Our History

The West Australian, Monday 29 June 1896, page 6.

BOWLING.
FREMANTLE BOWLING CLUB.
A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a Bowling Club in Fremantle was held at the Cleopatra Hotel on Friday night last. There was a large attendance, and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to represent the Fremantle Tennis Club and the Fremantle Bowling Club, and to wait upon the Municipal Council for the purpose of obtaining a suitable site on which to establish a bowling green and tennis court. Messrs. A. J. Diamond, J. J. Higham, J. Bassett, R. J. Wiltshire, and F. W. Barwell. Mr. Barwell submitted plans for a bowling green and pavilion, the design of the latter being of a decidedly ornamental nature.
On Saturday the joint committee appointed made a tour of inspection of the parks and public reserves with the view of finding a locality suitable for a bowling green and tennis court. The majority of the committee favoured a portion of the Fremantle Park at the town end, and it was decided to write to and wait upon the Municipal Council with the view of obtaining assistance in getting a portion of the area set aside for the club’s requirements.

The Inquirer and Commercial News, Friday 14 August 1896, page 12.

FREMANTLE BOWLING CLUB.
A meeting of the Fremantle Bowling Club was held in the Cleopatra Hotel last night, Mr. R. J. Willshire occupying the chair. The report of the provisional committee (Messrs. A. J. Diamond, J. J. Higham, M.L.A., F. W. Burwell, R. J. Wiltshire, and J. Bassett, secretary) appointed to interview the municipal council with regard to obtaining a grant of land in the park was submitted and showed that the council had granted the club’s application. On the motion of Dr. Wheeler, seconded by Mr. Demel, the members of the provisional committee were accorded a vote of thanks, and elected as the general committee of the club. It was decided to at once set about collecting subscriptions for fencing in a corner of the park, and laying down a bowling-green. It was also resolved to form two grass tennis courts in connection with the bowling-green, and to request the club to carry out its promise of laying down two asphalt courts on the oval. The club has now over 50 members on its roll, and, in connection with the formation of the new grounds, which are estimated to cost about £200, a strong measure of support has already been promised.

The West Australian, 13 August 1896, page 6.

BOWLING.
FREMANTLE BOWLING CLUB.
A general meeting of this club was held at the Hotel Cleopatra last evening. Mr. R. J. Willshire occupied the chair. The provisional committee presented their report, which showed that a site in the Fremantle Park had been granted to the club by the City Council, and would be ready to be handed over in a few days. On the proposition of Dr. Wheeler, seconded by Mr. Demel, a vote of thanks was passed to the provisional committee, and they were asked to continue their services to the club as a first committee. It was decided that the subscription be made payable at once and to take steps to form the ground without delay. The keen interest taken by its members augurs well for the future of the club.

Western Mail, Friday 26 February 1897, page 31.

BOWLING.
FREMANTLE BOWLING CLUB.
The annual general meeting of the Fremantle Bowling Club was held on Tuesday evening at the Park Hotel. There was a large attendance of members, Mr. J. Willshire being in the chair. The principal business on the agenda paper was the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : Patron, Mr. E. Solomon, M.L.A. ; president,Mr. J. J. Higham, M.L.A. ; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. J. Willshire and D. J. C. Goodsir ; committee, Messrs. J. C. Hinchcliff, J.McHenry Clark, J. J. Broomhall. J. Weir and Captain T. W. Smith ; secretary, Mr.Jas. Bassett; treasurer, Mr. T. W. Burwell ; auditors, Messrs. T. Birrell, Gray and W. Meadly. The inefficient supply of water has been a great drawback to the club, and this is the cause of only one rink being laid down. The green, however, is in splendid condition, and that members are taking a keen interest in the affairs of the club is evidenced by the large attendance at practice every evening.