The Angaston Bowling Club have officially opened their new clubrooms and green with the unveiling of a plaque by Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo MP.
Mr Piccolo said the new facilities will overcome the restrictions imposed by the previous site at Newcastle Street.
“The previous facility located on Newcastle Street was restricted due to only having the space for the one green and facilities that were unaccommodating to patrons due to accessibility issues,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The new facilities will attract more bowlers to the Barossa for tournaments and hopefully state and regional events.”
“The new synthetic greens will also provide for expanded playing times as green resting and watering are no longer applicable.”
The Bowling Club will use the additional green to expand competition offerings and grow its membership and target casual facility users with a Night Owls competition and will look to expand on its women’s competition.
The new site has been many years in the making and reflects the commitment club representatives, builders, contractors, project managers, Council staff, and key personnel who have put their collective expertise and skills into the project.”
The Club itself has a long and proud history going back more than 100 years with initial discussions to establish a local Bowling Club starting in 1915.
WW1 interrupted the progress for some years, and at a meeting held in January 1920, the decision was made to purchase Newcastle Street. In 1921 the green was planted, and games commenced in the summer of 1922.
Mr Piccolo said the new site represents a great investment for the Barossa region, and the Government of South Australia, through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, is proud to have been able to contribute a total of $600,000 to this project.
Mr Piccolo said the importance of volunteers to this club and other community groups cannot be overstated.
“It is a clear bias for community, and their efforts make our communities a better place for all to live.”