Elmore Bowls Club, located in Greater Bendigo City, is a vibrant and welcoming sports club that offers a range of activities for both bowlers and social members. The club has a rich history, with its origins dating back to September 1958, when a meeting of the Elmore community decided to establish a bowling club. The club officially opened its doors in September 1961 and has continued to thrive ever since.
With approximately 500 members, including around 350 bowlers and 150 social members, Elmore Bowls Club has worked hard to expand its social offerings in recent years. While bowling remains a core focus, the club has embraced its role as a social outlet for the local community. The Men's President, Greg Cracknell, emphasises the club's commitment to welcoming new members and encouraging them to join as social members before potentially transitioning to competitive bowling.
In terms of activities, Elmore Bowls Club hosts regular men's, ladies', and mixed social matches on its three outdoor greens. In addition to the bowling itself, the club provides a range of social events and dining options. The Friday Night Bistro is a popular gathering, with the club serving 60-80 counter meals on average each week. Special events and functions are also held at the clubhouse and bar, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
For those interested in competitive play, Elmore Bowls Club offers the opportunity to participate in Club Championship events as well as Midweek and Weekend Pennants in the Geelong Bowls Region competition. In 2022, the club achieved a significant milestone with all seven Pennant teams making it to the finals, and the Division 1 Pennant team winning the topship and moving up to the leading League.
The club's facilities are well-maintained and cater to the needs of its members. Elmore Bowls Club features three outdoor greens, including two grass greens and one synthetic green. The synthetic green, known as the 'Founder's Green', is located in front of the clubhouse and is equipped with lighting to facilitate play during both the day and night. Underneath the clubhouse, there is a four-rink carpeted green used for coaching and practise, which can be heated for matches during winter.
The clubhouse itself is spacious, with a large function room that can accommodate over 160 members and guests. The commercial-grade kitchen is used by members and an in-house caterer to provide delicious meals for club events.
Elmore Bowls Club prides itself on offering a friendly and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels. The sense of camaraderie among members is highly valued, and the club has implemented initiatives to foster this sense of community. In particular, the introduction of post-game wrap events has proven to be a success, with a significant increase in attendance over the course of the year.
For those interested in joining Elmore Bowls Club, the invitation is simple: come through the gate and see what the club has to offer. Whether as a social member looking for a welcoming community or a budding bowler seeking to improve their skills, Elmore Bowls Club is dedicated to providing a fun and fulfilling experience for all.