Local Legend Marks 106th Birthday at Gerringong Bowlo

Evergreen Gwen indulged in the coffee-based beverage as she celebrated another special birthday surrounded by about 40 family and friends at Gerringong Bowling Club on Sunday, 7 June.

A founding member of the South Coast Club — volunteering in the kitchen and catering events when the local institution opened at Werri Beach in 1960 — Gwen is embedded in the fabric of her beloved Bowlo.

Affectionately known by the community as the ‘Gerringong Dynamite’, Gwen and her late husband David had a holiday cottage in the beachside town for 20 years before building a permanent home in 1976. 

“Gwen's a foundation member of the Club — 106 is a great innings and she’s still going,” Gerringong Bowlo CEO Nathan Lawrence told ClubLife.

“She makes a point of coming down every birthday to celebrate with the family. She’s really well liked and loved within our community. We’re happy to support her and keep her at the Club as long as possible.”

A keen lawn bowler and surfing enthusiast, Gwen was also an avid bingo player at the Club until recent years.

The centenarian’s astounding longevity and connection to the Bowlo are underscored by her bowls achievements across several decades. Among the many highlights was a mixed pairs three-peat alongside David from 1973-75. 

At 90 years young, with multiple pennant wins to her name, she retired from the sport in 2010.

Gwen’s outstanding contributions were recognised in 2020 with Life Membership of Gerringong Women’s Bowling Club. The local legend continues to stop by the Bowlo for the odd social outing and famously powers through word puzzles and books — embodying her “use it or lose it” mantra.

“She's still sharp-witted, still active and out and about within the community,” Mr Lawrence added.

As well as providing an espresso martini on the house, the Club paid tribute to their “most mature member” in a heartfelt Facebook post that has garnered more than 1,300 likes.

“What a treasure you are! Thank you for letting us celebrate this special occasion with you, espresso martini and all!” the post read.

“May the year ahead be your best yet.”

You can bet Gwen will be back at the Bowlo, martini in hand, for her next milestone.