Binningup Bowls Club celebrates recent victories and lasting legacy

Binningup Bowls Club had plenty to celebrate as members settled down from a phenomenal 30th year.

The club gathered together at the weekend to celebrate its 30th anniversary and a whopping win of four pennants from this past bowls season.

Club president Peter Reading said the club had continued to go from strength to strength over the years.

Playing in the South West bowls league, Mr Reading said the club found itself up against tough competition this year, but he was incredibly proud they have been able to pull off so many successful victories this season.

May Bingham and Ivan Burke coach the women’s and men’s teams respectively, and are both thrilled by the results.

Mrs Bingham said her teams were absolutely brilliant throughout.

Mr Burke said for a club of just over 70, the wins were phenomenal.

“We managed to win four of five pennants this year,” he said.

“The ladies got one, and the men got three.”

Beyond the celebrations of a successful sporting year, the heritage of the club was a primary focus for many thought the evening.

Originally opening in 1993 with little more than a shed and some lawn, the club has grown over the years to be one of Harvey’s premier bowling grounds.

Graham Reading has been with the club from the start and recalls the early days of the club with much fondness.

He said Rex Harris was the “fella who started this all”.

Mr Reading recalls sitting with Mr Harris because the town of Binningup needed more amenities.

He said Mr Harris took it upon himself to install the club’s first green.

“And from there, we’ve just grown and grown and grown,” he said.

Watching as the club expanded from a single lawn to two greens, Mr Reading said the club was running better now that it ever had before.

“The bowlers are all improving all the time,” he said.

“Genuinely, you won’t get a better bowling club.”

Speaking to the gathered members, Peter Reading expressed his gratitude to the club and the achievement of bowling for 30 years.

“Everyone who’s been a part of the bowling club, including anyone over the last 30 years, has made us who we are today,” he said.

As the drinks flowed and a feast was served, the club sang their anthem proudly enjoying the company of their teammates and friends.