Balerno Bowling Club

When you read this the Green should be open. Fixtures and ties will be being played and the world will seem a far better place. The experts tell us that we are in for a long hot summer. I hope that they are right . Who in their right mind would want to play Indoors?
The Annual General Meeting of the Senior Section took place on Friday, 30th March with over 40 members in attendance. Convenor Alan Rankin, starting his 67th year of Club membership, welcomed all who had now qualified as a Senior. There has been an illustrious intake. Besides Billy Davidson and Paddy Welch, mentioned last month, we can now boast of Tom McDonald, Bill Stark, Dennis Rogers, Ron Duguid and probably others whom we have not yet seen. A formidable force.
How we are going to accommodate all of them in competitions generated a discussion which formed a considerable part of the meeting. In most, if not all Bowling Clubs, the total membership is decreasing while the average age is increasing. Natural wastage at older ages is not being offset by younger entrants. Fewer Juniors are taking up the game and those that do are unlikely to remain in the Club beyond their teens. It is unlikely that a new member joining Balerno today would ever match the length of membership of Alan Rankin or others like him. The reasons are mainly social. Juniors are lured away by jobs and housing. Few young adults can afford to buy a house in Balerno and, if they stay in the game, they are likely to transfer to a Club close to where they live. Consequently, many Clubs find themselves coaching young players for others to reap the benefit. With more and more of a dwindling membership entering the Senior sections of Clubs, neither the Clubs nor the Associations have yet considered restructuring their competitions to cater for the changing shape of membership. They should start to do so. It is likely to be an increasing problem for years to come.
Recently the downstairs lounge has been used for other than social events. There have been a number of business meetings, seminars, AGM’s etc. The lounge can be booked at most times by arrangement through any member. Application forms can be obtained from the Bar.
Further information on the Club can be found on our website www.balernobowlingclub.co.uk.

F.D.H.King

advert xxxxxxxxxxxBavelaw Garage

We carry out all types of general repairs large or small and servicing to all makes and models of cars and light vans at very competitive prices, so why not try us first? we are sure you will be very surprised at the keen prices that we quote you, and the quality of the work which we carry out every time and on time.
To book any repairs direct with us on line click Here or visit the website
Phone 0131 449 7450
Cockburn Farm
Balerno, Edinburgh

EH14 7JB