‘best little club in town’ after 70 years
Thompson House are public gardens and giving part of it to someone else undoes that and creates a precedent, it was argued.
In July 1955 the then Levin Borough Council made an attempt to boot the ladies off their green, because “the space should be used for the purpose for which it was given”.
Though two years were allowed for the relocation and every assistance promised to find them a new home. Nothing came of this plan either.
Prior to 1999 the council tended to the grounds but a new parks manager decided it was too expensive and suggested turning the green into a sunken rose garden.
“In 2001/2 we got our own greenkeeper, for which we paid between $6000-$7000. The council, many past mayors had been supportive of the club, reimbursed half of that.”
The club sits in a corner of historical significance, beside Thompson House and the Cenotaph, a rustic corner with beautiful grounds. The surrounding trees tended to be thirsty at times, soaking up a lot of water from the bowling green.
The club has had the services of Central Levin Bowling’s greenkeeper, who has been looking after their green for some years. The club members tended to the gardens for years but in recent times have resorted to employing someone to do this for them.
Over the years there have been further talks about moving to other venues such as Western Park and Playford Park, but the club remained at Bath St. The club began on Salisbury St on a small green where now a retirement village sits. The Bath
St location became available in 1943. First named Levin Women’s, in 1946
that was changed to Horowhenua Ladies and though this was later
reversed back to Levin’s Women’s, the club remained knows as Ladies.
The stone cottage in the grounds was their first club room. In 1975 the current club rooms were built, on top of the Thompson House swimming pool. An extension was added in 1984.
The club catered for women only and has been a place of pleasure for many.
“We did not have the bitching that goes on in other clubs. Everyone worked together. We looked after each other, though we were also very competitive,” Knight said.
While council said it has no plans for the bowling green yet, the women’s bowling club members fear it may become a carpark to benefit the Arts Centre.
A meeting will soon be held with the club to determine what should happen to the club rooms.
“According to the lease, we understand, this building must be removed,” said Mrs Knight.
It is hoped that remaining members of the club will be able to keep going as a social club.
The final playing day for the club will be May 9.
“The executive committee will wind up the club, deregister its incorporated society and sell any equipment. Members will be in charge of emptying out the building. We are still looking for a home for any historical things, such as a winner’s boards. We actually get inquiries every now and then from people who want to know whether their mum, and grandmother is named on one of those.”