75 years on and bowls is “alive & awesome” at Mapleton
By members of the 75th committee
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a question:
Is lawn bowls a sport of the past?
“No way! Bowls is awesome!”
For 75 years, Mapleton Bowls Club has been renowned for friendly social bowls, good competition and the best grass green on the Sunshine Coast. The club was formed in April 1946 and land was purchased for 30 pounds. In 1947, the E.S.A. Bank loaned the club 200 pounds to finance the original club house. The present club house was officially opened in 1985. Over the years, Mapleton has transformed from a village dependent upon farming and the local timber mills through to retirees and young families. Recently, many more families with young children have been drawn to the benefits of living in a village community within commuting distance to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Many bowlers have been members for more than 30 years while new members are proud to join such a vibrant club.
Mapleton Bowls Club is a fine example of a community club which has learnt the art of sustainability. Volunteers are very important as Mapleton is a small community-centred club. Our members outdo themselves with scrumptious meals while the bar volunteers look after the liquid refreshments. Delicious, fortnightly dinners are a time for catching up with friends and neighbours. The only employees of the club are a part-time greenkeeper and a cleaner. Twilight bowls and ‘Come & Try’ events connect people and introduce bowls to community members of all ages. When not required by bowlers, the clubhouse is hired by multiple local organisations such as quilters, art, craft and games groups. For 20 years, the Range Community Gym has occupied the lower level of the club building.
Chairman Mr Phillip Lester commented that lawn bowls remains a great way for people to develop their skills, coordination and fitness. “It is a precision sport for all ages and capabilities,” he said. “Mapleton Bowls Club offers members physical and social activities and it is these, that are keeping our club and bowls alive.’ A series of events promising to engage full members, social members and the wider community are scheduled throughout the year to celebrate 75 successful years.
