Centennial Celebrations Sunday 22nd October 2023

Nearly 130 people came to our club rooms on Sunday evening to help celebrate its 100 years of existence. The room had been nicely decorated and the tables were beautifully set out so that the effect was quite stunning. With wonderful background music supplied by Danny Crocome the evening started with bubbles and canapes, followed by a few speeches. Ken Warin who is the great Grandson of Alex and Elizabeth Warin from whom the club leased the land but then freeholded it after they had died, spoke a little about his family and their association with the club. Cathy Parsons then thanked and spoke of the dedicated steering group that worked hard to ensure the celebrations did justice to the occasion. A special plaque commemorating the club`s centenary was presented by Martin Mackenzie, club support manager from Bowls New Zealand to our club`s president, Francois Loubser who welcomed everybody to the dinner especially the life members and sponsors that attended.

That was followed by a delicious buffet meal catered for by Daniel Emmanuel owner of The Emmanuel café on the riverfront.  He and his team including two young schoolgirls from Mahurangi College worked tirelessly and did a wonderful job ensuring everyone was well fed and that the tables were kept clear of empty plates and glasses.

The toastmasters then entertained with a very humourous debate entitled “is sexism alive and well in bowls”.  Murray Chapman who was the MC for the night as well as captain of the negative side unabashedly called the debate a draw. Three beautifully decorated cakes forming 100 were bought out and three people representing the theme for the centenary of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow did the official cutting of the cake. They were John Morgan, Julie George  and Michelle Macdonald. Desert followed the cake cutting.  

Thanks again must go to the wonderful steering group for all their efforts and also to those who offered to help set up and then clean up the club rooms the following morning. The night was a great success and a credit to you all.

John Hurdley