The land that the bowling club stands on today was donated by the Carter family. The first life membership was awarded to AN Wallace in 1918, followed by FW Jeffries 1919, T Millington 1939, G Coutts 1945, Jim Spiers and Dave Cochrance 1959, G Dallimore and Ossie O'Callaghan 1968, Fred Croft 1969 (green keeper for many years), Dick MacDonald 1974, Bill Meadows and Bill Taylor 1978, Eric Morgan 1983, Gunner Belton 1987, HHB (Mick) Rouse 1987, Jack Coutts and Nelson Ross, Neville Thomas 1990, Des Pickles, Lloyd Brydon and Rob Tweedie 1991, Fred Morgan 1994.
In 1949, the Hikurangi Women's Bowling Club was formed and rented the premises from the men, so they could play during the week. At the height of their existence, the club had more than 40 members. The first president was Vi O'Callaghan.
In 1972-73, the current club rooms were completed and officially opened. These were built with voluntary labour and debentures bought by club members that were repaid by the club by annual "draw lot", along with interest earned. The original club house stood where the current maintenance shed is situated. This new building was built by Roy Wells, with able assistance from club members.
In 1989, the club agreed to lay an artificial green. The green in front of the club house was the first to be laid in astrograss. The guaranteed life span of this green was 10 years. It lasted for 16 years before it was replaced with the current green. This is still considered to be the best artificial green in the area. Funding for the original green was raised by bonds purchased by club members, a bank loan, sale of bricks on the club wall at $10 each and voluntary labour.
In 1998, the men's and women's clubs voted to amalgamate and the new club was formed. Life members of the women's club were also recognised and these included Isobel Spiers, Margaret Spiers, Nellie Meadows, Thelma MacDonald, Dorothy Taylor, Ruby Rowe, Lil Trotter and Hazel Tweedie.
Since amalgamation, Pat Bannon (2007) and myself Gwen Lawson (2005) and have been elected life members of the club.
The first centre title for the club was won in 1928 by Harry Westwell. Since then, the club has won 29 men's and 51 women's centre titles, including a NZ title in singles by Bertha Gabolinscy, three titles and placings in NZ events and one NZ Maori Bowls title by current members of the club. Currently, the club has eight women members, who have won 82 centre titles between them.
Club member Manu Timoti has represented NZ in the World Under-25 singles, the Asia Pacific competition, Transtasman competition and the Commonwealth Games. We have had numerous Northland representatives over the years and currently have seven club members as representative players.
The club continues to operate with a freehold property, has outstanding facilities, and caters for community events, corporate functions and centre events. Twilight bowls are played on a regular basis. The club caters for winter bowls, with the artificial green full every Thursday and fortnightly on a Sunday from June to September.
Membership is open to full playing members, casual players and social members. You are never too young - or too old.
*Gwen Lawson is the Northern Advocate bowls reporter and Hikurangi treasurer and club historian - given the job because of 42 continuous years' membership.
