FOUNDED ON MATESHIP

It all started with the love of the game of bowls. Mates coming together on sunny days for a friendly (or sometimes more serious) competition. But they needed a local home.

So, in 1913, a band of locals, led by prominent New South Wales Bowling Association member Mr John Wallace, set out to find a suitable site for a bowling green. The location was found, agreements were made, funds were raised and the Beecroft Bowling Club was formed. They joined together with the local croquet club, and it wasn’t long until members enjoyed their first roll up on their new bowling and croquet greens – and a spot of afternoon tea provided by the croquet club volunteers afterwards.

Officially opening on the 29 June 1914 with 51 founding members, the Beecroft Bowling Club soon became a fixture of the local community and continued to grow in both popularity and size – nearby land was acquired for more playing space and later a parking area.  In 1936, Beecroft Ladies (later Women’s) Bowling Club was formed and became and integral part of bowling in Beecroft. In 1942 the croquet club closed, bu the second green that was shared with the bowlers was not extended for bowling until 1956. In the meantime a third bowling green was opened in 1946. Beecroft Women’s Bowling Club was officially dissolved in November 2021 with it’s members transferring to Beecroft Bowling Club.

The grounds saw more changes over the years – expanding further before decreasing as land was sold to allow the local school more room and help cover the costs of clubhouse refurbishments. But what has never diminished is the love of the game, the commitment of the club’s members and the good times and sense of belonging that it offers to members and their guests – both on the green and in the clubhouse afterwards.

The clubhouse is a place where, for decades now, locals have come together to enjoy a meal, raise a glass and celebrate with friends and family. And now, after a century as the beating heart of the area, another new chapter for the Beecroft Bowling Club begins as it becomes part of the Norths Collective – leaders in contemporary hospitality venues that celebrate the local community. It has a new look, a new menu and a new name – The Verandah Beecroft.

The exciting revamped venue is fresh and sophisticated but warm and homely – a nod to our heritage, reimagined for a modern age, including a new commitment to sustainable hospitality as the first club in Australia that’s paper and plastic free.

But The Verandah remains a local institution, offering the same close connection to the community while proudly inviting new guests to discover what makes this place special. The newly renovated clubhouse and its stylish homely interior makes the perfect spot to settle in for a long lunch, a cocktail or two, or dinner with friends and family. Whether you’re here to bowl, or you’ve just come to relax and enjoy the ambience, it’s an atmosphere that simply says: join us.

Let the good times roll.