Newstead Bowling Club moves to Country Club to weigh up future

The club sold its original, historic property on the corner of Kite and Hill streets in 2014.

In the interim period they’ve had an agreement with the site’s new owners which enabled members to continue to use the bowling greens.

That arrangement gave the club time to canvass potential merger options and new sites for the club.

Club chairman Gary Norton said the decision to temporarily move to the Country Club’s greens affords Newstead’s management a similar luxury as they explore their options.

Amalgamation with another of the city’s bowling club or relocation to a new site are the club’s most likely moves at this stage, according to Mr Norton.

Should the merger route be taken a permanent partnership with either Orange Ex-Services Bowling Club or Orange City Bowling Club appear the most natural fits to the chairman.

There’s also irons in the fire which would ensure the club’s independence in the future.

“We’re in discussions with developers of a major new estate,” Mr Norton said.

“It would see a new bowling centre, with two indoor bowling greens and a restaurant.

A plan for the club’s future will be voted on by members by the end of the year and Mr Norton hasn’t ruled out other ideas being presented to the club.

“We expect discussions will go on through the rest of the year and we expect a plan by the end of the year,” he said.

“It will come down to the members, they will vote on any proposal.”

Newstead members can use the bowling greens at the Country Club on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.