History
The City of Melbourne Lawn Bowls Club was founded as The West Melbourne Lawn Bowls Club in August 1866 at the Sablioniere Hotel which was on the corner of A'Beckett and Queens Streets, West Melbourne.
The Club moved to the Flagstaff Gardens in 1879 and was a foundation club of The Victorian Bowling Association (VBA) which was formed In 1880.
The first president of the VBA, Sam Amiss, was a former president of the Club and also Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
The first VBA singles champion was a member of the Club and other state players have been members of the Club over the years.
In 1904 the Club changed its name to City Bowling Club and again in 1964 to City Of Melbourne Bowls Club.
In January 1994 fire destroyed a large part of our clubhouse, leaving very restricted facilities for Our use, especially for lady bowlers.
With the assistance of The Melbourne City Council we anticipate having a new clubhouse in the Year 2006 /07 season, which will cater for both men & ladies.
Present Times
We have been successful in winning many competitions of the RVBA in our 136 year history. In recent times we have progressed from Division 8 in 1996/97 to Division 3 in season 2002/03. The highest grade of competition is premier grade, followed by divisions. 1 & 2.
In the 2005/06 RVBA pennant season the Club fielded sides in Divisions. 4,7 & 8. They finished on top of the section in each Division and competed in the finals. The Division 4 and 8 sides won their quarter finals but were defeated in the semi finals. The Division 7 side also won their quarter and semi finals. In playing off for the pennant flag they were successful by 14 shots to give the club their first pennant success since 1984/85 season.
The all white dress of bowlers has changed in recent years with coloured apparel being worn in our matches. The City of Melbourne Bowls Club introduced a distinctive coloured shirt for the 2003/04 season.
