Alexandra Bowling Club’s outdoor season will be brighter thanks to the installation of new LED flood lights; meaning extended twilight play for social and competitive bowlers, outside of daylight saving hours. 

Club manager Paul Jerrom said the three new flood lights were installed about ten days ago and will be a major drawcard for players from other clubs in the Southern region.

The $23,000 lights above the greens were installed in time for opening day. The bulk of the cost was funded by a Pub Charity grant

Paul said the season was shaping up to be a busy one with extra events alongside the showpiece ANZAC Men’s Fours tournament.

“The club is proud to be hosting the Bowls New Zealand Nationals in February 2023, and also the Otago vs Southland Challenge, the Central Otago Bowls 3-5 qualifying tournament, and a number of Central and regional events.

“Two tours are coming to play on the greens, one from Auckland and one from the Sunshine Coast.”

The ANZAC tournament is believed to have the biggest purse on offer for a traditional fours tournament in New Zealand, with $10,000 in prize money. This year, there will be an optional pairs competition following the fours.

Paul is expecting a big field of around 250 bowlers for that weekend. 

Commonwealth bowler and Lauder’s Pam Walker spoke to club members about her Birmingham experience

On opening day the first bowl of the season was delivered by New Zealand’s para bowler of the year, Pam Walker, the new lights were switched on for the first time, and attendees enjoyed a barbecue during a warm spring afternoon. 

The deliverer of the first jack was Andy Benington, the oldest club member at 92-years-old. 

There are around 170 club members, 100 of these are bowlers, others are social members or petanque players.

Conditions were balmy on Sunday and members were happy to be back on the mats bowling on the outdoor greens

Paul said Monday social triples evenings run for most of October and November; the evenings involve two games of bowls and food.

“It’s fun, music is playing, some [bowlers] come in fancy dress.”

New bowlers can access plenty of help, through the club with free coaching for members and a junior coaching programme coming this season. Juniors can join for only $20.

There are several bowling clubs across Central, keen for new social or competitive members, for more information on each of them click on the Community|Jobs button and then Groups|Clubs.