Obituary – Zelda Bridgens

A few months after the passing of Kathy Brown, the Milford Bowling Club has lost another stalwart member with the death at the great age of 98 of Zelda Bridgens.

She passed away on June 20 and her memorial service is to be held at the club-rooms she graced so frequently.

Zelda was a foundation member of Milford when it started in 1984 and subsequently served the club in many administrative roles, as well as being an accomplished player and coach. Inevitably, she became one of the club’s earlies life members,  Before taking up bowls Zelda had a formidable record in track and field, firstly as an outstanding athlete herself and later in administration and coaching.

As Zelda Corbett, she excelled in hurdle events and the long jump, winning many titles and even at national level, being the national champion in the women’s long jump in 1947 and 1947. She was one of the few who, in a championship, beat one of New Zealand’s greatest ever women’s athletes, the 1952 Olympic gold medalist, Yvette Williams.

In 1964 Zelda achieved her administrative pinnacle when she was the chaperone to the New Zealand team at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Though a competent bowler, Zelda never won a centre title but enjoyed considerable success at club level, either winning or finishing runner-up in 34 events. In 2018 she was honoured with a life-time achievement award by Bowls North Harbour.

Her bowling legacy at the Milford club has been followed by her grandson Logan, the winner of several club titles.