Membership
Become a member of Club North HavenSocial membership costs just $11- per year renewable by 31st May every year. We now offer a 3yr Social Membership for $25.
MEMBERSHIP
Annual Reports
Free Courtesy Bus
Bookings: 02 6559 9150Click on the links below to open and print reports
Club North Haven now have 2 courtesy buses. This service is provided free to Members and Guests visiting the Club*. Children under 8 years of age not permitted.
Bus Timetable
Wednesday - Sunday starting from 4pm
North Haven | Laurieton | Dunbogan | Camden Head | Lakewood | Kew | Bonny Hills
Row 1: Chairman Terry King, Deputy Chairman Kel Coulter, Finance Director Brian Johnston
Row 2: Director Irene Page, General Manager Tim Harris, Director Carole Graham
Row 3: Director Col Palmer, Director Larrie James, Director Peter Campbell
Overlooking the beautiful Camden Haven River and only minutes from Dooragan National Park (North Brother Mountain) and patrolled beaches, Club North Haven provides year-round activities and entertainment for residents of the Camden Haven and visitors to the Mid-North Coast of NSW.
In 2017 Club North Haven completed a multi-million dollar renovation which included extending VIP areas, Toilets, Bowlers Locker Rooms, Bowls Office, TAB and Sports Lounge a new multi function room with bar and corporate event facilities, cafe and new furnishing throughout.
We are Situated 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie, the Club is home to some 200 bowling members, and is a favoured destination for travellers all year round.
Catering to a broader membership the Club also offers a wealth of recreational and sporting activities for families and individuals. The local area provides idyllic conditions for outdoor activities. Our sub-clubs include golf, fishing, snooker, darts, and euchre. Other activites include live music, raffles, and social dance. New residents to the Camden Haven find the Club a great place to join social activities and meet new friends. With a focus on social enjoyment, the Club provides a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Our own Haven Waters Motel & Apartments is just 100m from the Club. Also overlooking the Camden Haven River and only minutes walk from North Haven Beach, Haven Waters offers 3 1/2 star accommodation for over 60 guests; with rooms for singles, couples, and families. Couples choosing to hold their Wedding Reception at the Club will find Haven Waters a close, convenient and comfortable location for their visiting guests.
Club History
Club North Haven has come a long way since it had to halve the membership fees, because it simply had nothing to offer potential members.
In just over 55 years, the Club has grown from a group of bowlers without a home, to a strong and ever growing organisation with some of the best bowling greens and clubhouse facilities on the mid north coast.
The Club was founded at a public meeting at the North Haven Community Hall in late 1952. The meeting saw Fred Long elected as the president, with Wal Lewis and Dick Edwards as his secretary and treasurer. That meeting decided to go ahead with a bowling club, and the subs were fixed at three pounds three shillings a year. But with nothing to offer the members, they decided on half fees for the first year or until the green and clubhouse were established.
The committee then had to find suitable available Crown Land for lease. After finding the right block, they then applied to the Lands Dept. for its acquisition, which was eventually accomplished. After soil testing and assistance from neighbouring clubs, mostly Wauchope, with regard to the laying out of the green, work commenced on the leveling of the land. A considerable amount of fill was required, and this was only able to be dumped by trucks on Sundays, as the equipment worked nearly full time at the mineral plant during the week.
The green was underway and the committee then decided to finance the clubhouse. They decided to issue debentures, and call for guarantors for a bank loan. The finance was eventually raised and plans were drawn up by Dudley Baker, after whom one of the greens was named.
Sufficient numbers for membership was a problem, as the liquor laws required 100 members, and as a bowling club it was felt that they could not supply sufficient members. By calling it a bowling and recreation club, and admitting women, they met the requirements of the law.
Some of the early history of the Club has been misplaced, as no records were made, but Dick Edwards recalled some facts some years ago. Mention was made of Jim Gibson for his tireless efforts in the early part of the Club's struggle for survival. Jim took over the secretary's job from Wal Lewis, and carried on until the Club was established and became the first license holder.
Another name he recalled was Geoff Schubert from Comboyne. Geoff was the owner of the sawmill that supplied the floor for the first clubhouse. He said about payment, "when you can afford it; don't let it worry you". It is thought that he did eventually get paid. Laurie Hanslow was one of the biggest investors in debentures, if not the biggest, and when his loan was settled, he refused to take the interest due to him.
The first green was ready for play by the end of 1956 and it was on that green that Ray Ellington won the Club's first championship. The first clubhouse, a modest timber construction, is now the hall for the Laurieton Scouts.
In July 1955, the North Haven Women's Bowling Club was formed with 16 enthusiastic members. Mrs. Tess Gibson was elected president, Mrs. Marcia Sloane honorary secretary and Miss Joan (Walker) Long treasurer. NSWWBA president, Mrs. Ida Wolinski officially opened the Women's Club in March 1958.
The first Riverview Carnival, the combined idea of eight members including Joan Long and Mary Watts, was held in November 1958, and it has grown in popularity over the years. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2008, the Riverview Carnival continues to draw over 300 bowlers from all across NSW and interstate.
A new clubhouse was built in 1970. Don Bray, president of the RNSWBA officially opened the Club in November. At that stage, Dudley Baker was president and Jim Thompson secretary. Afternoon teas were still served in the old club then, as no provision was made for a bistro. RNSWBA vice president, Gordon Bruderlin, officially opened the second stage of development, which included a bistro, auditorium, stage and a second bar, in April 1975.
The Riverview Lounge was the next extension and what a difference that made to the Club. Visitors from everywhere remarked on the fantastic view and the ladies were thrilled with their new lounge. RNSWBA president, Laurie Fraser, officially opened these extensions in April 1984. Wal Hatch was president, and Jack Berry secretary manager. Further extensions were made in 1991, 1994, 2000 and 2007. The 2000 extensions involved provision of a new storeroom on the south west corner of the Riverview Lounge. The snooker room was renovated and in that area a new Boardroom and laundry were added. The men's locker room was moved upstairs and the Ladies locker room was enlarged. The 2007 extensions included improved access to the club for mobility impaired visitors, a new front entrance, foyer and reception. With the freshly laid carpet added in 2009, the Club continues to be a comfortable and welcoming place. When our fantastic greens are taken into consideration, North Haven represents the complete package for the keen bowler and it is no wonder it is so appreciated by members and visitors alike.
In 2016 and to reflect the changing members demographic in the area the club changed it's name to Club North Haven.
It is now 2018 and Club North Haven have renovated the eastern side of the club and developed a new TAB Sports Bar section, Coffee station, Alfresco Gaming, new amenities, Bowling Office, locker rooms and multi purpose function area.
These renovations will hold Club North Haven in good stead moving forward with the proposed growth of the area of some 4,000 new residences over the next ten years. Club North Haven has seen a change in membership over the last three years with the average age of members starting to lower from over 75yrs to a majority of members now between 45 and 70 years of age.
Although there is a name change the new look Club North Haven will still have the same friendly service, great entertainment, fantastic food and the same great friends that they have always had. The sub clubs will still be as active as ever, with men’s and ladies lawn bowls, golf, fishing, snooker, darts, poker, rock n roll, line dancing, tai chi, heart moves and bingo. You can follow what’s on at Club North Haven through all forms of social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or of course here on the website.