WARWICK BOWLING CLUB
- THE FORMATIVE YEARS -
Many members who have joined the Warwick Bowling Club over the years will be unaware of how the club was established, and the enormous contribution and effort the Foundation Members made in creating our club.
This is their story . . . . .
The Warwick Bowling Club was established in June 1993 as a result of a meeting of Public Interest called by the Royal Western Australian Bowling Association (RWABA) and the City of Wanneroo. The meeting was held to ascertain from local residents if there was a need for additional bowling facilities in the areas of Craigie Open Space, the Warwick Open Space and Wanneroo district.
Over 100 people attended the meeting resulting in the formation of the Warwick Bowling Club (WBC). A working committee was formed immediately with Greg Ball appointed as Chairman. In October 1993, a meeting was called to form the full committee where Greg Ball became the club's inaugural president.
On 17 November 1993, the WBC Finance Committee met with the Wanneroo Council which allocated land adjacent to the Greenwood Tennis Club facility in Warwick Open Space for the proposed bowling club. However, the club needed time to establish a membership base and accumulate funds before development could take place. The club had to submit a proposal to the Wanneroo Council by the end of November indicating what the club was prepared to do to accomplish this.
At this stage, contact was made with the WA Yugoslav Club, (renamed the Stirling Bowling Club in 1994), located at Jones Street, Balcatta, which agreed to host the Warwick Bowling Club until the completion of the club's first two greens. In accordance with the Liquor Licensing Act, all WBC members were required to become Associate Members of the Yugoslav Centre.
As membership was increasing, the club now had its own newsletter to keep members informed of the various activities happening at the club. Initially the newsletter was a two A4 page publication. By issue number 9 it had grown to a booklet consisting of 12 pages and became 'The Magpie'.
The Warwick Bowling Club inaugural AGM was held on 19 June 1994 and a new committee was formed. Fees set for the first year were
Nomination $20
Full Membership $60
Social/Provisional Membership $30
The year 1994 was also the first competitive year as the Warwick Bowling Club.
The first WBC Opening Day was held on Sunday 11 September 1994 where the Club Patron, Senator Richard Evans (Federal Member for Cowan), bowled the first bowl of the season. The day opened with a Champagne Breakfast at 8:30am followed by mixed bowls all day from 10:00am. The cost was $10 for bowlers which included breakfast, sausage sizzle lunch and bowls. Social members were welcome and paid $5 for breakfast and $2 for lunch. All members were suitably attired in their whites and it was a memorable day.
The ladies held their Opening Day on Wednesday 14 September. Patron, Her Worship the Mayoress of Wanneroo, Rita Walters, attended for morning tea and bowled the first bowl of the season. The ceremonial 'cutting of the ribbon' by Ladies President Audrey Bawdon to formally open the greens also took place.
Jim and Jean Gregory
resplendent in their whites.
The Warwick Bowling Club at this stage became affiliated with the RWABA (formed 1898) and the Western Australian Ladies Bowling Association (WALBA formed in 1935). Both organisations would later formally amalgamate in 2004 and commence trading as Bowls WA. The men had been granted three Pennant sides for Thursdays and two Pennant sides for Saturdays. The ladies had two Pennant sides for their Tuesday games.
The club commenced competitive bowling at the beginning of the 1994/95 bowling season in October 1994. Accredited Club Coach, Ron Ahrens, had been very busy coaching new and experienced bowlers. Under his guidance, all had improved their bowling skills. In the first season of competition, over 50% of club bowlers were novices. It was through Ron's time and dedication to the club over the years that many progressed to become skilful players for the Warwick Bowling Club.
Ron Ahrens (WBC Foundation Member & Club Coach) and
Reg Wilson (WBC Foundation Member & Club Stalwart)
It was an excellent inaugural pennant season for the club, for both ladies and men. The ladies had two promotions and the men had one. As well, Ladies Sixth Division won the Pennant Flag. The club was presented with a WALBA Flag to be displayed in the club for one year, and a Pennant Shield to be kept at the club. Each lady was presented with a small Pennant Flag pin to wear on her hat.
Note that all dresses were the regulation
15 inches from the ground.
Not to be outdone, the following 1995/96 Pennant season saw the Men's Fourth Division win the first of the men's many Pennant Flags for the club.
It was extremely important for the club to establish a healthy bank balance in order to get the backing from the City of Wanneroo. From the outset, the club conducted numerous fundraising events which included barbecues, quiz nights, dances, social bowls, raffles and car rallies. With donations from generous members, Norm Cook and Ron Bawdon, aka 'Steptoe and Son', attended swap meets at the Warwick Shopping Centre below ground carpark. Norm and Gloria Cook organised a fundraising stall at Perry's Paddock which raised over $1000. Audrey Bawdon and Margaret Wilson organised a Big Easter Raffle. Utilising members with 'contacts', the prize was a return flight for two to Broome with five night's accommodation at Cable Beach Resort. Ansett Airlines and Cable Beach Resort donated the prizes with the cost of a raffle ticket being $2. Members went door knocking to ensure tickets were sold and $4756 was raised.
To raise funds quickly, the club initiated a debenture issue whereby members contributed $50, or multiples thereof, to the club. The member received a Debenture Certificate acknowledging the interest free loan, to be repaid at some time in the future when the club was in a financial position to make repayments.
Members were working hard to raise money, and also save money, as illustrated in the following extract from The Magpie newsletter, Issue No. 9.
Auction Sundowner Hotel
At this auction held on 13/14 Jan our President Ken, Norm and Ron Bawdon went along and purchased tables, chairs, bar equipment, sundry furnishings and equipment. Norm through a very good friend Mr Joe Singh has obtained the use of a portion of a factory unit in Balcatta at no rent, where the goods are stored. Then the busy bees followed when the furnishings were repaired (where necessary), renovated & painted. Everything purchased is now stored in the unit until needed. This exercise has resulted in a very big saving for our Club and our thanks go to another small band of workers for an excellent job well done,
In April 1995, the City of Wanneroo approved finance of $65,500 to clear land and establish two bowling greens with funds to be available from the 1995/96 City Budget. A grant from Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) of $32,666 was also obtained by the club.
On Saturday 26 August 1995, a walk-through Warwick Open Space was organised to commemorate the start of preparations for the new club. Approximately 100 visitors attended with many State and local government representatives present. Mayor Cr Arnold Dammers used a chrome plated engraved spade (expertly crafted by Norm Cook) with which to perform the very important ceremony of turning the first sod. A BBQ lunch followed.
WBC President Ken O'Brien,
Mayor Cr Arnold Dammers and Norm Cook
The ceremonial spade is displayed on the Warwick Bowling Club trophy cabinet in the club foyer.
The land was cleared on Tuesday 19 September 1995 and the light had finally appeared at a very long tunnel. The construction of two greens was commenced shortly after. This was the start of many busy bees by club members and more fundraising events.
Through the good efforts of Norm Cook, the club procured a sea container to use as a greenkeeper's shed. Alan Lacey utilised his welding expertise to fit a roof to the container and prepare it for transportation.
The club was fortunate to have two members in Greg Ball and Hilton Fry who were experienced greenkeepers. They were able to supervise the development of the WBC greens. With assistance from the Stirling Bowling Club greenkeeper, WBC member Cliff Duthie was conducting training sessions for club members on various management procedures to ensure rapid progress of the WBC greens and surrounds.
On Australia Day 1996, approximately 70 members planted A and B greens. This was a herculean task and a day to go down in the club's history records. The Entertainment Committee organised a BBQ lunch which was supplied by the club. This was held under a marquee and offered a short respite from planting duties.
The occasion was reported in Jack Hi 1996.
Bowls Busy Bee in True Aussie Style
Australia Day at the Warwick Bowling Club saw a great community effort in true Aussie style. About 70 men and women worked all day planting two new greens and were not fazed even when it came to hauling the top dressing in a bucket. A hessian fence was then erected to stop the wind from blowing it away. Club President Ken O'Brien said it was just this kind of camaraderie that would have the club up and going by next season.
Club members contributed many man-hours to establish the two greens, banks, surrounds and the temporary clubhouse (now the greenkeeper's shed).
On Saturday 21 September 1996, the opening of the temporary clubhouse was celebrated by some 130 members and guests who enjoyed the event with a carvery meal and drinks. Guests included Mayor Cr Arnold Dammers and Crs Arthur Taylor and Bill Duffy from the Wanneroo City Council.
First Executive Meeting in the temporary clubhouse.
Due to the dedicated band of willing workers who laboured each week during the winter months, October 16 1996 saw the very first roll up on the new Warwick greens. On Friday October 18, A green was passed for Pennant play and everyone was raring to go. The 1996/97 Pennant season was the first Pennant season on the club's home greens.
December 1996 saw the appointment of a part-time greenkeeper.
At the commencement of 1997 a sea container was purchased and installed on the south side of the temporary clubhouse for the storage of greens equipment, thus freeing space in the clubhouse for members and visiting players.
Plans for a future clubhouse received a setback as the Wanneroo Council wanted to form a Sports and Recreation Club involving the Greenwood Tennis Club, the Perth Outlaws Softball Club and the Warwick Bowling Club. The City was not in favour of a separate clubhouse for a bowling club as it was envisaged that cricket and football would likely be added to Warwick Open Space. The Council was determined to establish a joint sporting club sharing an extended clubhouse attached to the existing building.
Formation of the Warwick Recreation Association was the only means of obtaining council financial support and approval for an enlarged clubhouse facility to accommodate club members.
By July 1997, construction of D green had commenced with banks constructed, water laid on, and grass planted by the end of August in order for it to be ready for play by January 1998. Again, members (and friends/relatives of members) undertook all tasks.
The contribution of the hard-working members was illustrated in the following extract from The Magpie newsletter, December 1997.
Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated group within our club, we shall have a third green at a cost of $13,500. A contractor would charge $35,000 to $40,000!!!!
The City of Wanneroo approved the expenditure of $400,000 in their 1997/98 Budget for the construction of club premises to house the Warwick Bowling Club members. This was to be attached to the existing building occupied by the Greenwood Tennis Club and the Perth Outlaws Softball Club. The City of Wanneroo was to provide $330,000, with the State Government providing a grant of $50,000 and the Warwick Bowling Club providing $20,000.
Site for the future WBC Clubhouse.
(On July 1 1998, the City of Wanneroo was divided by the Local Government Advisory Committee, forming the City of Joondalup and Shire of Wanneroo - later re-established as a city.)
By September 1998 the clubhouse construction was finally under way.
After three years, in September 1999, the Warwick Bowling Club moved into a new clubhouse. The Warwick Recreation Association was to manage the new clubhouse and bar.
1999 also saw the appointment of a full-time greenkeeper.
The Clubhouse was officially opened on 31 March 2000 by the Mayor of Joondalup, John Bombay. In attendance at the opening ceremony function were representatives from the City of Joondalup, RWABA and WALBW, along with The Hon Graham Edwards (MHR for Cowan), and The Hon Cheryl Edwardes (MLA for Kingsley). The club emblem sign was attached to the clubhouse overlooking the greens. The emblem was designed by Dean Alston, The West Australian cartoonist, from an idea for the design from the club.
We moved into our new Clubhouse and the hard toil and frustrations had been worthwhile. The three years we spent in our temporary clubhouse had helped the bonding of our members. Their commitment and generosity had been overwhelming. Many dedicated members worked so hard in all ways to help establish our Club and achieve what we have today.
Audrey Bawdon (WBC Foundation Member and Inaugural Ladies President)
(In 2013, the Warwick Recreation Association was dissolved with the Warwick Bowling Club having the lease agreement of the club facility with the Joondalup City Council, and also obtained a liquor licence for the venue.)
By the year 2000, membership had grown to approximately 260, including 47 Foundation Members with continuous service. Pennant Divisions were
Ladies - 5 Tuesday
Men - 8 Thursday and 7 Saturday
C green, which had been a veggie patch for twelve months, was levelled and work commenced on the club's fourth green.
Permission was granted from the Joondalup City Council in August/September 2001 for clubhouse building extensions for a Match room and office room, repairs to the kitchen, and a shower and storeroom at the greenskeeper's shed.
Financial assistance was granted in 2002 from Sport and Recreation and the Joondalup City Council (which promised $11,670) to install lights on two greens.
Season 2002/2003 saw the Warwick Bowling Club finish in the top five for large clubs for Bowls WA Club of the Year. This was a fantastic achievement for such a young club, and a credit to all who had worked so hard to make Warwick a great club.
In the club's 10th anniversary year of establishment, an 'official' lighting of B and D greens was conducted on 3 October 2003. In attendance were State politicians, City of Joondalup councillors, RWABA & WALBA representatives and many club sponsors. Club Patron, The Hon Cheryl Edwardes (MLA for Kingsley), officially switched on the new lights and The Hon Margaret Quirk (MLA for Girrawheen), did the honours of cutting the cake. A ceremonial first bowl was delivered by Club President and Foundation Member Margaret Wilson, Ladies President Maxine Towler, and Men's President Alan Dowson. This was a busy year for the club as new chairs were purchased and an air-conditioner was installed.
Margaret Wilson (WBC Club President) and
The Hon Margaret Quirk
Alan Dowson (Men's President), Maxine Towler (Ladies President) and Margaret Wilson (Club President)
With the introduction of 'lights', a series of Community Bowls and some of the Men's Club Championship events were successfully held at night.
In 2004, the club's 10th anniversary year since the first sod was turned, the first of the club greens to be converted to synthetic was officially opened by Club Patron. The Hon Cheryl Edwardes (MLA for Kingsley). At a cost of $155,000 it was funded by the Club, Joondalup City Council ($38,000) and Department of Sport and Recreation ($38,000).
The Hon Cheryl Edwardes and
Margaret Wilson (WBC Club President)
The plaque commemorating the occasion was placed on the wall at the southern end of D green. The synthetic green gave enormous possibilities for the club for night and winter bowls.
The membership was now approximately 300. Pennant Divisions were
Ladies - 5 Tuesday, 1 Friday Night and 1 Saturday
Men - 7 Thursday and 6 Saturday
The Warwick Bowling Club accomplished a lot in its formative years, and this was due to the hard work, persistence, and dedication of the members who laid the foundations for what the club is today.
We should never forget the contribution the foundation members made to our club and it is an example to all our current volunteers and committee members, and indeed all our members, just what we can contribute to the future of the Warwick Bowling Club.
Keith Brown (WBC President 2013)
Afterword
Margaret Wilson
WBC Foundation Member & Life Member
I've been very privileged to be a Foundation Member of this great Warwick Bowling Club. As you can see from the history written above, this club was built up with lots of hard work from its members volunteering freely of their time to make Warwick the successful club we now all enjoy.
Thirty-three years later, we still need people volunteering their time in whatever capacity they are able whether it be on committees, helping on the greens, in the kitchen, at the bar, or umpiring. Every little bit helps, and hopefully our club will be around for many more years to come.
March 2026
1993 Foundation Member
1994 Ladies Treasurer
1995-1998 Club Treasurer
1999-2001 Ladies President
2002-2004 Club President
2005 Club Secretary
2007-2008 Ladies Selection Committee
2009 Ladies Captain
2010-2016 Ladies Selection Committee
Volunteer Roles
Club Convenor
Kitchen Duties
Corporate/Community Bowls
RSA Accredited and worked behind the bar until 2023