Green Island Bowling Club

Green Island Bowling Club is a renowned sports club located in Dunedin, New Zealand. The club has a rich history that dates back to 1887 when it was first established. It all began with a meeting held in the Green Island Borough Council Office in 1885, where the intention was to procure a ground for the establishment of a Tennis Club. Two years later, the formation of a Bowling Club took place, led by four individuals who played a major role in its activities.

They successfully acquired a suitable ground at a cost of 120, with additional funding of 250 for levelling and fencing.

In 1886, twelve enthusiastic gentlemen laid down the first two rinks on the Green, which marked the beginning of countless working bees that have shaped the club's history for over 120 years. By 1889, membership had grown to twenty and five more rinks were added to accommodate the increasing number of players. The Green experienced some developments throughout the years, including being squared in 1900 at a cost of 5/18/-, and extended for the last time in May 1903.

A pivotal moment in the club's history occurred on September 14, 1904, when the Club Colours of green and gold were registered, replacing the previously used cardinal red and navy blue. Many maintenance efforts were undertaken, such as eradicating dandelions from the Green in 1906, which required sifting soil, mixing it with sand, and top dressing. The Green was also top dressed with crested dog-tail grass seed in 1911. Eight bowling mats were procured in May 1915, and electricity was installed around the Green in 1922.

The club's facilities were not limited to just bowling, as the Green Island Brass Band used the Club Pavilion for practise in 1918. However, due to members' complaints about the distraction it caused during bowling, a committee was appointed to address the issue. The club also encouraged community involvement, as seen when school children grew potatoes at the back of the Green for a competition in 1920.

Throughout the years, the club faced challenges regarding weed control. In March 1935, a meeting was called to discuss the prioritisation of grass over weed, and it was decided to re-sow the Green in grass. However, ten years later, another general meeting was held in June 1945 to revisit the topic, resulting in the decision to introduce weed. Members dedicated themselves to the task by procuring thousands of weed plugs from Brighton, which were then inserted into the Green, top-dressed, and sown with grass.

The club's commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment is showcased through various social events and programmes. They organise Twilight Bowls3Five, which allows participants to enjoy a friendly game of bowls in the evenings. Additionally, the club offers coaching and training sessions for new and experienced bowlers alike.

Members of the Green Island Bowling Club have the opportunity to participate in various social events and connect with fellow players. The club also boasts a dedicated committee that ensures effective management and organisation of club activities. The achievements of notable members are recognised on the Honours Board, which serves as a testament to their contributions to the club's success.

The Green Island Bowling Club's commitment to the community is evident through the sponsorship of various local businesses. They also offer venue hire for private events, providing a picturesque and well-maintained environment for any occasion. The club maintains a gallery of photos capturing memorable moments and serves as a testament to the vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie among members.

With a well-established reputation and a strategic plan in place, the Green Island Bowling Club continues to thrive as a prominent sports club in Dunedin. To learn more about the club, interested individuals can contact them via phone at (03) 488 3533 or email them at gibc@xtra. Co. nz.

The club's website, powered by Sporty. Nz, provides further information and updates on their activities.