By Simon Haslam
Bowling clubs are one of Australia’s great historic institutions, and Byron Bay Bowling and Recreation Club (also known as Club Byron since 2017) was established in 1923. Presumably, given the name, that was a time when ‘bowling’ was taken pretty seriously; a separate activity to ‘recreation’(!) but what the initial 27 members must have really understood was the community-minded volunteer ‘work’ necessary to establish the greens and to build the clubhouse. This was a time when tireless community building by volunteers started many country organisations which still survive today.
If you can think back to that time, Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club (the second-oldest club north of Sydney) had only recently been founded and the town looked very different. By 1926 the bowling club had been formally opened, and membership had doubled. If you can actually remember that time, or you have fond memories of bowling at the club, you’d be welcome at their centenary reunion, which is coming up very soon.
In 1956 the Women’s Bowling Club was established, and together with the Byron Bay Men’s Bowling Club organise the actual bowling, while Club Byron is the business arm of the club.
Bowling in Australia is still going strong, but bowling clubs are under threat. A recent UNSW study showed that Sydney had lost nearly half its bowlos in the 40 years to 2020. The Byron club has, however, diversified its income stream and now offers accommodation in the heart of town. As a result, the upcoming centenary celebrations are not being held under the threat of the club closing.
In fact, according to club manager Matthew Christie, the club’s focus is on looking after the locals. ‘We have around 100 bowling members, and 700 social members,’ says Matt. ‘We want to make sure our priority is to look after our local community long into the future, we see this being achieved by creating a safe and welcoming space that everyone can come and enjoy. It’s no secret that our drinks, entertainment and functions spaces are amongst the cheapest in town. Our members also receive further discounted drinks and bowls along with other perks.’
The established club also does what it can to support other community-minded organisations, whether by sponsoring a dozen or so local sporting teams and the Byron Bay Malibu Club’s single fin classic, or supporting organisations like Cape Byron Marine Rescue.
So, come on down to the Byron Bowling Club on Friday 4 August from 5pm for the centenary reunion. There’ll be finger food, a complimentary drink on arrival and you can learn a lot more about the club’s history. Plus, John J Bradley will be providing the entertainment. To book, please phone 6685 6202.
Byron Bay Bowling Club, 18–20 Marvell St Byron Bay.
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