The Kelvin Club Inc (Reg No A0027845V) - best viewed in IE6+

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The Fitzroy and East Melbourne Bowling Club

Before the Kelvin Club existed, there was a long-established bowling club on Crown land that is now Victoria Parade. It was a nice little bowling club, and included in its assets was a special unrestricted liquor licence, a prize not easily come by in those days. Progress doomed this particular bowling club, because electric tram tracks were planned to run right through the greens. The first thought of some wise men was: “The liquor licence!”

So, led by Metropolitan Fire Brigade CEO John Wilkins, a group of bowlers stacked the bowling club committee and ensured that, after bowling ceased and the turf was distributed to other clubs, 24 members plus the liquor licence (and the billiard table) transferred to the 4th and 5th floors of a building in Collins Place (now Exhibition Street).

There it was: a bowling club without any actual bowling - an anomaly corrected on 31st October 1927, when it became the Kelvin Club in honour of Lord Kelvin, the Scottish physicist.

A Kelvin Club had existed in Melbourne as a luncheon club prior to 1927, having its origins in the main scientific societies of the day, and the merging of the interests of the two groups created the Kelvin Club of today.

In today’s Kelvin Club bar you will find the Fitzroy & East Melbourne Bowling Club honour board of Club Presidents. There we see John Wilkins appearing as the last president of the bowling club; later he was to become the first president of the Kelvin Club.

Perhaps we should raise a glass to honour him and 23 other ex-bowlers who started something rather good 80 years ago!

Privacy

The Kelvin Club has always been the essence of a private club - where members can regard their Club as an extension of their personal private space: to enjoy the quiet and solitude of the Club, or to join the conversations of other members. As they wish. The rules and behaviours within the Kelvin reflect this simple philosophy.

In the Club, staff are addressed by their first name, and in turn, members are addressed by surname. Quaint.

There has always been strict observance of the privacy of members' information, conversations, and circumstances. Chatham House rules apply within the Club.

Dress Code

Appropriate dress is a measure of respect for the Club and the other members. In these times, our society has become more pragmatic and so has the Kelvin. Business casual is the norm in the downstairs lounge and bar. We are more formal in the dining room: gentlemen, coat and tie, please.

Business Networking

Is permitted. Indeed, encouraged, within the bounds of the over arching principles of personal private Club use. The Kelvin offers facility for business meetings and functions.

Use of Laptops and mobile telephones

These essential accessories of a modern lifestyle are permitted in the lower bar and lounge area on the strict condition that their usage is discreet, unobtrusive, and does not impact the quiet enjoyment of other members.
A wireless internet connection is available for members' convenience.

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