Lawn Bowling Club

Post by **Galee** » February 17, 2009, 10:14 am

Most of my friends in Udon are not in the slightest bit interested in Udon map, which makes me wonder what percentage of expats in Udon are. My guess would be about 25% based on people I know.

Post by **Pakawala** » February 17, 2009, 10:23 am

Thanks Galee for justifying my position on farangs who are NOT members of udonmap.com. Now the problem is, how do we get the attention of this other 50% to 75% of the expat community? But then again, maybe we don't want their attention -

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » February 17, 2009, 10:46 am

50-75%, more like 99%, with all of 50 active members, and that's pushing it, we be a very small minority. obviously the chosen few. also, i suspect, many are not into the bar scene, so getting word out would be tough. just that word of mouth thing, large signage, may take few months to catch on, but think a very possible idea, especially if 'shaded' pool there. but now talking a bit of expense.

Post by **Pakawala** » February 17, 2009, 11:00 am

The 'bit of expense' for a shaded pool construction would only be the start of the costs... continued maintenance could be a major expense as well. In the States for instance, where all the proper technology is already in place, the adding of a pool to a private home is the only home addition that will actually depreciate the cost of the house. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, just could be more expensive than the initial costs. But, what the he!!, let's do it. $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Post by **polehawk** » February 17, 2009, 11:45 am

Swimming pool for old gits? Ah, probably wouldn't get much use unless you have young 'uns (wife and kiddies).

A less expensive proposition.....how about regular card games like euchre, cribbage, hearts, pinochle and the like? Maybe chess or Chinese checkers? I would suggest small stakes poker but cops would raid to get their share of the pot.

Post by **tamada** » February 18, 2009, 11:57 pm

The clubhouse design would be flexible enough to include an area for meetings in that there would be the bar/lounge area, an adjacent 'family' zone and a separate, quieter library/study area; a reading room as such. Third party expat groups would be welcome to hold meetings there which could only help to bridge the gaps between the various expatriate entities in the town and district. For example it could be one of a 'round-robin' of venues for the Udonmap NM gang, Lars's New Expat Club, bikers clubs, knitting circles, etc., much like the Pattaya H3 do by having their post-run happy hours at a schedule of half a dozen or so different bars on a rotational basis.

Card games, dominoes, chess, darts... anything else?

I will be checking out the Pattaya lawn bowls facility to see how they handled the grass and upkeep thereof. Since Udon is a helluva lot hotter in April, that may need lots of forethought. Talking of which, has anyone seen those misting cooling devices that I have seen used to cool outside seating areas of bars and restaurants? They became quite popular in Houston, TX. The first one I saw was on the deck out the front of the Richmond Arms. Very effective where there's lots of heat and humidity but not sure if it would be effective with plain old dry Isaan heat.

Having a pool would be great but if the expense of installing it and cost of upkeep can't be justified, it may be a non-starter. Of course it doesn't have to be a modern infinity pool but it should be more than a fish pond as well... or else we may just stick some pla duk in it and have a fishing park as well.

Post by **polehawk** » February 19, 2009, 11:22 am

Clubhouse with bar/lounge area? Maybe make it BYOB coolers to circumvent any licensing requirements? I like the idea of including a library/study area. Maybe set up a book swap section? Lots of us probably have books piled up that we could donate. Inviting other groups to use the clubhouse? Not a member but VFW seems to rotate their meeting venues and might be open to it? Or local Rotary and Lions Clubs? Ask them to donate to a building fund to help with the costs.

Post by **Marmite The Dog** » February 19, 2009, 4:18 pm

If you need a professional lawn contractor with heaps of experience with both real grass as well as artificial grass, this chap at http://www.globalturfconsult.com/ is the person to talk to.

Post by **tamada** » February 23, 2009, 11:05 am

Marmite The Dog wrote:If you need a professional lawn contractor with heaps of experience with both real grass as well as artificial grass, this chap at http://www.globalturfconsult.com/ is the person to talk to.

That hookup is much appreciated MTD. I am wrapping up my summer season in New Zealand this coming weekend and should be home soon.

Post by **Brian Davis** » March 10, 2009, 6:02 am

You may wish to have a look at the website for the Kamala Bowling Club, Phuket.

http://www.lawnbowlphuket.com

Quite a bit of info there.

I popped in there a couple of times during my two years in Phuket. Played for first time. Nice set up, excellent 'lawn' and small bar/restaurant.
Well-established place. Owner told me the venue had done very well when Aussies were in town, as bowling had taken off in Oz. No doubt, beer sales too!

My own impression is that one would have to have many regulars and more than just bowling as attractions to 'pull in the punters.' Udon hardly, of course, has the same numbers circulating as Phuket. I THINK there were plans for pool too.

Really worth a look if you were down that way.

Post by **Tafia** » May 10, 2009, 7:04 pm

Played a few years ago with a local side in Dorset and for the civil service really enjoyed it and lack of time made me give up, now I'm retired would love to take it up again....count me in
Taff

Post by **tamada** » January 18, 2013, 3:02 pm

My.... how time flies and old ideas resurface. I guess we still have a few forumites with a lingering interest?

I should have done something 4 years ago when land was cheaper. Up side is there may be more expats and locals that are interested.

Post by **fredythehound** » February 2, 2013, 11:47 pm

i,ve been out of udon for some time now,is there a bowling club there now as i hope to leave uk soon and return to udon

Post by **Pakawala** » February 4, 2013, 1:13 am

Hi All..
Like Freddy, I've been on a 4 year hiatus but am planning to return this year (May or June) and I'm pleased to know the idea of a lawn bowls club is still on peoples minds. I was introduced to the game in the Philippines in 1985 and truly enjoy the sport. I joined a club in Australia while living down there for a while and also joined the club in Pattaya my first year in LOS. While I still prefer to play golf, lawn bowls is very high on my list. You can definitely count me in as a supporting member should it come about. =D>

Post by **fredythehound** » February 4, 2013, 2:21 am

looks like you and me maybe only ones interested not recived any other posts,and i noticed theres alot less posting on udon map now, by the way see you were in phillippines,i not been there but thought about it,can you tell me any downs there compared with thailand,i think most people talk english there which is 1 point i see in theire favour

Post by **tamada** » February 15, 2013, 6:12 pm

I am still interested!

Yes, while you were away, there was schism on the forum and another one was spawned. Some that lead the forum split don't post here any more, but most others post on both and even use the same names... it is just a forum after all.

Anyway, glad that there's still some interest in lawn bowls. If you PM me, we can trade email addresses and keep in touch off-forum and see how things go.

Post by **Suttoh** » April 9, 2014, 4:30 pm

Has there been any further developments re the bowling club??

Post by **fredythehound** » April 11, 2014, 3:13 am

nice to see some interest at long last

Post by **Suttoh** » April 11, 2014, 8:17 am

Yes well I'm a keen lawn bowler in Sydney Australia, would love to be involved in the sport here

Post by **Pakawala** » April 11, 2014, 11:14 pm

I'm still hoping it will happen one of these days. The sooner the better.