With a fresh coat of paint, the Maldon Bowls Club was looking spick and span last Sunday to celebrate the opening of the Pennant season. Bendigo West Member Maree Edwards was invited to send down the first ball, the Castlemaine Bowls Club was invited to enjoy a day of friendly competition and everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch.

The Club has named Ms Edwards as its first VIP Honorary Member. To mark this occasion, Club President Lindsay Clark presented her with a Club shirt and badge, plus that must-have accessory: a Club stubby holder!

Ms Edwards thanked the Club for her membership, and pointed out that she had been coming to the Pennant season opening at the Bowls Club for 14 years.

“The Bowls Club is at the centre of the Maldon community,” Ms Edwards said. “The volunteers are what makes it such an integral part of the town, and all praise to its very successful leadership team.”

Ms Edwards paid tribute to the fact that the Club has attracted some young players, through the junior development program. “Bowls clubs are a great way to bring people together, to socialise and to have a laugh,” she said. “It’s also a good way to stay fit and be engaged with the community. The Maldon Bowls Club has a long and proud history, and may it continue to be an essential part of the town.”

While the Maldon bowlers are looking forward to a successful Pennant season, they have also been enjoying their community nights. These nights provide people of all ages with the opportunity to play bowls, as well as enjoy some music and a friendly barbecue. According to Lindsay, the most recent community night was the best yet. “We had 80 people turn up,” he said.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 27 September 2024.