Brisbane’s longest-running indoor bowls clubs in trouble

They have been going strong for 70 years, but now this little community group faces the end after being shown the door.

Broncos Indoor Bowls Club members (l-r) David Owen, Heather Jeffs, Narelle Jeffs and Vince and Josie Senese outside the Broncos Club. Picture: AAP/Jono Searle

One of Brisbane’s longest-running indoor bowls clubs will have to close after approximately 70 years because it can no longer use its existing space.

The group, which played every Thursday afternoon and night, has been known as the Broncos Indoor Bowls Club (BIBC) since the Broncos Club was established at Red Hill in 1988 (previously it was known as Wests Old Boys Club).

The Broncos Club had allowed the night time players to use various parts of the popular westside leagues venue, but recently confirmed they could no longer continue to do so.

SUBSCRIBE FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

A Broncos Club spokesman said they had offered BIBC a chance to play at the bowls club next door and also offered to sponsor them, but the offer was declined.

He said that, unfortunately, the reconfiguration of their premises after a recent, $6 million renovation meant the space the bowls group had used in a downstairs area was now converted to function rooms.

“These are booked out most nights. They’re for hire because we’re a not-for-profit club and we have to make money to cover our costs,’’ he said.

“We can’t let them play upstairs in the gaming room or the restaurant because of Workplace Health and Safety requirements, so unfortunately there are no suitable options we could offer.’’

BIBC has not played on Thursday nights since March, when the Broncos Club started the renovation, which officially opened in mid-October.

The afternoon group uses space at the former Red Hill Community Sports Club but it could not accommodate the night players, BIBC president Narelle Jeffs said.

“We are disappointed that the Broncos have been unable to find space for us, but we are grateful to have been able to bowl there for so many years,’’ Ms Jeffs said.

“It’s just sad that we will lose that long association. Over the years they have put us everywhere, including in a corridor.

“We played on carpet for some years although that’s not ideal — you really need a hard surface like lino or parquetry to have a good game.’’

Other top westside stories

Oxley Rd rail bridge upgrade stuck in political Mexican standoff

Council’s Kenmore recreation precinct plan ruffles feathers

Childcare fees up $10 a day because of glut of new centres

Grand trees face axe at highrise site despite being “protected’’

Previous managements also generously provided weekly sponsorship which could be used as prizes for players or raffles.

However, this was discontinued a couple of years ago.

The sport involves rolling out a mat (BIBC’s is about 7m long) on the floor. After games are over, the mat is rolled up so the space can be used for other purposes.

BIBC was playing on the dance floor every Thursday, from 7.30-9pm, for the past few years while the rest of the club was open for use by Broncos Club members.

Ms Jeffs hoped another space might become available elsewhere, but at this point there was

nothing on the horizon.

Anyone wanting to join the afternoon group can just turn up at the Red Hill Community Sports Club, 22 Fulcher Rd.

Were you at the Broncos Club official reopening? See our photo gallery

Leagues club first in Australia to become major sponsor of a NRLW team