John Williamson has put his indoor bowls in the cupboard to follow his musical interests.
Williamson (69) intended to give up the game six years ago, when his wife Elva was recovering from an operation to remove a brain tumour.
But friends persuaded him that he needed a break from the house and he continued to play.
As his wife recovered, his home duties became less and he also took up big bowls in winter at the Westpac Stadium.
However, after 54 years with the little bowls, he wants a break.
"I've just become stale," Williamson said.
"I've had my time and don't want to go out on cold winter nights anymore."
The retired post office worker is a gifted singer and actor and took the lead role in four Alexandra Blossom Festival productions when he lived in Central Otago.
The highlight of Williamson's career in indoor bowls was winning the Welch Trophy in 1970.
He was a member of the eight-strong Otago team that won the Paterson Trophy for South Island interprovincial competition.
Otago then beat Bay of Plenty for the Welch Trophy and became New Zealand champion.
"It was a proud day for me, because it was in an era when indoor bowls had the greatest player participation of any sport in New Zealand.
"It was my best moment in the sport."
Williamson grew up in Alexandra and started playing indoor bowls at 15.
He won two Central Otago and one South Canterbury champion of champions titles.
"I enjoyed the companionship and friendship associated with the game," he said.
He and his wife played together for two years and were runner-up in the Central Otago champion of champions pairs in 1988.
Williamson will continue to play lawn bowls in the summer, with the Andersons Bay club.
