• Nikki and Luc Gheysen catching a first-time student on the flying trapeze. Photo
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A HIGH-WIRE act could ensure Melville bowling club stays at its current location, says president Garry McCormack.

Flying Trapeze Perth has just opened for business at the rear of the Alfred Cove club and Mr McCormack is hopeful the circus school will make the club more diverse and viable.

He says Melville city council previously approached the club about relocating from its prime riverfront site to Tompkins Park, a few metres away, and sharing facilities with other clubs.

“The city was very upfront that they wanted us to move, so they could sell the land and keep rates down,” he says.

“God knows what this spot is worth: it’s in a prime location.

“But we have a good bank balance and have been going for 70-odd years—we want to keep our identity.

“I’m hoping that by adding extra attractions like the trapeze school we can secure our long-term future here.”

The trapeze school, run by husband and wife team Luc and Nikki Gheysen, was based at  a resort on the Sunshine Coast for the past 15 years, but declining tourism and a lack of council support in finding a new venue made them head west.

“I had never been to WA before, so it was a bit of a life-changing decision,” says Luc.

“But I already love the lifestyle and I’m really into windsurfing.

“There was another trapeze school here at the club a year or two ago, so all the permissions were in place for us to pretty much open straight away.”

Luc, who has been teaching trapeze for 25 years, says he previously worked as a juggler and street entertainer.

The school will include classes in trapeze, juggling and put on performances for corporate events and parties.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK