Back in the early fifties, the city of Wollongong RSL sub branch visualised the establishment of a memorial park at Figtree. Tennis courts, a swimming pool, squash courts, an oval and a bowling club were some of the projects to be considered.

A parcel of land, some thirteen acres in extent, bounded by the princes highway, Byrarong Creek Figtree oval and Gladstone Avenue (then Figtree Road) was bought from the Maynes estate on behalf of the sub branch. The owners, being supporters of the League, accepted a sum that would scarcely secure a household block of land in this area today (1980).

Leading the pioneers who founded our bowling club, were Frank March, President of the sub branch and Norman Laneyre, foundation president of the RSL Bowling Club. In due course, a corrugated iron building about 30 feet by 15 feet was erected in the southwest corner of out present grounds.
This edifice, affectionately known as the "tin shed", was our first clubhouse. There was only one opening, a stout iron door facing north to allow for air conditioning by the North East breezes. A large padlock was all the security we had and for decoration a large club badge replica was situated in the corner above the entrance.
The floor was damp proof, being made of large concrete slabs 6" thick (these had come from the salt water canal at the steelworks).
The contents of the shed were varied. There were long wooden forms, stack away chairs, a bench sturdy enough to support a keg, a temprite, agricultural implements, fertilisers and green keeping gear. We had electricity and water connected.

Two greens were laid down early in 1957. The contractor was Mr Norm Fleming who gave his services for a fee of 3 pounds, twelve shillings a day. Club members assisted as volunteer labourers. Number 1 green proved cantankerous and most of our early bowling was done on number 2 green. For about twenty years our shed stood in the corner, housing machinery and equipment. Ex-servicemen from both wars and selected citizens, will always remember it with a measure of nostalgia. Here, firm lasting friendships were formed. There was a complete lack of discrimination between soldier and civilian, and a closely-knit membership developed.

The support of the Wollongong RSL Sub Branch deserves all the plaudits that the members of this club can offer. The Sub Branch built a fine club house (which has been extended four times by the bowling club). It paid for two greens, provided machinery, furnished and equipped the club house and suspended rental payments until our finances grew. In 1957 when Mr Horrie Boyle, the contractor completed the club house building for sixteen thousand pounds, President Norm sought and gained autonomy for the bowling club. (We were virtually handed a club on a plate). From then on we bowlers were in charge of our own destiny.

1956 – WE TRAVELLED TO JAMBEROO

As there were many members new to bowls we decided to accept an invitation from Jamberoo Bowling Club to visit them. We hired a bus to Jamberoo to be initiated into the game of bowls. Our hosts insisted that they would supply bowls, skips, instructors and anything else required for the day. A weird lot they were. Some had bowling shoes, some wore sandshoes, some had bowls in cardboard boxes tied with string and others had family heirloom sets of bowls. Only a handful had ever set foot on a bowling green. The following is a tribute to great character who was involved in a memorable incident on that day. He was right handed.