The GDSC Men’s and Ladies Bowling Clubs have combined their resources to help raise funds for two local charities, Helping Hands and the Grafton Base Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.

On two separate occasions, Sunday April 21 (Easter Sunday) and Sunday June 16, social days of bowls were held that incorporated a new format for bowling at the GDSC. With the help of the major sponsor, the GDSC and the other sponsors who are so generous: Abbey Motor Inn, Dougherty Property, Friendly’s Pharmacy and the Grafton Mall Barber. The bowling clubs managed to raise an excellent $1000 for each of the charities.

The day started with a “Spider” where every bowler puts down one bowl at the same time at the same target; a giant spider in this case, where the closest bowl wins a $50 prize for its owner, not a bad profit for one bowl. This was followed by a one bowl competition where the rinks are divided up, and the participants play with one bowl each. The rules are simple, the person whose bowl is furthest away is eliminated until there is only one bowler left on each rink. Once this is decided, each rinks winners come together to play off until one bowler is left standing. The champion gets a nice return for their efforts but most importantly, bragging rights as the One Bowl Champion.

After this was done and dusted, a game of very social mixed triples was played, with teams being randomly selected. This was played until the BBQ was ready and was a great way to end what is a great, fun day of Social bowls.

Another fundraising twilight game of bowls is scheduled for November 17 at the GDSC. All funds raised will go towards helping these important local charities that give so much back to our community, so please get involved and assist those who assist us.

Leith Basset