The Club was formed in February 1942 and members initially played on a small Green in Salisbury Street where the top end of Reevedon Retirement Village now stands. Subscriptions were 15/- reduced to 12/6 if paid before December. In 1943 the Bath Street land was made available by the Council who charged an annual fee of $1.00. – now in the $800’s - although at the time of the 50th Jubilee it was still only a nominal $3.50.

Although the Club was first known as Levin Women’s this was changed in 1946 to Horowhenua Ladies, this was mainly because it had become known locally within all the Club as the Ladies Green and correspondence always came addressed Levin Ladies – some time later when Levin Bowling Club opened a Women’s Section there was quite a problem with the names and changes were made – hence we are back to Levin Women’s – but we still remain as ‘Ladies’.

The Stone Cottage built in 1905, previously Thompson House Gardeners Cottage, was the first Club Rooms and in 1957– unlined, no kitchen and no Toilets??? The ceiling remained open to the rafters for a number of years until 1963 when a kitchen was added and the ceiling lined.

In 1975 the western portion of the Club house was built – a ‘Powder Room included’ - this renovation was not without controversy as it required the removal of the Thompson House swimming pool which resulted in many objections from the Public, however the project proceeded and the extension completed. A further extension was added in 1984 and other than the usual regular maintenance the Clubhouse retains its current appearance.

During these early years the County Council and then Horowhenua District Council took responsibility for maintaining the area and getting the Green ready for Tournaments, at the time the Green was just a ‘Grass’ Green and preparation consisted of using the ordinary Gardens Lawnmower to keep it at a suitable level. In the late 90’s the Council Reserves Manager recommended to Council that because of expenses the Green be closed and the area brought back under the Reserves Management by Council, the suggestion being that the area be developed as a Rose Garden. After many discussions it was agreed to renew the Lease to the Bowling Club who then undertook to maintain the leased area themselves. Over the next few years a number of Greenkeepers were employed but in 2006 maintenance of the Green was taken over by professional Greenkeeper, Mr Gary Walden, who retired last season brought the Green up to a top standard and his efforts are now being well looked after by our new Greenkeeper David Johnson.

76 years later the Club continues to thrive with a reasonably static membership of 33 a little bit down from the 60’s and 70’s when most Bowling Clubs had a waiting list of people wishing to join. At that time Membership of the Club was in the 80’s and facilities stretched to their limit. The current Lease expires in 2018 and is currently under negotiation to renew but it is not envisaged that there will be any problems with this and we are hopeful of at least seeing another 3x3 year term which will take us through to 2024.

Meantime ‘All is Well’ at the Levin Women’s Bowling Club.