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100 + Year History Warburton Bowls Club
Founded 28th July 1921
By Robin Fisher & Steve Freestone from 2011
1913 – 1914
A Bowling Club with about 40 Members has been formed at Warburton and Mr. Sears, proprietor of the Mountain Grand Guesthouse, has agreed to allow the club the use of his Bowling Green.
The League has taken the initial steps to the foundation of a club. An offer has been made of the use of a private green, certain arrangements for upkeep to be undertaken by the club.
Warburton Bowls Club
Founded 28th July 1921
Club History
1921-1922
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
This is the Foundation date used when the club was granted a worthless piece of swampland in the Recreation Reserve that they built into a fine 3 rink green.
One has only to walk past the recreation reserve now to realise what a splendid improvement the green is to the oval. Where formerly there was nothing but an ugly, irregular piece of ground, there is now a trim levelled piece of ground that in a very short time, will resolve itself into a fine green.
1922 – 1923
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
The Warburton Bowling will try their new fledged wings against three rinks of the Brunswick Club on Monday next. This is one of the consummations that President Winstanley and his officers have been looking forward to. The time when Warburton would be able to boast of a green and a team fit for metropolitan players at one time seemed a long way off, but now the ground and the teams are there.
Powelltown paid a visit to Warburton on March 18th and engaged in a three-rink game with the locals.
Lilydale Bowling Club visited Warburton on Wednesday last and met the local players who amply avenged their defeat of some weeks back. Owing to the match finishing so close to train time there was not time for any formal interchange of compliments.
Upper Yarra Association Formed
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100-Year History Warburton Bowls Club
By Robin Fisher
1913 – 1914
A Bowling Club with about 40 Members has been formed at Warburton and Mr. Sears, proprietor of the Mountain Grand Guesthouse, has agreed to allow the club the use of his Bowling Green.
The League has taken the initial steps to the foundation of a club. An offer has been made of the use of a private green, certain arrangements for upkeep to be undertaken by the club.
Warburton Bowls Club
Founded 28th July 1921
Club History
1921-1922
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
This is the Foundation date used when the club was granted a worthless piece of swampland in the Recreation Reserve that they built into a fine 3 rink green.
One has only to walk past the recreation reserve now to realise what a splendid improvement the green is to the oval. Where formerly there was nothing but an ugly, irregular piece of ground, there is now a trim levelled piece of ground that in a very short time, will resolve itself into a fine green.
1922 – 1923
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
The Warburton Bowling will try their new fledged wings against three rinks of the Brunswick Club on Monday next. This is one of the consummations that President Winstanley and his officers have been looking forward to. The time when Warburton would be able to boast of a green and a team fit for metropolitan players at one time seemed a long way off, but now the ground and the teams are there.
Powelltown paid a visit to Warburton on March 18th and engaged in a three-rink game with the locals.
Lilydale Bowling Club visited Warburton on Wednesday last and met the local players who amply avenged their defeat of some weeks back. Owing to the match finishing so close to train time there was not time for any formal interchange of compliments.
Upper Yarra Association Formed
1923- 1924
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
A number of clubs have already held their annual meetings and the Warburton Club has approached the other clubs with a proposition to form an association to include Lilydale, Warburton, Healesville and Powelltown, each club to play the other twice.
The Bowling Club is forming another rink on its green and the croquet club has started on the preliminary work of turning up the ground of that part of the reserve allotted to it.
At the last meeting of the Bowling Club the tender of Mr. C.J. Harper was accepted for the erection of the pavilion. The work is to be proceeded with at once.
The opening ceremony in connection with the new pavilion is to be held on Saturday 21st January. The Hon. S. Barnes M. L. A., has been asked to officiate and has consented to do so. The President’s daughter, Miss Vera Winstanley, bowled the first jack and Miss Doris Cookson sent down the first bowl.
A match had been arranged between a local club and their old friends, the Auburn Bowling Club, which includes several ladies who proved quite capable of holding their own, even with formidable opponents.
After the match, Mr. Robinson on behalf of the Auburn Club, thanked the Warburton Members for the splendid time they had tendered himself and Club mates. He congratulated Warburton on its very fine pavilion and trusted that before long many trophies would adorn its walls. He begged leave on behalf of his fellow Members to present to the Warburton people a small memento of the visit, and he had much pleasure in handing to Mr. Winstanley a neatly framed testimony to the fact that the players whose signatures appear on the sheet, had played at the opening of the new pavilion.
1924 – 1925
Warburton Premiers U.Y.B.A. 1924 – 1925
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant
This is the second year of the Association's existence, the Premiership for the first season going to Healesville after a very successful year; this year Warburton have taken the honours to that end of the district; next year perhaps Lilydale. However it is not only from a sporting view that the Association has been a success; the social side of the thing has brought about closer contact between members of the various clubs, becoming better known to each other and forming friendships that may never have ripened but for the Association, in this way the combination has been fully justified, and it may lead to further liaisons; perhaps the formation of interclub single and fours championship. It is a desirable thing and is an end worth striving for.
1925 –1926
President W. Winstanley, Secretary H. Grant.
D. McKechnie Upper Yarra Valley Singles Champion 1st Year of Competition
Before the pennant match was played, Messrs. McKechnie (Warburton) and Sanders (Healesville) finished their game for the single-handed championship of the Association, which also had an exciting finish. McKechnie winning by two points, scoring 21 to 19.
Lilydale Premiers
The final match of the Upper Yarra Bowling Association was played at Healesville on Saturday last. The contesting teams were Lilydale and Warburton who had by good consistent play, qualified for the honour of playing off for the pennant of 1926.
1926 – 1927 President W. Winstanley, Secretary M. Henry.
Club Champion D. McKechnie
During the year a billiard table was installed in the clubrooms free of debt.
The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Cr. Winstanley; Vice Presidents, Cr. Horsey and Mr. M. Henry, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H. E. B. Thomas; Auditor, Mr. Cooper, Committee Messrs. T. Roofe, J. Grose, A. Clough, D. McKechnie, J. D. Horner; Green Committee, Messrs. T. Roofe, Bessell and Clough; Captains, the President and Messrs. D. McKechnie and T. Roofe.
Mr. J. H. Grant, who had been Secretary of the Club since its inception four years ago, was unable to continue in the position owing to the fact that he expects to remove from Warburton at an early date. Reference was made by members of the Club to the valuable service he had rendered and to the work he had performed in its interests as Secretary.
Life Member
In recognition of his services, Mr. Grant was made a Life Member and an Honorary Vice President of the Club. Regret was expressed that the Club was losing such an able and painstaking officer.
Warburton Ladies Croquet Club
(Later Ladies Bowling Club)
This year the Club has cleared off the debt on the green. It was decided to build a clubhouse, the tender of Mr. B. Grant, at 173 Pound ($346) for its erection, was accepted.
Mesdames Grant, Story, McKenzie, Staker and Clough becoming guarantors for the bank overdraft of 150 pound ($300).
The clubhouse is nearing completion
1927 – 1928
President M. Henry, Secretary H. E. B. Thomas.
Club Champion D. McKechnie
President W. Winstanley, held office for 6 years, 1921 – 1927
Opening Of Season and Ladies Croquet Court
In conjunction with the opening of the Bowling Club, the official opening of the Ladies Croquet Court and pavilion took place, this ceremony being performed by Cr. Brookes, of Camberwell. This club conducts two grass courts that are laid out on a nice rise and overlooks both the cricket ground and the bowling rinks.
McKechnie Again Champion
The single-handed championship of the Upper Yarra Bowling Association was decided at Warburton on Saturday last and was won by Mr. D. McKechnie of the Warburton Club. Some elimination games provided keen finishes. The final game was between N. P. Reed, of Healesville and D. McKechnie of Warburton, the latter capturing the honour for the second time in succession.
1928 – 1929
President H. Horsey, Secretary H.E.B. Thomas,
Club Champion T. Roofe.
Life Member
It was unanimously agreed that in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him, Mr. T. Anderson be elected a life member of the Club.
Upper Yarra Association v Victorian Bowls Association
On Saturday last, members of the different clubs Lilydale, Powelltown, Warburton and Healesville in the Upper Yarra Association, had a most enjoyable day at the St Kilda greens. There the country representatives met six rinks from the Victorian Bowling Association and recorded a most creditable performance. Although the V.B.A. men finished up with the greatest aggregate, rink honours were even.
In the evening the visitors were entertained by the V.B.A. at the Federal Hotel at which the President of the V.B.A (Sir William Brunton) presided
1929 – 1930
President H. Horsey, Secretary H.E.B. Thomas.
Club Champion T. Roofe.
Warburton Premiers U.Y.B.A. 1929 – 1930
The President and Secretary of Warburton Bowling Club were elected to the respective offices of President and Secretary of the Association.
Warburton Scoop The Pool
T. Roofe - U.Y.B.A. Singles Champion.
Rink And Singles Championships.
Warburton have had a remarkably successful term having negotiated the Association pennant matches without a single defeat. This in view of the fact that the standard of play is generally considered to be higher than in former years, was in itself an achievement to be proud of, but their fame was further enhanced by carrying off all the honours in the Championship contests.
Roofe (Warburton), wins Singles Championship 22 shots, to Dr Short (Lilydale), 18 shots.
Warburton winning rink Champions were: Lenz (Captain), McKenzie, Thomas and Henry.
Trophy Presentation
The first presentation was that of the Championship pennant which was handed to the President, accompanied by words of congratulation and hope for future success.
Other presentations were: Presidents trophy Mr.T.Roofe; Mr.Stott's trophy Mr.T.Roofe; Beginner's trophy Mr. A. Fisher; Single Handed trophy (given by the Upper Yarra Association), Mr.T.Roofe; Champion rink: (Upper Yarra Bowls Association), Messrs., Thomas, Lenz, Henry, McKechnie; Billiards' trophies, Messrs, McEwan and Horsey; Crib Tournament, Mr. F. Cooper; Champion Rink (given by former member) Messrs. Thomas, Lenz, Henry, McKechnie.
1930 – 1931
President A.V. Stott, Secretary H.E.B. Thomas,
Club Champion H.E.B. Thomas.
Warburton Premiers U.Y.B.A. 1930 – 1931
Lilydale dropped out of the pennant competition leaving four teams, Healesville, Powelltown, Warburton Blue and Warburton Gold.
Championship Games At Warburton
Mayer wins U.Y.B.A. Singles Championship
The Single-Handed Championship was then decided, the draw for which resulted in Mayer being opposed by Thomas, and Blackburn by Witnish. Mayer and Witnish won their games and met in the final when, after a very good game, Mayer was successful by 3 points.
1931 - 1932
President P. Mayer, Secretary H. Horsey.
Club Champion D. McKechnie.
First record of Minutes found October 3rd 1931.
Green Keeper was to be paid 1 pound per week to look after green.
Club decided to hold regular monthly meetings.
Entry fees for competitions were set at 1 shilling. Championships were to be played the following way - each player played one another and the one with the most wins was declared Club Champion. Only 4 Committee meetings recorded in minute book.
1932 – 1933
President P. Mayer, Secretary H. Horsey.
Club Champion W. Watson.
No Association, social bowls only played.
July 1933 Club decided to join Croydon & District Bowling Association.
Opening day decision was left entirely in hands of Secretary.
Club Championship played on Round Robin System in four groups. Winners of groups then played off. All groups were seeded.
Billiards were being played.
1933 – 1934
President M. Henry, Secretary H. Horsey,
Club Champion T. Roofe.
The annual meeting of delegates of the Croydon District Bowling Association on Wednesday night was attended by representatives from Lilydale, Ringwood and Croydon.
For some reason or other, the Warburton Club was not represented and no explanation was received for their default.
Lilydale v Warburton - Lilydale Premiers
Realising the calibre of their rivals for premiership honours, Lilydale selected their strongest side to meet Warburton on Saturday last.
1934 – 1935
President M. Henry, Secretary H. Horsey,
Club Champion R. Day.
Hire cars were used to transport players at own cost. Subscription for year was three pound, three shillings, including entries into competition. Feb 5th 1935 each member was instructed to pay a levy of 12/6, as Club finances were extremely low.
No one would accept position of Secretary at Annual Meeting. Secretary position filled later at General Committee Meeting. Visitors were charged 5/- per week or 1/- per day to play bowls.
Club Colours were to be Royal Blue and Gold.
Club Championship was played in sections then on knockout basis.
Telephone was disconnected because of cost.
It is a pity that Lilydale bowlers are debarred from taking part in the V.B.A. competition (owing to being two and a half miles beyond the suburban area) as they have players of experience and ability who could extend the pick of the metropolis in four-rink contest.
Upper Yarra Association Reformed
The Upper Yarra Bowling Association is again functioning, having been reformed with Mr. H.R. Horsey as President and Mr. H.E.B.Thomas as Secretary.
The clubs affiliated are Lilydale, Warburton and Healesville and home and home matches, two games each will be played. Four rinks from Lilydale, four from Warburton, and three from Healesville will take part and at the end of the competition there will be a Single-handed Championship and Rink Championship contest.
1935 – 1936
President H.E.B. Thomas, Secretary E. Fraser,
Club Champion H.E.B. Thomas
Only meeting for this season recorded was Annual Meeting dated September 7th.
1936 – 1937
President R.R. French, Secretary E. Fraser,
Club Champion M. Henry.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Warburton Bowling Club was held on Monday evening, when Mr. H.E.B. Thomas presided over a good attendance of members.
The annual report revealed that the activities of the Club for the past season had been successful and a satisfactory balance of revenue over expenditure was shown in the financial statement.
At the close of business Mr. French presented the championship cup for the past season to the winner, H. E. B. Thomas and also a trophy, donated by the President to J. Spence.
Upper Yarra Championship
The annual Bowls Carnival of the Upper Yarra Association took place at Lilydale on Monday and provided a most interesting day's recreation for a record number of players.
The games started at 9.30 am, and where not concluded until dusk.
Healesville was represented by four pairs, Lilydale seven and Warburton six. Four games of eight ends each were played. M. Henry and partner (Warburton) completed the series with three wins and a tie, which was the best performance. Six pairs had three wins to their credit but Howell and partner (Warburton) with the best percentage, were awarded second honours.
The afternoon was devoted to the rink championship for which ten rinks entered, the conditions being four games of nine ends each. Poyner's Lilydale rink won the title and trophy, Crook's rink (Healesville) being the runner up.
1937 – 1938
President G. Bussell, Secretary R. Chisholm,
Club Champion H.E.B. Thomas.
Annual Meeting 22nd September 1937
Guesthouses were asked to support club and tell guests to use green without usual fee being charged.
Skippers of Rinks were selected at Annual Meeting. Players in Championship singles were requested to play matches instead of forfeiting.
Only one Committee meeting recorded.
Mountain District Bowls Association
New Association Proposed
From Healesville Centenary Book
A new Association is proposed comprising Upwey-Tecoma, Sassafras, Belgrave,
Warburton and Healesville. Healesville decided against joining this season.
1938 – 1939
President H.E.B. Thomas, Secretary R. Chisholm,
Club Champion R. French.
Annual Meeting 30th August 1938
Green was top dressed with local sand, limed and market garden manure used.
Committee meetings were to be held on a monthly basis left in hands of Secretary.