Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club’s new president Geoff Royle plans to promote the game to both men and women and to the growing corporate sector.
President Geoff Royle said it would be the best available and members at the annual general meeting have given the committee approval to spend up to $240,000 on the new artificial green."It will be different from anything seen in Cairns. It is coming from Scotland and the people doing the work are experts in that field," he said.
"They do everything, including the drainage."
Mr Royle said the green would be laid in May next year after the wet season.
Newly-elected Mr Royle, who replaces Col Whyte, said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"The club is very successful, both on and off the rink," Mr Royle said.
"I intend to steer the ship with a very light hand on the tiller.
"I want to promote the game of bowls to both men and ladies as well as our growing corporate sector."
According to the annual report the club made a net profit of $100,776, down on last year's $155,747.
Its income was $904,991 last year, there is $1.3 million in the bank and its net assets are $2.9 million. Bar trade was down from $627,463 to $609,537, gaming from $434,001 to $431,926, bowling from $91,798 to $90,979 and raffles from $32,691 to $29,952.
Treasurer Peter Livy said the club spent more than $170,000 on projects during the past financial year, including $103,466 on new airconditioning, $11,568 on office renovations, $14,518 for a new mains power board, $5230 on fencing, $4695 on veranda ceiling fans and $9300 on honour boards.
"In a difficult economic climate I believe the club maintained a successful revenue level comparative with previous years," he said.
He said because of the age of the building and property there would be more repairs and maintenance this year.
Secretary-manager Judy Peace said the last financial year had been challenging.
"Despite the difficult circumstances of the current economic climate the club was able to remain profitable," she said.
Mrs Peace said depreciation costs were increasing as well as the cost of administration to meet government requirements, including liquor, gaming and industrial relations.
Mrs Peace said the club's sporting success had led to an increase in travel expenses from $6913 last year to $23,779 this year.
