For years people have gathered at the bowling green not only to enjoy the game, but also to socialise.
This year the Hermanus Bowling Club celebrates its 90th anniversary, with wonderful memories, stories and members who have excelled.
According to the club’s president, Hannes Nel, the members are just as proud as he is of the achievements the Hermanus Bowling Club has produced over the years. For example, Dave Buckley was named South African Men’s Senior Master Champion in 2000; in 2018 Sonja Kruger was named South African National Women’s Senior Singles Champion; in the same year Anneke Thrope and Louise Rodiger became the South African Ladies Interdistrict Open Champions; and in 2024 William van der Merwe was named South African u-25 Junior Interdistrict Champion.
“These are just some of the achievements our club members have produced,” Nel said. “We have a National Honours board at our clubhouse where we honour people.”
As with any other self-perpetuating entity celebrating such a milestone there are amusing stories to tell. Nel recounts the day in 1952 when the “Jack” was arrested.
“The incident took place on 31 October 1952. At that time it was illegal to play on Sundays and the club was holding a bowling match. The police arrived to stop the match and arrest the ‘Jack’. The following day the club got the ‘Jack’ back.”
More than 200 members
The club’s popularity continues to grow day by day, and today there are more than 200 members; socials, other matches and tournaments are held regularly. “One highlight every year is the business league,” said Nel, “where businesses come together and play against one another. There’s already a waiting list of businesses that want to play.”
The club also wants to attract more members, which is why they have installed floodlights. “Many people cannot play or practise during the day because they have to work,” Nel said. “We are grateful that one of our greens now has floodlights.”
The lights were inaugurated on Thursday evening, 17 September, and the oldest member of the club, Elsabe van der Westhuizen (91), braved the cold and, together with Hannes, switched on the lights.
