Stawell Bowling Club is celebrating 125 years.
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The club will host an open triples competition on Boxing Day, beginning at 12.30pm, and will pay tribute to past and present members’ hard work and dedication.
Stawell Bowling Club, as it is known today, was formed in 1893 after a meeting at the Commercial Hotel on April 13.
Dr. Napthine was the first president of the club and Mr Welsh was the secretary.
History books and newspaper articles paint a picture of the beginning of the club’s rich history.
Although founded in 1893, an earlier club, formed in 1881, had lapsed.
An article in the Pleasant Creek News on October 10, 1881 states a Stawell Bowling Club was inaugurated at this time.
The article states: “The club has been formed for the purpose of promoting bowls, croquet and lawn tennis … both ladies and gentleman can meet in friendly rivalry.”
A plaque on the wall of the current clubrooms recognises Stawell as the first recorded place that women played bowls in Australia. It is dated 1881.
Stawell Bowling Club member Mary Elliot donated the plaque to the club in 1957.
In 1895, two years after the club formed, women were admitted to the new club and a women’s tournament followed in 1896.
Reports say it could be one of the earliest tournaments of its kind in Victoria.
In two significant pieces of history at the club and in the sport, Bowls Victoria was contacted to confirm the details.
Communications and marketing manager Bronwyn Slatter said she found two history books which can confirm the history with the plaque and the tournament dates.
"From the history we can find, we believe Stawell Bowls Club to have been one of the earliest clubs to run a tournament for ladies,” she said.
During its 125 years, the club has seen many changes to the venue and celebrated a number of pennant successes.
The club, situated on Napier Street, moved to its present site in 1908.
In the late 1950s the club purchased adjacent land which enabled the club to expand the clubhouse.
The club celebrated its centenary on April 13, 1993.
Stawell Bowling Club is one of two bowling clubs in Stawell and currently has more than 85 members.
The club’s chief communications officer Ellen Werry said the tournament on Boxing Day was open to everyone.
"We hope we get a lot of entries and bowlers come and celebrate the 125-year anniversary of Stawell Bowling Club and the history of bowls in Stawell," she said.
Mrs Werry said entries to the tournament would close on Christmas Eve.
"Although it will be a low-key affair, due to the timing of the event, we have had some interest in other club members within the division," she said.
"Everyone is welcome to come for a fun, social day of bowls."
Mrs Werry said people interested in competing or celebrating the milestone could contact the club.
She said people could phone her on 0447 156 469, president Andrew Sharp on 0409 976 871 or women’s president Angela Hodgetts on 0400 228 729.
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