History of the Club
History of the Yarra Glen Bowling Club. (as written by Mr. W.R. Herkes)
1958
A meeting was held in the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall with the purpose of discussing the formation of a bowling club. This meeting was called by Mr. Alex Bone, and, unfortunately there were only a few interested persons in attendance, namely Messrs G.S.(Gordon) Olney, Wilfred (Bill) Smith, W.R.(Bill) Herkes and A.J. (Bert) McComb. Accompanying Mr. Bone was Councillor W. (Bill) Lowe representing the Royal Victorian Bowling Association (RVBA). It was evident that the district was ‘not ready for bowls’, although the seed was sown. At this time, Messrs Herkes, Olney and Smith were the first bowlers in the district and were members of the Lilydale Bowling Club.
1961
Mr. J.S. (Jack) Lithgow of the Grand Hotel decided to build a two (2) rink green behind the hotel. He was ably assisted by Mr. R.A. (Reg) Hubbard with advice and labour. About twelve months later Mr. & Mrs. (Jack and Jan) Lithgow held a private ‘Opening Day’ at which were invited many local identities, representatives from the RVBA and top class players from metropolitan clubs. This day, particularly, interest in the game of bowls for Yarra Glen.
Shortly, after the opening and some discussion, Mr. Lithgow decided to hand over his green to a Club to be formed. On the inside cover of the first minute book was written the story which tells how the Yarra Glen Bowling Club was formed. Here is a copy of that story:
Quote: ‘HOURS 9 A.M.- 6 P.M. MONDAY TO SATURDAY’
‘Mr. Lithgow expressed his desire to hand over the Green to the Club for the use of its members without any rental. But reserved the right to entertain his friends at any time on the green. But agreed to let the Club know before hand as to the time he would require the green. In handing over, Mr. Lithgow expressed the wish that members avail themselves of the green at every opportunity and get the maximum of enjoyment from it. Mr. Lithgow also expressed the hope that Club members would assist in preparing and also the upkeep of the green to their own advantage’. (End of quote)
1963
On 11th November 1963 at 8 p.m. in the Grand Hotel, Yarra Glen a meeting was held with the object of forming the Yarra Glen Bowling Club. Those present at the meeting were:
Mr. & Mrs. (Jack and Jan) Lithgow; Mr. W.R. (Bill) Herkes; Mr. A.C. (Pat) Hubbard; Mrs. G.L. (Phyllis) Hubbard; Mr. & Mrs. R.A. (Reg & Ann) Hubbard; Mr. C. (Bill) Parker; Mrs. R. (Lillian) Smith; Mrs. S. (Evelyn) Smith; Mr. E. (Ellis) Watts; Mr. K. (Keith) Rodwell; Mr. J. (Jack) Fallon; Mr. & Mrs. H. (Henry & Tossie) Smith; Mr. & Mrs. A.J. (Lal & Mary) Noonan; Mr. & Mrs. W. (Bill & Biddy) Smith; Mr. & Mrs. A. (Alex & Irma) Bone; Mrs. T. (Rose) Hartnett
Apologies for non-attendance were received from:
Mr. G.L. (Gordon) Hubbard; Mr. & Mrs. G.S. (Gordon & Nancy) Olney; Mr. R. (Ray) Parker; Mrs. K. Rodwell
The big moment came when Mr. A.C. Hubbard moved that a Bowling Club to be known as the Yarra Glen Bowling Club be formed. The motion was seconded by Mr. C. Parker. A minute of appreciation of Mr. Lithgow’s offer was expressed by Messrs. A.C. Hubbard, W. Herkes and W. Smith and was fully supported by all present.
On the nomination of Mr. W. Herkes, ably supported by Mr. W. Smith, Mr. J. Lithgow was elected the First and Foundation President of the Yarra Glen Bowling Club.
Mr. R.A. Hubbard was elected the first Secretary and Treasurer and Messrs A. Bone and A.J. Noonan were elected as Vice-Presidents. The members of the elected Committee were Messrs. H. Smith, A.C. Hubbard, E. Watts, K. Rodwell, J. Fallon, W. Smith and W. Herkes. Membership fees were fixed at £1.11.6 (1 ½ guineas) for members and associates. The ladies were invited to form a Club within the Club.
1964
On 2nd March 1964 the President outlined the requirements of the Licensing Court re-fencing. This was attended to with a working bee the following Saturday morning.
On 23rd April 1964 application was made to the Royal Victorian Bowling Association (R.V.B.A.) for provisional membership to that Association. To enable this change it became necessary to lease some adjacent land from Mr. Lithgow and Messrs. W. and R. Smith.
On 13th July 1964 the matter of joining the Upper Yarra Electric Light Pennant Association was discussed and efforts became afoot to join that Association. The matter of installing lights over the greens was discussed.
Our Club was invited by the Marysville Bowling Club to enter a mixed rink to compete for the coveted Barton Gold Cup, which is held in perpetuity- the winners to hold the Cup for 12 months. Each club competing was able to send ONE rink only. Yarra Glen Bowling Club entered a rink consisting of Mr. & Mrs. J. Lithgow and Mr. & Mrs. R. Hubbard to compete at Marysville on 12th December 1964. They were successful in bringing the Cup to Yarra Glen, thus they were the first winners. The Cup was displayed in the Grand Hotel. The competition is still in existence, but there have been some variations to the rules.
1965
On Sunday 7th February 1965 the Opening Day of the extra rinks took place.
“The R.V.B.A. representative (President F. Allen, R.V.B.A.) was greatly impressed with the future of our Club. The President and Secretary were also presented with R.V.B.A. badges. The catering by our associates was praised very highly.” (Minutes of YGBC 1965) At this stage the Club applied to the R.V.B.A for full affiliation which was granted shortly after.
COPY OF EXTRACTS FROM THE FIRST OFFICIAL ANNUAL REPORT AS READ ON 25TH JUNE 1965.
“Membership
Our membership stands at 21 full members and 19 Associates. The associates at a meeting held shortly after the Inaugural Meeting elected Mrs. Anne Hubbard as the first President of the Associates with Mrs. Lil Smith as the first Secretary.
Progress
During the year we increased our playing area from two rinks to five rinks. This was made possible by the generous donation of extra leased land by Mr. J. Lithgow and Messrs. W. and R. Smith. The venture was financed by the raising of debentures to the extent of £1,150.0.0 issued for 10 years @ 3% per annum – 10% to be repaid annually. A lease was drawn up satisfactory to both parties as mutual protection at a nominal rental.
Electric light
Once again owing to the generosity of Mr. W. Smith and Mr. J. Lithgow who advanced the necessary money to finance this project we were able to install the electric light and enjoy night bowling twice weekly. This proved very popular and was well attended.
Working bees
These were well attended during the year, and our thanks is due to these members who worked so hard for the Club, and continued by roster to help prepare the greens on the weekend.
Greens
We had a very good season’s bowling and our greens proved to be at least up to the average of the visiting greens we played on. Top-dressing and seeding has been completed and we feel sure that members and associates can look forward to even better bowling next year.
Debenture holders
We are grateful to all who helped to make our work possible, especially the associates who expressed a hope that they would be able to raise the necessary money to repay the 10% of debenture plus interest. Approximately £800 was raised within the Club and £350 outside the Club. The draw for the first 10% repayment will take place tonight. (25th June 1965).
Club achievements
During the year our mixed rink won the right to hold the George Barton Gold Cup for the current season. (This was mentioned previously). The associates won the Mountain Valley District Ladies Bowling Association “B” Grade Pennant, at their first attempt, while one of the associates ( ) was victorious in the M.V.D.L.B.A. Singles Championship. During the season 1964-1965, the first Club Champion for members were Mr. R.A. Hubbard and Mrs. L. Smith was the first associates Club Champion.
Recommendations
We recommend to the incoming Committee that as the subscriptions come in, the first £100.0.0 be used to repay some of the electric light costs advanced by Messrs. Lithgow and Smith, and, next that we establish our own water service so that we get a greater pressure of water which will save a lot of time during the summer months and will NOT interfere with the hotel supply”.
1966
During 1966 under the guidance of Mr. J. (Jack) Sutton together with the help of about 6 members the task of building a kitchen and shelter was completed.
Club badge
At the Committee meeting held on 11th July 1966 it was decided to use the die (a gift of Mr. Russell N. Stokes) of the “Back to Yarra Glen” Badge with the wording to be altered to ‘Yarra Glen B.C.”. the badge was thought to be appropriate as the bridge shown on it is the old wooden bridge over the Yarra (originally Yarra Yarra) River with Mt. St. Leonard in the background. The idea came from a painting.
Club colours
The Club colours of Olive Green and Grey were adopted on the recommendation of the Associates.
On 5th September 1966 efforts were commenced to seek admission to play pennant. On 31st October 1966 the club joined the Upper Yarra Electric Light Pennant Association. Prior to our admission there were only three Clubs in that Association, namely Healesville, Lilydale and Warburton and each club provided six rinks. After considerable discussion and persuasion, it was decided that all Clubs provide teams of three rinks. Today that Association has extended widely and forms an important part of the game of bowls.
1967
On 8th May 1967 our delegates (Messrs. W. Smith and W. Herkes) were allowed a free hand in the inaugural meeting of the Yarra Valley Bowling Association. The meeting was held on 30th June 1967. The President of the newly formed Y.V.B.A. was Mr. E. (Eric) Bassett (Healesville B.C.) and the Secretary/ Treasurer was Mr. W. Smith (Yarra Glen B.C.). the official Opening Day of the Yarra Valley Bowling Association was held at Healesville Bowling Club on the 30th September 1967. The first pennant match took place on Saturday 7th October 1967. At the end of the Pennant season we were in equal fifth place out of eleven teams and much enjoyment and experience was gained.
An innovation that was commenced in the 1966-67 season. The Marysville-Yarra Glen Cup was played for, and Yarra Glen was successful in holding it for this season by a margin of two points.
On 11th September 1967 the Club was honoured, for the first time, with a request from the U.Y.D.L.B.A. for the use of the green to conduct the Champion of Champions event on 8th February 1968.
The club suffered a sad loss with the death of their esteemed President, Mr. A.J. Noonan (affectionately known as Lal) who passed away on the 25th November 1967.
1968
During 1968 the following works were completed-
- Extension of the lower bank to enable erection of seating and awning for cover on hot days.
- A gate was erected at the boundary fence to allow easy access to the toilets at the hotel.
The Annual Report for the 1967-1968 season records that the Y.V.B.A. had a very successful year for its first season, and we, with the other Clubs are enjoying the good fellowship of pennant bowling. The night bowls pennant is progressing very well. The associates have provided an urn and a refrigerator for the Club room, as well as successfully raising funds. We, the members, sincerely thank them.
1969
At a Committee meeting held on the 7th July 1969 it was resolved that a subcommittee be formed to gather information re the purchase of, or acquiring sufficient land for seven rinks and clubhouse. The members of that are Messrs. J.M. Cooper (President), W.R. Herkes (Vice-President), W. Smith, J. Sutton and E. Shaw.
It was also agreed that Mr. W. Herkes approach Cr. L.R. McKenzie re council land suitable for a bowling green and Clubhouse, and the basis for grants etc. Previously Messrs. J. Lithgow and W. & R. Smith announced that they would like to resume their land. This was due to the fact that the town had grown much faster than anticipated. The Club was fully aware that one day it would have to move.
1971
On 21st June 1971 it was announced that the Shire of Healesville had approved of a site in McKenzie Park for two new greens and a Club House. The site was at the west end of the park where the new pavilion now stands in 1988. The Social Committee, in its first year raised the creditable amount of $416.72 for the building fund for the proposed new green.
1972-1973
The Annual Report for 1972-1973 stated that the Shire of Healesville was expected to complete drainage work on the new site in the near future. At this point the Club came up against problems for a new drainage scheme. The site, unfortunately, was actually on a small creek bed, and it appeared the cost of drainage would be enormous. There were many discussions with the Shire of Healesville regarding loan money and grants, if applicable, for site works. The President (Mr. W. Herkes) and Secretary (Mr. S. Tonks) were empowered to approach the Council and to endeavor to get full approval to commence site works. Finances were in a difficult situation. The only finance available at that time was from the Municipal Aid Fund. That Fund only provided a small amount of money, and we would have to wait our turn to get anything at all- perhaps several years! Messrs. J. Cooper, W. Herkes and S. Tonks, together with the Shire Engineer inspected a large building which was for sale on a Water Commission area. It may have been suitable for a Club House but at this time, finance was not available.
1974
Messrs. W. & R. Smith had resumed their land for extensions to their business. Mr. J. Lithgow offered to allow us to remain for the time being. The second momentous decision occurred Mr. J. Cooper moved and Mr. H. Hokin seconded that a Recommendation or Application be made to the Shire Council for the use of the Mr. R. Parker’s residence as a Club House and re-siting of land for greens to adjoin the house. A meeting of Members, Associates and other invited guests was held on Thursday 16th May 1974 at the Grand Hotel to get the approval of all concerned. This was done. Our President and Secretary were aware for some time that the late Mr. Ray Parker had sold his property to the Shire of Healesville to be an adjunct to McKenzie Park. It was possible for the Club to re-site before we commenced building operations at the first site offered to us. It was evident that the offered site would be very costly for the necessary drainage. Messrs. W. Herkes. S. Tonks, W. Smith, J. Cooper and H. Hokin, representing the Club, had a meeting with the Shire Councilors at Cr. B. S. Whitwell’s office where a suggestion for the occupancy of the premises and land at a nominal rental was proposed. This matter had to go to full Council for approval and assistance in putting down the new green. Approval for the new site was granted by the Council.
The Yarra Valley Bowling Association assured our Club that for Pennant Games we shall have outside greens provided our present set-up not be satisfactory for play for the coming season. This gesture was very much appreciated.
Finance was a very difficult matter. The Council was the Construction Authority. Mr. J. Lithgow extended our lease until our new green was available. We were very grateful.
1975-76
Our first Committee Meeting in the new Club rooms was held on 11th March 1975, while the first function there was Presentation Night on 16th May 1975.
At a Special Committee Meeting convened to discuss finance was held on 17th July 1975. A letter from the Shire of Healesville announced that the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation had granted $10,000 on the basis that the Club provides $10,000. The Club notified the Shire it could match the $10,000grant as it had $4,000 on hand, and the remaining $6,000would be raised in 48 hours on receiving notice from the Shire.
It is understood that we were the first Bowling Club to gain such a grant. The old green was closed at the completion of pennant play for the 1975-1976 season. Thus ended an era and the beginning of a new one.
Much time, effort and thought was put into the first Bowling Club behind the Grand Hotel. On the green the associates were very successful in games while members have won only one pennant in Division 2 in 1974. However, we have many memories of the past.
To assist finance, the projects, a Debenture Account was opened on the same lines as the first account in 1964. We had immediate success in selling Debentures which allowed us to proceed with the establishment of a new green.
1976-77
The 24th October 1976 was a very important day for the Club when Cr. Rod Mills, Shire President of the Healesville Shire, handed over the Club House and Green to President, Bill Herkes of the Yarra Glen Bowling Club. President Bill invited the R.V.B.A. President, Wal Thomson, to officially open the Club House and Green.
The first visiting team to play Pennant was Warburton on 23rd January 1977, and Warburton’s President, Keith Thomas presented Yarra Glen a buggy for conveying equipment to and from the Club House. On 24th April 1977 on our combined President’s Day, President Arthur Tucker of the Monbulk Bowling Club presented Yarra Glen with an inscribed bell to be used for summoning players from the green.
In the Annual Report for 1976-1977 our Honorary Secretary, Mr. Lyle Sligo wrote, “Over the past few years’ wonderful work has been done in obtaining our new Club House and Green, and this is due, in no small way, to the efforts of our Past Secretary Stan Tonks and President Bill Herkes in combination with past and present members of the Club, and other people, and I congratulate all concerned.”
Post script
Unfortunately, all minute books were not available. It has been a pleasure to provide you with a little history. However, I feel I must thank two people. Firstly, I thank the late Stan Tonks who acted as Secretary during most off the six years I was President of the Club. Stan accompanied me on many interviews, deputations etc. he kept copious notes on all relevant details. Secondly Mr. Jay Haycraft of Marysville who was instrumental in gaining the $10,000 grant from the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation. As Shire President he led a Deputation to the Minister and after much discussion was successful in obtaining that grant. Thanks Jack! We are very grateful to you.
Accredited Officials
Gordon Olney was the first accredited RVBA umpire for the club. Gordon maintained this accreditation from 1979 to 2000. He was also the first accredited Club Coach. Gordon Baker was the second accredited umpire for the club gaining his accreditation in 2006.
Marion Thurkle was the first VLBA accredited umpire for the club.
Other
To raise money for the move to the current site members would regularly drive around Yarra Glen on Sunday mornings to collect newspapers which would be sorted and sold. They also collected bottles, held numerous casserole nights and gala days.
