Board of Directors
You will see our board frequently at the cub, helping out with the raffles or socialising around the venue. Come up and say hello and let them know about your club experience.
Damon Allport
PRESIDENT
Lesley Storrier
VICE- PRESIDENT
KimGeorge
VICE- PRESIDENT
Louise George
DIRECTOR
Cheryl Storrier
DIRECTOR
Janette Dunn
DIRECTOR
Jade Mcdonald
DIRECTOR
Neil Seaman
DIRECTOR
April Gay
SECRETARY MANAGER
Club History…
With Comrades returning from the battlefields of France to the Upper Lachlan Shire in 1917 our diggers needed a place to meet, socialise over a beer and share their stories. In 1938 the Primitive Methodist Church was purchased by the local RSL Sub-Branch for 350 pounds and the Crookwell Services Club was born.
After 12 months of hard voluntary work and donated building materials by members to rejuvenate the former church, what was then known as ’Crookwell Returned Sailors and Soldiers Club’ was officially opened by the Mayor on Saturday night, 21st January 1939. The rooms were open every Saturday afternoon and night. It wasn’t until 1944 that the club’s name changed to what it is now known as the ‘Crookwell Services Club’.
After the devastation of World War II, a whole new generation of Diggers had emerged, membership increased and the site was expanded to include a billiard room, lounge, two retiring rooms, kitchen and bar. The newly refurbished premises was officially opened again in 1947. In 1957 the Colyer street house was purchased for 2250 pounds.
Throughout this time the Club was administered by the Crookwell RSL Sub-Branch. A committee and separate entity for the Services Club, separate to the Sub-Branch was formed and minutes of the Services Clubs first AGM where recorded in May 1948.
However, it wasn’t until 2011, when the Club would have its first President that was not a member of the Sub-Branch.
In the 60s, civilians where now allowed to become members, and further renovations took place to construct a veranda, new toilet block at the rear, and mural painted that you can still see today in the members bar
In 1968 the Services Club purchased 2 x titles with duplex flats at 68 Peter Crescent, Batehaven for the benefit of members for approx. $13,000. These flats where enjoyed as a holiday destination for many years by members and their families before being tenanted in later years. Unfortunately, a fire burnt the flats down in 2019. The Services Club still owns the vacant land where the flats once stood.
Ongoing expansion of the clubhouse came in the 70s, and the land opposite the Services Club was purchased for 1200 pound for use as a car park. Major renovations also took place expanding the club into the footprint is has today. It was at this time that a lease was established for the Services Club to Lease the Sub-Branch property and to this day the Crookwell RSL Sub-Branch is still the legal owner of the premises.
An approach was made in 2018 for the purchase of the Sub-Branch property by the Services Club, and negotiations continue today in 2022.
Bowling Club History…
Late in 1944, a small group of locals discussed possibly forming a bowling club. This led to a public meeting in 1945 where lengthy discussions were had between the 35 attendees, and a motion carried that a bowling club be formed and that it be known as ‘Crookwell Bowling Club’.
Land for the bowling green and future clubhouse was purchased (176ft x 160ft) for a total cost of 814 pounds and work on the front green commenced on the 15th Jan 1946. All excavations were done with a pick and shovel and a tabletop truck, and green was sown down and completed in August 1946. A soup-like mixture of cow manure and water was used to spread across the greens to promote growth. The green was then top-dressed with the sandy soil from a harvested potato paddock.
The official opening was performed on 22nd March 1947 and a large marquee was erected for this special day, so members present were able to enjoy refreshments undercover. The Club was affiliated with the Royal New South Wales Bowling Association in the same year.
The original change room was an old shed behind the Services Club, and prior to the clubhouse being built in 1952 Bowling Club leased rooms with lockers at the rear in the Services Club building in which bowlers could also enjoy refreshments after games.
In 1950 the Womens’ Bowling Club’s humble beginnings started at a meeting held with 17 ladies in attendance interested to play the game. Club facilities and use of the greens were offered by the Men’s club and Thursdays were made available. The women remained a separate entity under its own management and affiliated with Royal NSW Bowling Association the same year. The Women’s club had strict uniform rules with the original winter uniform being; Grey Skirt, white blouse, white hat, crochet white or grey cardigan, dark stockings, and white bowls shoes.
In 1951, 475.50 pounds in donations were received to go towards the building of the clubhouse, and the building process commenced after the acceptance of a tender for 5,200 pounds. Several further donations were raised by members to go towards furnishings including a raffling of a Hereford bull and bullock. In 1952 the new clubhouse was opened.
Later in 1960, the Bowling Club decided to purchase land with the intention of establishing a second green. A bulldozer and equipment were loaned to construct the green and keep costs to a minimum. By 1961 turf was carried out, and fences, concrete paths and bowls boards were all completed resulting in now two first class greens.
By 1966 the clubhouse had undergone further improvements for $35,698 of which $18,640 was provided by members and supporters by way of loans and debentures and the balance met by previously arranged overdraught. During this time beer was 25c for 20oz and spirits 20c for a full nip. The Women’s club often catered for events including Men’s Presidents Days, Pennants, and teams for various Clubs on special occasions.
After changes in 1985 to rules and anti-discrimination laws the Men and Women joined to operate under the single entity ‘Crookwell Bowling Club’. A duly elected board consisting of both men and women were elected to manage club affairs, and separate committees remained to run the men’s and women’s games.
Over the years both Men’s and Women’s players have achieved many successors in district pennant competitions. With some players being labelled champions of champions.
In the early 2000s the Bowling Club was placed in voluntary liquidation and in 2003 a deed of Amalgamation was signed for the Services Club to take over the Bowling Club.
Both Men’s and Women’s committees continue to contribute to the success of lawn bowls in Crookwell and manage their respective memberships and maintain the quality of the greens as a sub-committee of the Services Club.
In 2020 the Bowling Clubs affiliated with ACT Bowls and continue to play socials, championships and pennant competitions year-round.