Vast mānuka and scrub with Māori tracks linking coastal settlements
1861
First Pioneers Settle
Walker, Dignan, Blagrove & Thomas families arrive between Meola and Oakley Creeks
1902
The Dignan Homestead
Thomas Dignan builds "The Pines" at what is now 25 Dignan Street
1913
First Club Formed
Early Pt Chevalier bowling and sports clubs — initially using land purchased by Mackie, McIvor, Hoskin, Fairweather and Mattson near Smale Street for the sum of £5
1915
Dignan Acquires Land
Thomas Dignan acquires another 12 acres off Dignan St including the future sports ground site
1920
Johnstone Buys In
Ngatea farmer H.B. Johnstone acquires 6 acres from Thomas Dignan including the future sports ground
1927
The Great Gift
Johnstone gifts 4.5 acres and a 14-room house for bowls, croquet & tennis. Six trustees appointed
1928
HBJ Sports Club Officially Formed
HBJ offers to subsidise pound-for-pound any sum raised by the club up to £500
1945
Hallyburton Johnstone Victory Cup
See it on display in the Bowling Club. Competition still runs each year
1949
Johnstone's Passing
Bequeathed in his will for the club to have trophies for annual competitions. He wanted his legacy to live on through the HBJ Sports Club
1949
Greenkeeper's House
Trustees purchase 29 Dignan St for £1,050 as residence for the club greenkeeper
1973
Clubhouse Renovated
Men's lounge refurbished; ladies welcomed into the lounge for the first time
1980
Origins Recorded
Trustee C. Rosenfeldt recounts the club's founding story at AGM for posterity
1983
End of an Era
Honorary solicitor Mr Jordan dies after 55 years of service to the Trust
2003
Bowls Clubs Unite
Men's and women's bowling clubs amalgamate into one combined club
2015
Community Garden
Dignan Street Community Garden established on a retired bowling green
2018
Pirates Win 3Five
Pt Chev Pirates win the inaugural Sky Sports Bowls 3Five league
2025
Community Garden Turns 10
Dignan Street Community Garden celebrates its 10-year anniversary
2026
Community Saves Our Sports Clubs
Fighting a challenge to the land and clubs which are the heart of our community
2027
100 Years!
A century of sport & community at 25 Dignan Street