The Rathmines Country Club was formed in 1966 when the residents applied to the Lake Macquarie Council for use of the RAAF Officers’ Mess building. The intention of the club was to provide a centre for all sport minded residents.
The group was quite successful in providing entertainment and social activities for the local residents. Because the club did not have a liquor licence all members and patrons brought their own drinks.
The Rathmines Bowling Club was affiliated with the Newcastle District Bowling Association in 1967.
On September 19, 1968 a meeting was held by interested ladies of this club to form a bowling club to promote the game in accordance with the objects of the parent club. At this meeting the Rathmines Country Club Womens Bowling Club was formed.
Affiliation with the New South Wales Womens Bowling Association was granted on October 23, 1968 and the club was then transferred to the jurisdiction of the Newcastle District Womens Bowling Association.
At the time the club had no bowling green of its’ own and games were played at the Wangi Wangi Bowling Club commencing in July, 1969.
In 1969 the Men’s Club applied for a Liquor Licence but was unsuccessful so the Club was re-incorporated with the result that the Country Club name was dropped, and in 1971 the Rathmines Women’s Bowling Club took its’ place.
A requirement for a Liquor Licence, a bowling green had to be constructed. This was duly done with substantial manual labour by Members of the Club, with assistance from greenkeepers from neighbouring Clubs and Associations. Fittingly, a bright sunny Spring Day, 20 September 1973, welcomed official opening of the green with the Liquor Licence finally granted in 1974.
Due to the popularity and the growth of the Club a second green was constructed in 1978.
In 1984 a Memorial Wall was constructed and dedicated to those who served at the RAAF Base on which the Club is located by a Padre from Royal Australian Air Force Base – Williamtown, who was accompanied by several notable serving RAAF Officers.
Over 400 people, Members, Guests and the wider community, attended the Dedication Ceremony which was catered for by the Ladies Club.
As a result of this, both the Mens and Ladies Clubs dedicated their alliance by incorporating the word “Memorial”.
Rathmines Park which includes the original officers mess building which is the central part of the clubhouse was subsequently listed as a Heritage area due to the importance of the RAAF base at Rathmines during WW2.
In 1984 a Memorial Wall was built and dedicated to those who served at the base by a Padre from Williamtown Air Force Base who was accompanied by several RAAF Officers.
Over 400 people attended the Dedication Ceremony which was catered for by the Ladies club.
As a result of this, both Mens and Ladies clubs changed their names to incorporate the word “Memorial”. The club was Heritage Listed.
