PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB ABOUT THE CLUB

A LOCAL LANDMARK, THEN AND NOW

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the region’s most recognised venues, Port City has always been shaped by its community. What started as a simple green has grown into a vibrant club that now includes bowls, dining, entertainment, and events, serving both locals and visitors alike

CLUB DIRECTORS

Port City Bowling Club Board of Directors:

Christopher King - Chairman

Mick Hayes - Deputy Chairman

Jeff Pattinson - Director

Wayne Evans - Director

Mick Garrihy - Director

Ross Langsford - Director

Jock McDonald - Director

OUR STORY

Following representation from local residents in 1937, the Municipal Council decided to investigate the possibility of constructing the town’s first lawn bowling green.

The Lands Department of the day, in agreement with the Maritime Services Board, approved the release of part of the Pilot Station recreation reserve.

This area became the site of the Club’s first green and original clubhouse. The cost of developing the green was a total sum of £470 ($940), which included excavation at £20, construction of the green at £350, windmill, piping and tank at £50, fencing at £40, and contingencies at £10. Work commenced in July 1937 and was completed by September 1937.

A meeting was held on 16 December 1937 for the formation of the Port Macquarie Bowling Club (men only). Mr H.T. O’Neil was elected the first President. Bowls were played on the new green for the first time on 22 December 1937.

A grand opening day was held on Saturday, 23 April 1938.

The first annual general meeting of the newly formed Club was held on 14 June 1939, with a total of 26 bowlers in attendance. The Club concluded its first year with a membership of 43 and a turnover of £420 and 11 shillings ($841.10).

The site of the green and clubhouse (shared with the tennis club) was originally rented from the Council for the sum of £1 ($2) per week, including maintenance. At a committee meeting on 25 March 1938, the newly formed Club took over custody of the green for an annual fee of three guineas (£3.3s or $6.60), payable half-yearly.

Number two green was constructed in 1953, number three in 1956, number four in 1970, and number five in 1985.

Until 1957, the Club was dependent on two wells for water supply, with watering of the greens undertaken by hand-held hoses. Town water was connected to the Club in 1957.

During the 1939–45 war years, club membership remained stagnant at under 30 bowlers. In 1954, a meeting was held with a number of women and an agreement reached to form the Women’s Bowling Club. By 1960, the combined membership of the Club had risen to 300—approximately 200 men and 100 women.

In 1950, the first poker machine arrived in Port Macquarie: a sixpenny (5c) machine owned by the Golf Club, used on weekends and lent to the Bowling Club and RSL Club during the weekdays if required.

Port City purchased its first poker machine in 1958. We now have in excess of 140 machines.

In 1972, new government legislation required all licensed clubs to be incorporated. As a result, our Club became registered as a company under the title of Port Macquarie Bowling Club Limited.