Founded in 1931 by eleven dedicated community members, Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club has grown from a modest green in Reynolds Park into a thriving, inclusive club. From a clubhouse built by voluntary labour to modern accessible facilities, ours is a story of community spirit, perseverance, and a lasting love of the game.
The Municipality of Saanich appointed a committee — Mr Richardson and Mr Walter Peddle — to investigate the possibility of establishing a bowling green at Lake Hill Community Park.
Tenders for construction of the bowling green were advertised in January. In February, Saanich Council set aside $1,500 for its construction by Mr John Antrobus. On 28th May the existing football field was moved 10 feet to the west and drainage preparation began.
The Lake Hill Community Centre was granted the “privilege” to operate the bowling green for 10 years at a yearly lease of $1, with an initial grant of $200 from park funds.
Eleven Lake Hill Community Centre members took over the bowling green and formed the Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club. Members paid dues of $5 a year for five years in advance to provide operating funds. Club fees were $5 for men and $2 for women; greens keeping cost $16 per month.
Mr Walter Peddle served as the first President (1931–1938), with Mrs Peddle as the first Lady President (1934–1938).
The first General Meeting was held on April 14th at the Community Centre. Members voted to purchase a lawn mower for $45.00 and to affiliate with the Greater Victoria Lawn Bowling Association. The green was officially opened for play on June 4th.
The Club House was built entirely by voluntary labour and served the club faithfully for over 70 years. Members moved in the following year.
A bank account was opened in 1936. Collections on Thursday nights funded lights; curtains were donated by Mrs Taylor, and locker fees were 50¢. In 1937 a special Coronation game was played on May 12th — a tradition continued with special games on Canada Day and BC Day.
The club purchased its first irrigation equipment for $356 — a milestone investment in maintaining the quality of the green.
Lake Hill officially advertised itself as The Friendly Club — a reputation it has proudly maintained for over 60 years.
A committee was formed to record the Club’s history. Anne Webster — in whose name the club plays an annual tournament — served on that committee alongside Mr & Mrs J. Carpenter and Mr J. Mitchell.
The Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a grand celebration.
The separate men’s and women’s executives were merged into a single mixed executive — a step toward full equality within the club’s leadership.
Kay Robinson became the Club’s first female President, serving from 1991 to 1994.
The Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary. President Linda McClung — daughter of Mr and Mrs Carpenter — spearheaded the campaign for a new clubhouse, drawing on her financial background to secure a $100,000 grant from the BC Government Lottery Fund. Club members donated and fundraised a further $150,000; names of all volunteers are commemorated on a plaque in the clubhouse.
Construction began in fall 2009, with Presidents Stew Edmondson (2007–09) and Nick Fenger (2009–13) keeping a close eye on the contractor. The rebuild replaced the older section of the original 1933 building; the main room was designed to accommodate short mat bowling. Saanich Council contributed the balance of the approximately $400,000 total cost.
Members played carpet bowls at Gordon Head during construction. The new Club House was officially opened on June 5th, 2010. The 2010 Anne Webster Tournament was played at Juan De Fuca while finishing touches were completed.
Short Mat bowling began in the winter of 2010–11. The club had 91 members at opening; with the new clubhouse driving renewed interest, membership grew to 161 full members by 2013. Nick and Jean Fenger chronicled this decade of renewal in 43 newsletters, now preserved in a binder in the clubhouse.
COVID-19 brought a compulsory slowdown to club activities. In the years following, the club launched its website and Gordon Head bowlers began joining Lake Hill for short mat bowling in winter.
Thanks to grants secured by President Lesley Bainbridge (2022–25), the Club installed outdoor lights for evening bowling, added benches on the south side of the green, laid non-slip walkways around the greens, and acquired a full complement of new coloured bowls for member use. Accessibility improvements include arm extenders and a ramp providing step-free access for wheelchair bowlers.