Notable Events |
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Some notable events might only relate to the weather, which of course has a big influence on a sporting club or the arrival of a member who will go to become on the great contributors to the success of the club. This document is a living thing and contributions would be grateful accepted. SEASON 1934-35 The weather was very unseasonal with many washed out events and a subsequent loss of income. SEASON 1939-40 New Members: George Douche SEASON 1943-44 Giving to transport difficulties the club did not enter any Pennant Competition. SEASON 1949-50 In a series of working bees, the extra land to the west of the green, that was granted to the club several years ago, was fenced. SEASON 1950-51 The club entertained a team of British bowlers; SEASON 1951-52 Introduction of a formal Social Committee; At the 22nd AGM a Committee of five was appointed to investigate improvements to the pavilion and 100 pounds was set aside toward this work. After several months it was decided to build a new pavilion and the timber was ordered. It took several months for the timber to finally be delivered and then for 80 pounds the frame roof and spouting was erected. By the end of the season the pavilion was well under way and was expected to be ready for the opening of the next season. The old afternoon tea shed was dismantled. SEASON 1952-53 The new Pavilion was opened on the evening of Friday, September 12. The cost for the Pavilion came to 794 pounds, 18 shillings and 4 pence; this expenditure was only possible due to an, interest free, loan from the President, Mr A L W Pitts. By the end of the season this debt had been reduced to 550 pounds. Electrical fittings were donated by Mr H Lord and installed by Mr H Kaye; Sixty chairs were procured for the new pavilion of these 51 were paid for by members. SEASON 1953-54 At the commencement of this season the Ladies Section of the Club was reformed with Mrs R Pickering as President and Mrs B Harris as Secretary. The ladies were given permission to increase their numbers to twenty. The Pavilion debt was liquidated by June 30 and the only outstanding liabilities, 70 pounds lent in 5 pound loans by members, were to be paid at the AGM. Mr Holdsworth was granted permission to erect 4 shelters around the banks of the green. Application was made to the PMG and a telephone was installed in the Pavilion. Wash Basins were installed in both the Ladies and men's rooms. |
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SEASON 1954-55 The Committee purchased a piano for the club, the ladies donated 100 pounds towards its cost. Sixteen small laminex tables were also purchased, 15 of these were paid for by club members; A new shelter shed was given to the club by the Senior Vice-President Mr H M Buckley; A sub-committee was appointed to inquire into building a new tool/soil shed. It was decided to purchase materials and build it by voluntary labour at the end of the season. It was to be a brick shed 30' x 16' and was to be financed by interest free loans redeemable by lot within 2 years. SEASON 1955-56 The ladies were given permission to play from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Thursdays, on any other day they must vacate the greens by 4:00 pm or when the men require the rinks. The new tool shed was completed prior to opening day, this building was erected by Mr A L W Pitts for a cost of 577 pounds, 13 shillings and 3 pence. The club finances were such that the Committee authorised the Treasurer to repay all loans, from members, at the AGM in July. SEASON 1956-57 A new constitution and rules were framed by the Committee and adopted at a Special General Meeting. The Stillwell Cup was dropped from the list of competitions to be played. A sub-committee was formed to look at extensions to the Green, an approach was made to Ferntree Gully Council to have land made available for extra rinks. This is to be granted when the Council is able to acquire the suggested land for this purpose. It was decided that the big Honour Board be re-written and the secretary's name added. Enough keys were cut to give each committee man a key to the pavilion, a key was also given to a representative of the ladies. Seven past-president badges were to be purchased and presented to past presidents of the club. SEASON 1957-58 A refrigerator, costing 80 pounds, was purchased for the benefit of club members. The willow trees on the west side of the green had to be removed because their roots had blocked drains and were spreading under the green. Following ongoing problems with the condition of the green, the greenkeeper was invited to give a notice of termination and a new greenkeeper was appointed. A special meeting was held to consider the installation of electric Iights for the green, however this project was deferred pending outcome of the extensions to the green. It was decided to leave a key to the pavilion at the house of Jim Patterson for the use of members requiring access to the club rooms. SEASON 1958-59 The outside of the pavilion was painted by a team of voluntary workers led by George Baldwin; The Shire Council notified the club that enough land had been acquired to enable the club to put down a new seven rink green: After a disagreement between the Greenkeeper and the Greens Committee was discussed at a special meeting, the members of the Greens Committee resigned. A Pace mower was purchased to enable the surrounds of the green to be mowed. A new carpet and a set of bowls was purchased to cater for the extra players attending this activity. Assets Bowling Green Club Buildings Furniture & Fittings Plant & Tools Total SEASON 1959-60 New Members: The Shire President was elected an Honorary Member for 12 months. Discussions were held with the Shire re the appointment of a person to be both a greenkeeper for the Bowls Club and a groundsman for the Upwey Oval. The Bowls Club to pay 500 pounds and the Upwey Reserve Committee 300 pounds. It was decided that committee meetings would be held on the first Thursday of each month. New Green Quotes were obtained from Mr G Oliver for 2045 pounds for a new 7 rink green and 675 pounds for a three rink green, without side ditches, it was decided to proceed with the 7 rink green. FTG Shire was asked to guarantee an overdraft, the Club’s bank account was moved to the Commonwealth Bank and an overdraft of 2000 pounds was obtained. There were some additional costs allowed to the quote to enable additional drainage to be installed, (7 contributory drains and drainage into the creek). By the end of the season the green was well under way and the surrounding fence had been erected. |
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SEASON 1960-61 The greenkeeper resigned halfway through the season and a new greenkeeper was appointed for the remainder of the season only. Fourteen new mats and twelve jacks were purchased to cater for the increased participation with the opening of the new green. New Green September: The president expressed concern at the condition and levels of the green and at the way the contractor was performing the job. The contractor, Mr Oliver, was asked to appear before the Committee and outline his proposals for completing the green. At the subsequent meeting Mr Oliver stated that the green had been starved and would recover after manuring had taken effect, he further stated that undulations would roll out and that the levels had been checked with a Dumpy and were satisfactory. The committee responded by producing tables prepared by Mr Silke. who had used a theodolite to check the green, these showed that there was a hollow in the centre of the green and a drop off at the creek corner. The contractor then promised to reduce the plinths in most places and raise the corner to re-level the green. October: The green was still not completed but the contractor was asking for further progress payments. November: The president again expressed his concern about the new green and his lack of confidence in the contractor. An extraordinary meeting of the committee was called and the secretary outlined a meeting that had been held with the contractor, the meeting was both frustrating and unsatisfactory. The contractor requested extra funding to complete work on the green but this was rejected by the club who did not hold itself responsible for the problems. The contractor stated that this position was unacceptable to him. The club then made an offer of 200 pounds which was to be against a satisfactory full discharge of all claims, if this offer was rejected the club would make no further payments until all work was completed. The contractor rejected this offer. December: Mr Oliver walked off the job. Advice was taken by the club on the condition of the green and they were told that the job Mr Oliver had carried out was the worst that he had ever done in green construction. Work on the green was completed by members of the club. A solicitor was engaged to contest Mr Olivers claim of 241 pounds for outstanding payments. January: A payment of 210 pounds was made to the contractor in settlement of his claim. The official opening of the new green was February 25, 1961 SEASON 1961-62 No formal Social Committee was elected for this season. A new greenkeeper, Mr Bert Bosanko, was appointed, he and his wife subsequently became members of the club. The new green was named the "Collins-Douche" green and a bronze plaque procured to display this. As anticipated the new green was not as good as would have been liked and was the cause of some anxiety. It was however expected to improve over subsequent years. After cancellation of the original date, due to Bush Fires, an official RVBA team visited the club in April and had an enjoyable game. SEASON 1962-63 A most notable achievement was the re-siting (if the clubrooms and its extensions, started and completed within sixteen days. It had been decided to re-site the club room to the western side of the old green, plans were produced by Alf Ebbott and the project costed at 1400 pounds. The project included extending it by twenty feet, enlarging the kitchen and building it as an annex on the west side, providing additional toilets for both sexes, and adding verandahs to the east and west sides. The project was very successful but due to a cost over-run a levy of 5 pounds for men and 2 pounds 10 for ladies was imposed. The new green played much better this season but there was trouble with the old green early in the season and play on it was somewhat restricted. It did finally improve enough to permit its greater use. A new Kaye roller was purchased and a satisfactory price received for the old heavy roller. The council was informed that, after July 1962, the greenkeeper would no longer be available to work on the oval. SEASON 1963-64 Purchase of a Public Address System from Belgrave Progress Association for 7 pounds 10 A typewriter to be purchased for the club. SEASON 1964-65 Mr Kaye obtained some surplus Electric Light Shades and old railway lines suitable for the installation of "string" Electric lights to illuminate three rinks. These lights proved very successful. SEASON 1965-66 There was a new shelter at the south end of the old green thanks to Harry Buckley A drinking fountain was donated by Mrs H Waters in memory of her late husband Harry. The constitution was changed at a Special Meeting, so that the maximum number of members in each class could be determined by the General Committee. After investigation by a sub-committee it was decided to install "string" electric lights over the old green. The estimated cost was 748 pounds and it was to be funded by debentures of 5 pounds ($10) each which were to be repaid over a ten year period. (Note this was the year we changed to decimal currency) SEASON 1966-67 For the first time greens were used by the RVBA for playing of Championship matches. Improvements were made 10 the club rooms by sealing off the main room and alterations to secretary's office and utility room. A shelter was erected for No. 2 green at a cost of $600, this was financed by a legacy from the late Miss Dorothy Baldwin. Four shelters were also erected on the north side of the No 1 green. SEASON 1967-68 The ditches on the front green were renewed at a cost of $2,200 the removal of the old ditches and lifting of banks etc was carried out by club members saving the club about $700. After more than 6 years the Greenkeeper, Mr A Bosanko, resigned, a new Greenkeeper, Mr K Moffett was appointed with effect from July I 968. The effect of the drought was not felt to any degree as thanks to the Sherbrooke Shire, the club was able to pump water from the creek to water the green. SEASON 1968-69 The new Greenkeeper resigned after only a few weeks and was replaced by Mr Frank Eaton. |
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SEASON 1969-70 Vandals caused damage to the green and subsequently six teenagers were charged at the Ferntree Gully Court. Three new shelters were erected at the north end of the front green, finance to build these was provided by Miss Jess Anderson as a Memorial to her late mother Mrs Jess Anderson. Two large fans were donated and installed in the club rooms by Roy McKernan in memory of his late wife Win. Torrential rains were experienced during March and culmininated in a flash flood on the afternoon of Sunday 22 March, when considerable damage was done to the foundations and floor of the Club House, electrical fittings and motorised plant. In addition the Front Green was flooded and a heavy deposit of mu'd remained after the water subsided. SEASON 1970-71 Thanks to a donation from one of the ladies, and work by the men, the new shelters were improved by the inclusion of backs on the seats. In addition another donation by a lady provided 9 cushions to be used on seats. SEASON 1971-72 A ladies appreciation day was held, this function was catered for by the men. A visit was made by a Queensland team. The first Smorgasbord was held in November 1971, for a profit of $87.10, cost per player was $1.50 It was decided to hold a men's Fours Tournament in February 1972, how ever as only eight entries were received the event was cancelled. SEASON 1972-73 There was a drought this season which added considerably to the green maintenance costs, it was necessary for the front green to be fumigated. Invitations were sent out for an Open Invitation Fours tournament, 16 replies were received, 12 acceptances, and the event was held on the 31 March making a profit of $30.48. SEASON 1973-74 The Greenkeeper Mr Frank Eaton retired after six years, the new Greenkeeper appointed was a club member Mr Derick Chatfield A 'C' grade tournament was held on March 24, this was the first competition held under RVBA rules, requests were made from other clubs to make this an annual event. SEASON 1974-75 Both the Invitation Fours and the "C" Grade tournament were a great success. SEASON 1975-76 It was decided to fumigate the back green and an overdraft was arranged to cover the expected costs, after tests were carried out it no longer proved necessary to gas the green, however the green was re-sown. SEASON 1976-77 A letter was received from the RVBA explaining procedure to be adopted for Pennant during the Eclipse of the sun on 23 October. The invitation fours was sponsored to the tune of $200 and 20 bottles of champagne. SEASON 1977-78 A membership drive was carried out, 3000 pamphlets were printed, at a cost of $90, and distributed by members. A permit was obtained to run Bingo once a Fortnight. SEASON 1978-79 Bob Griffiths was elected Secretary A levy of $10 per member was made to pay for the purchase of a new Mower A monthly mixed triples was played during the season. A fence around the club was erected by the Shire of Sherbrooke for which the club paid $750, the Upwey Reserve Committee donated $200 towards this cost. SEASON 1979-80 The outstanding event of the season was the visit by the World Singles Champion, David Bryant. to the February Smorgasbord. Two members of the Zambia team were also present. The club house was repainted throughout, the floors were sanded, sealed and polished. |
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SEASON 1980-81 The greenkeeper was away sick for much of the season, then after his departure the greens were mainly cared for by volunteer labour. SEASON 1981-82 The new greenkeeper appointed was Mr Denis Owen. During the Winter break the working bees undertook a major job in the re-organisation of the kitchen, extending it to take in the verandah. SEASON 1982-83 The greenkeeper was paid on a part time basis only for this season. During the season a new sound system was installed in the Clubhouse. Jim Bates and May Bailey used the clubrooms on the occasion of their wedding. SEASON 1983-84 The greenkeeper Denis Owen resigned and Geoff LePlastrier was employed as an apprentice greenkeeper, supervised by a RVBA appointed Master Greenkeeper. Jim Patterson, Wilf Viggers and Gwen Holland successfully passed a RVBA instituted Coaching Certificate exam. Under the supervision of Bert Hunter, the building committee erected a sand shed adjoining the tool shed. The wooden plinth on the number one green was replaced with concrete. SEASON 1984-85 The club received permission from the Shire and financial assistance, on a dollar for dollar basis, to alter and extend the Club House. Work was carried out by tradesmen employed by the Shire At a special meeting, members voted to drop the age of membership to 16 years, as per RVBA rules. In addition it was also passed that the Secretary arrange for incorporation for the Upwey-Tecoma Bowls Club. |
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SEASON 1987-88 To enable the Club to become an Incorporated body it was necessary to remove the distinction between Full members and Lady members to this end, at a Special General Meeting held on 19 November 1987, a new Constitution was approved for the Club. At the Annual General Meeting held on 14 May 1988 the new Constitution was referred to a Combined Annual General Meeting and at that meeting the new Constitution was adopted. The Incorporated Club would be controlled by a general committee who would oversee all "Club" matters and separate committees would control both the Men’s and the Ladies' bowls sections. SEASON 1990-91 RVBA using greens for state pairs and singles. SEASON 1992-93 VLBA greens required in Feb 92. SEASON 1993-94 Jim Patterson an umpire for the state match between Victoria and South Australia SEASON 1995-1996 Work commenced on the replacement of Green No. 1 with a synthetic playing surface. Opening Feb 1976 RVBA Official Visit on 25 January, 1976 |
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SEASON 1996-1997 The Club House re-stumped in January, 1997. SEASON 1997-1998 RVBA finals to be held on 28 March, 1998 VLBA - semi-finals of the state Pairs and the Champion of Champions were held on 5 February, 1998. SEASON 1998-1999 VLBA - Group level State singles & Pairs matches held. SEASON 2000-01 Division 5 Section Winners SEASON 2001-02 Group 12 Night Pennant Runners up SEASON 2002-03 Group 13 State Fours Championship Winners Group 13 Under 35 Winner. D.D Jones |
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