Plimmerton Bowling Club Raises a Glass to 100 Years

Saturday evening's Centenary Dinner was a highlight of the weekend as members swapped their bowls uniforms for their glad rags and came together to celebrate a century of memories. MC Dudley Enoka kept the evening flowing with warmth and humour, beginning proceedings with a rousing rendition of Country Roads, with the lyrics thoughtfully printed on the back of the programme for everyone to join in.

Guests included Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Phil Rhodes, Mark O'Connor from Bowls New Zealand, Jenna Hyndman from Gee & Hickton and Craig Burrows from Exceed Windows Maintenance.

One of the evening's most touching moments came when Graham Down read a message from his son, Bradley Down, who was unable to travel from Canada for the celebrations. In his message, Bradley reflected on how much the sense of community at Plimmerton Bowling Club had meant to him, describing it as a special club filled with special people that continues to hold a place in his heart.

The evening also included the presentation of a special plaque on behalf of World Bowls by Brett O'Reilly, followed by a toast to the club and its 100 years of service to the local community. Guests were invited to record their memories and messages for a time capsule that will be opened in 2076, creating a lasting connection between past, present and future generations of members.

A special presentation saw Dudley Enoka interview Mark Christie, author of the club's centenary book. Christie shared some of the defining moments from the club's history, highlighting the importance of family, friendship and community connections that have been at the heart of Plimmerton Bowling Club throughout its first century. In recognition of his work documenting the club's history, Christie was presented with a beautifully crafted decorative glass bowl.

Guests also enjoyed a fantastic meal before finishing the night on the dance floor, ensuring the celebrations continued well into the evening.

The centenary festivities carried on across the weekend with an Invitational Tournament on Sunday involving clubs that have enjoyed strong and longstanding relationships with Plimmerton over many years. A BBQ and musical entertainment from Don Wilson followed, before celebrations wrapped up on Monday with a final invitational event and BBQ.

As part of the celebrations, Bowls New Zealand Chair Mark O'Connor presented the club with a commemorative centenary plaque, recognising both the club's significant milestone and the contribution it has made to the sport over the past 100 years.

Behind the scenes, countless volunteers and members worked tirelessly to make the weekend a success. Former members travelled from across New Zealand and beyond to reconnect with old friends and revisit a club that has played an important role in their lives.

Reflecting on the occasion, Dudley Enoka perhaps captured the significance of the milestone best when he said:

"You only get one shot at celebrating 100 years."

For Plimmerton Bowling Club, that shot was certainly taken in style.

Founded in 1926, the club has been a cornerstone of the Plimmerton community for generations. Through changing times, it has remained a place where friendships are formed, memories are made and people come together through a shared love of bowls.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to making the centenary celebrations such a memorable success. As the club looks ahead, there is every reason to believe the strong sense of community that has defined its first century will continue to shape the next.

Here's to the next 100 years of Plimmerton Bowling Club.