History of the Club

The first record of a meeting of the Payneham Bowling Club was of that held in the Payneham Institute on 19th July 1920 and at which thirteen intending members attended. The Chairman at that first meeting was Mr W.H.Ind and the first President elected by the meeting was Mr J.A.C.Marshall who had as his office-bearers Messrs A.O.Pike, Vice-President, J.C.Lumbers, Secretary, J.Donaldson, Treasurer, J.W.Kimber and A.Colbert, Auditors.


James A.C.Marshall

There were six Committeemen elected: Messrs E.C.Gwynne, C.T.Fisher, F.Turner, A.E.Pitt, W,H.Ind and F.Strempel. Provision was made for the appointment of five (5) Trustees. Mr Pitt was the current Mayor of Payneham. and had also served
a term in 1911. An interesting resolution passed at that inaugural meeting was that ten members be asked to become Life Members by the payment of twenty-five pounds each and to take up twenty bonds at five pounds each the latter carrying 5% interest, apparently the forerunner of our present Debenture Scheme.

The first record of these Life Memberships showed the names of Messrs Marshall, Fisher, A.E.Pitt and J.H.Hobbs.

In November 1920 the Committee was told that the green was not responding as satisfactorily as had been planned and President Marshall undertook to speak to the Contractor. The plans for the greens and surrounds had been prepared by Mr E.H.McMichael, who had carried out a similar function for the Tranmere Bowling Club, and he made no charge for his services.

A reticulation system was installed for the green at this time. It was also towards the end of 1920 that the Committee considered that in the near future the installation of Tennis Courts would provide a source of income and tenders were invited for erection of backstops for four courts.

The land selected for the Club had been the property of Mr E.C.Gwynne and the original deposit money for the purchase, had been advanced by Messrs J.H.Hobbs, A.E.Pitt and A.O.Pike. It was decided that they be offered receipts for 125 pounds and classed as Life Members which was accepted by Messrs Hobbs and Pitt.
At the time the concept of paid Life Memberships had not met with unqualified success from the members, and as the financial climate was a little bleak to say the least, the Committee called a Special General Meeting early in 1921 to decide whether under the circumstances the Club should continue with its plans even though some work had been done towards the laying down of 12 rinks in two batches of six.

For a time there was some concern that some portion of the Payneham Road frontage would have to be sold to provide much needed finance but the situation was rescued by President Marshall, who offered the club a loan of 300 pounds.

Since this time of foundation, the Payneham Bowling Club has progressed through many different and varied changes and improvements. These have all been meticulously researched by one of the clubs Life Members, Mr W.P. Holmesby. The book, "Gardens to Greens" is now available at the bar for the very attractive price of $15.00.

OUR MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENTLY OPEN

The membership of this Club is currently about 250, and if you wish to consider joining the Club, please contact David Hards, Club Secretary, who will arrange for you to visit us, make use of the facilities, and, if you wish, complete an application form. The Annual subscription for a Men's Pennant playing member for 2007/08 is $221.00, and for women is $159.00, other categories are available so talk to David who will assist you obtain the right level of membership to suit your sporting/social needs.
GUESTS ARE WELCOME

We are always pleased to welcome individuals, or groups to come and try Bowls during our 'Night Owls' season. There is no formal dress code, except that flat shoes without heels must be worn.