Kittyhawks Bowls

 

During a break at an open tournament in 1977 a germ of an idea from Bob Kostanich and Bob McDonald took life.

 

From a table in the clubhouse doorway they compiled a short list of willing prospects on show. So started what was to become the Kittyhawk Bowling Club!

 

Soon after this on the 20^th December 1977 this initial group of 25 met and threw ideas around. The principle thoughts were to develop a loosely structured club along the lines of the Golfing Eagles. The main object was to draw together bowlers who had already contributed time and effort to their own clubs, and could enjoy the company of a wider group.

 

From this a steering committee of Bos Kostanich, Hilton Marshall-Smith, Cliff Shanks, Colin Brown and Bob McDonald was formed and known as the “Crusaders” to put together some ideas.

 

A meeting called for the 8^th March 1978 was attended by 50 bowlers. After much discussion and good humour, with many ideas shared, the “Kittyhawk Bowling Club” was born!

 

The first Annual Meeting was held in June 1978. Bos Kostanich was elected Founder President and Cliff Shanks presented us with a draft set of regulations. Colin Brown’s ideas were considered best! So started our now familiar of gold colour blazers. Original ties and badgers and monograms, which were soon replace by our present discreet design.

 

Interesting items from early records:

 

“All prospects were required to purchase a blazer, etc, when accepted into club” and to display on all suitable occasions.

 

A tournament was proposed and the second Monday, December 7^th 1978, was chosen as a good date to avoid clashing with any of the many established events of the day. Held at Okahu Bay, this was most successful and it was easily decided that the proceeds should be offered to the Halberg Trust. This was inspired because of Bob McDonald’s lengthy friendship with the then Murray Halberg, which had its beginning several years earlier at the 1962 Empire Games in Perth.

 

When it was decided to make this an annual event, it was soon obvious more space was needed. So the move was made to Onehunga Bowling Club, where it has remained since.

 

There have been many highlights. Who can forget the after-lunch speeches of our first Patron, Sir Dennis Blundell? Never a bowler, he enjoyed our event. Always immaculate in cricket gear, complete with English County Blazer, he entertained us with many humorous anecdotes from his interesting career. This and the great efforts of Millie Kostanich and her team of helpers, along with the splendid trays of fresh cooked fish provided by Ivan Marsic and delivered right on time by brother Wally, ensured our tournament quickly gained unequalled prestige.

 

The attached note from Lady Blundell indicated Sir Dennis Blundell’s pleasure.

 

The many benefactors among our members have always assured the success of our raffles.

Still leading the way is Jack Carter and Henselite. Other notable contributions were the pieces of occasional furniture regularly supplied by Jim Stead or the TV set provided by Peter Dunn & Associates.

 

Soon the Kittyhawks became a major contributor to the Halberg Trust: some $20,000 in our first 10 years – now it’s well in excess of $100,000. 

 

At earlier Sportsman of the Year functions, it was very gratifying for the Kittyhawks to be acknowledged alongside our good friends “The Eagles” by the Trust speakers.  

Due to the ongoing efforts of Bob McDonald, the club has assisted many other clubs with players for their events.

 

The club can be very proud of all these efforts!

 

                                                                                                           

The Kittyhawk Club enjoys a very worthwhile position in the Auckland Bowling world and membership invitations are keenly sought. During the 25 years the club has been well served by just 12 Presidents, all of whom have contributed hugely.

 

Presidents have been:

Bos Kostanich

Cliff Shanks

Bill Brokenshire

Ken Lenihan

Bob Surgenor

Colin Brown

Bob Elliott

John Wells

Neil Arnold

Gary Fleming

Don Wilson

Ken Gilchrist

 

All of these have been assisted by good officials, notably:

 

Paul Kortegast

Jim Smith

Owen Cross

Doug Armstrong

Willie Carter

And, of course, Bob McDonald

And many willing members.