Club History
Parklands Bowling Club is the youngest Bowling Club in Canterbury .In 1991 Howard Smith ,an prominent bowler at the Linwood Bowling club though it a good idea to establish a Bowling Club in the newly developed suburb of Parklands. Howard lived local and after discussion with his neighbour, Maitland Lawrence, the two men started the process canvasing local businesses, one of those being Ken Bryenton who at the time owned the local Mobil petrol station in Queenspark, and discussion with the city council and securing a lease on land next to Arthur Adcock Reserve.
We have photos taken at the time of the groundbreaking work, digging out the sand dunes and building the first green and club house. This work as with most sports clubs, was achieved with voluntary labour and free equipment by local construction firms. Maugers helped with the diggers and earthmoving equipment required.
The club has had a few ups & downs over the years, however managed to grow and build on the original plan, extending the original small club rooms by adding a hall and office space. Membership grew and provided a great place to play bowls and socialise.
The earthquakes resulting in many Bowling clubs either closing or merging, not being able to survive alone, for various Reasons. Two clubs that I should mention in this story have had a close connection to Parklands. Therefore, I want to include a brief history of each so that we will not forget them. Linwood as written by a Linwood life member Denise Page South Brighton as written by Pauline & Graham Stanley.
Earthquake Story
The earthquakes In Sept 2010 & Feb 2011 caused damage to our building and greens. Liquefaction on the greens meant we need to rebuild both. The buildings were made safe to be used but were deemed uninsurable.
Nothing would be the same.
LINWOOD BOWLING CLUB situated in Stanmore Road Avonside.
Linwood Bowling Club was started in 1909 and due to the Earthquake in February 2011 was dissolved as Council Lease was not renewed.
A vote was taken by General Meeting that Linwood B.C. would move its remaining financial assets to Parklands B.C.
During the last 102 years Linwood had a proud history and was one of the strongest clubs in N.Z.
The Club had won numerous Canterbury Centre Titles, 4 National Fours Titles, 3 National Pairs, 4 National Singles Titles
The Club had 8 players who Represented New Zealand at World Bowls, Pacific Games & Commonwealth Games.
The Linwood Women were very strong in 1980,s 1990,s and 15 of them were Gold Star Winners and hold Bars (extra 5 Titles and more)
The Men had 7 Gold Star Winners and Bars.
There have been 4 Canterbury Centre Presidents
The Club had two and half greens and great surroundings with greens being well served by very good green keepers.
The Linwood Club will be remembered by the great competition and competitive nature of the players.
South Brighton Bowling Club was situated in an idyllic setting at the South Brighton domain.
The building was voluntary built by a group of keen men in the mid to late 40's - very quickly the membership had grown and by the 1950/51 season competitions were already starting.
It had an indoor four rink bowling pad and two outside full-size bowling greens which were named after two outstanding long serving members of the Club -Jim Clegg and Tom Dixon.
The Club was very prominent in those years and produced many champion bowlers over that period of time - lots representing the province and even NZ.
Unfortunately, due to the earthquake the Club was badly damaged and had to be demolished in March of 2014 - sad day!
This left many members without a 'Home' so everyone had to dispersed to other Clubs. Our choice was Parklands a growing, progressive Club in the area ... it has a good membership with a happy atmosphere.
Club Projects and Improvements
Parklands Bowling Club has a excellent record of improving club facilities. These improvements benefit our members, non-members who come to try bowls and local organisations that hire our hall for functions.
Some of the work is contracted, but much is achieved by our members who have the necessary skills. Money is found from various sources, including members donations, donations from other sports clubs for help with their events, raffles, commercial sponsorship and corporate bowls events. In addition we are grateful for the support of a number of Trusts.
Our largest projects for some time were the rebuild of our Bowling Greens, both of which suffered in the Earthquakes, and were both re-built. The photos below are a record of the amazing work by Andrew Bowden 'Barney' (Green Supervisor), Bob Rhodes (Greenkeeper) and many other members of the club.
Green 1 Re-build
Please browse the photographs below:-
