The latter half of the 1980s was a transformative period for Engadine Bowling Club, marked by notable achievements on the greens, significant growth in membership, and ambitious facility improvements.
1985 – A Year of Champions
The 1985 bowling season was highlighted by Ken Johnson’s victory in the Major Singles, with Bill Coates serving as Club President. It was also a remarkable year for the women bowlers, with Joan Jackson, Betty King, Janet Farrell and Joyce Sandry winning the first of what would become a treble of successive Ladies’ 4’s Championships.
This victory marked the beginning of a golden era for Joan Jackson, who would go on to win the Major Singles in 1989, along with victories in Pennants, Carnivals, Wolinski and James Wall Shields, and a variety of tournaments. Joan later served as Treasurer of the Women’s Bowling Club from 1991 to 1993, and her good form continued for many more years.
Arthur McLean and Warren Ralph received congratulations for their continuing involvement and success with the House Committee. It was a stellar year for the Men’s Pennant Teams, with all three teams winning their respective sections. The No.3’s contested the Metropolitan Finals to finish as Runner Up, while the No.6’s added another Flag to the Club’s collection.
In the Women’s competitions, Hilda White claimed the Women’s Major Singles Championship, a feat she would repeat in 1986. Meanwhile, changes to the Articles of Association were designed to improve the Registered Club’s operations and ensure more effective management of both the Men’s and Women’s Bowling Clubs.
The Women’s Bowling Club celebrated their 25th Birthday in style. As always, their programme was loaded with special days when they came to the fore with beautiful presentations that required extensive organisation. For these dedicated women, the end product was not merely a challenge but an opportunity to excel at something they enjoyed doing and skillfully accomplished.
The Arrival of a Legend (1986)
The arrival of Jim Dwyer, described by The Sun Newspaper on June 10, 1986, as a “bowling legend brought to Engadine as Bowls Instructor,” marked a significant milestone for the Club. Despite the faded newspaper print, Dwyer’s impact was anything but diminished.
A State Representative at 56 and bowling at his best, Jim had previously played at Sutherland Waratah and Taren Point, recording many quality wins at the top level. His performance at Engadine was exceptional, resulting in numerous Club Championship victories.
However, Jim’s greatest contribution was perhaps his ability to lift the performances of other players. Many members attribute their improvement in bowls directly to his skills as a coach and mentor.
The Engadine Eagles Football Club also celebrated their 25th Birthday and received congratulations from the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club, which had supported the soccer club effectively over the years.
In a remarkable demonstration of leadership prowess, three Ladies’ Club Presidents—Bertha Blayden, Beryl Boyle, and Neita Coddington—combined to win the 1986 Women’s Club Championship.
The Men’s Major Singles was won by Roger Henson, who would go on to claim the title again in 1988, 1992, and 1993. Roger’s impressive career included victories in the Group 4 Champion of Champions, Port Hacking District Pairs with Jim Dwyer in 1989 and 1994, and City Representative selection in 1995.
By the time of the Annual General Meeting, membership had grown to 439. 1986 was clearly defined as a milestone, with the focus firmly locked on progress. Meetings frequently lasted well into the late evening, filled with much debate as the Club continued to evolve from its humble beginnings in the “chookhouse” and the horseshoe bar to the more substantial premises established in 1971, which included an auditorium.
Further Growth and Expansion
A touch of nostalgia, as well as an example of change through the years, was evident in the playing fees for the Mixed Bowls day planned for February 17, 1987—$2.00 for men and 50c for ladies, with the ladies expected to bring a plate of food to share.
A census taken that year revealed there were 20,800 residents in Engadine. It’s worth noting that more than a quarter of that number were members of the Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club—a testament to the Club’s central place in the community.
With the growth of the Club and the expanding business generated by increased membership and patronage, 1987 saw the need to give consideration to major building refurbishment. The bank was approached to secure the necessary loan, and an arrangement was made for $656,000. The costs on completion, including furnishing, totalled $1,000,000—a far cry from the $71,000 project undertaken in 1971.
June 9 marked a significant day for the Club’s administration with the decision to employ Cathy Bedford as a casual in the office. The length of time Cathy was with the Club is a testament to her ability and dedication. Within a short time, her employment became permanent part-time, working several days each week.
Towards the end of the 1980s, John and Janet Farrell served almost concurrent terms of office as President of the Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs, with Janet being elected again in 1996 for a further three-year term. Both were very active in promoting Engadine and contributed vast amounts of time and energy to initiating and supporting events for the Club and the District. John Farrell was a District Representative for many years and was a long-serving Board Member.
Bertha Blayden completed her very busy three-year term of office, well satisfied with her Committee’s dedication to their particular duties. Women’s Bowling results during those three years were very satisfying.
The composition of the Board of Directors reflected a wealth of business experience and management skills. Decision-making was no stranger to them, and this knowledge gave members confidence in the day-to-day operations of the Club.
An Era of Excellence
Lillian Harris, Patron of the Women’s Bowling Club, was recognised for her role as an energetic volunteer for groups assisting the needy. Lillian was an auxiliary member of the NSW Crippled Children’s Society and the Northcott Society. Her dedication to the community would later be acknowledged when she received the NSW State Government award for the Hughes Electorate in 1999.
Joe Gough joined the Club this year, bringing his enthusiasm and willingness to help. Always passionate about his garden, Joe’s flowers regularly graced the foyer of the Club.
The completion of Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Anzac Oval complex was largely attributed to the work carried out by members of the Apex Club of Engadine. The volunteer efforts from this active club resulted in thousands of young people enjoying their sport of choice. Some who started as children playing on Anzac Oval continue to do so today.
Joyce Sandry returned to the record books with several Club Championship titles added to her already impressive list. The energy and drive towards the development of Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club was clearly evident, with increasing responsibilities attached to every Committee and Board Member. This new era was well supported by the members, as demonstrated by the profit for the year which was a significant improvement over the previous year.
Four teams entered the Pennant Competition, with the 5’s winning their section. The general opinion was that the overall standard of bowling had lifted considerably due to the efforts of Coach Jim Dwyer. The list of champions was widespread and served as an incentive for others to seek coaching and consequently improve their results.
State Selectors recalled Jim Dwyer, making what proved to be the right decision! Jim performed at his best, playing Third for Alan Baker. Their team was voted the most consistent in the Series against Victoria. Jim was also selected to play in the Alley Shield.
Celebrating Three Decades (1989)
In 1989, Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club celebrated its 30th year, with membership approaching the impressive milestone of 500. The Women’s Club reached new heights with increased membership, including both new and experienced bowlers. This was seen as an opportunity to increase the levels of success experienced by the Club.
As the 1980s drew to a close, Engadine Bowling Club stood as a thriving community institution, having evolved significantly from its modest beginnings. Through sustained investment in facilities, commitment to sporting excellence, and the dedication of its members, the Club had positioned itself for continued success in the decades to come.
The vision of those early pioneers who gathered in the “chookhouse” had been realised and expanded beyond what many might have thought possible. With a growing membership base, championship-winning teams, and a newly refurbished clubhouse, Engadine Bowling and Recreation Club entered the 1990s with confidence and ambition.
Stay tuned for further insights into 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.
