60 years of memories at Korumburra Bowling Club
Long-term club membership commitments are becoming a thing of the past. Society today want short and flexible social and recreational options that they can integrate with work and family.
After 60 years of service at Korumburra Bowling Club, Bruce Peters has seen a lot of change since he took up the game six decades ago.
Bruce joined the Korumburra Bowling Club in 1958 and at 27 years of age, he was the youngest member at the time.
The dress code was strict for members; creams, white shirts, dark tie and sports blazer, with all newcomers required to wear smart and neat attire. Bruce and his three friends were taught the correct way to stand on the mat and deliver a bowl.
Etiquette and discipline played a huge part of the game at this time. Throwing the jack was an important part of being a lead, it had to be watched until it landed hopefully within a foot of the skipper.
Bruce was a lead for about five years and together with three other newcomers the foursome would meet at the Club every evening after work and have a roll. Each would place a shilling on a plinth for the winners.
Some of the senior members would come and watch the youngsters, however not all approved of the small wager they had placed, particularly the older members who weren’t allowed to play.
When Bruce and his friends started playing in 1958 the South Gippsland Bowling Association comprised of Korumburra, Leongatha, Wonthaggi (the three original Clubs) Mirboo North and Foster.
Bruce spent 13 years as a Tournament Secretary and had a very successful run during this time. He also served as a selector for the Club on separate occasions. He also won a Club Championship in the 70s and then won the S.G.B.D. Champion of Champions.
After being at a Traders night at Phillip Island several years ago, Bruce suggested that Korumburra try this out as a money raiser. Left for Bruce to organise, a challenge he couldn’t refuse, he managed to get some helpers on board with refreshments offered to those playing.
During the 1970’s it was proposed to purchase the property next door and replace the croquet rinks to allow the Bowling Club to expand. There were considerable extensions carried out in 2000 at a cost of $205,000.00 the Club had $70,000.00 in the bank and debentures from various members funded the balance. The principal and interest were repaid over about five years and why revenue from events such as Triples, Trader nights and various Tournaments are so important.
During the 1980s Division 1 was very strong. Over the time they won 7 Division 1 Premierships Bruce skippered 5 of those Premierships and at one stage played two years undefeated.
Bruce’s journey has been a wonderful experience and he’s met some wonderful people. When the Club was at its strongest there were 160 men, 80 ladies, a waiting list and a joining fee.
