Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its founding on Saturday 8 June at its present site on 65 Hilton Terrace, Tewantin.
The Club first began in 1949 when a group of locals, who had been playing bowls at Alf Sprigget’s private rink on Poinciana Avenue, decided there was a need for a Bowling Club to be
established. They then agreed to act as guarantors for a bank loan to finance the purchase of suitable land and establish a bowling green.
The site of the present club was then quite swampy, covered with paperbarks and mangroves, with a creek running along its eastern boundary. Forty men agreed to guarantee a loan from the ES&A Bank at Cooroy, which allowed the purchase of the property for $633.80 (in today’s currency). In the fullness of time, the land was cleared, drained and a substantial quantity of fill imported to facilitate the construction of a single green. A small cottage was built to serve as a Clubhouse along with a small standalone toilet building.
In the intervening 70 years, two more greens have been added, the Clubhouse extended, then subsequently demolished, to be replaced with the present spacious building in 1989.
Throughout its history, the Club has produced its share of champion bowlers in the Club, Local and State scene. More importantly, it has provided both bowling and social activities for Club Members, visiting bowlers and members of the wider Noosa community.
The change of clothing fashions over the 70 years has not been limited to “the man in the street” or to the ladies. In 1949, male bowlers were required to wear white or cream long trousers, white shirts (and frequently, ties). Likewise, lady bowlers were often referred to as “White Leghorns”, because of the white stockings and long white dresses, which were the mandatory attire.
Currently, the Club House incorporates a modern Bar, Bottle Shop, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Gaming Lounge and Betting Facility. These facilities, as well as the greens are also used by Community, School and Junior sporting Groups for Barefoot Bowling, functions, and social activities including Mah Jong, Bridge, Canasta, Poker and Trivia.
“Looking towards the future, covered carpeted greens are being investigated as an option to further cement the great sport of Lawn Bowls, and for the health and safety of our bowling fraternity.”
Today, the Club Bowling and Social membership is currently over 1000 people. During the month of June, the Club will host Barefoot Bowls sessions, every Sunday from 3pm.
The Club’s Birthday Celebrations will be held on Saturday 8 June. Costing $20 per person for a fabulous 50’s themed dinner, and 50’s music from local talented duo Better Together – for details contact 5449 7155.
