NZSL story – Taonga source: John Schischka
From Indoor Bowls to Indoor Netball: The Evolution of the Balmoral Hall
John Schischka reflects on the history of Auckland Deaf Society's hall on Balmoral Road, once primarily used for indoor bowls and even rented out to hearing groups. Back in the day, smoking indoors was common, and the hall was often filled with a haze of smoke! Later, the badminton and basketball clubs made use of the space, but as time went on, it became a bit of a ‘white elephant.’ The Board sought ways to make better use of it, eventually leasing it out as an indoor sports centre. Indoor netball became popular among Deaf members, who would play on Friday nights before heading upstairs to enjoy the Club night.
