A survey for Bowls Australia by
La Trobe University in 2013, found
that beyond the physical upsides of
the game, bowling is responsible for
helping to forge lasting friendships
(often forming the main support
network for people who may
otherwise feel isolated) and may
also boost both mental and
physical health.
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Just ask Kevin Hercus, a resident
of nearby Tannoch Brae Retirement
Village, who, along with another two
residents bowls at Bareena Bowling
Club everyWednesday.
“I started playing bowls about 12
months ago. I was a member at
Bareena for a while then I started to
go down for roll ups here [at Tannoch
Brae] and my mate Bill would join
us. I suggested he come and play at
Bareena with me onWednesdays
and that’s how our team started. We
have Rick now too, so there are three
of us.
“It can be a competitive game but
it’s social as well. I really enjoy the
camaraderie of the guys. Some
people are very competitive, but I
like to play against them sometimes
and see if I can beat them!”
Kevin plays two or three times a
week, including in an inter-village
competition at Tannoch Brae, as
well as playing pennant for Bareena
Bowling Club on Saturdays.
“It’s a good game– if people don’t
take it too seriously,” says Kevin.
“On aWednesday we play 30 ends
– three games of 10 ends, which
means you’re walking up and down
the bowling green 30 times. Every
time you put down a bowl, you
actually have to get down quite
low and roll it along the grass. It’s
the perfect mix of exercise and
socialising–and it gets you outside.”
In the last 12 months, Tannoch Brae
and the Bareena Bowling Club, have
been in talks about working together
to boost engagement with the sport.
“We have accredited bowls coaches
here at Bareena, and Tannoch Brae
has a bowling green, so we’re going
to run some coaching sessions at
the village to raise awareness of the
game,” says Dan Stewart, Manager
of Bareena Bowls Club. “We are
keen to bring some Tannoch Brae
members over here for a day on
the green and have a challenge
competition.”
Stewart says that one of the benefits
of bowling is that absolutely anyone
can play it.
“It is very much a sport for all ages.
For older people, it allows them to
not only play a competitive sport,
but also get exercise while having
fun, which is a positive all round.
You’re being active, and the aspect
of social engagement is also very
important,” he says.
“For many of our members, it’s like a
home away from home. With lawn
bowls, there’s nothing stopping you
from bowling every day of the week.
We find that when people start
bowling, they can take it up for 20
or 30 years. And when they do, they
form lifelong friendships.”
It may seem as simple as rolling a ball
across the green, but there’s more to
lawn bowls than meets the eye.
Roll with it
Dan Stewart shares his top tips
for getting the most out of the
game.
Practice makes perfect.
If you want to improve your
game, you’ve got to get some
coaching and be prepared to
put in the time on the green.
It’s not all about competition.
The social aspect of bowling is
as important as anything else. It’s
the ideal opportunity to get out,
enjoy yourself and have a laugh.
Walk and stretch.
The great thing about bowling is
that most of the time you don’t
even realise you’re exercising.
You stretch out, you walk – it’s all
factored in – and you can have
fun at the same time. That sounds
better than going to the gym!
Bareena Bowling Club
89 Noble Street
Newtown VIC 3220
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VIC Market Guide
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