In 2003, David Rice had a dream for Grand Cove Estates, an adult life style community in Grand Bend Ontario. David Rice wanted to provide as much recreational activity as possible for the homeowners. His dream was to build a state of the art lawn bowling green. He started his quest by hiring a consultant by the name of Lloyd Woods. Lloyd was considered to be one of the top men in Canada, his credentials included setting up the greens for the Commonwealth Games and he knew what to do. With the help of John Mason, greens assistant, Contractor Doug Jennison, the work began.
The digging, levelling, in-ground watering system, retaining walls, drainage, end boards all started to take shape. The sand, seed, fertilizer and watering began and the greens started to sprout. In 2004, the 120 X 120 foot greens were being maintained to meet the high standards that David Rice expected. In June 2004, Lloyd advised the club that bowling could begin July/August.
An information night and registration took place June 5, 2004, with 75 people interested in learning to lawn bowl. Representatives from the OLBA were in attendance to explain all aspects of the game, including when it was introduced to Canada, at Port Royal, Nova Scotia around 1730. It was also explained that the sport was no longer only for old folks who wear white clothes and have grey hair, clubs were sporting colourful attire and the average professional bowler was 29.
The big day finally arrived with a Grand Opening May 31, 2005. Opening ceremony guest included OLBA President Georgina Bellamy, OLBA Dist 4 Co-chairs JoAnne and Paul Bugler, OLBA Dist 4 Treasurer Dennis Schmidt, Greens Advisor Lloyd Woods and invited guests from St Mary’s, Exeter, Clinton, Goderich, Lucknow, Simcoe, Seaforth, Stratford. An 8 end demonstration Jitney was planned and introduction to the “spider” under the expert direction of two certified coaches, Peter McFalls and Jerry MacLean from Exeter.
The OLBA Affiliation fees for 2004 were BCB $ 13.50, OLBA $9.00 per signed member.
Since opening the greens in 2005, our greens have had the usual up and down years, but have survived to become a friendly, competitive place for residents and visitors to play.
Fast forward to 2017, we are a two tiered club with approximately 65-70 members. We hold an average of 3 OLBA tournaments each year, hosting the Novice District playdowns and 8 in-house tournaments, a Monday night doubles club championship, Tuesday fun and games, Wednesday team Jitney, and plenty of open bowling days and evenings. We have had numerous Novices compete in the Provincials and hope to have more teams appear in the other competitions in 2018.
Keeping the dream alive in Grand Cove, Grand Bend, Ontario. Check out our Blog at Grand Cove Lawn Bowling Club and look for the Blue or Gold shirts at your upcoming tournaments
Linda Clarke
Past President
GCLBC
