Para-bowler sets the bowls rolling from custom-made wheelchair

GEORGE NEWS - When one of the most dedicated bowlers in the Eden District, Les Johnston, lost the use of his legs, it inspired him to invent and manufacture his own unique wheelchair that gave him freedom on the bowling greens again.

With the assistance of his wife Laura, who is a provincial bowler, he can now enjoy his favourite sport and even compete against any other bowler.

Johnston tells the story of his innovation:

"Having been a keen bowler over the past 14 years and finding myself in a situation of losing the use of my legs due to blood flow problems, osteoarthritis due to past sport injuries, overcoming cancer, plus the fact that the unavoidable ageing is constantly eating away my physical strength, I needed to play again as the previous 4 years have been bad news.

"Frustration drives one to adapt to the situation one finds oneself in. I tried bowling from my standard wheelchair, but it was unacceptable to me, as I found myself dropping the bowl from a height and having to lean over to one side to avoid the wheels and brakes hindering my bowling action. I have sympathy for greenkeepers and felt wheelchair wheels are not really suitable for the bowling green surface.

"What followed was many hours of surfing the internet in an attempt to find a solution and allow me to enjoy the game of bowls once again, as bowls has become so much part of my life. I found a site in England which seemed to suit my needs, but unfortunately, the cost was too high with the British currency, which put this idea on hold, most probably forever.

"The wake-up call came from my dear life partner and wonderful wife who reminded me that I have years of engineering experience, coupled with my experience in Formula One and building racing sport cars over the past 51 years, plus the fact that I have a well-equipped workshop in my garage. After two months of searching for wheels, Chinese scooter wheels came to my attention. Following this find, my mechanical drawing skills came into play, which took up another two weeks of my time.

"After considering carbon fibre, high density plastic, aluminium castings and other modern hydrocarbons, I discovered that it was either too expensive or not available in George. Problem number two was to find an engineering company to manufacture the hand drive plates and hand grip as my machinery is too small to do this job. Three inadequate attempts by three different concerns and 21 days later, I finally found a concern that laser-cut the components to my satisfaction and I was then able to develop the components of the chair from my workshop at home.

"Problem number three was that it must be possible to take the chair apart and put it together quickly to facilitate transport to bowling destinations and problem number four was that the whole project must be cost-effective.

"After solving some other minor problems, the designing and construction of the wheelchair started. Working from the confines of a wheelchair has been frustrating yet rewarding. The chair is dismantled in approximately 5 minutes and can be put together in much the same time-frame.

"Due to the wheels' small diameter, it is difficult to move up and down a rink and help is needed, but thank heavens for a loving wife who is always there to assist."