The meeting held on 26th April 1977, to reform the Dora Creek Workers Women’s Bowling Club which had previously run from the 13th October 1969 and wound up on 22nd January 1975. The womens club had many ups and downs losing members due to the green, in 1973-74 it was down for 24 weeks in 12 months.
At that meeting they had 17 foundation members and the Office bearers were:
President:- Chris Rhodes, Vice Presidents:- Nan Cross (Lane) & Daphney Bendeich
Secretary:- Allie Mason, Treasurer:- Nan Semkin, Delegates:- Chris Rhodes, Allie Mason, Games Organiser:- Irene Mullard Selectors:- Nan Semkin, Daphney Benideich & Irene Mullard, Publicity Officer:- Allie Mason, Committee:- Jean Mackenzie, Ivy Mackey, Alice Eastgate, Emma Parker, Doreen Thompson & Mary Ward Patron:- Mary Ward.
On 8th June 1977 the inaugural meeting was held with the presence of the N.D.W.B.A. President and Secretary. The Official opening was held on 10th October 1977, it was reported to have been a successful day in the presence of the N.D.W.B.A. President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
In 1983 the green went down for over five (5) months, but the then President Nan Cross and the members to keep, the Club going and to raise money, organised bus trips to vineyards, running raffles, Christmas and Easter hampers. All of the prizes were donated from the ladies, mens clubs and the Workers Club.
Allie Mason who had been a foundation members from 1969 resigned due to ill health in June 1984. A Special Charity fund raising day was held in her honour, monies raised alternated annually between the Westpac Helicopter Appeal and the Mater Hospital Oncology Unit.
The Honour Board was installed in 1985 to display valuable information of the histoy of bowls both Mens and Women bowlers.
Lights were installed on the green in 1989/90.
On the 7th November 1990 the new green was being laid.
D.C.W.W.B.C. had been designated to play on Mondays and Wednesdays, previously the ladies played on other days of the week, but these days clashed with other clubs in the local area.
The Lake Macquarie District Bowling Association was formed 14th July 1998, and is made up of 24 clubs.
In February 1999 the second synthetic green had been laid and was ready for play.
In November 2001 our Monthly meetings changed to Mondays after B.B.Q. in an attempt to attract more members attending the meetings.
In September 2002 a letter was written to Men’s Bowling Club inviting their members to play on B.B.Q. days. These days prove to be very successful, for visitors to the area who want to have a Social game of bowls, for pending new players to come along and learn to play bowls in a non-competitive game and receive some coaching as they play.
Steps for the green were purchased, they are assistance to those who have difficulty stepping from the bank to the green without support.
September 2006 saw 24 children from Eraring Public school , from years 3, 4, 5 and 6, learn to play bowls as their 3rd term Sporting activity. This was a joint activity between the Men’s and Women’s clubs. Much fun was had and many things were learned not only by the children, but the teachers and parents who accompanied them and especially the members. The game of bowls does looks healthy for the future. This activity was repeated in 2007 with 22 students participating.
From researching the old books it appears that Dora Creek Worker’s Women’s Bowling Club has never had a membership above 30 at any one time, but I can say with confidence that those members held many positions, worked very hard together to keep this Club functioning and raising money for the Helicopter appeal as well as the Oncology unit at the Mater Hospital, and many others.
We have many long standing members who deserve the recognition of Life Member because of their constant involvement in this Club, participating in membership recruitment drives, coaching new players and sharing their knowledge about the protocols of a Women’s Bowling Club as well as working behind the scenes to ensure that everyone who comes to Dora Creek goes away knowing that we are the “Friendly Club”
2010 The beginning of Coaching sessions. . Coaching has been well attended by interested players, both ladies and men, thank you to our Club coaches for developing skills. We played teams from Wangi, Swansea 16’s, Boolaroo and Valentine.
Pennants is over for another year, thanks go to our Coaches and skills practice, we came 2nd in Section 3, Grade 4. Side building was assisted by travelling together using the Dora Creek Workers Club bus, [thanks to the Club Management] enabling players to share a laugh or two and have a sing along, as a way of taking their minds off various things, eg the game and/or the driving. No there were no near misses and no scratches were put on the bus.
The point score at the end of our Pennant season was, Wangi 29 points, Dora Creek 26½ points, Swansea 16’s 22 points, Boolaroo 18 points and Valentine 4½ points. Very well done players, we’re getting closer to Grade play offs, may be next year.
Club Major Singles Championships are now on in earnest, good rolling Ladies.
