Neighbouring clubs from South West Rocks to Woolgoolga turned out to join the party, which included lunch, a social game of two-bowl triples, and of course, many memories.

Macksville vice-president Judy Walker said the club was formed in 1949 - two years after the men had done same - at a site at North Macksville, basically opposite the speed camera on the old highway.

That would be home for the club for 20 years, until they moved to their current location in 1969 when they had one green - the 'bottom green' being added much later, in 1981.

Today, Judy said the club boasted 17 members, including the oldest, Nell Partridge, who is 94 years young and still an active bowler.

But the times, they have a-changed.

It wasn't that long ago - by local reckoning 15 to 20 years' back - that any lady bowler showing too much leg would face the 'measure'.

A mounted ruler was always at the ready in the clubrooms, and the stipulation was that the bottom of a dress could be no more than 15 inches from the ground.

The ruler, along with old uniforms, badges, photographs and Guardian News press clippings, formed a treasure trove of memorabilia on display for the 70^th celebrations.

Judy said special guests include State representative, director Pam Audrich, as well as district committee office bearers.

A lovely nod to the past was the presentation of prizes - with bounty that used to be up for grabs at Macksville long ago - a jar of cream and a tin of fruit to the winners.

The Macksville men might have got the jump on the ladies in forming their bowls club, but Doug Smith, who was on hand on the day helping out, explained that they inexplicably let their 70^th pass by unnoticed.

"We'll just have to wait now for our 75^th to do something," Doug said.