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The Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club was formed in 1952 following a Returned Soldiers & Sailors (RSS) and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia (AILA) public meeting held to ascertain interest in a local lawn bowls club in Cairns.
The chosen land set against the lush backdrop of Whitfield was originally owned by the RSS and AILA sub-branch. It was surrounded by cane farms and bushland, and players would often see cassowaries and their chicks go by.
The club was officially named the Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club on 1st October 1952 and the original clubhouse and green were built by Phil Powers and completed in late 1954.
The first committee meeting at the new clubhouse was held on 25 November 1954 and the first game of bowls was played on the new green on 11 December 1954.
Meeting chaired by Mr. Alan Holden sees the election of office bearers and the first club meeting.
Club officially named "The Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club" on October 1st, 1952, with Mr F. Bean and Mr J. Kelly proposing and seconding the motion.
25-year lease secured for the club's land from the RSS and AILA, with an annual rent of ten shillings ($1.00) and an option to purchase the land, which is eventually exercised.
Work on the bowling green begins immediately after the lease signing, involving grading by J Kelly and efforts to acquire necessary equipment.
The land, initially surrounded by bush and cane farms, faces occupational hazards from cane fires, with smoke and ash affecting players.
The original clubhouse, built by Mr Phil Powers for £2890 pounds and seven shillings ($5780.70), is completed in late 1954, with the first committee meeting held in November 1954 and the first bowls game in December 1954.
Official opening ceremony for the clubhouse and green conducted by Mr Bob Watson MLA on January 30th, 1955.
First club in the North to install a synthetic surface, initially met with scepticism from bowlers.
Original clubhouse relocated to touch football grounds at Aeroglen, making way for the new structure.
The Edge Hill Bowls Club ladies attend the inaugural meeting on April 29, managing their own affairs as associate members. Nine ladies attend; enough to fill all committee positions.
On June 14, Mrs Barkus presents the first financial statement showing a balance of £39 ($78), including a £25 ($50) loan from the men and £14 ($28) from euchre card match fundraisers.
The first club function: a euchre evening with a raffle, where a set of bowls is won by life member Mrs Evans.
Social Events: Dinner dances and cabarets with can-can girls are popular at the club.
The Ladies Club becomes affiliated with the F.N.Q.D.L.B.A. On February 7, delegates are selected for the March conference at Babinda.
The first Q.L.B.A. event is held at the club on 17 May.
The Ladies Club has 64 members. Life Members listed include G. Evans, M. Wales, G. Courtney, and F. Hartley.
Traditions: The Ladies Associates fine players for minor infractions, raising $0.50 to $1.00 for charity, typically raising around $1000 annually. Special events, like a High Tea for Angel Flight, are also held.
Meeting chaired by Mr. Alan Holden sees the election of office bearers and the first club meeting.
Club officially named "The Edge Hill Memorial Bowls Club" on October 1st, 1952, with Mr F. Bean and Mr J. Kelly proposing and seconding the motion.
25-year lease secured for the club's land from the RSS and AILA, with an annual rent of ten shillings ($1.00) and an option to purchase the land, which is eventually exercised.
Work on the bowling green begins immediately after the lease signing, involving grading by J Kelly and efforts to acquire necessary equipment.
The land, initially surrounded by bush and cane farms, faces occupational hazards from cane fires, with smoke and ash affecting players.
The original clubhouse, built by Mr Phil Powers for £2890 pounds and seven shillings ($5780.70), is completed in late 1954, with the first committee meeting held in November 1954 and the first bowls game in December 1954.
Official opening ceremony for the clubhouse and green conducted by Mr Bob Watson MLA on January 30th, 1955.
First club in the North to install a synthetic surface, initially met with scepticism from bowlers.
Original clubhouse relocated to touch football grounds at Aeroglen, making way for the new structure.
The Edge Hill Bowls Club ladies attend the inaugural meeting on April 29, managing their own affairs as associate members. Nine ladies attend; enough to fill all committee positions.
On June 14, Mrs Barkus presents the first financial statement showing a balance of £39 ($78), including a £25 ($50) loan from the men and £14 ($28) from euchre card match fundraisers.
The first club function: a euchre evening with a raffle, where a set of bowls is won by life member Mrs Evans.
Social Events: Dinner dances and cabarets with can-can girls are popular at the club.
The Ladies Club becomes affiliated with the F.N.Q.D.L.B.A. On February 7, delegates are selected for the March conference at Babinda.
The first Q.L.B.A. event is held at the club on 17 May.
The Ladies Club has 64 members. Life Members listed include G. Evans, M. Wales, G. Courtney, and F. Hartley.
Traditions: The Ladies Associates fine players for minor infractions, raising $0.50 to $1.00 for charity, typically raising around $1000 annually. Special events, like a High Tea for Angel Flight, are also held.
about us
Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club has a long history in Cairns as not only a club with considerable achievements, but also as a place of camaraderie. Our club’s reputation is built upon the pillars of fellowship, friendship, and support.
Committee
Meet the friendly Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club Committee, the champions running the day-to-day club tasks behind the scenes.
Community support
We are fully accessible for players and visitors who live with a disability or who have dementia. This was made possible through a grant from Dementia Australia, enabling us to update our facilities and equipment to make our club an enjoyable space for patrons of all abilities.
about us
Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club has a long history in Cairns as not only a club with considerable achievements, but also as a place of camaraderie. Our club’s reputation is built upon the pillars of fellowship, friendship, and support.
Committee
Meet the friendly Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club Committee, the champions running the day-to-day club tasks behind the scenes.
Community support
We are fully accessible for players and visitors who live with a disability or who have dementia. This was made possible through a grant from Dementia Australia, enabling us to update our facilities and equipment to make our club an enjoyable space for patrons of all abilities.
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Let the good times roll at Edge Hill Bowls
