OUR HISTORY

Extract from "Bowls in New South Wales - November,1967 - Page 25.

A small band of citizens formed the Penrith Bowling Club more than 26 years ago
and put down a four-rink green on waste land on the banks of the Nepean River,
about half a mile from the clubs present site.

The idea of a bowling green was conceived during World War II and a group of enthusiastic sportsmen met at the Log Cabin on February 2, 1941, to to receive
a report of the possibility of establishing a club.

The site-in lower High Street, near the river bridge-was leased from the
Log Cabin Hotel and the four-rink green constructed with the major part of
the work being carried out by Messer Marlow, Hinch and Joss with
President D. Hattersly acting as transport officer.

The task of these men was most arduous, for the area was uneven, covered
with tall weeds and subjected to the overflow from a septic tank.

Late in 1945, Messer's Hattersly, Hinch, Joss McCrohon and Hay were deputed
to see Penrith City Council with a view to obtaining a permanent site and submit
to the Council the cost of a six-rink green and clubhouse.

The deputation was well received and in 1946 a 25-year lease was granted of the present area, which is less than a mile from the original site.

To finance planned improvements, 300 members took out £5 debentures,
and work quickly began on the new area.

Through the efforts of the then treasurer, Len Allen, who has since passed on
an old R.A.A.F. canteen at Bankstown was then purchased, but as parts of it
were re-sold, the cost to the club was small.

This building provided what was then considered "every convenience" for
members for ten years.

The official opening of the new green and clubhouse on April 17, 1948,
began the second stage of development of the Penrith Club.

Healthy progress continued and in 1952 the club was free of debt. All debenture holders had been repaid and the club had assets exceeding £3,000 ($6,000).

Still in a progressive frame of mind, members decided to put down another
green but it was not until 1954 that it came into full use.

With two perfect Bent greens in use, attention was turned to the erection of a
modern clubhouse and in 1956 the members approved the plans.

The building, which was occupied by June 1958, and officially opened on
July 19,1958, required additional finance, and members readily came f orward
with £6,000 at one general meeting.

In 1965 members agreed to secure additional ground from the Penrith City
Council for a third green.

This entailed an outlay of something like £20,000 for the ground and construction
of a new green, which is now well established and being prepared for future use.

The full article is displayed in the foyer of the club

More Recent Developments

Building and developments remained fairly static until 3.25pm Friday 7th February 1997 as the club was destroyed by a major fire. A RAAF tent and then a demountable was erected on the back or third green. Through hard work and insurance money the club was rebuilt and opened on 8th March 1998.

Since rebuilding after the fire an additional $400,000 has been spent on extensions which include a foyer area, extension to the gaming and bar area, a board room, a bowls office and locker rooms for the men and ladies. This project was finished in December 2001.