History

The Strathfieldsaye Bowls Club was formed on the 6th July 1982 at a meeting held in the Strathfieldsaye Public Hall. The meeting was convened by local resident Alan Burkitt for the purpose of discussing the formation of a Lawn Bowls Club in Strathfieldsaye. ln excess of fifty people attended the meeting with a further twenty five sending apologies.

Alan Burkitt was elected as the inaugural President of the Strathfieldsaye Bowls Club at this meeting. A joining fee of five dollars was initiated so as the club had some funds for the initial administration and running costs. The Strathfieldsaye Bowls Club approached the Strathfieldsaye Shire Council at that time, for some land to build the greens, and were given a section of land that the Shire had been purchased from the local Somerville family, with the intention of it being available for recreational purposes.

Funds to build the new green were raised by selling 100 x $51.00 debentures; in addition to this the club held many fund-raising events, and also received a loan from the Shire Council. The water for the original green was pumped from a dam which was situated where the “A” Green is currently located.

Construction work on the green was commenced on 1st September 1982 with the assistance of the Shire Council and many volunteers. It was completed and ready for play in late 1984. The green was officially opened by Shire Councillor Alec Sandner on Sunday October 13th 1985.

Strathfieldsaye Bowls Club affiliated with the Royal Victorian Bowls Association (RVBA) and the Victorian Ladies Bowls Association (VLBA). Both entities have since merged to be known today as Bowls Victoria. This affiliation meant that the Club was approved to enter Sides to play in local Pennant competitions. The Ladies of the Club won their first Pennant, and the first Pennant win for the Club, in the 1987-88 season in Division 8.  The Men’s first Pennant win was achieved the next year, in the 1988-89 season.