Other nights the same clubhouse floor turned into a dance hall, with sawdust scattered across the boards so couples could barn dance until late, and presentation nights were known for the ladies’ bowls concerts — spirited, dress-up affairs that, according to Lorraine, 92, were “a bit raunchy”, and had the whole clubhouse in stitches.
But nothing was taken more seriously than the annual onion-growing competition, held every first Sunday in November, with entries carefully weighed and measured to keep growers honest. Stories of lead-loaded onions and giant fake onions crafted from lobster pots and palm trees, arriving in shopping carts, showed the larrikin nature of the club’s members over the years.
Like many bowling clubs across the state, the Bowlo hit hard times too. As the mines that had filled the greens every week began to close, membership aged and dwindled, and the club spent years doing it tough. Facing real financial pressure, the Board found creative ways to bring new people back through the door — including converting part of a full green into a barefoot bowls area. For a while there, the Bowlo looked like it might not make it.
After many years of struggle, the Bowlo has found a new stride in recent years. With a new Board and management team, it’s again become a connection point for a wide range of community activities. Bowlo choir. Dancing on the green. Storytelling nights. Live music. Seasonal festivals. The Black Duck Thai bistro has become a famous eatery in the area. Sunday vintage and vinyl markets bring a new crowd through on weekends, and our Winter Solstice Festival — complete with ice baths, sauna and a giant burning duck effigy — has become something of an institution in its own right. This new energy is even driving growth in club and bowling membership again, with numbers rebounding in recent years.
On Saturday, 17 October, we’re throwing open the doors for the premiere screening of the Bowlo mini-documentary, and you’re invited. The night will be hosted by Tim Ross — comedian and unapologetic mid-century obsessive — with food, DJs and dancing to follow. Tickets are a donation of $20 and we invite anyone who has ever had a moment at the Club to come along and celebrate with us.
Then on Sunday, 18 October, Aussie music legends The Whitlams are playing a special gig for the 70th year.
Tickets to both events are available at bowlo.com.au.
