Saturday 21^st May 1949 was a great day in the history of the Cementco Bowling Club, marking the official opening of their green which is beautifully laid out in the precincts of the works.

The clubhouse and the lawn surrounding the green were gaily decorated with flags and bunting and presented a colourful appearance. A large number of beach umbrellas surrounded the grounds and were fully occupied by many charming Lady visitors. A large marquee was erected to accommodate the big crowd present for afternoon tea.

President A.H. Brooks and Mrs Brooks received the guests at the entrance of the green. The attendance numbered approximately 250, comprising of members and their wives and visitors from the following clubs -- Auchenflower, Corinda, St Lucia, Ipswich, Graceville, Ipswich United Services, Camp Hill, Holland Park, Tarragindi, Pine Rivers, Kedron, Kalinga, Annerley, Newmarket, E.D.C.O., Coorparoo, Limbless Soldiers, Toowong, Hamilton, Yeronga and Windsor.

The members of the Queensland Bowling Association who attended included President Clarrie Roden, Paul Maggs, George Rees, Bob Gardiner and Albert Falk. Other prominent visitors were Jos Francis M.H.R. (Federal Member for Moreton) and Tom Kerr M.L.A. (State Member for Oxley).

Mr. S. Geary (manager of the works and Senior Vice President of the bowling club) acted as M.C. for the day and, before introducing the President, wished all the visitors a very happy afternoon.

In a short address, the President of the club thanked all the visitors for their attendance and mentioned it was a red letter day in regards to bowls and the cement industry, and for the amenities provided for the employees of the company. It was a great boost for the progress of the Darra district. Membership of the club is now 70, which included residents of the district.

The President then introduced Mr. A.E. Axon (Deputy Chairman of Directors) in the unavoidable absence of Mr. P.J. Symes (Chairman of Directors) who, amid loud cheers, unfurled the club flag.

Immediately following this ceremony the members and visitors assembled around the green, where Clarrie Roden (Q.B.A. President) laid the mat and rolled up "kitty" and Mr. Axon bowled the first bowl, to the accompaniment of sustained applause.

The cards were then called and play started. The official rink, Q.B.A. v Cementco, comprised the following – Q.B.A. : George Rees, Bob Gardiner, Paul Meggsand Clarrie Roden. Cementco : M. Martsella, H. Humphries, L. Jones and A.H. Brooks. The result of the game was a win for the Q.B.A. by 17 to 8.

Social games were played between rinks of visitors and members.

At the afternoon tea adjournment President Brooks, in extending a welcome to all the visitors, said he was very proud and happy to see such a wonderful crowd at the opening of the green. He regretted the absence of the Chairman of Directors 9Mr. P.J. Symes), but was very pleased to see Mrs. Symes present. He mentioned that the club was very fortunate in having such a sympathetic Board of Directors, and thanked them very sincerely for their wonderful assistance in building the green, set in such pleasant surroundings. All the members had to supply were bowls and togs. He wished to thank the Green Director (Mr. A.J. Jones) and all the employees for their wonderful efforts. He also desired to thank E.D.C.O. Bowling Club and Corinda Bowling Club for their assistance in teaching the members the game of bowls.

Mr. A.E. Axon, in Mr Symes’ absence, conveyed the good wishes of Mr. Symes and mentioned that Mr. Symes was paramount in his assistance in making the Cementco Bowling Club a success, all the Directors wished to maintain and consolidate the goodwill amongst the staff and also beautify the Darra district. He thanked Mr. Joe Rees and Mr. Paul Maggs for their service in building the green; also the Ladies and gentlemen for their attendance and support. He wished the Q.B.A. every success in their carnival.

Mr. Clarrie Roden (President of the Q.B.A.) congratulated the Directors and members for their enterprise in laying down the green for the employees and residents of the district, and thought it was a wonderful gesture. He said bowls was the most sociable and democratic of all games and was non – political, non -sectarian and non – commercial. There was great teamwork, fellowship and comradeship in bowls. He also wanted to congratulate E.D.C.O. Bowling Club on its setup, E.D.C.O. being the first industrial club in Brisbane, a number of such clubs have been very successful in the south. He desired to convey thanks on behalf of the Ladies and members of the Q.B.A. party for the club’s invitation to be present, and congratulated the Directors and members of the club, wished them luck and welcomed the Cementco Club into the ranks of the Queensland Bowling Association. Clarrie then presented a Q.B.A. badge to President Brooks, Mr. Axon and Mrs. Symes as a momento of the occasion.

Mr. R. Luxton (President of E.D.C.O.) replied on behalf of the visitors and congratulated the club on its fine green and surroundings and wished them all the best of luck.

President Brooks presented Mr. Axon and Mrs. Symes with a teaspoon with a club badge attached ; also club badges to Messrs. C. Roden, P. Maggs, G. Rees and R. Luxton. A token with a club badge was presented to Mr. Joe Rees for his wonderful advice in building the green.

Mrs. Brooks ( wife of the President ) presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Symes and Mrs. Rodenand Mrs. S. Geary ( wife of the Manager of the Works ) presented a bouquet to Mrs. Brooks.

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