Harnam and Sherree
On April 11, 2026, approximately 70 members and guests gathered at the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club to dedicate the newly renovated equipment building as “Harnam House.” The rain held off and the afternoon became a joyful celebration of Harnam and Sherree Grewal’s extraordinary generosity and lifelong volunteerism. The program was divided into two parts: an outdoor unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an indoor celebration in Carnarvon House.
The Ribbon Cutting: From Shed to House
OBLBC President Doug Francis welcomes guests to the dedication
Outdoor Ceremony – 5:15 pm
OBLBC President Doug Francis opened the proceedings with warm remarks, thanking everyone for attending and officially welcoming Harnam and Sherree.
“Thank you everyone for coming to the Dedication and Naming
Ceremony of the newly renovated equipment building which is
changing from a shed to a House thanks to the generosity of Harnam
and Sherree Grewal. Please welcome Harnam and Sherree.” – Doug Francis
He then introduced David Anderson as Master of Ceremonies.
Club members gather for the unveiling of Harnam House
The Unveiling
David Anderson with unveiling of Harnam House
Official ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling at Harnam House
David Anderson led the group through the official unveiling and ribbon cutting. Harnam and Sherree were joined by outgoing President Doug Francis and President-elect Lauren Charlton for the ceremony.
“I am delighted to assist with the dedication ceremony today as Harnam has been such an important member of our Club since joining in 2001. Harnam and Sherree will you please join me in front of the door with our outgoing President Doug Francis and our President-elect Lauren Charlton for the unveiling of the renamed building and ribbon cutting.” – David Anderson
The building was officially renamed Harnam House, and a dedication plaque was unveiled recognizing Harnam’s generous donation to the Legacy Fund and the many volunteers who helped rebuild the facility.
Harnam House Plaque
Inside Harnam House
A big round of applause echoed across the green as Harnam and Sherree cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially opened the building to the grateful members.
Honoring “The Volunteers”
David Anderson sharing details of Harnam’s Leadership and Legacy
The celebration moved inside to Carnarvon House, where David Anderson shared the deeper history behind the Grewal legacy. The interior of Harnam House now features plaques honoring the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers), in which Harnam served with distinction, eventually becoming Honorary Colonel.
“Harnam was an active volunteer throughout his life. The two plaques inside the renewed building honours Harnam’s respect for volunteers and his own volunteerism kindled in him and how they became a constant in his life. The signs read as follows:” – David Anderson
Honoring Colonel Harnam Grewal of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment – The Volunteers
“Ever since high school days in Hong Kong he wanted to join the Royal Hong Kong Regiment known as The Volunteers. Given the role the Regiment played in the defense of Hong Kong it was very near and dear to his heart. He joined The Volunteers as a trooper in 1963 and was commissioned in 1966. He rose through the ranks to Major. He was then invited to become Honorary Colonel of the Regiment – The Volunteers. This is why Harnam wished to pay respect to The Volunteers as a part of his legacy donation. He wished to encourage and recognize volunteers at OBLBC.
Harnam was born in 1937 in the Punjab and the family returned to Hong Kong in 1947. As referenced previously, he obtained a BA Honours degree in English and a diploma in Education from the University of Hong Kong followed by a Master’s degree in Geography at Cambridge. During his career with the Hong Kong Government, he held various degrees of increasing responsibility including Commissioner of Customs and Excise and Secretary for the Civil Service. His service and contributions during his career were recognized when he was awarded CBE Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. He was a member of the Royal Regiment of Hong Kong – The Volunteers from 1963 to 1984 and served as Honorary Colonel from 1987 to 1990.
He married his wife Sherree in 1973; they have a son and a daughter. Harnam was naturally athletic and valued fitness and service. He played field hockey for the Hong Kong Olympic field Hockey team in 1966. So, it is no surprise that Harnam excelled at the sport of Lawn Bowls, short mat, croquet, darts and anything else he put his mind to. He played hundreds perhaps thousands of matches in Club and interclub BSI tournaments. He was in the provincials in 2007 with fellow member Joan Firkins and they went on to play in the Nationals in Fredericton New Brunswick. He won many competitions over the years. Harnam was a player with true sportsmanship and a keen sense of competition.
He was a gifted coach for ushering new players into a sport they got quickly attached to. He was a marker at the club and BSI levels. Harnam was also a skilled and respected umpire who umpired at the provincials.
Harnam was on the OBLBC Executive for many years and was president in 2005-06. In addition, he also compiled A Club History and Golden Jubilee Tribute in 2004. Some interesting facts he recorded were as follows:
- The equipment shed was built in 1991 by club members.
- It took three years to create greens after the Club was formed.
- The club flagpole was salvaged from the Rudyard Kipling hotel when it was taken down to create the Oak Bay Marina.
- In 1998 John Anderson contributed $10,000 which was the full cost to have lockers built.
- For many years watering was on Mondays and required pipes to be laid out, attached and dismantled each time.
- Prior to the early 80’s, the club was gender based with executive committees and finances for both men and women. They were amalgamated in 1984; the year a first woman was elected President.
- The Provincials were held at Oak Bay in 1969 due to the high quality of the Club’s greens
” — David Anderson
A Poetic Tribute
Several members shared warm memories and tributes, including Linda Cowie, Joan Firkins, Donna Blackstock, Mort Nelson, Brian Sandercock, Brent Jansen, and David Anderson.
Helen Kempster then read her specially composed poem.
Poem by Helen Kempster with artistic additions by Kory Swain
“I was truly moved by Helen’s heartfelt poem, which so beautifully captures Harnam’s deep and lasting connection with our club over the years. To honor this special tribute, I’ve added a decorative border in green and gold — the official colors of our Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club crest. The delicate white flowers woven into the design symbolize the purity of heart and kindness that Harnam has shown to every member of our club, both past and present.” – Kory Swain
Looking Forward: New Mats and Shade
Lauren Charlton announcing upcoming Legacy donation projects
President-elect Lauren Charlton then announced two exciting new projects funded by the remaining Legacy Fund donation:
“The Executive discussed with Harnam what he would like done with any funds that might be left from the equipment shed renewal expenses. He gave his support to two other areas where he saw a need at the Club. The good news is that funds are available from the $25,000 donation. I am very pleased to announce that the Club will be able to purchase two new short mats before the Fall and the opening of the next indoor season.
In addition, Harnam and Sherree’s donation will be able to address a need that was mentioned in the Club history Harnam compiled which dated back to 2004. That ‘need’ reported was for the installation of some protection from the sun along the north side benches. The remaining funds from the Legacy donation will support the installation of pivoting rectangular umbrellas over to north side benches of both greens in the coming months.
Thank you Harnam and Sherree; these improvements will be enjoyed by Club members for years to come.” – Lauren Charlton
Words from Harnam
Harnam speaking to club members
“Ladies and Gentlemen, What an honour this is! I am humbled to say the least, to have the newly refurbished and reorganized equipment shed called HARNAM HOUSE, as they would say in my ancestral village in the Punjab. The equipment shed is the most important structure in any lawn bowling club. It holds all the equipment necessary to play a game of lawn bowls, and lately croquet on either our two greens. I am indebted to all the volunteer members who helped generously with their time, expertise and energy to complete the project. They are Doug Francis, Lauren Charlton, Jan Price, Lorne Cowley, Ed Walker, Brent Merchant, Arne Langston, John Dolman, Judy Black, Mary Magill, Michael Perry, Ray Dilba, Brent Jansen, and Susan Buss. Quite a crew, with oodles of talent!
Lastly, I am grateful to Sherree for her loving support as always in this and other endeavours, such as the Carnarvon House Expansion Project. I chaired the Planning and Development Committee for that project. It was made possible by generous grants from the Provincial Government and the Municipality. Although not a lawn bowler, Sherree accompanied Joan Firkins and myself to Fredericton, Nova Scotia in 2007 when Joan and I won the Open Mixed Pairs. Several teams from the Mainland took part in the competition also. Though Joan and I did not win, in the end we had a good run, including beating Ontario A!!
I have been a member of the Club since 2001. I remember Linda Cowie was President then. One of my biggest regrets is that I did not take up lawn bowling in Hong Kong where I was born and raised. Back in 2015, Brent and Susi Merchant supported by Eric and Henriette Ballinger nominated me for Life Membership. This motion was accepted by members. So, I will be keeping in touch with the Club. In the meantime, I will continue attending the gym at the Henderson Recreation Centre and working with the weights I can handle and some of the machines and other paraphernalia that I use there.
Thank you for having Sherree and me here today. All the very best, and take care. ” – Harnam Grewal
With Sincere Thanks
The evening concluded with a celebratory Chinese meal for 60 guests, expertly organized by Brent Merchant and served with the help of many dedicated volunteers. David Anderson thanked everyone who assisted with the event.
“A big thank you to Brent Merchant who organized the Chinese food order, delivery, etc. as well as to Garry Anderson and John Dolman who assisted to provide a hot meal being served with the assistance of warming trays and HOT plates! Thanks to Lorne Cowley and Donna Stewart for collecting the dinner payment, Joan Firkins for running the busy bar with the assistance of Angela Adamek and Gloria Brown who took photos, Judy Black, Doug Francis, Angela Adamek, Veronica Planella, Lauren Charlton, Jack Chubb and perhaps a few more (apologies) completed the dishes and clean-up most efficiently.” – David Anderson
Everyone left with smiles and lasting memories of a wonderful celebrations. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible — the volunteers, speakers, photographers, kitchen crew, and all who attended. Harnam and Sherree’s legacy will continue to enrich the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club for generations to come.
Submitted by Lauren Charlton