RECENTLY appointed Rosewood Bowls Club treasurer Dave Aspden expects to be busy landscaping after recently moving into a new house at Walloon.
However, Dave and his wife Elaine plan to visit a granddaughter they haven’t met yet in the United Kingdom before “getting stuck” into his domestic task.
Dave, 71, moved to the Rosewood area two years ago after spending most of his life in Lancashire, in north west England.
He worked in the circuit board and electronics manufacturing industry for many years becoming a self-employed quality consultant before retiring aged 69.
It was in his country of birth that Dave met his wife Elaine, who is originally from Sydney.
So, when Elaine wanted to return to Australia to rejoin her parents, Dave welcomed the “ideal opportunity” to play bowls in Rosewood and share his financial knowledge.
At the similar size Sabden club in England, Dave was a member for a decade and treasurer for six years. But Dave could only enjoy bowls for a short season each year due to the weather.
That changed by moving to the pleasant conditions in Rosewood.
“I just love the weather. I love the people,” he said, having settled quickly into his new Queensland lifestyle.
“It’s just great.
“What I like is that you can bowl all year round.”
In England, Dave often represented his club in various teams.
Since joining his new club, he has stepped up to the help the Rosewood Cobbers in their pennants and representative bowls matches.
One of his main tasks since taking over as club treasurer has been transferring past hand-written ledgers into a computerised format.
“It will make it easier for me, a lot easier for the club, a lot easier for the auditors to analyse,” he said.
“The quality side of things gives you an insight into making sure that everything is correct.”
The keen camper and angler said he was made welcome at the Rosewood club by long-serving former president Terry Hobden and incoming committee leader Kevin Hayden.
“Kevin is certainly a character,” Dave said. “He’s a marvellous guy.”
Terry was happy to receive assistance from energetic newcomers like Dave.
“I think he’ll make a good treasurer. He’s had a bit of experience at it,” Terry said.
Dave’s wife Elaine assists with club cooking.
The new treasurer said bowls provided a tremendous way to relax, gain some exercise and improve mental health.
“I just enjoy the camaraderie,” Dave said.
“It’s a good social day out. It’s good to get with bowlers who become friends.”
Dave shares the thoughts of new president Kevin, highlighted in a previous Moreton Border News story.
“The main thing really is getting more young people involved,” Dave said.
“And it’s the same in the UK.
“As the population gets older, unfortunately members pass away and we’ve got to replace them otherwise the club has nowhere to go.”
Dave would like to see more family fun bowls days for parents and their children.
“We don’t take it too serious,” he said, also hoping more school-aged youth try bowls in the future.
“We’re not at a level where you’re in competitions and winning major prizes. It’s a day where you have a social day and enjoy your bowling.”