WASLEYS BOWLING CLUB

(a brief history)

On the night of December 9th, 1933, a group of men met in the Wasleys Institute to consider the possible formation of a Bowling Club. As a result of this meeting, the Wasleys Bowling Club was formed.

It was decided to purchase two blocks of land, previously used as holding paddocks, opposite the primary school. The land cost 50 pounds. In 1934, a crawler tractor was used to pull out all the boxthorn bushes which had overgrown the paddocks. After clearing the blocks, the green was laid, consisting of four rinks.

The original membership consisted of 21 foundation members. Unfortunately, no record of fees are available. However, in 1935 the membership fees were 30/- for foundation members and 40/- for all new members. Lights were erected and 6d. per player was the charge for playing at night.

Since 1935, times have certainly changed, because it is noted that the committee of the day passed that Sunday bowling was strictly prohibited!

In 1938, the land was paid for and funds were raised for the Club House. On December 31st, 1938, the new Club House was opened.

The club played only social bowls from 1938 to 1943.  At a meeting held in January 1944, it was decided to affiliate with the South Australian Bowling Association. This was followed in October, 1945, with the joining of the Wooroora Bowling Association - the club has remained in that association.

If you were a player in 1946 it would have cost 3 guineas per year.

Until 1948 the size of the green remained at four rinks. However, it was decided to build an extra two rinks on to the western end. 1948 is also the first time there was mention of a club coach.

Rolling of the greens in the early times was definitely a chore, as it was done with an extra large concrete roller and was pulled by hand. However, in 1949 things were made easier whent he roller was converted to electric power.

The fees for the season 1951/52 were 4 guineas. This season also saw the introduction of a fee of one shilling for afternoon tea with the ladies taking over the catering.

By 1955, it was clear that the Club House erected in 1938 was no longer big enough, even with the aid of athe brush shade house, used to serve afternoon teas. A building project was commenced.

In 1956, the new clubhouse became a reality. Season 1955/56 was when the ladies were incorporated into the club with a total of 12 players.

In 1974 the bar was installed.  The adjoining end walls of the old and new club houses were demolished and additions were made to join the two buildings.

In 1976 the Men's and Ladies' toilets were built.

In the 1981/82 season, a new automatic sprinkler system was installed, which saved many hours of work for the members. The old green was removed and replaced with Santa Anna Couch.

In September 1983, it was decided to knock down the old concrete clubrooms and build a new clubhouse. This was officially opened in September, 1985.

In April 1999, it was felt that a new green was important to the future of Wasleys Bowling Club. A consulting service was engaged and at the end of April the green was sod cut and sold off to recoup some of the money required for the new green.

In May, the ground was rotary hoed and laser levelled. Two weeks later the ground was fumigated and in September it was prepared for seeding.

We hope to conduct our January Tournament, 2000, on our new greens!!