Taranaki Anniversary weekend is shaping up as a joyous occasion for the Vogeltown Bowling Club when it celebrates its centennial with an array of activities planned.
The club, which becomes the fourth in New Plymouth to reach triple figures, has a rich history of success and loyalty from its Norman Street location. It has had a number of talented players and consistently produced excellent playing surfaces. And as befits a club so close to Pukekura Park, it has always been superbly presented in park-like surrounds.
Jeff Burgess, organiser of the centennial celebrations, said a big weekend is planned, commencing with a formal function at Pukekura Raceway on the evening of March 9. Bowls New Zealand President Jeanette Sinclair and New Plymouth District Councillor Gordon Brown will be among the more-than 120 guests in attendance.
“We are delighted with the effort that has been made by a number of past members to attend the celebrations,” Burgess said, noting that a number of past members are returning from outside the province for the weekend.
A premier men’s two-day tournament, sponsored by Professionals Real Estate, takes centre stage on Saturday and Sunday, with many of Taranaki’s top bowlers scheduled to compete, before the event concludes with a women’s fours event on Anniversary Day.
The Vogeltown Bowling Club actually began life on Hori Street but shortly after, due to the growth of the club and the sport, moved to its current location, which is nestled just behind Carrington Street.
From an earlier era, George Pulford, Joe Peel and George Mason were among the club’s most prominent players, while in later years, noted performers have include the 1998 Taranaki open fours winning skip mighty Mick Kennedy, Dean Elgar and the colourful Rex Pollard, who holds the record of Vogeltown titles, with in excess of 40.
A women’s section was added to the club in 1960, with current member Gale Fache being the most dominant force over the years.
As an indication of the quality of the greens, the club has hosted the final of the men’s open fours on a number of instances, most recently in 2012.
In recent years, a golf croquet section has also been added to the club.
“A lot of work has gone into ensuring that this is a celebration to remember,” Burgess said. “Vogeltown has much to celebrate and to look forward to.”
– Grant Hassall
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