First attempts to establish a Bowls Club in Bayswater (in 1981) were largely unsuccessful, but a number of the people involved persisted with the idea, and, following a public meeting attended by more than 100 people, a new committee was formed in 1983 which began negotiations with Knox Council for use of a section of Guy Turner Reserve, which is also home to cricket and tennis clubs.

In June, 1984, Council approved the erection of a clubhouse, two greens, and associated facilities. Several objections to the project were lodged, which the club successfully fought at the Town Planning Appeals Tribunal.

The club received a grant and a loan from the Council, used the funds it had raised which has been seriously eroded by the appeals process, and formed a co-operative to borrow the balance.

Apart from extensive excavations and the shell of the clubhouse, most of the work was done by members themselves at weekends. Meanwhile, would-be bowlers received tuition at Boronia, and then played in social events wherever we could, while fielding a pennant team as Oakleigh players. Carpet Bowls was played at the Station St Scout Hall and the Senior Citizens’ clubrooms.

We were granted official membership of the RVBA (the then men’s association) and the VLBA (Ladies) in 1988, when only one green was completed (the one nearest Phyllis Street). The Clubhouse was officially opened by the Mayor of Knox, our local councillor Marie Wallace, on September 10 prior to the start of the season.