70 years on and Evans Head Ladies Bowling Club is still going. 1953-2023

By Joan Fernance

When other bowling clubs in the district were against the membership of women in 1952, Evans Head ladies had already established what an asset they were and the Ladies Club was formed a year later.

An article in the Northern Star in October 1952 quoted the then Secretary of the Evans Head Club, Mr. J. Dalziel, saying the women bowlers had played on the green since the club was formed in 1932.

“ I believe that at one stage, when only a few men were interested in the club, the women managed to keep it operating,” he said.

Mabel Dalziel became the frst president of the Evans Head Ladies Bowls Club with 25 members in 1953.

Current President, Maryanne Carey, said the future of the club is changing compared to the past 70 years.

“This is due to changing times with younger women fully occupied with family and work commitments and unable to play at this time,” she said.

“However, there are several new members who have relocated to Evans Head in their retirement and have joined our club.”

With these changing times in the NSW Bowling Association, amalgamation with the Men’s Bowling Club is imminent, in line with all the rest of the states.

President Carey enjoyed hosting the 70th Birthday & Gala Day last Wednesday, with special guests, including our past presidents, and 70 Bowlers from several clubs in our district.

“Throughout our 70 year history there have been many presidents/ secretaries/treasurers/life members and patrons, as well as committee members and bowlers,” she said.

“And it is because of all these ladies, past and present, that our club is still going. I would like to thank them all for their commitment during those years.”

Videos were shown of the past 70 years during the luncheon and many enjoyed reliving the memories of past years.

President Carey and her committee look forward to seeing what transpires for the club in the years ahead.