About Us

 

On the first of October 1933, a public was held to establish a bowling club in Red Cliffs; which then made application to the Mildura Shire Council for land between Jamieson and Indi Avenues for the greens.

Councillors Henshilwood and Skeat moved that the land required for 2 Bowling Greens and Pavilion be allocated (this was carried).

On November 15, couch grass was sown on a seven rink green for men (now A green) and a 5 rink green for associate members (now B green) with the first game being played 3 months later on 15 February 1934.  The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday 21 March 1934.

The Mildura Shire Council made available the services of Shire Engineer Mr M. K. N. Johansen who continued to be of assistance to the club for many years.  His expert guidance in laying of the greens and the building of the club house was invaluable. The cost for the first Club House was £500 ($1000).

The first President was Mr R. R. Skeat who was at the time Shire President and the Secretary was Postmaster W. I. West who was also the club’s first singles champion.

Red Cliffs won its first S.B.A Pennant in 1936-37 and it’s second the following season.  The Club has been a regular participant in the finals over the years and has won the Division One Pennant on numerous occasions.

Over the years, the club has produced outstanding bowlers who have represented Australia, Victoria and won State and National titles. 

The three prominent men bowlers being R. D. Tollner who played over 300 games for Victoria, A. A. (John) Giddings played nearly 200 games for Victoria and Keith Rogers won the Country and State Singles Championship in 1968 and also played for Victoria. 

The ladies had outstanding bowlers in Dot Jenkinson who was Victorian, Australian and World Champion and together with Lorna Chislett won the Australian Pairs twice.  Both ladies featured in the winning State Fours with Joy O’Riley and Ina Walker.  Babs Alexander won the Australian Singles Championship 1991.

In 1936, the club held its first May Carnival over one week and this continued until it was extended to two weeks during Mr B. A. Swingler’s term as President 1951-54. Bowlers from the district and all over Victoria and interstate came to enjoy the comradeship and the greens.

In 1955, the club introduced a September Mixed Carnival this also started as a week carnival and was extended to a fortnight to facilitate the increase entries.

Both carnivals continued in the fortnightly format until recently where it has changed to a new seven and five day program respectively.

Today, Red Cliffs has two Premium Needle-Punched carpet greens that allows for year round bowling.

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