The Meaford Lawn Bowling Club sustained major damage from the harbour ice jam in March. The river left behind thick huge chunks of ice on the green, wiped out 50 feet of fencing, flooded the buildings and deposited silt in the equipment storage sheds as well as the clubhouse.
Club member volunteers restored the 50 feet of riverside property fence, avoiding creating a safety issue for bowlers, particularly the young and more curious bowlers. They have also spent many days cleaning the greens and buildings and their greenskeeper, also a volunteer, has begun repairing the grass surface.
In addition to greens damage, most of the major equipment used to maintain the greens required repair or replacement. The greens mower and greens roller both needed major repairs. The irrigation system required a new pump, and the property lawn mower needed to be replaced. Damage estimates were several thousand dollars and threatened to close the club temporarily, so they appealed to two local organizations for assistance with the flood damage and both came to the rescue.
The club is extremely grateful for support from the Meaford Rotary Club who so kindly donated $750, and deeply appreciative of the Apple Harvest Craft Show’s donation of $3,000.
“These two caring community organizations are really helping the lawn bowling club recover from unexpected damage expenses this year. The Meaford Lawn Bowling Club has been able to open this year but just a bit later than usual with three of eight lanes currently functional and more looking better every day. The club is still welcoming new members and former members to come and enjoy the summer outside, by the river,” said the club.
