A Half Century And Still Bowling Along

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday February 27, 2008

Paul Zalunardo

FAIRY Meadow Women's Bowling Club marked 50 years of bowls with a joyous celebration yesterday.

Since 1958, when Mary Splitt was elected as the first president, a lot has happened at the northern Wollongong club.

Splitt, who was the president for 11 years, also went on to become the first president of the Illawarra District Women's Association.

Fairy Meadow president Rae Smith and secretary Nada Jones welcomed a host of state and zone dignitaries for the special day.

State ladies president Trish Part and her Illawarra counterpart Sue Snape were the principal guests of honour.

After starting with just 17 members, the women's club now has 83 bowlers.

The club has won 11 pennant flags and more than 25 district championships.

Splitt and Val Latter are the club's patrons, with Splitt, Latter and Netta Laidlaw the three surviving life members.

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