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k BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO. DECEMBER 19, 1979 SECTION TWO Because eyesight isn't what it used to be, Meine Oldejans, 81 years, brings along a pair of binoculars to watch the pins fall. By Donna Fairey Eighty-three senior citizens from Bowmanville and sur- rounding area are having a ball - a bowling ball! Les Smale wasn't aware he had a tiger by the tail when he set out to organize a bowling league for seniors. Though it's not a club project, Les maintains he started the league on behalf of tbe Lions Club. Golden Age Bowlers Club, as they are called, have been active on the lanes since September. A beehive of senior citizens take over Bowmanville bowling alley every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Concerned he might not be able to recruit enough seniors to make the league a success, the response turned out to be just the opposite. Generating enthusiasm has neyer been a problem right from the beginning, said Les. In fact, he disclosed it has been so siuccessful the alleys are now overcrowded. To handie the overflow and provide room for other aithigtheir t¢rn on the alley are, from left, Norma Brock, HennieDeVries, Irene Flint and Garfield 1r According to Les, the majority of the seniors had never bowled before in their lives and some of them had never been inside a bowling alley. Many of them were taught to bowl and some were given instruction in scoring. Lessons were given a half hour prior to league starting time. Bowling expertise has never been a prerequisite to joining the league. At least one of a couple must be over 60 to qualify for membership and the present age range of the Golden Age Bowlers varies from 60 to 88 years. Thougb Les manages the league, an executive has been appointed. President is Les Coombes, Farewell Blackburn is Secretary and Les Laings tends the club's finances. League competition is in full swing and at year end an awards banquet is being planned. Les has become so busy with the league's management he no longer bowls. Presently the Golden Age Bowlers Club are looking for a New Horizon's government grant which will assist with the cost of trophies, club administration and interclub bowling tournaments. The league hopes to make trips and compete against other clubs. Activities of the senior's league is not necessarily confined specifically to the bowling alley. Bowmanville Lions Club recently supplied them with a number of complementarytickets to see The Living Christmas Treç which is a choral presentation at People's Church in Toronto or December 18th. Anyone over 60 interested in joining the senior's bowling league in January may contact the bowling alley or Les Smale. Members of the Golden Age Bowlers Club are finding strikes, spares, and even misses are fun. Golden Age Bowlers Club member, Norma Brock, displays a perfected delivery. The following is a poem written by a golden age bowler depicting his feeling about the sport. A Golden Age bowler1I have become, One of the many who play just for fun. Into the lanes they gaily all troup, Sbouting "bello" to each of the group. Some still quite spry, others quite lame, All trying bard to better their game. To win is what they'd all like to do, But they cheer just as madly for me as for you. If they can't win, they never complain, They just play for the love of the game. A Golden Age Bowler I'm happy to be, They're friendly and warm and good sports you see' Ted Bagnell is looking for a strike. Taking care of their team's scores are Les Coombes, left, and Ernie Perfect. ecreation Da c These young ladies were concentrating on their routines. Very young ballerinas try out a few of their steps. Laurel MacDougal performs the Highland Fling. À w The audience loved this group of young dancers. A tense moment as they wait to go on stage. interested seniors, a Thursday morning league will com- mence on January 10th. Les says the gratification he receives seeing these people really enjoy themselves is immeasurable. "Members of the league come out faithfully and when someone gets a strike, everybody is happy for them," he said.