Nhill bowlers celebrating 100 years
Nhill Bowling Club is celebrating 100 years with a major tournament in March.
The club formed in 1923 and the greens officially opened in 1925. The first clubhouse was built in 1929 and was replaced with the current building in 1988.
The club has two synthetic greens, installed 15 years ago.
Nhill Bowling Club secretary Barry Cramer said the greens were renowned in the Wimmera.
He said the club had about 70 members.
“At one stage we had 116 members. We have had many club, state and national champions from our club, too,” he said.
“About 120 clubs have been contacted from here to South Australia, including all the Wimmera and Mallee clubs, to help us celebrate on the March long weekend. It’s our major tournament and fundraiser for the year, and has been going for 93 years now.
“On the Saturday, we play open triples. On the Sunday we have 2-4-2, any combination pairs, and on Monday, the biggest day of the weekend, is open fours.
“We always have people travel long distances to play and have some past members come back.”
Mr Cramer said the club was fortunate to welcome Steve Glasson to the event for the final day of celebrations.
“Steve is a former national coach and world champion bowler who will be here for a few hours on Monday to speak with members, host a question and answer, and mingle with players which will be a highlight,” he said.
Mr Cramer said Glasson was involved with insurance company Bowling Club Insurance Brokers, BCIB, with a few other Australian bowlers, and about 20 years ago they were trying to break into the Victorian market.
“In the end, they came to Nhill and we were the first club in Victoria to sign with them,” he said.
More information about the tournament is available on Nhill Bowling Club’s Facebook page or by calling Mr Cramer on 0457 676 976.