After just the first round ever of the GemLife Highfields’ ten-pin bowling league competition, Wendy Wilson is in the top ten players who have knocked over more than 1000 pins.
The enthusiastic bowler and her husband Ross only moved into the over-50s lifestyle resort four months ago but her casual games of ten-pin bowling in the country club were spotted by other residents who immediately recognised her talent and invited her to join the resort’s newly established ten-pin bowling league.
“It is a sport I have been playing for 43 years and really enjoy, so I was more than happy to oblige,” said Wendy, who was first introduced to ten-pin bowling by her sister-in-law who shares her passion.
The pair played regularly at various venues across Brisbane including the iconic Milton Ten Pin Bowling Centre, until it closed in 2008.
The GemLife Highfields’ ten-pin bowling league has already attracted more than 40 players, both men and women who compete in a round-robin type event in teams of four over a period of eight to ten weeks.
Wendy is enjoying the challenge and has even invested in her own bowling ball which is drilled specifically for her own hands and fingers.
“I think I must have a bit of a competitive streak because I’m getting a bit more serious about the competition now,” laughed Wendy.
Prior to moving into the resort, the enthusiastic bowler said her highest score was 225 and she had also won a good mix of trophies over the years.
Her best score so far at the new GemLife Highfields league has been 188.
“In all honesty, I am not that competitive. It is just nice to get out, have a game and meet new people while also keeping active,” she said.
Wendy said the country club and all its facilities are fabulous for all ages to enjoy.
“My grandchildren love the pool and are always keen to join us for a game of tennis, mini-golf, bocce, or pickleball. They also love a game of monopoly or cards with their grandfather in the games room, and everything is free to use.”
Wendy and Ross did their research and inspected other over-50s resorts before settling on buying what is only their second home together, at GemLife Highfields.
“We had only ever lived in our home at Acacia Ridge before this move in October last year, but we knew what we wanted, and we found everything here at GemLife,” said Wendy.
“The homes are beautiful and built to very high standards such as floor-to-ceiling tiles in the bathrooms which we didn’t find at other places we inspected. The location was also ideal. We can now pick up our grandchildren from their school just across the road and are close to one of our sons and his family who visit regularly.”
A ten-pin bowler who also loves to walk, Wendy is convinced the couple has secured a big win at GemLife Highfields.
“Talk about striking it lucky! This is only our second-ever home, and it will probably also be our last. We just love it!”