Inverurie Bowling Club, situated in Inverurie, New Zealand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in May 1884. The club has undergone several developments throughout its existence, including the construction of a new clubhouse in 1976, which was later expanded in 1981. The existing clubhouse features a newly fitted roof and underwent refurbishment in 2014, including upgrades to the locker room and toilets.
The clubhouse is not only utilised for bowling activities but can also be hired out to the local community for various social occasions, dances, and events. During the winter months, the club also hosts short carpet bowling in its hall. The facilities are well-suited to cater to a diverse range of needs.
Inverurie Bowling Club prides itself on its sense of community and inclusivity. The club boasts a strong membership base, currently standing at 131 members. Membership options include both indoor and outdoor playing, with reduced subscriptions for those opting for indoor-only involvement. The club also welcomes partially sighted bowlers, dedicating specific time on Fridays from 12 to 2 p.
m. for their inclusion.
In terms of affiliations, Inverurie Bowling Club falls within District 3 of the Bowls Scotland governing body. It is a member of various associations, including the Counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine Association, the Benachie Bowling Association, the Forbes Hendry Trophy Association, and the Crowmallie Cup Bowling Association. The club holds membership in two ladies associations, namely the Grampian Ladies BA and the Craigie Ladies. For junior bowlers, the club is affiliated with the Grampian Juniors Bowling Association and the Scottish Young Bowlers Association.
Competitively, Inverurie Bowling Club has enjoyed considerable success, with numerous victories in association competitions. The club has also had team members selected to represent the Aberdeen and Kincardine county team, with the club hosting at least one county game each year for the Andrew Hamilton Trophy. In 2015, the club won the prestigious Counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine Top 10 competition, marking their third victory in this event since 1999. In recent years, the club has also achieved success at the national level, winning the Bowls Scotland Mixed Pairs in 2018, the S.
B. A Senior Fours in 1990, and the S. A Gents Pairs in 1999.
Inverurie Bowling Club proudly counts several bowlers who have been capped for Scotland among its members. Notably, Jason Banks became the first club member to be selected for the Gents Scotland International team in 2015. He represented Scotland's Elite team in the 2016 Six Nations Test Series held in New Zealand and has also showcased his talent at the Under 25 and Under 17 levels. Additionally, Brian Jessiman (1994) and Lee Collins (1999) have been capped in the Scotland Under 25's category.
Andrew Thomson (2010), Martyn Thomson (2012-2013), and Carla Banks (2012-2015) have all represented Scotland at the Under 17's level. Carla Banks even qualified to represent Scotland at the Youth Commonwealth Games held in Samoa in September 2015. In 2017, Carla made history by becoming the club's first lady international, also representing Scotland at the Under 25 level.
Inverurie Bowling Club extends a warm welcome to new members of all ages and genders, regardless of their level of bowling experience. The club aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for bowlers to enjoy the sport. For further information about joining or any other inquiries, individuals are encouraged to complete the contact form available on the club's website or reach out via phone at 01467 629009.