History

The History of the first 50 years of our

Boyanup Bowling Club

(in short)

In 1946,

The citizens of the Boyanup district resolved to purchase 15 acres of land from Thomas Simmons to build a Recreation and Sports Centre as a Memorial to those who served in World War II. The final purchase was 16 acres, 38 perches, at the cost of 900 pounds ($1800). The money was raised by public subscription and the national Fitness Council donated 25 pounds ($50).
BOYANUP MEMORIAL PARK was the title chosen for the project.

In 1948,

February, the Memorial park Committee allocated portions of land to the following clubs: Football, Bowls, Croquet, Hockey and the Infant Health Centre.
The inaugural meeting of Boyanup Memorial Park Bowling Club was 17 th of May, 1948

Of course it will take some time to prepare the greens. A bough shed was erected to serve afternoon teas and hot water was boiled in a copper outside. In April 1949 the Memorial Park laid pipes onto the green for summer watering.

In 1949,

November,they played on the green for the first time and ladies are being admitted to membership.

In 1950,

October, Boyanup affiliated with the WA Bowling Association.

November, The first annual general meeting of the lady associates was held. The associates were constantly fund-raising for the club, holding monthly card parties, stalls and raffles.

In 1951,

11th February, The official opening of the bowling greens was held. Six rinks from a ploughed field.
The president of the club, Mr EP Ecclestone, welcomed the visitors, and thanked those men who had worked so hard in the early days in forming the greens. Mr NR Payne, president of the Memorial Park Committee, declared the greens open and he sent down the “bowl” of the day.

September, The Boyanup Club affiliated with the South West Bowling League.
With the green playable, work on building a club house commenced. Jarrah logs were donated by GE Hurst, sawn at Turner Mill, Capel . G Reilly and P Taubert erected the frame and the following weekend the building was completed by the members. Bowls

In 1952,

25th November, The season opened and afternoon tea was served on the verandah of the new club house.

December , Boyanup played their first Pennant Game.

In 1955,

March, The club has been playing for six years, they decided to have lights for night play. This was made possible by the willingness of members to provide money and labour.

In 1959,

The club was free of debt.

In 1963,

Memorial Park Committee re-allocated the croquet portion of land to the club for a club house. After the building fund was established, the members were resolute to raise funds and commence building. Finances were low and some winners of competition offered to forgo their trophies so the money could go towards furnishing the club house.

In 1966,

6th November, The clubhouse opened.

In 1970,

Bird and Birdwatchers Giumelli Cup was played for the first time between men and ladies pennant teams. The inaugural Ecclestone Family Trophy was played for.

In 1980-1982,

Extensions to the club house were carried out in two stages, adding more lounge area, Captain’s office and men’s locker room.

In 1989,

October, The Boyanup Bowling Club became Incorporated.

In 1990,

Ladies associates were welcomed as full members. A new constitution was drawn up. The club house was renovated by members, with the addition of bar, cold room and ladies’ rest room. A restricted Liquor Licence was granted to the club.

In 1994-95

Men’s pennants, coloured shirts were introduced.

1995-1998,

Since the club started, the bar management, club house and grounds maintenance, catering and house duties have been carried out voluntarily by the members. With a downturn in membership the club finances were at a low. The source of income has been the succesful men’s and ladies annual carnivals, considering the small membership it is a credit to those involved.