In the late 1950s, Engadine was a small, tight-knit community on the outskirts of Sydney, and there was a growing need for a space where locals could gather, socialise, and participate in sports. That vision came to life on January 10, 1958, with the birth of the Engadine District Leagues Club. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would later become the Engadine Bowling Club—one of the area’s most cherished social and sporting venues.
In 2009, our 50th year, we published a special edition Anniversary Book to share some of the unique tales and characters. We delve back into some of the moments and key characters who have shaped the club into the local community hub that we know and love today. Be sure to tune into the series as new tales are released over the next few months.
From Poultry Farm to Clubhouse: A New Chapter for Engadine
At the time, the site of the existing club was Bert Mason’s poultry farm on Cambrai Avenue. In a stroke of ingenuity, one of the old chook sheds was repurposed into the League’s Club’s first clubhouse. Whether by luck or foresight, the seeds of the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club were planted that day. The club began with 199 members and a clear purpose: to provide the community with a local sporting and social hub.
Over the course of that first year, volunteers worked tirelessly to build the club’s first bowling green. Fred Smith and Russell Bell led a small, dedicated committee to establish the bowls section, laying the groundwork for this thriving part of the club. The spirit of volunteerism and passion that fuelled these early efforts would become a defining characteristic of the club’s culture for years to come.
The Birth of the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club
By late 1959, the Leagues Club faced mounting challenges and was unable to sustain its operations. However, in the midst of these difficulties, a new opportunity arose: the formation of a separate club solely dedicated to bowling and recreation. On December 22, 1959, the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club was officially established—a major milestone in the club’s history.
During that meeting, the club’s first committee was elected:
- Patrons: Les Johnson MHR, Harry Lynch
- President: Fred Smith
- Secretary: Russell Bell
- Treasurer: Maxwell Lombe
- Bowls Secretary: Allan Hemmett
- Publicity Officer: Jim Oliver
These individuals played an integral role in shaping the club’s future and ensuring its growth in the coming years.
Membership Milestones and the Rise of Inclusivity
In January 1960, just weeks after the club’s official formation, 82 members were declared as Foundation Members—a significant achievement. By June of that year, membership had swelled to 125. This rapid growth was a testament to the club’s appeal and its role in fostering community spirit.
A major step toward inclusivity came with the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary Committee, led by President Phyllis Kavanagh. This committee ensured that women had a prominent role in the club’s activities, paving the way for the creation of the Engadine Women’s Bowling Club later that same year. The Auxiliary’s efforts not only bolstered the club’s membership but also strengthened the sense of camaraderie among members.
The Visionaries: The Club’s Early Leaders
Among the club’s early leaders, Max Lombe a Foundation Member, Treasurer from 1959-1961, and Secretary from 1966-1977, played a key role in the club’s establishment and long-term success. Known for his passion for both bowls and the club’s operations, Max was instrumental in recognising the importance of bowling to the club’s identity. He also spearheaded efforts to formally recognise members’ bowling achievements, helping to build a sense of pride and tradition.
Notably, in 1976, Max was honoured with Life Membership— a fitting tribute to someone whose contributions helped lay the foundation for the club’s future.
Expansion, Challenges, and Triumphs in the 1960s
The early 1960s were a time of rapid development for the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club. By 1961, the club had secured a liquor license marking a significant step forward in its operations. This year also saw the completion of negotiations with the former Leagues Club, ensuring a smooth transition and allowing the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club to take full control of the site. President Jack Kavanagh was recognised as a driving force behind these successful negotiations, further cementing his legacy in the club’s history.
Despite these achievements, the club faced its fair share of challenges. The grounds were prone to bogging, there were no outside staff to maintain the greens, and the clubhouse lacked essential amenities like heating and refrigeration for beer. Yet, the fortitude of the members prevailed. Through sheer determination, they worked together to overcome these obstacles, contributing voluntary labour and pooling resources to make improvements.
The Clubhouse and the Greens: A Labour of Love
One of the most significant early projects was the expansion of the clubhouse. In August 1960, the committee met with local tradesmen to discuss the necessary alterations, and it was decided that the work could be completed using volunteer labour for around 800 pounds. This project demonstrated the members’ unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming and functional space for all.
At the same time, the club secured its first major purchase—a bar and fittings from Manly Vale Bowling Club. Transported and installed at a cost of 100 pounds, this addition turned the former chook shed into a fully-fledged clubhouse. The second bowling green was also installed in 1961, marking another milestone in the club’s development.
As the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club continued to grow, it became known as “The Friendly Club,” a moniker that captured the warmth and camaraderie of its members. This spirit of inclusivity was further solidified when the club was affiliated with the NSW Women’s Bowling Association in September 1960. Women began playing alongside men, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose that remains a core part of the club’s culture.
The legacy of these early years is one of perseverance, community, and a deep love for the game of bowls. The friendships formed, the competitions held, and the social gatherings enjoyed by members all contributed to the club’s status as a much-loved institution within the Engadine community. From its humble beginnings in a chook shed to its reputation as “The Top of the Shire,” the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club has remained a pillar of local life for decades—and it all started with a simple vision back in the late 1950s.
Read more about our history in the 1960s.
