About this venue
The Bowlo, located in the picturesque town of Bangalow, Northern NSW, has a rich history dating back several decades. Our story is one of community spirit and camaraderie that started with an enthusiastic group of locals and a shared love for the sport of lawn bowls. For 1 pound a year, a corner of the schoolground was leased and the first green was laid by 15 volunteers for 65 pounds. The clubhouse with a tin roof and hessian sides was erected for 24 pounds, and the greenkeeper was paid the princely sum of 1 pound per week. The outbreak of World War I and World War II brought challenges to the club, as many members enlisted in the military. However, dedicated staff and volunteers kept the Bowlo open and serving locals through both wars. After the war, fathers of returned servicemen were invited to bring their sons along for a bowls day. After WWII this event proved so popular that a second day was created so that both Old Diggers Day and Young Diggers Day were celebrated. As the WW1 diggers passed, it reverted to a single Diggers Day which is still celebrated today. By 1964 the club had outgrown the school grounds and moved to its current location, starting with two greens and a clubhouse with a bar.