Community collaboration delivers covered bowls green

Past presidents of Howick Bowling Club, Noeline Sadgrove and Lyn McKay, cut the ribbon to officially open the covered green. Photos supplied Howick Photographic Society Margaret Jones Sue Townsend

There was a sense of irony when Howick Bowling Club held its official opening for the super structure canopy now covering one of its greens, enabling play in all weather.

For it rained heavily last Saturday morning, the very reason why it’s been constructed, and every one present to celebrate a grand construction job done very well were bone dry and smiling.

It’s been a major building project undertaken by the club, and the volunteers who guided its creation can stand back and proudly say they did that.

President Brian Jago described it a “special day in the long history of the Howick Bowling Club”.

“This day marks the culmination of eight years of hard work, setbacks and frustration.

President Brian Jago described it a “special day in the long history of the Howick Bowling Club”.

“We’ve persisted and the completed project is testimony to dedication of club members and unwavering support from our principal sponsors, for which we’re extremely grateful.

“Those of us who are members of this bowling club owe a huge debt to those who came before us and built the facilities and reputation of this club.

“Now it’s our turn to pass on to the next generation of bowlers facilities that will allow the club membership to prosper and expand into the future.”

Jago called on past presidents of Howick Bowling Club, Lyn McKay and Noeline Sadgrove, “who had a very active part in the planning of this facility to cut the ribbon to officially open our covered green”.

Jago said: “A big vote of thanks also to all those club members who took time to revitalise the interior of this facility, including painting, cleaning and the building of the bar leaners.”

Jago said the club “has been fortunate to have the financial support of Bowls Auckland, through its Rawhiti Fund, Auckland Council, and the Howick Local Board”.

“Without the encouragement of these organisations, we would not have had the courage to contemplate the building of this facility.

“We’re also thankful to have received donations from NZ Community Trust, Four Winds Foundation, Grassroots Trust, Bobby Foundation, and Chenery Memorial Trust.

“Ten members of our club have contributed by way of individual loans, and special mention to Ken and Cecily McIntyre, for their generous donation to the construction fund. Thank you one and all.

Some of the club members in attendance, with volunteer project leader Rod Sadgrove, fourth right.

“To Shade Systems, the constructors, our thanks for your skill and persistence to ensure the project proceeded on a timely and cost-effective basis,” Jago said.

“Our project manager, Rod Sadgrove, has put in vast amounts of volunteer time into this project. It’s due to his knowledge, skill and enthusiasm we are here. Thanks Rod.

“Thanks also to your team who supported you and the club, using their knowledge and experience in project management,” said Jago.

“A big vote of thanks also to all those club members who took time to revitalise the interior of this facility, including painting, cleaning and the building of the bar leaners.”

Howick ward councillor Bo Burns said: “To make these projects work, you need community collaboration.” With Duncan Stewart of Stewart Surveyors and Jack Collins of the Howick Local Board.

Respected clubman Sadgrove, in his low-key modest way with subtle grin, made a brief proud speech after Jago, thanking everyone involved including his dedicated volunteer project team.

Howick ward councillor Bo Burns, who is actively involved with the club, spoke on behalf of the council and Howick Local Board, praising the outcome of an “interesting journey”, saying “local business support is key”.

“To make these projects work, you need community collaboration.”

Barry Milward, of Southern Cross Partners, which has its name emblazoned on the attractively designed giant roof with see-through canvas sidings, said they’ve watched with great interest on its creation from their nearby Howick base.

Barry Milward, of Southern Cross Partners, said its “thrilled” to be involved with Howick Bowling Club.

He said Southern Cross Partners is “thrilled” to work with Howick Bowling Club, “it’s lovely to help”, and “it’s a start – we want to continue to help”.

Adam Cherrie, of Shade Systems, said its structure, with 100 per cent UV-ray protection, is “going to make a huge difference to the club” and that the company is “absolutely thrilled” with what it has delivered.

Duncan Stewart, of Stewart Surveyors, which has been involved in the project, said despite all the building activity, the green pleasingly has held its required flat surface.

Once the official ceremony was complete, attendees retreated to the clubrooms for a celebratory shared lunch, to fuel up for the all-important bowls played under cover on Saturday afternoon.

Ed: After Saturday’s speeches, in conversation with Rod Sadgrove, I said Howick Bowling Club is one of the best sport clubs in Auckland. He leaned back a little and said “really?”

I said that for many reasons. From what I’ve observed down the years – and I’ve been around Auckland sports clubs for most of my 60 years and reported on a lot – Howick Bowling Club is blessed with a world-beating location and ample space, sturdy buildings and excellent car parking.

But its people make it, and they do things properly. Members are committed to its success and turn up. And they’re friendly about it.

What it has achieved in building the covered green is a magnificent accomplishment, and it has been delivered not only for the club but the east Auckland community. It’s a club-managed asset to be utilised and enjoyed by the public for many years ahead. – PJ