In the mid 1950s on a 5 acre block at the back of Cedric Hores mixed business in Lambeth Street, Panania, a sporting group was formed for the purpose of playing darts. The price for purchasing the land was approximately £6000-7000 according to our oldest member`s memory. It was quite successful for the team played in and around the Bankstown area and in the process developed a social side to the darts program that attracted people to socialise on Sunday mornings.
The merrymaking evidently caught the attention of the local constabulary who arrived occasionally to advise merrymakers on the laws relating to noise and good neighbours.
It was about that time that an application to form a Darts and Social Club was proposed, however the local sergeant evidently told the group that their dream was not about to become a reality. The sergeant said, however, that a bowling licence would be given if the club built a bowling green and a clubhouse.
A reported 4 military tin huts were obtained from Regents Park and deposited on the block to become the clubhouse. A bent grass green was built soon after.
In 1957, the club was registered with the Royal Bowling Association. It may well be that the green was not used very much during the early years, in fact no records can be found about any bowling matches in the late 1950s. That did not stop the darts being played and it is the proud fact that the first interstate match between rivals New South Wales and Tasmania was played at The Picnic Point Bowling and Social Club in 1959. The trophy was donated by the Hores family and was named after Cedric`s wife, Estelle.
Evidently, there was some disagreement about clubhouse keys during the early years and Cedric Hore left the club taking the Darts Trophy with him. The trophy now rests in another club where it is still played to this day.
After the departure of Cedric Hore, the club issued £10 debentures, however it was not enough to stave off financial problems. It was the generosity of the brewer Rod Miller and Company that set the club on the road to being a success.
With the end of the Darts Club, Social Bowling took over and around 1960 the Men`s Bowling Club was formed, which included a Ladies Auxiliary. Founding members included, but is not limited to, Michael Thomas, Frank Rowland and Don Pickard.
In 1961, E. Honeyman was elected president of the new club, starting a tradition of hard working dedicated board members that continue to this day. On 11 March 1962 at 2.00pm, a bowls day was organised to be the official opening of the Picnic Point Bowling Club. A memorial plaque was offically opened by President Max Heidke after the Anzac Dawn Service conducted by Lt Col. R. Riddell in May 1963.
A second green (couch turf) was offically opened by Association State Councillor, Les Fingleton from the "Royal" on 7 July 1963 and The Picnic Point Bowling and Social Club can be said to have arrived. This green, which was ultimately renumbered to become Number 1, had lights installed and night bowls on this green commenced on 14 December 1963 at a cost of 5 shillings sterling each player.
With the sudden death of Les Fingleton in October 1963, the present Number 2 green was named in his honour and this took place on 14 June 1964.
The flagship event of The Picnic Point Bowling Club was inaugurated on Monday 23 January 1967. The tournament was advertised as the Night Minor Maestros and was the suggestion of Rex English, Bar Manager and Steward. There were 87 minor singles champions entered paying $1 entry and they played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting at 7pm with Friday the wet weather day. The finalists were Keith Lindley of Cabramatta Bowling Club who defeated Max Finimore of Bexley Bowling Club 32-19. It is interesting to note that Keith was an original "tin shed" member of The Picnic Point Bowling Club before moving to Cabramatta Bowling Club.
In May of 1970, tenders were called for the building of a 3rd green and this was duly finished with lights added for the start of the Night Minor Maestros in 1971. In later years, the tourney was renamed The Picnic Point Night Minor Singles Tournament and continues to this day.
Thank you to James A. Foster, Assistant Bowls Secretary 1997-2000, 2004 for gathering all the above information.
