By KATH GANNAWAY
BOWLING and local business are joint winners in Healesville Bowling Club’s 2015/16 Corporate Bowling Competition.
The six-week competition that draws over 25 local businesses to the greens each Wednesday evening was officially won by Healesville Hydraulics in a close play off with Yarra Valley Mechanical.
As the club plans for its 125th anniversary celebrations later this year, Corporate Challenge organiser Charles Hort said the event was one of the club’s success stories.
“We’re all winners here,” he said.
He said the event which is run twice a year now has a waiting list of businesses that want to take part, with the feedback being very positive about the opportunity the bowls presents for small businesses to get together, have fun and informally network.
The event raises money to keep the greens maintained.
“The synthetic green will need to be replaced in 15 years and your contribution through the Corporate Challenge goes to that,” Mr Hort said.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s so gratifying to see all you people here each week.
“There are two categories of bowlers, those who come down to really enjoy it, and those who come to enjoy it and win,” he said.
Healesville Hydraulics certainly enjoyed their win.
“It’s fun, but it’s also quite a challenge on the greens, so on behalf of the Hydraulic boys we would like to thank the club and all the other businesses for taking part with us,” captain Mark Balfour said.
“It’s good for the community and local business to participate in this and bring everyone together each week.”
Mr Hort said the interest shown by Corporate Challenge bowlers in the game had prompted the club to introduce a twilight membership that entitles people to bowl in all but the competition matches.
Anyone interested in bowling socially can contact Mr Hort at the club on 5962 4984.
The next Corporate Challenge is in October and businesses are encouraged to sign up soon.
