A CLUB FOR THE LOCALS
At the turn of the 20th century, Perth had been established for 71 years and had a population of 60,000. North Perth however, was still in its infancy with a population just over 5,000 residents. The planning of local municipal infrastructure such as recreation facilities and sporting venues somewhat lagged as the establishment of roads, sewerage and electrical networks were the North Perth council’s priority.
Private greens established by private residents were not uncommon. Dr Leger Erson, Vice President of of the recently established Perth Bowling Club had a private green at his Leederville residence. Mr D H White the inaugural President of the North Perth Bowling Club also had a private green at his Clifton St home in North Perth (now Mt Lawley). The West Australian bowls correspondent “Short Jack” quoted in October 1904 in one of his weekly reports “Mr D H White a member of the Perth club, has with the assistance of his two sons, laid down a splendid two rink green at his residence in North Perth”
On Saturday the 13th of May 1905 volunteers from the North Perth locality started clearing the scrub
and tussock grass at Woodville Reserve on Farmer Street where the club is situated presently. Here
is a brief timeline events of the last 100+ years that has made us the CLub we are today…
1906
Wednesday January 31st – first game against Leederville (night game) North Perth was defeated.
1907
Tuesday December 8th, North Perth Bowling Club was formed. Deputised committee consisted of D H White; President, J Finlay; Vice President, J Hammill; Secretary. 14 members.
1908
Saturday 29th of February, Official Open Day, attended by 40 members and 300 guests. Mayor W G Randell and J Veryard MLA were the first club patrons
1908
Thursday 30th of September First AGM held at the North Perth town hall. First elected committee President: James Finlay, Vice Presidents: W.W. Mitchell, T.H. Blake and F.C. George, Secretary J Hammill*, Assistant Secretary N.Mitchell, Treasurer J.M.Elliott, Committee: Cr Cook, Mr G Wynne, Mr Young, Mr Woleinski, Mr F Edmunds, Mr Petherick, Mr Sparrow, Mr F Williamson. Membership 46
1908
October; Club affiliates with the WA Bowling Association. The North Perth pennants campaign is officially underway.
1910
North Perth council hands over green, members maintain grounds, greens and associated green keeping machinery. In return the council subsidised power and water usage
1915
The winner of the North Perth Club Championship is A.W. Braidwood
1952
Harry Snook wins State championship singles
1952
Perth city council plans and approves new pavilion. This was to facilitate and strengthen Perth City Councils bid to host lawn bowling matches for the 1962 Perth Empire Games.
1957
Harry Snook wins Champion of Champions
1963
Stan Pitterson represents Western Australia
1964
M Florek represents Western Australia
1992
City of Vincent takes over from the City of Perth and now manages the club facility
2012
New lights and lighting piers installed, glass balustrading installed, and kitchen refurbished
2014
Seating and benches replaced with aluminium variants
2016
Paving laid around the boarders of the greens, new plinth capping installed on the greens
2023
Ken McCabe elected President. New toilet facilities completed and opened. Jamie Stewart wins the gold medal at the 2023 World Transplant Games held in Perth
2024
Dick Camp elected President. Club raises over $50,000 for Neuromuscular WA
2025
Installation of a new synthetic surface on the Phil Atherton green (Namur Street)
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