In Sidney beside Iroquois Park and just off Fifth Street is a very active lawn bowling club; visitors are amazed when they see this hidden gem. The club boasts a membership that averages about 160 area residents. Over 18 years ago, some folks with a vision and with the cooperation of the town, reclaimed what had been a dump area. They cleared, dug and built the oasis that is there today, then carefully planned a balance of social and competitive bowling in order that the skills and wishes of its members were met. Thanks to the foresight of the founding members and those that came along later, the facilities are used year round with short mat bowling indoors, card and board games and many social events through the year for its members.
Two years ago club members realized that the element of youth was missing. The club lost no time in doing something about it. Due to other priorities and the ever-present competition with other sports, youth membership went up and down. In 2015 the junior group held firm with an enrolment of three. Thanks to a high standard of training, coaching and talent, and the Sidney club hosted the Under 25 / Junior Provincials. It was an overwhelming success and the Sidney club won a bronze medal.
Perseverance by the club coupled with a strong sense of maturity and sharing in club duties by the junior group has created a partnership between the younger and older elements – arguably the greatest success. This spring a surge in interest by more youthful bowlers bodes well for the future and at present there are nine talented and enthusiastic young people enrolled in the club. Encouraged by 2015, the club agreed to once again host the Provincials.
Beginning July 8, the event went on for three days and spectators were treated to some of the best lawn bowling imaginable. Our Island bowlers did very well, with five bowlers making it to the podium.
The girls gold medal went to Carah Webster, Lake Hill Club; silver was awarded to Emma Boyd of Tsawwassen Club and the bronze medal went to Sierra Trueman, Sidney Club. The boys gold medal went to Max Bodley-Scott, Gordon Head Club; silver was awarded to Trevor Birrell, Sidney club and bronze went to Arden Grew, Gordon Head Club.
Information about the club, its events and activities is available at https://sites.google.com/site/sidneylawnbowlingclub/home.
