Mr Spencer beat three other contenders in what he said was a close vote.

“There were three votes in the top two people,” he said.

After spending a cumulative 27 years on the board, eight of them as vice-chairman, Mr Spencer felt this year was the time to put his hand up.

“The board has strategies in place and we’ll continue with those,” he said.

Mr Spencer said the club remained in contention for a merger with Newstead Bowling Club after Newstead sold its facilities earlier this year and Orange City in a stronger position than some smaller clubs.

“The more diversified activities and facilities you have, potentially the more members you have and that equates to more dollars, and more dollars equates to a healthy life for your club,” he said.

Outgoing chairman Garry Marriage did not stand due to health issues, however, he was awarded life membership and voted president of the men’s bowling club.

“That’s going to keep me pretty busy,” he said.

Mr Marriage took the chair in 2012 during a tumultuous time for the club. The club lost $238,000 in the 2011-12 financial year, leading to the removal of the secretary manager and all but two directors.

Since then, the club has added a mini golf course and solar panels.

Secretary manager Michael Gray said the panels had already saved the club $20,000 in electricity bills since they came online in March.

In 2013-14, the club made an operating profit of $127,000.

“The main thing is if the members are on-side, you’re starting to do the right thing,” Mr Marriage said.

Mr Spencer said the life membership award demonstrated Mr Marriage’s contribution to the club.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au