Lots of Years Ago.
23 – 9 – 1903
First AGM in the newly erected pavilion at Donald Place.
An exhibition tournament in 1907.
Lots of Years Ago.
The Edwards Cup has been played since September 1949. It was named after a Mr. Edwards who owned a butcher’s shop in Armagh Street.
The cup has been “carved” from a native fuchsia stump that was dug up from the United Bowling Club’s second green when it was being laid.
The competition is played throughout the season and is now played between Elmwood Park, 2 teams, Fendalton and Barrington United.
2022 marked a milestone in the history of the cup, it has now become an any combination competition.
2026 will mark another milestone as triples, not fours, will be played. This is because clubs are struggling to get numbers.
.
Lots of Years Ago.
This was sent to MuzzaWeb by Bob Colthart who got it from his father’s old Press map book.
Note that St. Albans has the wrong address. As does St. Martins.
Bob suspects it would be mid/late 1950s.
Quite a few of the then clubs no longer exist and some have amalgamated.
Interesting to ponder!!!
Lots of Years Ago:
24 – 9 – 94
Opening Day Opening of new building extensions at St. Albans.
Opening the pavilion, the Rev. Stanley Barnes, MC, Councillor Wright, John Pizzey, president, and Bernadette O’Malley, women’s president.
In the words of President John Pizzey opening day was touch and go. A plant breakdown while finishing the paths meant that it was only just finished enough by 12.30 for the opening to go ahead.
E. Truscott and I. McIntosh cutting the ribbon t0 open the new pavilion.
September 1997 – 8
Elmwood Bowling Club had women join the club for the first time. Owen Jones was the president.
First women’s club day was Oct. 1, 1996.
Eighteen Years Ago:
27– 9 – 08
Betty Steel Cup winners at St. Albans-Merivale, Eleanor Sweeney and Mavis Narbey
Originally when first played, it was a women’s only tournament. A sign of the times, it has been played as a mixed tournament over the past few years.
Seventeen Years Ago:
26 – 8 – 09
Fifteen years ago MuzzaWeb was lucky enough to be invited on an outing with the St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club’s premier social group, The Triple Gs. [Green’s Goldcard Group.]
Meeting place was the St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club, from there the adventure began. A quick sprint across St. Albans Street; a taxi stopping for Jack to allow him a safe road crossing. Into the MetroStar and a quick trip to Merivale. There Commander Green decided it was too noisy to wait in downtown Merivale for the Rangiora Express so the Number 12 was caught up to Vagues Road to collect the final Triple G member. Then the express to Rangiora.
Ever the gentlemen. Ladies first. Goldcards at the ready!
Away we go!!
A fortune to be made.
MuzzaWeb was not able to remain (too young) with the hardened pokie players so he went walking. The Triple G made their way to the Kaiapoi Club where lunch interrupted their gambling.
The Triple Gs eventually made their way home out of pocket but contented.
Fifteen Years Ago:
29 – 9 – 11
Colin Reynolds, a Christchurch businessman, was appointed chief executive of the Bowls Canterbury regional centre.
He replaced John Tyler who along with two other staff members were made redundant last month. Reynolds is a former chief executive of Buller Electricity Ltd and the administration and property manager for a Christchurch accounting business advisory firm.He is also a long-time bowler and administrator in the sport.
Reynolds will drive the “One Bowls – One Vision” concept initiated by Bowls New Zealand. Christchurch will be the South Island regional centre for the project.
Canterbury will work closely with the the 11 centres in the South Island as well as the other two regional centres, Wellington and Auckland.
Reynolds said the new concept was a good opportunity for bowls.
“For bowls to reverse declining membership it needs to revitalize itself and this is the perfect means. We need to build strong clubs both in administration and also playing and this is where our energies will be focused. The next couple of years are going to be exciting for the sport. We can expect the world champion of champions singles, the Asia Pacific Games, a national tournament, and the world bowls championships back here (in Christchurch) in 2016.”
Ten Years Ago:
24 – 9 – 16
The second Saturday was cold and overcast. Elmwood members come and played at SAM. The afternoon was used as a trial to see how we related to Elmwood in ability so combined teams could be selected for the Centre interclub competitions.
Good early season form was displayed by many..
23 – 9 – 17
There was a good turnout of members who turned up for a working bee to get the Heaton Street green ready for the opening of the season.
23 – 9 – 17
The afternoon saw over 50 members turn up at Donald Place. The weather was fine and warm and for this time of the year the green played superbly. Consequently there was some good bowls played.
Former St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club president Barry Milner welcomed everyone,
John Elley, patron of the now finished St. Albans-Merivale Bowling Club, rolled the first kitty of the season while Bernadette O’Malley rolled up the first bowl. The new season was underway.
A most enjoyable afternoon and an afternoon tea that was to die for.
Eight Years Ago:
23 – 2 – 18
New signage at Donald Place. Looked good too.
Seven Years Ago:
21 – 9 – 19
Here at last. Opening day arrived to herald in the new season. It was well attended, around 80, and a relaxed and enjoyable start to the new season.
Lots of good food. Chatting away, as you do!!!
The co patrons roll up the first kitty and bowl. A roll up followed and all eight rinks were used. Roll on the 2019-20 season.
Waiting for the action!!!! Good to catch up with everyone again.
.
Four Years Ago.
24 – 9 – 22 Opening Day. Final time at Donald Place.
Opening day was a well-attended affair, the usual opening and welcoming speeches. Bowls Canterbury president Na Katae welcomed the club along with club captain Neil Johnstone and club president Pete Smith. This was followed by a superb luncheon and then for some an 8 end game of fours on a very good green.
.
23 – 9 – 23
Out with the old. Donald Place.
We have waited a long time for this. It has been worth it! What a fabulous building. Plan B was put into action as weather conditions stopped any outside activities.
Let the festivities begin.
Ann Wright. Bowls New Zealand past president
Briget Williams. Community Board chairperson.
21 – 9 – 24 Opening Day.
The cooks. 
Just hanging around. Probably around 60 turned up for opening day, a cool and breezy afternoon.
Life member Murray Scott delivering the traditional first kitty of the season. 
Club stalwart Bev Moral delivering the first bowl of the season.
Action .