'All for one and one for all' | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

A new dawn is breaking for the three existing bowling clubs in Stratford.

Three nominated members from each of the clubs, Stratford, Stratford Women's and Avon, along with Dennis Toon from Bowls New Zealand (acting as facilitator), formed a task force committee to explore the future of bowls in Stratford. The committee did an in-depth SWOT analysis on the two venues (Stratford Women's Bowls is on the Avon Bowling Club grounds), looking at all aspects of the situation. The committee came to the conclusion that the best outcome for the future of bowls in Stratford was that there be one fully amalgamated club in Stratford, and that it be at the present Avon complex. It was also recommended that the new club be known as Stratford-Avon. A resolution to this effect was put to all members of the three clubs separately on Sunday July 2, 2006. The clubs are to be congratulated on their decisions as the resolution was voted in unanimously by all three.

This amalgamation of the Stratford Bowling Club (established 1900), the Avon Bowling Club (established 1919) and the Stratford Women's Bowling Club (established 1945) was only achieved through the professionalism of the facilitator, Dennis Toon, the hard work and dedication of the committee, and most importantly, the trust and forward thinking of the members of all three clubs involved.

Stratford Women's Bowling Club president Laura Allen said everyone felt sad that an era was closing, but were looking forward to a new era for bowls in Stratford. "Everyone has accepted the amalgamation, even the sponsors are right behind this decision." Bruce Gall, secretary/treasurer for the Avon Bowling Club, is excited about the amalgamation.

"It will welcome greater competition between members," he said. Although the Stratford Bowling Club, situated on Cloten Road, will be closing its doors current president Anna Marriner said the club's history of 106 years will be celebrated appropriately.

Anna is the first, and now the last, female president at the Stratford Bowling Club. She was elected in June 2003, and said her time as president has been most enjoyable. "Nearly four seasons have been great. It is a true honour to be the club's first female president and we will definitely celebrate its closing in style. The move forward is extremely positive for bowling in Stratford, even though it will be a sad farewell to the Stratford Bowling Club." Ron Harford, the longest-playing member of the Stratford Bowling Club, said the closure would be very sad, but the new amalgamation would bring plenty of opportunities for players.

Ron has played for 47 years and has held numerous positions at the Stratford Bowling Club. He has also been a member of the Taranaki Bowls Centre. Stratford-Avon now has the ability, from a stronger membership and financially-secure base, to redevelop the sport in Stratford, and hopefully encourage more community involvement.

Bowls, the so-called 'grey-haired sport', now has over 4000 secondary school players participating in the country. Under the heading 'Casual Bowls', people of all ages are trying the game as a relaxing outdoor pastime. It is hoped that this co-operation shown by the clubs can form the starting point from which participation from the community can be directed.

Why shouldn't a Stratford name be associated in the secondary school bowls final? It will be under the name of Stratford-Avon that the club will be welcoming all new and existing members on opening day, September 16.

The new Stratford-Avon Bowling Club will now be based at the old Avon Bowling Club complex. Pictured from the left are Stratford Bowling Club president Anna Marriner, Avon Bowling Club secretary/treasurer Bruce Gall and Stratford Women's Bowling Club president Laura Allen.