Karingal Bowling Club History
In the early 1960’s A.V. Jennings were building a housing estate name ‘Karingal.’ In the estate they left 14 building blocks for a proposed sports arena. In 1969 Mr. Jack Fidge who had started a club in Gippsland decided to try for a Bowling Club on the this site. A community meeting was held in the local kindergarten to see if it was a viable proposition. The response was so good that a committee was formed and the club came into existence. It was was called the Karingal Bowling Club, after the estate on which it was founded. Perhaps with this link it is a reason the club’s logo incorporates Indigenous artefacts. At one stage when it was thought that the 14 blocks may be used for a Tennis Club, A.V. Jennings himself turned up in his black Rolls Royce and after listening to the locals then went to Council to make sure the site would be used for a Bowling Club.
According to the R.V.B.A records the Club was founded on the 12th December 1969.
Mr. Allan Harvey was the Foundation President and one of our greens was named in his honour. He later became a life member.
Mr Jack Fidge was the foundation Secretary; he later became the third President. A drinking fountain was named in his Honour.
Karingal is an Indigenous word for “Happy hunting ground” and our logo of an Indigenous shield, spear and kangaroo follows this meaning. It was designed by Dennis Guy who was the foundation Treasurer. The club colours chosen were red and white.
The first aim of the Committee was to raise money. Members bought debentures which were paid back as the club became more financial. The ladies ran raffles, coffee mornings, Tupperware parties, wig parties, progressive dinners and played Bingo etc all in private homes. Progress was very good with everyone a volunteer.
The first green was laid in 1970. When the green was playable, games were held and afternoon tea was had in the open air. The tea was made in the shed. Toilets were portable ones. The club house and the second green came later.
Extract from the local paper in 1969
A bowling club has recently been formed in Karingal with a view to developing the site fronting Skye Road and Fingal Drive which was reserved for the establishment of a bowling club.
The Frankston City Council has now advised the newly formed club that they will grant occupancy of the land and the club executive is preparing plans to obtain finances and establish bowling greens and erect a club pavilion within the near future.
A general meeting of the men of the club will be held in the kindergarten Hall, Ashleigh Drive Karingal at 7:30pm on April the 13th 1969.
Intending new members and interested persons will be most welcome at this meeting. Particulars regarding membership can be obtained from the Secretary Jack Fidge. Ladies interested in joining the Associates Club should contact Mrs. M. Kelly.
Register of Directors
1970- 71 JR Fidge, A Harvey, D Guy, J C Smith, JK Johnson.
1971- 72 JR Fidge, AC Harvey, GJ Guy, JC Smith, B Fitzgerald
1978- 79 JR Fidge, B Fitzgerald, E Christian, J Russell, R Ferrier
1979- 80 B Fitzgerald, JR Fidge, EH Christian, J Russell, R Ferrier