Author // Shannon Edwards, Place New Farm
At its picturesque location, perched on the banks of the Brisbane River, Merthyr Bowls Club is the perfect spot to come down, kick off your shoes and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
It’s the relaxed welcoming vibe of the club, with the cool river breezes blowing over the bowling greens, and the clubs touching history that keep locals coming back time and time again.
We spoke with manager of the club, Ray Hughes, who, after 20 years, still feels the same love for Merthyr Bowls as when he started.
“I love seeing familiar smiling faces, even if we don’t see someone for years they always return and that’s a great feeling,” he says.
Ray shares with us 5 things that he loves about Merthyr… and why it’s a special New Farm place.
1. We were the first club to offer barefoot bowls in Brisbane
The club opened in 1944 but didn’t become known as Merthyr Bowls Club until the mid 60’s.
Built next to the Limbless Soldiers’ Club, back in 1944 it was known as the Limbless Soldiers’ Bowling Club, designed as a place for service men and women to socialise and relax along the banks of the Brisbane River.
What makes Merthyr Bowls Club special is that we were one of the first clubs in the state to offer barefoot bowls and from there, it just took off!
Photo Credit: Merthyr Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls
2. Our location is incredible
When thinking about what makes our club unique, one of the major things that comes to mind is the location.
We’re so lucky to be located right on the riverfront in one of Brisbane’s greatest suburbs.
All year round we have wonderful, warm sunlight paired with a cool river breeze - it’s the perfect environment.
But, it’s funny to think that back in the day, riverside activities weren’t very desirable, whereas these days as soon as the sun is shining we can’t wait to be out along the water.
Photo Credit: Merthyr Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls
3. Merthyr Bowls Club has a great atmosphere
Not only do the beautiful conditions of the riverfront location create a nice atmosphere for Merthyr Bowls, but it’s also the welcoming nature of the club.
Merthyr Bowls Club is friendly and easy going.
You don’t have to be a part of the ‘club’ to enjoy Merthyr Bowls, we welcome anyone and everyone to come down and enjoy themselves with their friends and family.
The club appeals to all ages – it’s not just retirees socialising during the week, we have plenty of young people coming down, having a drink and engaging in a bit of friendly competition with their mates.
Photo Credit: Merthyr Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls
4. We have a classic menu that everyone loves
Bowls and BBQ go hand-in-hand – who doesn’t love playing sport while you eat!
Being able to chuck some meat on the barbie and have a few drinks with your friends and family always makes for a great time.
From fish and chips to bangers and mash, we’ve designed the menu to provide the classic favourites that everyone loves.
Photo Credit: Merthyr Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls
5. We’re a great venue for events
Not only are we busy with barefoot bowls from Wednesday’s through to Sunday’s, but also we host lots of great parties and events.
We have people hold their birthday parties, reunions, engagement parties, really any sort of celebration - we’ve seen it here.
What they love is they can tailor the event to be exactly what they want – it could be drinks, a BBQ, a friendly game of bowls or a sit down dinner.
We also hold a number of fundraisers throughout the year for great causes as well as supporting all the local footy teams.
Being part of the community is really important to us down at Merthyr Bowls Club.