THE HISTORY OF THE CLUB

Resulting from discussions between businessmen and citizens during 1928, it was decided that there were sufficient people interested in forming a lawn bowling club in the district.

A meeting was convened and held in a room on the mezzanine floor of the then Majestic Theatre on the corner of South Terrace and Restwell Street.

The meeting decided to form a Bowling Club and the “Bankstown District Bowling Club Limited” was incorporated on the 27th February, 1929 with a membership of 40 members, and A. Bansgrove the first President.

The Board of Directors bought land on the southern side of the newly constructed railway line to Lidcombe, which was virtually a swamp area and bounded on the northern and eastern sides by a rain water creek, that was in 1929, today the storm water canal flows unseen beneath Olympic Parade and the Recreation Park on the eastern aspect of the Club.

The official opening of the Clubhouse and the green was on Saturday, 1st February, 1930, by the President of the N.S.W. Bowling Association. This day was an important event in Bankstown’s history and emphasized by the Mayor, Ald Clancy, the Clubhouse and grounds were gaily decorated with green and gold streamers and flags and pennants which were flying from every vantage point. It is of interest to note that the visiting teams on this day were: N.S.W.B.A., Pratten Park, Lakemba, Hurstville and St. George clubs.

It was not long before the bowlers made their ability felt in competitive bowls, in 1932-1933 Bankstown won the State “B” Pennant (now known as No. 2), 1939-40, J. James, F. Burgess, C. G. Smith and O.H. Sidwell won the State Fours, and in 1937-38 Bankstown were the winners of the President’s Two Fours. It was not until after the war years that they came to the front again in 1950-51 by winning the No. 3 Pennant.

As it will have been noted in the early history the club was formed as a Limited Company with shareholders and in 1944 the general running of the Club was in the hands of the Board of Directors elected by the shareholders and from 77 full members and 25 social members of the Club, only 16 of these had a vote, and following a meeting of the members in March 1944 action was taken to change from a shareholding company to a non-profit company. At this time the National Security Capital Issue Regulations then in force made this change difficult, however, in September 1944 the Treasurer gave his consent to use new capital if necessary, so the old Company was liquidated, requiring 4,000 pounds to purchase the fixed assets of the old Company.

On the 8th June, 1945 the new Company (under guarantee) became the owners, with the membership of 122 with 1 pound per member guarantee and no working capital, however, the then President Harry Maxwell had faith both in the club and in the members – debentures were sold and the 4,000 pounds raised, and he approached the late shareholders and it was agreed that the sale was made retrospective to 14th November, 1945, thus giving the new Company a flying start, that was the benefit of six month’s trading.

Many members of the Club did not know the late Harry Maxwell, but he is just one of the members recognised for his outstanding contribution in the club’s proud history.

Subsequently, the name of the company was changed to Bankstown City Bowling and Recreation Club Limited, as it is known today. Whilst lawn bowls remained the focal sporting recreation of the club it has been joined by the inclusion a Pool Club and a Darts Club. The membership has grown and reflects the cultural diversity of the Bankstown City area.

Over these years there have been numerous, dedicated members who have served on the Board of Directors and on Sporting Committees, as well as in various voluntary capacities, all of these people have contributed to the success of the club.

Members also now enjoy a completely refurbished modern clubhouse.

80 years have now passed and along the way members have seen many changes both to the club and to Bankstown, the most significant change being on 9th July 2008 when the amalgamation of Bankstown City Bowling and Recreation Club Limited with Bankstown District Sports Club was approved by the court.

Bank

stown City members have embraced the change of the club now being known as Bankstown Sports Bowls.

From humble beginnings the club has certainly evolved with a Club heritage members can be proud of and a prosperous future to look forward to.