The Bowral Bowling clubhouse was bursting at the seams on Saturday, April 23 as patrons gathered to witness a once in 50 year event.
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Club Chairman Stephen Della addressed the crowd, including a live stream into the United States, as three rinks were renamed for the first time in 55 years.
The first was the changing of the North green to the Waratah rink, chosen to acknowledge the contribution of all all the women who have played at the club during its 108-year history.
Ladies President Elaine Jones was on hand to accept the plaque almost a year after Bowls NSW and the NSW Women's Bowling Association formally merged to create one unified organisation.
The second presentation was made to Lew Wilson, after whom the Springett rink will now be named.
In presenting Lew with his plaque, Chairman Della outlined the highlights and contribution Lew has made to the club.
Lew joined the club on June 30 1967 and was a long time president. He also represented the Southern Tablelands Bowling Association. A keen pennant player, he won many championships at the club and is now a well loved patron of Bowral.
Lew's son Mark in reply stated on behalf of the family that his father has enjoyed every part he has contributed and the fellowship among all bowlers over many years he has received in return.
A highlight for Lew was to have his son Grant and wife Cheryl travel from Queensland. Owing to the uncertainty off flights out of Gladstone they decided to make to two-day trip by car.
They said they would never have missed such a milestone in the history of the club, especially one that was honoured to Lew.
Last but not least was the author of this regular column, Gordon Lewis.
The former Homan green will now be known as Lewis rink. Della outlined that Lewis was a former chairman of the club for 14 years and has been a club selector and still heavily involved with bowls.
Lewis, in accepting what he called a "high honour", acknowledged all the officials and bowling players, ladies and men, who have contributed to the history of the club over its century of existence.
Lewis revealed to the crowd that it was in fact the aforementioned Lew who got him hooked on bowls and although a member for 54 years, he assured every one he has not been bowling all that time.
A touching moment was when his granddaughter Georgie beamed in from America to pass on her congratulations alongside 16 other members of the Lewis clan.
Josh Woodcock and staff were singled out for getting the new green up and running after major renovations under adverse weather conditions.
Three games of eight ends were played, including one in heavy rain, with celebrations continuing well into the night.
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