The history of Balmain Bowling Club is one like no other. It lays claim to being the oldest surviving bowling club in NSW, founded in 1880. For close to 150 years members and visitors have enjoyed the club facilities and greens, making it one of the most cherished establishments in the area.
The coming together of what we now know as Balmain Bowling Club began in 1879. When a group of prominent locals who shared an interest in the ancient game of lawn bowls met in the Balmain School of Arts to propose the establishment of a bowling club. They subscribed to an initial capital fund of 1000 pounds, with 40 shares at 25 pounds. A second and more substantial meeting was held in the Town Hall on January 7th 1880 chaired by Mayor Alderman A. Elkington, who supported the proposal. It was agreed that further capital would be raised to permit the purchase of land and the preparation of a green. The Balmain Bowling Club Ground Company Ltd. was thus formed to administer these funds and subsequently leased the grounds and facilities to the Bowling Club.
The inaugural opening of the Bowling Club on April 9th, 1881 was a grand affair, guest of honour, John Young formally opened the club. He retained a life long interest in bowling and went on to found the New South Wales Bowling Association of which he was President for twenty-six years.
By 1882 the club’s membership base had grown to more than 100 members, and was able to make a return on investment to it’s shareholders.
Flash forward to today, Balmain Bowling Club stands strong, marked with tradition and a real history that’s spans over 145 years. Now trading under the umbrella of the St Johns Park Bowling Club Group, branded as the Balmain Tigers Bowling Club. The club remains an important historical site and piece of pride to the Balmain area. The enjoyment of lawn bowls still at the forefront of the club.
Thank you to Andrew West and his ‘Bowling for Balmain’ article for the information.
Social Bowls
Wednesday – Wednesday Wasters Social – from 11:00am.
Call the Club or visit the contact page in advance and we can put you in contact with the organisers.
