History

The Early Days

The Longwarry Bowls Club was formed at a meeting  called by the Progress Association in June 1969.  The first president was George Sadler, the first secretary was Alan Ford and the committee consisted of Bert Betteridge, Theo Wetering, Geoff Little, Bill Rea, Duncan Holman, Jack Wade, Jack MacGibbon, Laurie Ross and Frank Toy.

In October 1969, two blocks of land were purchased, the site of the existing club.  The next step was to build the green, with and enclosing brick and wire fence.  Debentures were issued to raise the $5,392.50 to pay for it.

On August 12th, 1971,  the club applied for provisional affiliation with the R.V.B.A and in March of the following year, they became fully affiliated.  On October 7th, 1972, the first pennant match was played against Berwick B.  They may have lost 55 to 68, but the history had begun.  That first season of pennant as played without a club house, the public hall next door allowing the bowlers to use their facilities.

An inaugural meeting to form a Longwarry Ladies Bowling Committee was held in June, 1972.  president was Rita Betteridge, secretary Marie Dore and committee members Ivy Cheetham, Carmel Rogers, Joan Wenn, Vena Gardiner, Mary Hine, Molly Sadler, Linda Sadler, Rene Reed, Phyl Ward, Nora Peddle, Norma Brasier, Lorraine Smith, Anne Berryman and Ethel Boxshall.

The ladies launched into their first pennant season in 1973-74, the first match leading to anu “unprintable” result according to their secretary.

The first stage of the club house was begun on October 2nd, 1973, when the floor was poured.  It was opened at Christmas that same year.  In July 1977, the second stage of the club house was commenced.  While use of the hall facilities had been much appreciated, it was pleasing to have everything on their own premises at last.

Amalgamation with WS&SC

In May 2014, a special meeting was held to discuss a proposal to amalgamate with the Warragul Sporting and Social Club.  After much discussion, it was decided to proceed and secure the future of the club.  One of the first items on the agenda was the installation of a synthetic green which occurred in 2015.