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Mosman’s Warringah Bowls Club issues SOS. Locals urged to “buy a beer and a meal”.

Published On: April 8, 2025

Warringah Bowls Club needs urgent patronage to prevent it from closing, according to Club Secretary Liane Peek.

By ANNA USHER

It’s one minute to midnight for Mosman’s Warringah Bowls Club, with community patronage urgently needed to secure its future.

Plummeting sales and low visitor numbers have pushed the 120-year-old institution to the brink of closure, threatening to end its storied legacy without immediate support.

The 120-year-old club will vote on a Pickleball proposal, which will see 6 courts built on a green, next week.

Last week, the Bradleys Head Rd club sold just 450 beers and 16 cups of coffee and welcomed only 35 barefoot bowlers.

Even the weekly Meat Raffle – worth $325 – fell short, generating just $290 in ticket sales.

Club Secretary Liarne Peek has issued an immediate call to action, pleading with locals to “come in for a beer and a meal”.

“Things are looking dire for the club – there is no other way to put it,” she said, “we need a lifeline, and we need it now.”

The “Bowlo” has been located on Bradleys Head Rd in Mosman for more than 120 years.

A proposal to replace two-thirds of a bowling green with six synthetic Pickleball courts will be decided by club members on April 14. If approved, the club will pursue a development application with Mosman Council.

“And if it doesn’t pass, I think it’s fair to say that we will have no option but to close,” Ms Peek said.

“Warringah Bowls Club is hanging on by its fingernails.”

The club’s financial health has deteriorated significantly over the past year, with the aged clubhouse urgently needing repairs. “We’ve even had to borrow money just to fix the roof,” Peek disclosed.

“If the community could help us by coming in and buying a drink, it would help.

“Things are desperate.”

Club Secretary Liarne Peek has issued an SOS to the community, asking locals to come in for a “beer and a meal”

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Warringah Bowls Club social memberships are just $20/year and offer a 5% discount on all drinks.

Bowls memberships are $300 annually, with a 15% drinks discount.

A schooner of Tooheys New will set you back $9.80 ($9.30 for social members and $8.33 for bowls members), with regular spirits priced at $10.40 ($9.88 social + $8.84 bowls) and House Wine $9/glass ($8.55 social + $7.65 bowls)

“We have struggled to keep our head above water for many years, but the club’s takings in 2025 are particularly bad.”

Warringah Bowls Club sold just 450 beers last week, and 16 cups of coffee.

Several new activities will be offered in the coming months, including Mahjong, Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga.

“And it is hoped we will have a Growers Market every second Saturday morning so the community can buy bread, meat, flowers, cheese, and produce,” Ms Peek said.

Immediate community engagement is crucial. Events like Trivia Tuesdays and Kids’ “Light Up” Bowls need more attendance. Peek highlighted the club’s shift from traditional gaming to a more family-focused environment. “By removing all poker machines, we’ve transformed into a true community hub for families to enjoy,” she explained.

“I am urging all members to step up and use their club – and for non-members to consider joining us. We have never needed your help more than now.”