On 1 September 1910, it was decided to form a club at Umbogintwini. Mr. T. Warner and 8 others approached Kynoch Ltd. for 150 Pounds to purchase tables, chairs and a 2nd hand billiard table with accessories, and enough liquor to stock a bar.

UMBOGINTWINI CLUB WAS BORN!

A concrete pitch already existed on the sports field, so cricket was the first sport to get off the ground. Later in the same year (1910) - 2 tennis courts were built, and a clubhouse was established in Highbury Road.

A home for the billiard table and accessories had to be found, so a wood & iron room was built with provision made for the all important liquor stocks.

By 1913 the little clubhouse was no longer adequate and a new larger clubhouse was built on the site of the 2nd bowling green and war memorial.

1914 saw the start of World War 1 and also the start of the golf course - six holes. There were now seven sections in the club - namely: cricket, hurling, air rifle, music & dramatics, debating and golf. The accident rate during hurling games was so high - the game was abandoned.

1916 - the golf course had been expanded to 9 holes.

During 1935, bowls was started and the OPPENHEIMER TROPHY competition introduced.

Total club membership in 1939 totalled 412 - then came World War 2 and in 1943 - 101 of the members were part of the Forces.

By July 1941 - membership numbers had dropped to 262.

The war was over, membership numbers increased, and the clubhouse getting older and too small. 1954 saw the opening of yet another new clubhouse, followed in 1959 by the erection of the squash courts. A function room and main bar were added in 1960.

By 1969, a swimming pool had been added and membership had swelled to 2000.

During the 1970's a lounge was built and the Golf Pro Shop and Ladies Bar were introduced.

1980 - membership was now 2200 - further improvements were achieved - extentions to the main bar, kitchens, parking and the cricket/hockey pavillion.

By 1985 membership had increased to 2650.

Men's Pensioners League - photographed at Amanzimtoti Bowling Club





Umbogintwini Bowling Club
Men's Pensioner's League Team - date unknown