THE Monbulk Bowls Committee has been working hard to prepare for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations for the anniversary will take place on the weekend of 12 and 13 September.
Monbulk Bowling Club president Jenny Holmes is pleased at the way the Monbulk community has supported the club to help with celebrations.
“The local businesses have been very generous with their support, and we will be acknowledging them at the weekend,” Ms Holmes said.
A dinner/dance will be held on the Saturday night.
The dignitaries will include Bowls Victoria president John Fisher, Bowls Victoria operations manager Peter Delaney and Yarra Ranges Mayor Maria McCarthy.
Maria’s husband’s grandmother was Mona McCarthy.
She was an active member at Monbulk Bowling Club until her death back in the 1980s.
A history of Monbulk Bowling Club book will be launched by Maria McCarthy on the evening and will be available to purchase.
The club has a time capsule from 25 years ago, which will be opened.
The time capsule will be filled again with items that members have suggested.
Certainly, a copy of the ‘Ranges Trader Mail’ will be included.
On Sunday there will be a bowls tournament.
There will be a blind draw for teams and positions.
The Monbulk Bowling Club was started by Rotary in 1965.
Those early bowlers had to negotiate for council land at 11 Moores Road and borrow money to build the bowling green and the clubhouse.
By mid-1967 the club was open for business, with a prepared grass bowling green and a new clubhouse.
Most of the work was done by volunteers but professionals had to be called in for specialist jobs.
Opening Day saw over 300 people in attendance.
Since then, the club has changed to synthetic greens so that bowling can continue right throughout the winter months.
The clubhouse has been expanded and a popular bistro now operates there from Wednesday to Sunday evenings.
If you know of a past member who would like to attend, contact the venue office on 9756 6183.
