In 1911 the Tatura Butter Factory produced electricity for the town and this included for the Tatura Bowls Club.
The electricity provided allowed for lights strung on wires, supported by wooden poles that were widely spaced and provided some form of lighting over the bowling green, but was certainly not of a very high standard.
The Shepparton Bowling Club played its first game under electric lights on February 28, 1914.
The match was played at Tatura (it was not until a year later that the Shepparton green had lighting installed).
Sixteen Shepparton members made up the visiting party.
They left by horse drawn dray at 6.30 pm, arriving in Tatura at 8 pm. The News report states - Shepparton players were naturally interested in the manner of lighting the green. This was accomplished by the installation of eight lamps each of 200 candle power. The system is not faultless but it was clearly demonstrated that by its adoption on a more extensive scale, bowls can be made a most enjoyable pastime for summer evenings. A few shadows were cast over the green, but they were not sufficiently distinct to interfere with the progress of the game. The ‘jack’ was plainly distinguishable at the opposite end of the green, and to the bowler, that is the main consideration. Shepparton won 88 to 72.
Shortly after World War II, improved overhead lighting was provided, this time on wires strung between old railway line poles positioned vertically.
There were occasions when new types of so-called better globes were inserted into the old fittings.
This was often done by member Keith Tennant, who at great risk to life and limb, had to be elevated on a single ladder to a height of some four metres above the green, all under the close supervision of Greens Director Jack Maskell, more fearful for the surface of the green than for Keith's welfare.
During the 1950s to 1970s night bowls were played twice a week and up to the late 1990s night social bowls were regularly played.
In 1986 the Jack High television series on local television channel GMV6 and featuring Goulburn Valley bowlers in single match competitions was filmed at Tatura Bowls Club under lights.
In 2004, the Tatura Club's centenary year, more efficient corner-mounted lighting was installed on four poles on the Maskell green.
Although the lighting receives minimal usage nowadays, it is still a novelty to get out and have a roll under lights.
In the 2019-20 pennant season Tatura played hometown rivals Hill Top in a division two pennant match.
A season later (October 2020) and the next time the lights are in action is for a pre-pennant challenge match between players of the newly-formed Tatura-Hill Top pennant team in Goulburn Valley bowls.
That's right - the two local Tatura clubs have merged their players into a "one town club" to compete in both midweek and weekend Goulburn Valley pennant.
However that's another story . . .
- John Crilly
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