Guyra Bowling Club President Cameron Peardon, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Maureen Lockyer, Women’s Bowling Club President Dot Jackson, Laurel Betts, Women’s Club Secretary and Treasurer Bertha Reeves, Secretary Betty-Ann Bourke and club board member David Wilcox pictured on the back green, were the new shade shelters will be installed.
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
LOCALS having a roll at the Guyra Bowling Club will soon have some extra shade rink-side, thanks to a $6,060 grant from the NSW Government’s Local Sports Program, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said today.
The money will allow the club, which is also contributing $3,000, to install 10 new shade structures on the northern side of back green at the club.
Mr Marshall recently joined by members of the club’s executive and a host of delighted women bowlers to announce the funding, which will provide bowlers much-needed protection from harsh weather conditions.
“I congratulate Guyra Bowling Club on gaining these funds and for its continued efforts to make this a truly enjoyable facility for keen players and amateurs alike,” Mr Marshall said. “This project will dramatically improve facilities here at this fantastic club.
“There’s always a lot of focus on the large projects and grants that governments make, but these grassroots grants hit well above their weight with what they can do for a local sporting club and the community.
“This will markedly improve the playing experience here in Guyra with new shades to go up over the ends of the green, protecting bowlers as they wait to go onto the green.
“The surface here in Guyra is synthetic grass rather than natural, and while it provides an easy-care solution for the bowlers, the altitude at Guyra means that protection from the sun’s harmful rays is very important.
“Having adequate shade is also important to attract clubs and tournaments to the venue, with players from other clubs from around the State reluctant to visit clubs without proper shade.
“There are 10 rinks here at Guyra, divided into two playing areas. One of those areas already has shades; this funding means the other area will have matching shade facilities, making both areas summer-proof for players.
Guyra Bowling Club Secretary Betty-Ann Bourke was on hand to show Mr Marshall the location of the new shades.
“Without this funding there was no chance that we would have been able to afford to build new shades,” Ms Bourke said.
“That sum of money is a substantial amount for our Club, so it’s great that Adam was able to secure this funding for us.”