IN THE ever toughening competition for patrons' leisure and sporting interests, any edge will do, especially a freebie gift-wrapped in goodwill.
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Level two lawn bowls coach 85-year-old Jack Dicker has coached members periodically at Queanbeyan RSL Memorial Bowling Club.
Now the club is encouraging its 130 active bowlers to get some free tips from their in-house expert mid-week, available on request.
"I've got a couple of cakes for it over the years and sometimes a bottle of wine," Mr Dicker said.
"I do that on purpose. The goodwill strengthens the bowling fraternity and if you've got a good philosophy, the atmosphere of the club is good."
In his 40 years' playing time, Mr Dicker has also coached bowlers at all levels up to the national stage with excellent championship results at club, district and state level in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
Also an international marker and umpire, he came to the RSL bowling club two years ago and said the playing standard is very high.
Young talent Nathan Savino, a club fours winner and player of the series at a Goulburn tournament in August is a protege.
"Jack is always very generous with his time and teaches me so much," the 22-year-old said.
When asked who wins the most, they laugh and point at each other.
Nathan's new speckled blue bowls were a gift from Jack. The younger man had a poor set when Jack won the new set in a raffle. He immediately gifted them to Nathan.
"I owned them for about 10 minutes," Jack laughed.
Membership at the club has increased by about 20 since the year-long closure of the Queanbeyan Bowling Club, now reopened.
Bowlers range in age from 12 to 80, the bulk of active playing members between 25 and 55.
Jack invites learners and established bowlers to call him on 6299 5593 or club secretary manager Marta Kavas, 6297 2344.