The Clovelly Bowling and Recreation Club is a heritage sandstone building standing on the high coast of Clovelly overlooking Coogee and Wedding Cake Island. 

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The inaugural meeting of the club was held  on August 29th 1955 after permission was granted to the Ladies Auxiliary to form a Womens Club. The meeting was chaired by Mrs B French and was attended by about 30 ladies. It was agreed the playing day would be a Tuesday.

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The Clovelly Womens Bowling Club played their first game of bowls on January 10th 1956 and was officially opened on March 5th 1957 by the then State President Mrs Wolinski who rolled the first jack.

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To become a Member of Clovelly Womens Bowling Club, the women had to have their husbands as a member of the Men’s club.  No single ladies were allowed.

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The  uniform was an all white dress, hat, cardigan and bowling shoes. The only jewellery allowed was the wedding and engagement ring and watch. No other jewellery  allowed. Our uniform had to be  14 inches from the ground and was measured regularly by our President to ensure  it was the correct length. Many years later, the Women’s Club  was granted permission to wear navy pants suits in winter, which was wonderful.

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Since then, times have changed and progressed and Bowls NSW a gave permission for all clubs to display their own individuality by adopting their own uniforms which highlights their club and district.

Clovelly has 3 excellent greens with a full time greenkeeper and apprentice and all greens are utilised for our Friend’s Day and Seaside Carnival which are held annually.

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Women’s Bowling Day is a Tuesday; morning tea at 9:30am and play by 10:00am. This is followed by lunch, raffles and prizes .Sign in by 9am if playing.   The Women’s Club has recently won many District and Zone finals.

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By Gwen Rose, Member since 1972.