Cheers to 60 years for Lismore City women

LISMORE City Bowling club celebrates birthday with gala day

Lismore City women's bowling club celebrated its 60-year anniversary with a gala day yesterday. Picture: Mitchell Craig

LISMORE City women's bowling club celebrated its 60th birthday in style with an annual gala with clubs from across the Northern Rivers.

There was plenty of competition on the rinks and greens with most clubs in the region represented.

It was the first time games had been played on both greens at the club following flood damage in April.

The water entered the clubhouse and ruined carpet and furniture but greenkeeper John Sheean had them repaired quickly when the flood receded.

"We've worked really hard for the last week to get this up and running and it's really good considering we just had the floods," club president Cassie Hart said.

"We're only a little club but all the other clubs (around the region) have put their best foot forward to support us here today.

"Some clubs entered three teams and we rely on that sort of support to keep going.

"The greens had been under water and John has done a mighty job.

"There is still some damage on one of them but he said he would have it going by the gala day and he has.

"He's a great greenkeeper and I hope he never leaves us.

Beryl Wotherspoon is the longest-serving club patron and was there to speak during the lunch and cake cutting ceremony.

There was plenty of clubs on hand including teams from Alstonville, Ballina, Casino, Evans Head, Lennox Head and Lismore.

"There are five clubs in Lismore and it's hard to keep going, so it's a great help when we get assistance from the outside," Hart said.

"I've been here for 13 years now and a some of the other ladies came down from the golf club.

"Our husbands decided they would come too so it worked out well."