About
Island Bay Bowling Club, located in Wellington, is a well-established sports club that offers lawn bowls as its main sport. The history of the club dates back to 1918 when Charles Hill, an early resident, formed a small bowling green called Te Hiwi within his own residential property. The club became registered as the Te Hiwi Bowling Club by the Wellington Bowling Centre, and representative games were held on the green.
In 1910, two prominent Wellington businessmen, Charles and Alf Odlin, joined the club. They had discussions with Hill about creating a full-size bowling green in Island Bay. Despite wartime restrictions, the Odlins managed to purchase three allotments on The Parade, and formation work for a new green began in 1917. By the end of that year, the new green was ready for play, and the grand opening took place on January 5, 1918, with 35 members in attendance.
With the establishment of the new green, the Te Hiwi Club gradually faded away, and the Island Bay Bowling Club flourished.
Over the years, the club has expanded and developed. Additional land was purchased to create two greens that front The Parade, with the clubhouse being rebuilt and relocated to the road side. The club's location near the sea attracted the interest of the Italian and Shetland Island fishing communities, who found lawn bowls to be a relaxing sport after their work in Cook Strait. Members from these communities quickly excelled in the sport, with names like Basile, Muollo, Massa, Imlach, Volpicelli, and Greco appearing on the Club Honours Boards as titleholders.
Notably, Anna Basile and Domenico Massa have achieved Gold Star status, a prestigious accomplishment in New Zealand lawn bowls.
In addition to the success on the green, Island Bay Bowling Club benefits from a strong and active membership base. Members are not only dedicated to the sport but also actively contribute to the club's operations and maintenance. Volunteers can always be found assisting with various tasks around the premises. The club prides itself on having a healthy and thriving community of players and supporters.
Island Bay Bowling Club also values the social aspect of the sport and actively promotes social bowling. The club provides opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate, including regular social events and competitions. Members can enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition while improving their lawn bowls skills.
Overall, Island Bay Bowling Club in Wellington is a historic and thriving sports club that offers the opportunity to play lawn bowls in a welcoming and supportive community. Whether you are a seasoned player looking for competitive opportunities or a beginner wanting to try out a new sport, Island Bay Bowling Club is the place to be.
