Long gone are the days of crisp stark white bowls uniforms, women’s skirts at a certain length, and men in long white pants and shirts.
Today, lawn bowls is a mix of colour, excitement and a social or competitive sport with friends.
Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club has grown from a small living room size clubhouse to a fabulous facility housing three grass greens, and this year celebrates 72 years young.
The land was purchased for 316 pounds and 18 shillings with 40 men prepared to act as guarantors for the loan, some of whom still have relatives who visit the club.
Crosscut saws and a bulldozer were used to clear the paperbarks and mangroves that covered the area, as social bowls had far outgrown the small one rink private bowling green that local Alf (Pop) Spriggett had at his house at 85 Poinciana Ave Tewantin.
Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club is very privileged to honour a 51 year membership with Kevin Manthey, and not far behind with 47 years membership, is another local Lindsay Pateman.
For anyone with Commonwealth Games ambitions, their resident mentor Rick Dickson at 92 years young is out on the greens most days imparting his amazing knowledge of the game.
Rick coached local Kelsey Cottrell bringing her through the ranks of junior to international superstar.
The club is growing a junior bowling program, with free coaching and membership for kids looking to join a new sport.
One of the most popular past times for all ages is Barefoot Bowls, and the intensity is increasing each year.
From Christmas parties through to Hens and Bucks groups, family groups and community groups, there are always barefoot bowlers out on the greens.
Wednesday nights in Autumn and Spring is Corporate Bowls – a six week networking and social competition for local businesses.
With a membership of close to 1000 members, they see a lot of smiling faces through the doors each week, not only for bowls, but also to enjoy the Bistro and popular Yum Cha Sundays.
Wednesday and Fridays come on in and try your luck with their popular raffles and member draws, and every Friday night enjoy the sounds of local musicians.
Events coming up include The Sandflys on Saturday 20 March from 2pm to 5pm and Melony’s Drag Queen Bingo on Saturday 1 May from 6pm.
For local registered Community Clubs there are opportunities for fundraising and donations, so if interested, why not drop into the club or give them a call.
