Sport

Tongala celebrates a century of bowls

By Kyabram Free Press

Apr 28, 2026

Geoff Tinning, Rosalie Norman, Barry Campbell and Keith Tinning were among five life members at the Tongala Bowls Club centenary celebration. Photo by Supplied

The Tongala Bowls Club recognised its centenary on Sunday, April 19, inducting a life member to commemorate the occasion.

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Nearly as tenured as the club itself, 99-year-old former president Rosalie Norman became just the 25th life member in the club’s long history, joining four of the other 24 at the event.

“This club has been built by some very special people and Rosalie sits comfortably alongside them,” president Peter Kesson said.

“To have Geoff (Tinning) here to present her with her life member badge is very special and to have Keith and Elaine Tinning here is also amazing,” he said.

Norman served four terms as president and was the 2002-03 club champion.

Rosalie Norman is presented with her membership pin by Geoff Tinning. Photo by Supplied

Tongala Bowls Club was formed in 1925 after its first life member, Bill Gooda, turned his property into a bowls rink in the early ’20s.

At the centenary event, the club also named ‘Finlay Rd’s Finest’, male and female 16-player squads, to recognise the best of the club in the 60 years in its current location.

The teams included seven members of the Tinning family, and three Purdey representatives.

Finlay Rd’s Finest is included in a 48-page online publication detailing the club’s 100-year history and its 100 most influential people.

The publication can be viewed at isu.pub/PKVZXkP