Inverleigh Bowls Club is a friendly sports club located in the picturesque Golden Plains Shire of Victoria. Situated at the junction of the Leigh and Barwon Rivers, the club is just a short 15 to 20-minute drive west of Geelong, along the Hamilton Highway.
The club has a rich history, with its formation dating back to the late 1980s. Despite facing numerous challenges, the dedicated committee and volunteers worked tirelessly to establish the greens, erect buildings, and set up essential facilities such as fences and watering systems. Thanks to their hard work, the club opened its doors in May 1986, debt-free.
Initially, the club focused on social bowls until its membership increased, allowing it to affiliate with the Geelong & District Bowls Association and Geelong Bowls Region in the early 2000s. This marked a significant milestone for the club, as it enabled them to field pennant teams and participate in association events. In fact, their Tuesday Pennant team even claimed the premiership title in 2001/02. Since then, the membership has continued to grow, allowing the club to field a team each year.
In 2008, the club successfully secured grants, which enabled them to replace the grass green with a synthetic surface. The following year, they built a new clubhouse facility, further enhancing the club's amenities. These improvements, coupled with the club's expanding membership and a more competitive spirit, have led to increased success on the bowling greens.
The Inverleigh Bowls Club celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016, with some original founding members attending the festivities. The club takes pride in its achievements, as showcased on their Honours page. Despite being a small club, they have consistently performed well, thanks to the dedication and volunteerism of their members. The club's ethos is centred around hospitality and friendship, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.
If you're interested in joining the Inverleigh Bowls Club, they offer various membership levels. Simply visit their website and complete the membership form. You can also stay updated with the club's activities and news by checking out their Facebook page.
The club holds regular events and meetings, such as monthly meetings in the clubrooms, which welcome all members. They also organise Pennant Practise sessions every Friday night during the pennant season for those looking to improve their skills. Social Bowls is available by booking only at the moment, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for participants. Additionally, the club hosts Presentation Nights to recognise and celebrate the achievements of their players.
Inverleigh Bowls Club has an impressive list of premiership wins in various divisions, including divisions 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 in recent years. Their success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the members and the supportive committee.
Overall, Inverleigh Bowls Club is a thriving sports club that offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for bowlers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, the club provides the perfect setting to enjoy the game, forge friendships, and celebrate achievements.