DARFIELD INDOOR BOWLS

From the moment the recreation hall doors opened at 7.30 pm on Monday, May 3, Darfield Indoor Bowls Club was set to have a great season. With the addition of promotion on Facebook by club secretary Jude Will, existing members were surprised, thrilled, and encouraged by the numbers of new players of all ages who attendedon the night. Twelve new players and dedicated club members were welcomed, all enthusiastically participatingin the activities. The boost in numbers ensures the Club can provide good, strong, enjoyable competitions beneficial to the learning and growth of all novice players, while enabling older members to pass on their knowledge and skills. So far, completed competitions include Rinks, Triples, Pairs, Singles and the Men’s and Ladies Singles.

Competitions still to play before the season finishes on September 4 are the Husband and Wife/Unattached Pairs and Colts – a specific competition for novice players of less than three years’ experience. It is great to have this competition back on the programme, as for some years there has not been enough new players. As well as club nights and inhouse competitions, Darfield Indoor Bowls Club has been actively hosting a variety of events.

In June, a successful Family Fun Night in conjunction with the Selwyn District Council was held with over 50 attending. It was all about having a go and for some, learning there is a subtle difference between indoor bowling and ten-pin bowling!

The hotly-contested annual Darfield Tournament in July saw teams of four from local Malvern clubs Glentunnel, Oxford, and West Melton joining us for a great night of bowling, followed by the CountryFours in August.

This competition between Ellesmere, Malvern and North Canterbury districts saw a record number of 24 teams of four entered. To be at full capacity with 12 mats down and 96 people playing was reminiscent of pre-covid days and great to enjoy the company of many long-term bowling friends and adversaries once again. The next event on the calendar in September is hosting the welcomed return of the Darfield Hospital Fundraising Tournament, after a covidrelated absence of four years. The season will finish for the Club on September 4, followed by the end of season dinner and prizegiving. This annual event promises to be a night of enjoyment, reflection, and recognition of all competition winners, culminating with the presentation of their awards, cups, andtrophies.