04 Sep '09

Runaway Bay Village - Bowling Green

The grass is definitely greener on the other side of the Runaway Bay Village fence, even if it is of an artificial variety.

Refurbishment of the bowling green is nearing completion, with residents looking forward to a return of the previously enjoyed 'friendly rivalry' as bowling activities recommence once this upgrade is completed.

The grass bowling green is being replaced by a sand-free artificial surface and the surrounding landscape is also being renewed.

Resident bowlers have re-established the Runaway Bay Village Bowls Club, and are keen to make plans for some inter-village competitions, and more importantly to them, lots of socialising.

"It's great," said resident and keen bowler Claude McCasker, who along with his mates also plays at the Paradise Point Bowls Club.

"It's great social contact, and we enjoy our afternoons."

Mr McCasker, 82, and his wife Dawn moved to Runaway Bay Village four years ago, and he has been thrilled to keep up his 15-year-long enjoyment of bowls.

He plays a couple of times a week with his mates - some of them long-time friends and others, new friends met at the village.

"They're all still competitive to a degree. I always look at it as - there's a winner and the other person comes second.

"In the Olympics when you come second you get a silver medal, so you don't mind coming second. We've got quite a few silver medals.

"We stay at the club and hear the results after we've played, and the winners are announced and we give them a cheer or a boo, depending on the results," Mr McCasker said with a laugh.

The men expect to spend several more afternoons 'green-side' once the upgrade is finished.

"It will add to the social side of things, because we'll be having a cup of tea and a drink and a talk after the games," he said.

The green will allow 24 players to play consecutively, and will also boast plenty of spectator seating.

Located next to the village auditorium and community facilities, the bowling green has uninterrupted water views of the canal.

Runaway Bay Village is a TriCare facility. For more information, call 3360 9025.