WHO WILL RUN THE CLUBS WHEN THE OLDIES ARE GONE? .....
As far as Bowling in our club goes, I am a relitivly young 34, in fact the youngest in my club! We did have younger people but they were, in my opinion, driven out by the "oldies". I am not sure if it was jelousy or just a childish opposition to modern attitudes. Whatever the reason, I am sorry to say that the only people losing out are the old timers themselves. Details will be forthcoming to anyone interested enough to ask me for them!!
Sadly, although only in my third year of Bowling, I find myself being driven out also. Although it has never been said audibly, the vibes I am getting from the secretary and his band of merry men point quite firmly in the direction of the door!!
Quite simply, I gave my moral support to a young member after a dispute he had with the secretary....the other member was banned, quite wrongly in my opinion. But as a consequence I have now encountered the following "pushes" towards the door!!
1) As an aid to the club, at the start of the season when all the club competitions are put up on the notice board, being one of the few if not the only computer literate member, I Digitally photo all the comps, then reproduce minature copies on Excel. These have all the draws and even the "to be played by date" infomation for each and every round. I also reproduce the club members phone list. I made numerous copies....enough for everyone. After being displayed for one week the secretary complained to the President that the notice board was his domain and they must be removed. They were removed and that was a month ago. No thanks were forthcoming.
2) On losing a very close and enjoyable club comp against the club vice-captain 21-20, I was told by him that unless I start putting my name down to play for the club on Saturdays and wednesdays, my membership application to the club next year would be in jeopardy. Being in the British Armed Forces and due to the nature of my job, I would not like to commit to events a week in advance for fear of letting them down. However,I dont beleive I need an excuse. To play in all the club comps and pay my membership fees promptly each year is all they should expect from a younger member with a young baby and many other interests anyway!!
3) The club doubles comp was drawn (partners & opponants out of a hat), and a week later I decided to start arranging a date to play. I saw my drawn partner and politly pointed out that we had been drawn together and needed to arrange our first match. He then told me that he had scratched himself from the competition as he did not want to partner me. When I asked why he said that it was because I did not suport the secretary earlier on in the year. Childish as I found this, it still left me with one less competition to play in this year!!!
Now in Ten to Thirty or so years time when they are either dead or unable to run the club any more, do they honestly think I would like to carry forward in their memory such a "click" of an outfit!!!
Response Number 1 :Posted by Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 19:48:52 (EST):
Red
I read your message with interest. This is a common problem within lawnbowling clubs across the world I guess. I started bowling when I was 38 years old and was also the youngest member in my club. When you start to win or come close to winning they get a little defensive. Just be patient and learn to "turn the other cheek" and you will be the winner. I am now the top bowler in my club (along with a couple of other friends in my age group, who I brought into the club) and have also been the President of the club. We all need younger people to carry on the clubs when the older ones are no longer able. Be sure you recruit and be there to carry on.
Response Number 2 :Posted by Wednesday, December 20, 2000 at 18:38:59 (EST):
In response again to the Who will run the Clubs when....
I agree, I was the youngest in my club when I joined and had heaps of hassles. This is my 7th year. A month back I played the final of the Centre Womens Singles, but playing for another club to play competitively as they have Club Champs on weekends and I work, still a member of my original club, who still play Champs weekdays. Many members from my original club were so supportive and the phone rang hot from them the night I got through to the semi final. Interestingly enough the few (though I could never be sure just who they were, that seemed to make life a real pain at the club), were the very ones who have not acknowledged the achievement. But why worry. I just loved the game, kept on playing and results come your way. You will always find there will be a few who just have to make life a hassle, but you will be amazed at the great support from the quieter not so competitive players. They will be the ones who you will find your best support and friendships with.
Make your own goals, and stick with it.
Great bowling to all and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.