The Benoni Bowling Club recently celebrated its 100th birthday, but due to Covid-19 the club wasn’t able to celebrate this milestone.
“We had planned a lavish function but because of Covid we couldn’t go through with it. We want to celebrate, however, so we will be holding an event next year,” explained Leslie Matthews, chairperson of the club.
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The club opened in 1920 and today offers a variety of other social activities apart from bowls.
“We have a nice social membership base as well which allows people who are members to come and enjoy a pleasant environment to relax in, whether they play bowls or not. We are a licensed establishment and the beers are always cold,” explained Matthews.
“We also have a themed pub night on the last Friday of every month, which is always sold out.”
The Benoni Bowling Club is maintained by its members but the area surrounding the club has left many visitors, members and the general community unhappy.
“It’s sad to see the demise of the Benoni Tennis club, which borders our bowling greens.
“The entire block used to be a famous sport precinct but has gone to ruin over the years,” said Matthews.
In 1920, the Benoni Bowling Club was founded by the then Benoni Town Council.
“The founder members of the club included many local businessmen, directors and managers of large companies, several civic councillors, including the mayor of Benoni, and many residents,” explained Neil Morom, former secretary of the club.
The original coat of arms was designed by one of the founder members to represent the identity of the club.
The design was obviously well appreciated because it was taken over by the town council and became the coat of arms of the town of Benoni.
“This meant the club had to design another coat of arms.
“This was done by modifying the original while still maintaining the fundamentals of the design,” explained Morom.
During the 1930s, the British Royal Family visited South Africa.
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King George VI and Queen Mary, with the very young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, had tea at the Benoni Bowling Club with dignitaries of the town.
“The club once boasted the largest membership of a bowling club in the district.
“This large membership resulted in the building of a third green, making the club the first three-green club in the district.
“The greens were known throughout the district as the best playing surfaces and our club was used for many major bowling events,” said Morom.
Over the years, the club members have gathered many achievements, including international and district honours.
This tradition still continues today.
“With the general decline in people taking up bowls, the club is taking a proactive approach to ensure the sustainability of the club,” said Morom.
“Our members are determined to keep the flag flying for another 100 years,” concluded Matthews.
The birthday celebration will take place on May 23, with more details to be released early next year.
For more information on the Benoni Bowling Club and what they have to offer, send an email to benonibowlingclub@gmail.com or contact Caz Cronje on 082 831 2312.
