By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
The oldest lawn bowls shop in Victoria has had no choice but to permanently close its doors.
The colourful 33-year history of the Highway Bowls Centre in Central Dandenong comes to an end with owner Roy Aspinall announcing his retirement.
Roy Aspinall and Margaret Spencer opened Highway Bowls Centre at 73 Walker Street on 28 May 1980 and three years later moved it up the hill to 61 Walker Street, where it has remained until now.
“It was not an easy decision to close as I have been involved in Highway Bowls Centre for half of my life but decided that it was time to retire,” Roy said.
“Wanting to keep faith with our many loyal customers, or as I prefer to think of many of them as friends, I tried to sell the business but the current economic climate is not conducive to there being a ready market for retail businesses.
“Both Margaret and I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the bowlers and the clubs and I thank them for their support over the 33 years.”
Employees at Highway Bowls Centre always lived by its slogan – ‘Your Enjoyment is Our Business’.
Roy and Margaret have also enjoyed a close liaison with bowls clubs in the district and throughout Gippsland.
“When we first opened there were stores like Katie’s and Coles Super Store on Lonsdale Street but the area has undergone a number of transitions in that time and is now entering into another exciting period,” Roy said.
“I am very optimistic about the future for Central Dandenong and I am sure there are great days ahead.”
Roy was the inaugural Chairperson of the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association from 1996 and served as a member of the City of Greater Dandenong Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee.
In 2003 he was also awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal for services to the community.
“I would also like to thank the many City of Greater Dandenong staff and councillors I have worked with and who have assisted us in many ways over the years,” Roy said.
“Whilst Dandenong is a major regional centre it is also a big village and we enjoyed being involved with the local community.”
Despite the hard decision, Roy has thought of a few ways he could spend his free time.
“I could also find time to get back to playing bowls again,” he said.
