History of Harlequin Berea Park Bowling Club

 

HARLEQUIN BOWLING CLUB

 

In 1903 British servicemen stationed in Pretoria formed a hockey club, which also allowed the participation of local citizens. After searching for a suitable name the club wrote to Harlequin Rugby Football Club in London and obtained their permission to use the name Harlequin in Pretoria. Other sports notably rugby and cricket were formed as subsections of the Club. In the late 1940’s the present site in Groenkloof was leased to the Club on a long-term lease at low rental, with this allowing adding further sporting sections.

 

The Harlequin Bowling Club section of the main club was formed in 1958 with two bowling greens. A private donor had a third green built to enable players to play throughout the year. The membership of the Bowling section increased steadily until the 1980’s when it peaked at approximately 150 members, men and women. The men and women’s leagues progressed exceptionally well with numerous members obtaining their provincial colours. Two players, Shirley Webber and Frans du Plessis had the honour of representing the Springboks at international level.

 Unfortunately the membership decreased drastically during the nineties, further aggravated by the decision of the women’s section to close down and leave the Club en masse. As the membership decreased various sides were relegated to the lower leagues. The low was reached in 1997 when there were only 28 registered members. At the beginning of 1998 a concerted effort was made to increase membership by introducing family day bowls once a month, allowing participants to dress casually and play with flat soled shoes. This resulted in membership being increased to 60 members by the year 2000. Financially the Club also progressed from not being able to pay main Club operating expenses, to a healthy bank balance, outsourced Bowling Green maintenance and a vibrant progressive Club.

 

BEREA PARK BOWLING CLUB

 

The Berea Park Bowling Club was officially opened during 1917, and was the second oldest Club in Northern Transvaal.

 

The Club had three greens, Elliott (1917), Victory (1919) and Buchanan (1922). The Clubs greens were rated amongst the best in Northern Transvaal and the Club had on numerous occasions been Headquarters for the National and All-Transvaal Tournaments.

 

Besides the Main Club, the bowling section had it’s own well-equipped Club House. The Club produced three Springboks over the years, namely, Albert Adamson, George Jacobs and Brian Ellwood, plus Junior Springbok Tony Holtz. The late George Jacobs and Brian Ellwood, now in Cape Town, won the South African Singles Championship.

 

At District and National Tournaments the Club had been well represented and has a fine record of achievements. On the administrative side, the Club had provided three Presidents of the N.T.B.A and three Presidents of the N.T.W.B.A.

 

The Club had an active membership totalling 70, which all joined the newly formed Club since the amalgamation.