Strong future for bowling in Beecroft
Your local club locks in bowling and hospitality for the long term
Members of The Beecroft Club voted last Saturday in favour of Amalgamation with The Norths Collective.
Support was remarkable.
The meeting was attended by 82 members and the vote was unanimous.
The Norths Collective run Norths Cammeray, The Greens North Sydney, and The Alcott Lane Cove, amongst others.
The Beecroft bowlers are impressed by the focus of Norths on social bowls and hospitality. This will ensure a strong future for bowling and a community club in Beecroft.
Following are the words of The Beecroft Chairman to members, following the vote for amalgamation:.
The Board thanks all for their courage in enabling this momentous outcome. It is clear that everyone in this room understands that the steering committee, on behalf of the Board – put countless hours of research and consideration into a recommendation for this decision.
” Thank you all for being involved in the journey and taking the time to become fully informed on the options. It was a weighty contemplation but now, a decision has been made and I know we can all embrace it.
” This is a club that members today and for over a century have built into the wonder it is today – And yes I do mean wonder. Look, this room is full to bursting. That means something.– The greens are so often full. That’s impressive for a small club.
– We’ve got innovators and just ordinary people who make things happen.
“I also think we are a wonder because we attracted Norths to be interested in us. They are a prestigious group with a firm record for successful amalgamation, and for running clubs where people want to play bowls, have a drink, get a meal and just hang out with friends.
– They could have their pick of clubs but they chose us. That means something too.
” Pretty much everyone in this room has volunteered along the way and we can now all look forward to the reward of enjoying our club without having to do it all.” I know there is risk. There is risk in everything. Thank you for believing in your Board, the process, and the evidence that an amalgamation with Norths is a risk worth taking. I am proud of you all.
“An end of an era? Yes, but only in part. We have acted today to ensure longevity of bowls and this solid Beecroft venue and our community. I truly believe Norths understand our heritage and are looking forward to helping us bring that with us, but nevertheless taking us into a bright, new future.
“As I’ve told you many times, I’m excited!“And beyond that. Do you remember when we first came together to start this process and I asked what we wanted our legacy to be? I think our strength today makes it very clear.
“Our legacy is building and guarding a strong club and then having the courage to let go – so as to ensure a future for bowls and our venue and our club community in our slice of Beecroft.“
Nel Davis, Chairman
Next steps
Members of Norths will hold a similar voting process in a few weeks’ time. If their members are also in favour, the Liquor Licensing Board will then need to approve the change. This Licensing approval process takes around two to six months.
As wheels move slowly, it won’t be until the third quarter of next year that change is evident to the outside world. In the meantime it is business as usual (in a much restricted COVID world).
Try bowling?
If you don’t already play, you are never too young or too old! Make contact and we will organise free coaching
