Is lawn bowling for you?

By Jack Krayenhoff

I love those ladies and gentlemen in white on the immaculate bowling green behind the old Crystal Gardens - don't you? If a previous Victoria mayor had had his way, that restful scene would now have been wiped out and replaced by some big commercial development and become part of the bustling city scape. But now we have that beautiful, civilized trio intact: the bowling green, the historical Church of our Lord and the lovely little Cridge Park with its mature trees between the two.

About 6 years ago the issue of its continued existence stirred up a lively controversy, with the Bowling Club energetically represented by its President, Ray Turner. Some of his strongest arguments were that as the City was encouraging people to live in downtown high-rises, the last thing it should do is to take away from these same people the opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Another persuasive argument was that the bowlers form a tourist attraction, and indeed such visitors are always seen watching what is going on. "Quaint, picturesque," is probably what they are thinking - but meanwhile the bowlers themselves are having a great time.

The Beacon went to speak to John Woodroffe, the club's Acting President, to find out about the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club, for that is its official name.

JBB: Why 'Canadian Pacific'?

Woodroffe: "It was founded by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company in 1923. Victoria was still frontier territory then, and the CP wanted its workers, young men, suitably occupied in their spare time. They did not want their entertainment confined to the bars and 'the girls', so they devised recreation clubs for exercise, opportunities for meeting 'better class' girls and for becoming members of society. And by the way, here were several other clubs like this in other places, but beside this one, only the one in Vancouver is left.

JBB: Does the Club now own the property?

W: No, the City does. The Club leases it for $1 a year, the lease being renewable after 3 years. The Club takes care of the maintenance, the main item being the green. It costs the city nothing.

JBB: What are the current developments?

W: The City wants us to make our facilities accessible to as many people as possible, and that's what is happening. We have opened a bocce lane - that's an Italian style of bowling. Quite a few people love croquet, and that is already happening, too. It is also noticeable that younger people, in the 35-45 range, are joining up. It is good exercise, but not strenuous. And don't forget, apart from the sports, the social aspect of the club is very strong. Can you smell the barbecue? That's coming up right after this match.

JBB: How do you become a member?

W: The membership fee is $150 a year, but you don't have to pay the whole sum at once. For $20 you can come three times, and we will give you instruction. If you decide this is for you, those $20 will be deducted from your year's membership. And parking is very good: for $25 for the 6-months season you can park behind the old motel across the street.

JBB: What about the future?

W: Carry on. We have been here for 90 years and we'd like to be here for another 90!