Down but not giving up: Whangamata Bowling Club almost there

Peter Burgess and Colin Hunter show the achievements of the club in fundraising and the goal they need to reach to get new turf. Photo / Alison Smith

The club has fundraised all but $50,000 for its $320,000 upgrade to create an artificial green.

It will give the club the ability to host tournaments bringing players from Paeroa, Waihi, Tairua and beyond which they say will help generate income for the club and town.

"We're so close. We missed out on Lotto [funding] because we were among so many applications for the $7.5 million available, and due to Covid-19 the funding focus was more on crisis type projects," says tournament secretary Colin Hunter.

Greenkeeper Peter Burgess says many members had been generous in donations.

"Certain businessmen in town have also helped, and we would like to promote that this is a community-based project providing an outlet from school children to senior citizens.

"It really is about community."

Colin says bowls is a huge drawcard for out-of-town players around the region.

The remaining $50,000 that's needed to get the new turf laid must be achieved by the end of August to reach the deadline for laying the turf mid-November, say Peter and Colin.

Whangamata Bowling Club has attracted new younger members to the sport, which has an average age over 70 and provides great social contact between generations.

- To donate, contact the club at whangamatabowling@gmail.com or phone 07 865 8105, or PO Box 141 Whangamata 3643.