Kilkivan welcomes Nambour bowlers

by bqmedia on July 28, 2021

By Graham Morton

Ready for an exciting journey, a bus load of Nambour bowlers hit the road for a wonderful day visit to the Kilkivan Bowls Club. The event was organised by Nambour Bowls Club’s Ladies President, Joy Brown, who wanted to support a small country club. Joy’s bus driver, husband and fellow bowler Neil was able to organise the transport and 43 local bowlers quickly jumped at the chance to visit Kilkivan.

For many bowlers, it was a pleasure to sit back, be away from a steering wheel and take in the lovely scenery before being greeted upon arrival with a warm country welcome. President Peter Duke expressed the club’s appreciation of Nambour’s kind gesture and introduced the club’s secretary Gloria Baillie and her games director husband Les Baillie who coordinated the day’s activities.

The town of Kilkivan is facing many challenges and the local bowls club is no exception with low membership and few active bowlers. However, it suddenly came alive when all players hit the synthetic green and directed their first bowl towards the large spider lying in wait in the middle of the green. With the winner crowned and the arachnid successfully removed, social bowls, camaraderie and good spirits filled the day. Most visitors to Kilkivan would be surprised to learn that the historic town’s bowls club was formed quite recently in 1977 with the first bowls rolling in December 1979.

Amongst the volunteers present on the day were two stalwarts, Mrs Judy Farrow and Mrs Mavis O’Neill. Both ladies have held key executive positions for extended periods since the club’s inception and remain passionate about the club, which resorted to producing takeaway meals during Covid to help pay the bills.

The Nambour Bowls Club visit was a real winner for everyone with great company, enjoyment and appreciation of the challenges facing many smaller clubs in country and rural areas. The club envisages planning similar visits to support other clubs in similar circumstances.