The early 1980s marked a significant period of growth and development for Engadine Bowling Club. From celebrating milestone anniversaries to introducing new facilities and facing community challenges, these years helped shape the club into what it is today. Discover the milestones and events from the early ‘80s as we continue our history series.
1980: Celebrating 21 Years
The Club’s 21st Birthday celebrations in 1980 were a highlight of the year, generating immense excitement among members. President Rob Yewdall led a dedicated committee including Rex Bardsley, Bill Moss, Eddie Ring, Bert Miles, Viv Bourne, Ray Palatis and Roger Gordon, resulting in an outstanding success.
This significant year also saw the introduction of the first electric train service from the City to Waterfall, finally bringing electric trains to Engadine. While this advancement in public transport benefitted the community, the Club also focused on safety improvements, purchasing a resuscitation machine and arranging staff training for its correct use.
Tragically, 1980 also witnessed devastating bushfires that ravaged the beautiful bushland surrounding the district. The fires claimed the lives of five volunteer firemen at Waterfall – a terrible loss felt deeply by the entire community.
Sporting Excellence and Social Connections
The Club’s full-sized snooker and billiards table became a significant attraction, drawing many regular enthusiasts. Throughout the 1980s, a social gathering of players enjoyed developing their skills, with Brian Langston overseeing activities before a regular club was formed. Dave Charker claimed the first Club Championship in 1980.
Notable players during this era included Neville Younger, Bob Tarman, John Thomas, Ray Boughton, Ron Knowles, Stuart Collins, Bill Moss, Andy Pascoe, Bill and Ian Hamilton, Kerry Jury, Keith Morton, Bob Hesford, Ernie Senior, Phil Hardie, and David Tinsley.
In the bowling arena, long-standing members Joan and Bill Jackson celebrated victory in the Mixed Pairs in 1981 and 1986. Meanwhile, specialist lighting expert Kevin Hole was invited to discuss the possibility of floodlighting the greens, marking the beginning of significant improvements to the playing facilities.
The Club’s communication with members was enhanced through a comprehensive 20-page newsletter containing information, news reports, humour and advice, expertly compiled by Peter de Jager. On the women’s side, Rita Oliver became the 10th President of the Engadine Women’s Bowling Club, continuing the significant “Oliver” family contribution to the Club.
Honouring Service and Achievements
The Club faced a sad loss in 1982 with the resignation and subsequent passing of popular Bar Manager, George Morris. After 17 years of dedicated service, George resigned due to ill health and sadly passed away. To honour his memory and acknowledge his personal contribution, the Club held a Charity Day, complete with entertainment and a barbecue to raise funds for cancer research. Through proceeds from club revenue and generous donations, $4,400 was raised and donated to Cancer Research in George’s name.
In sporting news, the Engadine Women’s Bowling Club was selected to host the prestigious Blue Mountains versus Port Hacking District event, with the ladies hosting the day to perfection. The year also saw the awarding of the highly prized 8 Pin Certificate to Ron Parkinson, Col Scrymore, Ivan Ballentine and Les Turner.
A special tribute was paid to Jack Mackie upon his resignation after 23 years as an official and National Umpire. Jack was presented with an honorary umpires certificate and his badge returned in a special ceremony that highlighted the Club’s appreciation for long-serving members.
New Faces and New Developments
June 1983 marked the arrival of Allan Smith, who quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the greens. Allan would go on to win the Major Singles in 1984 and 1990, and was part of the No. 3 winning Pennant Team in 1985 – the highest grade at that time. His partnership with Jim McHugh proved particularly successful, with Club Pairs victories in 1984, 1991, 1993, 1995 and 2001, as well as the Ray Mountain Memorial Pairs in 1996. Allan’s impressive career at the Club would span more than 26 years, including being part of the victorious No.1 Pennant Team in 2003 that brought home the State Flag.
May 1983 represented a significant step forward for inclusivity when Women’s Bowling Club members became eligible to become full members of the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club. The Club also welcomed Kevin Hole to the Committee, whose business expertise in sporting arena floodlighting proved invaluable for the planned green lighting project.
Hazel Yewdall, wife of past Club President Bob Yewdall, achieved a remarkable fourth victory in the Women’s Major Singles Championship. Meanwhile, improvements continued with the acceptance of a tender from Osborne and Corda for clubhouse alterations, with completion estimated in 10 weeks.
Reaching New Heights
The year 1984 saw the birth of a unique tradition – the Engadine Flying Bowlers. When the Cronulla Flying Bowlers discontinued in 1983, Bill Jackson and Ken Johnson pursued the idea of forming an Engadine version. After investigating potential destinations, Coonabarrabran was selected for the inaugural trip. With a specially designed identifying badge, one DC3 aircraft was chartered, and 32 intrepid souls embarked on that initial adventure at a cost of $150 per person.
Over the next 15 years, the Flying Bowlers would visit Narromine, Lake Cargellico, Boggabri, Temora and several other NSW towns. The last flying trip was to Young, the cherry centre, in 1999. Due to increasing aircraft charter costs, the mode of transport later changed to coach, and the Engadine Touring Bowlers was born, visiting Mudgee, Queanbeyan, Bathurst, South Wagga, Batemans Bay and Cowra in subsequent years.
The Top of the Shire Men’s Triples Tournament proved an outstanding success in 1984, with 48 teams playing four nights per week for three weeks in February. The tournament highlighted the importance of securing sponsorships, with Roger Gordon and Glenn Mathers dedicating many hours to discussions and negotiations.
Club membership climbed to 420, and the overhead lighting on No.2 green was replaced with modern floodlighting, an upgrade well-received by both bowlers and spectators. The Sutherland District Women’s Association of the NSWWBA was formed, with Engadine Women’s Bowling Club becoming a member of this District.
In a demonstration of community spirit, arrangements were made for The Blind Bowlers to visit on May 20. The afternoon proved thoroughly enjoyable, filled with good humour as 16 bowlers with their wives joined club members for the occasion, followed by a buffet to complete the day.
October 1984 marked another milestone with the Club’s 25th Birthday celebration. Planning generated great excitement and involvement from members, with the history of the Club compiled and eagerly anticipated. As always, the Ladies put the finishing touches to the party, making for a memorable occasion.
On the national front, Australia’s $1 coins were released into circulation – another turn in the wheel of progress. Meanwhile, at the Club, Bertha Blayden took on the role of President of the Women’s Bowling Club from 1984 to 1986, guiding the Ladies Club and Committees with thoughtful purpose while also recording impressive results on the greens.
Stay tuned as we explore the next chapter of the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club’s storied history. These blogs are a summary of our Golden Anniversary Book in which you can read the full story.
