Iluka Women’s Bowls Club celebrated its 60th anniversary on Tuesday February 28.
Members of The Clarence River District Women’s Bowls Association were in attendance as well as representatives of all the clubs in our district. We welcomed some past members as well as a number or our past presidents including local Dot Ditton (nee Coombes) who supported our club for many years.
We felt very privileged to welcome one of our founding members, Iris Allgood (nee Wallace). Iris was one of 25 foundation members who established Iuka Women’s Bowls Club in 1963.
The ladies originally played on a rubber green which men and women played on until 1969. The ladies worked tirelessly alongside the men to pull blady grass and weeds to establish the first grass green and later a second green when the rubber one was removed.
All in attendance enjoyed the day, starting with scones for morning tea before the welcome speech and slide show. Everyone then moved to the green for our 60th memorial photo.
After a short bowls game, a draw was held for some lucky bowlers, a 100 board was drawn and the bowls winners were announced.
Lunch was then served followed by toasts to recognise bowlers who have supported our club for many years. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful gifts we received from our sister clubs in our district.
Many changes obviously occur over 60 years. Our members from early years would not recognise the uniforms, shoes, hats, narrow bias bowls, coloured bowls and current playing conditions.
On this 60th anniversary, we saluted our past members and now look forward to many more days of bowling and friendship.
Kaye Becker