Outram Bowling Club

Founded 1900

Reflections of Outram Club Pavilion March 2005

The Outram Bowling Club was founded in 1900 on the same site as it is today, on the corner of Formby and Skerries Street Outram. The club started with 14 members. Alex Chisholm being the first president. It began with a four rink green, later enlarged to full size.

Excerpt from NZ Bowlers Annual 1906-07

"O.B.C was established in 1900 from a very small beginning and has developed into a fairly well equipped club, with a membership of 40 players and is in possession of a first class green capable of carrying 8 rinks

The Pavilion in the early days was an old open shed, which was a machinehouse and bowls-locker place. Most players had wooden bowls, composite bowls were just coming on to the greens.

Snippets from the Minute books 1900-2005

In 1905 the ladies working committee (they were not members) were to make blazers for the men. Each member was sold 2 yards of blazer material from the Mosgiel Woollen Factory at a cost of 6 shillings a yard. Club subscriptions at this time 2 shillings and sixpence.

Opening Day in 1906 refreshments to be supplied at the same rate as last year — sixpence a head.

A flag pole was donated this year.

By 1907 wives of members asked to supply refreshments on opening day. Batchelor members to pay one shilling each.

1912. Committee meetings previously held in private homes, now to be held in the commercial room of the Outram Hotel.

1914. New pavilion planned, materials bought, voluntary labour, costs not to exceed 100 pounds.

1915. Electric light installed, meetings now held at the pavilion.

1917. Subscriptions — One pound.

1920. Mower problems, and sheep grazed on green in early Spring, it was reported they had been successful as 'lawn mowers'.

1943. Pavilion lined with 'Pinex' board and a plug for an electric heater installed.

1950. Club bought a new mower for 46 pounds and a new roller for 50 pounds.

1956. The Ladies Club was formed. Some bowlers still not overly keen on having women members in the club.

1970. Temporary Bar facilities were erected. Prior to having Bar facilities — a 5 gallon keg was at the back of the building (the keg was covered with a wet sack to keep it cool. Whisky and Gin were kept at a member's house over the road from the club house.

1972. Ladies now allowed to play on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

1974. Arrangements made for 75th Anniversary of the club, a telephone to be installed permanently for the bowling season.

1976-77. Fund raising for upgrading the pavilion, to get a liquor licence. Debentures were bought by members to provide funds for pavilion improvements, the upgraded pavilion was opened in August 1978.

1985. Club jerseys, maroon with a blue stripe were available for members knitted on a home knitting machine. A colour TV was purchased.

1990. The club celebrated its 90th Jubilee with a tournament and dinner. A successful reunion.

2000. A very successful Centenary was held for the club - Friday Special Over 60's Men's Triples tournament, Saturday a "Get Together & meal at the Clubhouse and on Sunday a Mixed Tournament.

2001. The Mens & Ladies Clubs amalgamated.

2002. First Woman President

New Uniform shirts

2005. More alterations to Pavilion — Floor to ceiling windows along the front of the building with 2 large bifold entrance doors. Inside - two folding door to divide pavilion, essential during the winter months.