Our Club History
In December 2007 the club celebrated 100 years of operation and to commemorate this occasion a book was written by Helen Anderson and Glenice Brauman. "History of the Devonport Bowls Club : 1907 - 2007".
The book is available for purchase from the club.
Some excerpts and photographs from the book are published here with the authors' permission.
The site of the first Devonport Bowls Club was behind the Gentlemen's Club (where the Best St. car park is now located).
"The formal opening of the bowling green and tennis court took place on Saturday 21 December 1907 at 3 pm. Over 300 ladies and gentlemen assembled to participate in the inauguration ceremony with the State treasurer and Mrs Urquart, and the Hon. John Henry, C.M.G., amongst the spectators. The chairman of the Devonport Town Board, Mr John Luck (who is also a vice-president of the club), addressed the gathering, thanking the president, the Hon. John Henry, C.M.G. for his generous assistance. Mr Luck then unfurled the club's flag amidst cheers. Mrs John Henry declared the green formally open and threw the first jack amidst renewed cheering. Mrs Henry was then presented with the jack as a memento of the occasion."
This photo shows Miss McFie about to bowl the first jack of the season "Opening Day 24th Octobr 1914.
Some years later the club moved to its present location at 39 North Fenton St. Devonport. "The old bowling green which was considered to be too small was last used on 1st May 1926. The new "Devonport Bowling, Tennis & Croquet Club" held its gala opening day on 15th October 1927. Mr James Wilson, who was president of the bowling section called upon the Warden of Devonport and president of the three sections of the club, Mr A.W. Marshall, to perform the opening ceremony".
This photo shows the Opening Day at Fenton St Green on 20th October 1926.