PROVIDING a social outlet for Riverlanders continues to be a goal for a local lawn bowls club now playing again following COVID-19.
The Lawns Renmark Bowling Club has resumed regular weekly play, with a social competition also beginning this week, for the 2020-21 summer season.
The Lawns Renmark president Ken Smith said members were eager to resume playing again – with new health and safety guidelines added – following recent COVID-19 restrictions.
“They were chomping at the bit to come back and even with the new rules everyone was really keen,” Mr Smith said.
“We have a restricted number of people handling the mats and the kitty now, and you don’t pick up other people’s bowls which used to be customary.
“They all understand and are all very careful and compliant with the rules.”
The Lawns Renmark committee member Max Binding said clubrooms – now known as the Curtis Family Facility – had recently been dedicated to Milton Curtis following his donation of vacant land to the club.
“The Curtis family donated some land for us to grow pumpkins (on) over the last four years,” Mr Binding said.
“With lots of work by the gentlemen at our club, they’ve watered, weeded and harvested. That’s gone a long way to paying off our initial loan.
“Milton Curtis (is) now a life member for all his devotion to The Lawns Bowling Club.”
Mr Binding said the club’s Night Owls social competition – aimed at less-experienced players – would also commence tomorrow night.
“All bowlers new or old are welcomed,” he said.
“Come along and have a try if you haven’t played before. There’s a 7pm start and bowls will be supplied.”
Mr Smith said restrictions on social gatherings due to COVID-19 highlighted the importance of bowling clubs to Riverland communities.
“It’s very important for the social aspect,” Mr Smith said.
“There are a lot of members who treat bowls as their social life and it’s their primary social activity. There are lots of those across the Riverland.“
Further information regarding The Lawns Bowling Club is available by phone on 0458 323 102 or 8586 5828, or by email (lawnsrenmark@gmail.com).