Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes Bonnie Doon Centre

A sound similar to calm, oncoming thunder echoes throughout Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes. The strike heard as pins topple and bowling balls roll on through or the sight of a walled-shelf with bowling shoes for rent or the polished lanes that seem to stretch endlessly throughout the room – all these things create a sense of nostalgia here.

Martin van Keimpema, current manager of Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes, has felt this since he was a boy. “My dad has been here since opening day, for 55 or 56 years,” says Martin. “And, I started working here when I was 14 or 15. So, I followed my mom and dad right to here.” His daughter also works at the bowling alley, and his grand-daughter will hopefully be joining them for the summer.