Most objectors support bowling or fishing clubs

I sympathise with the Woy Woy Bowling Club director, who is dismayed at the club's financial decline (Residents could have made events viable, Peninsula News, Forum, April 9).

However it is unfair of the writer to single out the 80 people who objected to the Woy Woy Sporties DA as responsible for the club's decline.

I am one of the 80, and I have read all the submissions to Council.

Of the 80, 29 objected on the grounds that the proposed development represents a threat to the survival of the bowling club, and 15 objected that it represents a threat to the fishing club.

What struck me was their strong, heart-felt personal commitment to the club with comments like: "This proposal would be the end of the club ... and would result in isolation among elderly club members who use the club regularly as a social gathering place."

"The beautiful scenic bowling greens would be replaced with an underground bowling green."

"There is no possible way people would wish to use that."

"The whole reason of twilight bowling and barefoot bowling is to encourage future bowlers and provide a form of cheap outdoors entertainment for families."

"The loss of outdoor recreational pursuits will have a profound effect on elderly members in the area, as I believe an underground synthetic bowling green will not be utilised at all."

"My father ... has been a member of Woy Woy Sporties for over 20 years and has been a regular bowler over those years ..."

There were many more.

I can't account for the club's decline, but I know these people are not responsible for it.

My household has dined twice at the club this month - sadly the club was deserted.

Yet the Happy Buddha Bistro gets five stars from me for food, price and service.

So let's all dig in and give the club and the bistro our support.

I respectfully suggest that club directors should read the submissions to council, and take them on board.

Email, 20 Apr 2018

Ross McMurtrie, Woy Woy