Northlands Bowling Club marks 80 years of community
While clubs across the country face ongoing challenges, including rising operational costs and declining membership, The Northlands Bowling Club has remained sustainable by hosting private events and community activities.
Northlands Bowling Club is celebrating a major milestone this month as it marks 80 years since its founding in 1946.
Club chairman Nando Menin said the anniversary represents decades of friendship, resilience and community spirit that have helped sustain the club through generations.
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“Reaching 80 years is a profound achievement for the club and represents decades of friendships, shared camaraderie and social connection,” said Menin.
“Northlands has been a reliable anchor in Durban North where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the game of bowls and connect with one another. Our dependable staff play an indispensable role too,” he added.
The club’s first committee meeting was held on March 22, 1946. However, members did not have a home green until August 1948 and initially played at beachfront greens at Victoria Park while paying green fees.
Today the club boasts three well-maintained bowling greens.
The first opened in August 1948, the second later that year in November, and the third in July 1954. The original clubhouse was built in 1947, expanded in 1950 and replaced with the current structure in August 1972.
The club badge reflects its post-war origins, with colours symbolising remembrance, military service, medical services and growth. The emblem features a fig tree that once stood on the grounds and an elephant symbolising strength and wisdom.
From just 20 founding members, the club has grown into one of the largest bowling clubs in KwaZulu-Natal, now boasting more than 170 playing members.
Menin attributes the club’s longevity to the commitment of its members and the support of the wider community.
“The success of our 80-year-old club rests fundamentally on the commitment of our members, the dedication of volunteer committee members, the reliability of our staff and the ongoing support from the community,” he said.
Over the years, the club has produced notable bowlers including Derrick Lobban, who represented South Africa at the 2007 International Bowls for the Disabled Championships in Sydney, Australia and honorary life president Pat Buckley, a former president of the South African Women’s Bowling Association and the International Women’s Bowls Board.
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