History of the Piha Bowling Club

Posted by SCe Comments Off

Bev Duff, Jan de Vries and Jean Burgess

The Piha Bowling Club was established in 1955 in the Piha Domain. The greens were bulldozed by Tiger O’Brien and the first president was W Hall. Frank Barnett, from Garden Road (who gave his name to Barnett Hall at North Piha) was foundation treasurer.

A Piha Women’s Bowling Club was founded the following year (1956) with Dot Mercier as women’s president, a position she held on and off for years.

The first official opening of the club was held on November 10 1956 when the MP Hon Mr Mason delivered the first bowl. This event was marred by relentless rain “and conditions were impossible for anything but acquatic sport”. The gathering repaired to the clubhouse for afternoon tea prepared by the Women’s Bowling Club.

The first Bowling Club pavilion was completed in 1959, but the present pavilion was opened in October 1963 (and later extended with the Seymour Lounge). The cost had been kept down to £7000 because most of the materials and labour had been given free. Guests were welcomed at the opening by the club president Massa Johnston.

In 1999, the men’s and women’s clubs amalgamated as one club.

The small garden at the north end of the clubhouse was created as a Ladies’ Memorial Garden by Zena Foubister and Gwenda Collins and other women members.

The club has a tradition of music, established through the role of former club president, Des Pike. Des was involved in country and western music at the Puhoi pub, and played a mean tea-chest. In recent years, George Thomson has organised Jam nights where anyone can step up and play.

Other club activities include home brew competitions, and there are regular competitions with the Piha RSA and Piha surf club.

Piha Women’s Bowling Club Presidents

Piha Women’s Bowling Club Secretary Treasurers

Piha Women’s Bowling Club Life Members