely published in the press and presented to Districts by way of circulars, the Executive recommend the following proposal.

FOURS
That the Fours consist of 15 end games to allow for three rounds to be completed each day.

PAIRS
That the Pairs are played over 15 end games and that the discipline is played with four bowls. Furthermore, that this discipline completes a minimum of three play-off rounds before starting the National Fours. This will allow for large numbers of bowlers to return home should they be only entered into the Pairs.

CLUB CHALLENGE
That the Tournament retains the Club challenge consisting of the Pairs and Fours only. The teams contesting this challenge would require the Fours team to split into two sets of Pairs.

It would not be compulsory for teams to enter the Club challenge which allows for participants to only enter one discipline at the Nationals.

SINGLES
The Singles are to be considered as the finals of the South African Singles and should be played over the last three days of the Championships. Players qualify for the Tournament by qualifying through their respective District Singles event. Allocations per District will be weighted according to total membership. The total entry into the finals shall not exceed 128 players. Eight entries are to be reserved as a Presidents Invitation. The format is to conform to the World Champion of Champions event.

In order to provide participants with an incentive to appear in the finals the first day should be arranged for sectional play of 32 sections of four entries. The second day will continue with knock-out play.

SENIOR SINGLES
The Executive wishes to re-introduce the Senior Singles to the Nationals and for players to qualify through their respective District Senior Singles event. The finals are to be restricted to 64 entries using the same system as the Open Singles.

Those Districts who do not provide a District Senior Singles event should consider doing so, or failing this withdraw from this discipline and therefore, provide for extra entries from other Districts.

In the Singles events, it is not the intention that should a qualifier not be able to attend the finals that substitutes be allowed. The organizers will be required to conduct a closed-up draw.

Motivation:

In order to expand the appeal of the National Championships and possibly increase entries the President has consulted widely to gain the views of players. The formats as detailed in the recommendation allow for a festival of bowls in the Pairs and Fours and provide for players to enjoy a minimum of 10 games at the National Championships. The event takes into account costs and is therefore restricted to a maximum of nine days.

As the winner of the National Singles Championship gains automatic entry to the World Champion of Champions event the new presentation of the Singles is proposed to attract the best Singles players in the country. All bowlers can qualify for the finals by entering and progressing through their respective District Singles.

]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=35 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:19:37 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=35
I am interested in purchasing a new set of Henselite Classic Size 4 Heavy bowls, if there is anyone who knows where i can get them at a good price then please let me know. I am based in johannesburg.

Thanking you in anticipation

Rana]]>
I am interested in purchasing a new set of Henselite Classic Size 4 Heavy bowls, if there is anyone who knows where i can get them at a good price then please let me know. I am based in johannesburg.

Thanking you in anticipation

Rana]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=29 Thu, 15 May 2008 08:35:06 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=29 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=27 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:06:09 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=27
I'm 28 years old and decided to start playing bowls at the end of last year. Partly because a knee injury has prevented me from continuing with rugby and partly because, well, what the hell, why not? I was really surprised to discover what a fun sport it is. It holds quite a niche in that it can easily be enjoyed on both a casual level, with friends and beers, and a highly competitive level such as league and internal competitions.

My first experience of bowls wasn't that great, though. I didn't know where to begin or who to approach in order to take part. I picked up a set of woods from a Cash Converters shop for a paltry R50 and began looking for somewhere I could get a lesson and a game. Searching online revealed practically nothing so I decided to just pitch up at a club and ask if I could play. I won't mention the club's name but they nearly succeeded in putting me off completely. I entered the clubhouse (read bar) and asked if I could have a practice. Something that looked like a biltong stand with bloodshot eyes eventually wheezed into life, exhaled a cloud of smoke and then moaned about having to organise me a jack. He then skinned me for R10 bucks "green fees", simultaneously handed me a form and a look of contempt and suggested I pay R700 bucks and join the club.

Fortunately my uncle, who plays bowls socially, suggested I try out his club in Morningside, Rivonia. I arrived midweek expecting something similar but experienced a complete contrast. The greenkeeper greeted me and told me to make myself at home. He ran off to fetch me some mats and a jack and looked almost insulted when I asked about green fees. He suggested I join them for social bowls on the Saturday and told me I was welcome to practice there any time I liked. Two weeks later the chairman was giving me a coaching lesson and shortly after that I was the one asking whether I could join as a member.

Based on my experience I think there are a few ways to make the game more accessible to 25 – 50 year olds. My main suggestion would be the creation of a midweek, evening social league in summer. Each club could have a Tuesday or Thursday night (TV is lousy on these nights) internal competition. Dress code would be casual, the atmosphere social and drinks made available. A sound system to provide some background atmosphere would be a bonus and if the club has lights that would be even better. No club membership would be necessary and participants would simply pay a game fee each time. Most clubs have an abundance of old, retired bowls. I would suggest we find a way to have them painted various colours and make them available to the midweek, social bowlers. Similar to the old putt-putt balls. People could enter as families, couples, friends or singles and a points log would be kept. The clubs could then pick teams from the participants and play the occasional friendly game against (only) nearby clubs.

Like most sports, some of the players would naturally start to become more competitive and take an interest in playing the game seriously. Youngsters (and older players) with talent could quickly be spotted and roped into the club's lower league sides to develop.

Whenever I've invited a friend to play a game of bowls with me they have always expressed surprise at how much fun the sport is. I think that by taking away the stigma of it being a serious sport for old people with very regimented dress codes people will be more willing to give it a go. These days most people are looking for something new to try. Let them.]]>
I'm 28 years old and decided to start playing bowls at the end of last year. Partly because a knee injury has prevented me from continuing with rugby and partly because, well, what the hell, why not? I was really surprised to discover what a fun sport it is. It holds quite a niche in that it can easily be enjoyed on both a casual level, with friends and beers, and a highly competitive level such as league and internal competitions.

My first experience of bowls wasn't that great, though. I didn't know where to begin or who to approach in order to take part. I picked up a set of woods from a Cash Converters shop for a paltry R50 and began looking for somewhere I could get a lesson and a game. Searching online revealed practically nothing so I decided to just pitch up at a club and ask if I could play. I won't mention the club's name but they nearly succeeded in putting me off completely. I entered the clubhouse (read bar) and asked if I could have a practice. Something that looked like a biltong stand with bloodshot eyes eventually wheezed into life, exhaled a cloud of smoke and then moaned about having to organise me a jack. He then skinned me for R10 bucks "green fees", simultaneously handed me a form and a look of contempt and suggested I pay R700 bucks and join the club.

Fortunately my uncle, who plays bowls socially, suggested I try out his club in Morningside, Rivonia. I arrived midweek expecting something similar but experienced a complete contrast. The greenkeeper greeted me and told me to make myself at home. He ran off to fetch me some mats and a jack and looked almost insulted when I asked about green fees. He suggested I join them for social bowls on the Saturday and told me I was welcome to practice there any time I liked. Two weeks later the chairman was giving me a coaching lesson and shortly after that I was the one asking whether I could join as a member.

Based on my experience I think there are a few ways to make the game more accessible to 25 – 50 year olds. My main suggestion would be the creation of a midweek, evening social league in summer. Each club could have a Tuesday or Thursday night (TV is lousy on these nights) internal competition. Dress code would be casual, the atmosphere social and drinks made available. A sound system to provide some background atmosphere would be a bonus and if the club has lights that would be even better. No club membership would be necessary and participants would simply pay a game fee each time. Most clubs have an abundance of old, retired bowls. I would suggest we find a way to have them painted various colours and make them available to the midweek, social bowlers. Similar to the old putt-putt balls. People could enter as families, couples, friends or singles and a points log would be kept. The clubs could then pick teams from the participants and play the occasional friendly game against (only) nearby clubs.

Like most sports, some of the players would naturally start to become more competitive and take an interest in playing the game seriously. Youngsters (and older players) with talent could quickly be spotted and roped into the club's lower league sides to develop.

Whenever I've invited a friend to play a game of bowls with me they have always expressed surprise at how much fun the sport is. I think that by taking away the stigma of it being a serious sport for old people with very regimented dress codes people will be more willing to give it a go. These days most people are looking for something new to try. Let them.]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=26 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:38:43 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=26
“The card itself carries no rights or obligations. All it says is that the holder of the card is involved in the development of the sport as a learner/scholar. The card is to be issued to any junior person who is playing in social type games and is not a member of a club. Once they start taking part in club games and competitions they automatically become liable to become full members of the club and as such are responsible to Bowls South Africa for the payment of their full subscriptions.”

Bowls SA purport to develop the game to the broader community. Viewed against the fact that school kids participate fully in other sport (rugby, cricket soccer, etc), where no fees are payable, what makes Bowls SA think that bowls is an attractive alternative? Debrah suggests that clubs and districts waiver/reduce fees. Sorry but I don’t buy this. If Bowls SA will not lead the way, why should they expect Clubs and Districts to do so? Consider that this small incentive would cost Bowls SA nothing, as these people might otherwise not become active bowlers. I am not suggesting that the waver of fees and similar initiatives would see people flocking to our greens, but it would certainly provide an alternative to the silly red card concept. It would also add real substance to that last section of their vision “…Communities will support and embrace us”.

Thank you for your excellent coverage of bowls, via your column and other forums. In a sport that is so starved of info, this does much to fill the void.]]>
“The card itself carries no rights or obligations. All it says is that the holder of the card is involved in the development of the sport as a learner/scholar. The card is to be issued to any junior person who is playing in social type games and is not a member of a club. Once they start taking part in club games and competitions they automatically become liable to become full members of the club and as such are responsible to Bowls South Africa for the payment of their full subscriptions.”

Bowls SA purport to develop the game to the broader community. Viewed against the fact that school kids participate fully in other sport (rugby, cricket soccer, etc), where no fees are payable, what makes Bowls SA think that bowls is an attractive alternative? Debrah suggests that clubs and districts waiver/reduce fees. Sorry but I don’t buy this. If Bowls SA will not lead the way, why should they expect Clubs and Districts to do so? Consider that this small incentive would cost Bowls SA nothing, as these people might otherwise not become active bowlers. I am not suggesting that the waver of fees and similar initiatives would see people flocking to our greens, but it would certainly provide an alternative to the silly red card concept. It would also add real substance to that last section of their vision “…Communities will support and embrace us”.

Thank you for your excellent coverage of bowls, via your column and other forums. In a sport that is so starved of info, this does much to fill the void.]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=25 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:15:16 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=25
If Bowls SA is serious about development, they would offer full free membership to new bowlers in their 1st season and encourage districts to do likewise. They can then use a sliding scale over a couple of years to ease new people into the game. Serious consideration must also be given to offer full time students, social pensioners and scholars reduced fees. Development is about getting bums on the green and promoting full participation at all levels. The money will follow.]]>
If Bowls SA is serious about development, they would offer full free membership to new bowlers in their 1st season and encourage districts to do likewise. They can then use a sliding scale over a couple of years to ease new people into the game. Serious consideration must also be given to offer full time students, social pensioners and scholars reduced fees. Development is about getting bums on the green and promoting full participation at all levels. The money will follow.]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=24 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:38:21 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=24 Taken from the weekly article in The Citizen - March 14,2008.

“Sometimes it takes a special person or a special group of people to have a dream, to have a vision and the focus and guts to do something extraordinary.”
The words of Bowls South Africa president, Piet Breitenbach, when opening the indoor bowls facility at Lombardy East Bowls Club last Saturday, attended by a large group of interested players and officials who after the opening saw some exciting and interesting bowls played on the rink once graced by some of the world’s top players two years ago at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
The three men who put the whole package together, Fonny Meyeridricks, Gerald Mayhew and Morne Maritz, deserve a special word of praise from the bowling community for taking this giant step in providing indoor facilities just in time for the winter chills.
Breitenbach for his part was so impressed by the facility that he said: “We intend to use it in future in preparation for certain international events but also to support it in all other endeavours, be it development, the youth, the seniors or disabled.”
And the mat played true for Craig Rimmington and his partner, Reno Lozzi and Greg Bingham and his partner, Sean Johnston, as they contested the final. Rimmington and Lozzi won in straight sets but it was most interesting to see the value of having played in international matches on carpets overseas from Rimmington and Bingham, who have both has stints as South Africa qualifiers in indoor events in Britain.
]]> Taken from the weekly article in The Citizen - March 14,2008.

“Sometimes it takes a special person or a special group of people to have a dream, to have a vision and the focus and guts to do something extraordinary.”
The words of Bowls South Africa president, Piet Breitenbach, when opening the indoor bowls facility at Lombardy East Bowls Club last Saturday, attended by a large group of interested players and officials who after the opening saw some exciting and interesting bowls played on the rink once graced by some of the world’s top players two years ago at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
The three men who put the whole package together, Fonny Meyeridricks, Gerald Mayhew and Morne Maritz, deserve a special word of praise from the bowling community for taking this giant step in providing indoor facilities just in time for the winter chills.
Breitenbach for his part was so impressed by the facility that he said: “We intend to use it in future in preparation for certain international events but also to support it in all other endeavours, be it development, the youth, the seniors or disabled.”
And the mat played true for Craig Rimmington and his partner, Reno Lozzi and Greg Bingham and his partner, Sean Johnston, as they contested the final. Rimmington and Lozzi won in straight sets but it was most interesting to see the value of having played in international matches on carpets overseas from Rimmington and Bingham, who have both has stints as South Africa qualifiers in indoor events in Britain.
]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=23 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:05:15 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=23 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=22 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:09:46 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=22 As a suggestion, recommend that clubs seed the players in their various competitions as an experiment. Each District should monitor the process and, if successful, carry the concept to the next level]]> As a suggestion, recommend that clubs seed the players in their various competitions as an experiment. Each District should monitor the process and, if successful, carry the concept to the next level]]> http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=21 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:23:30 +0200 http://yourbowls.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=21