To commemorate the first anniversary of the 2022 big flood, Sharon Pepper and the team at the Lismore City Bowling Club held the first 'All In The Same Boat' barefoot bowls event to get local business owners, managers and workers to get together and have a bit of fun, with the goal of lightening the mood after a horrific 12 months.

All In The Same Boat was such a success that Sharon has made it an annual event. Next Wednesday, 11 February, will be the fourth time that businesses look to add their name to the coveted trophy, although beer/wine and laughter are the main focus.

So far, RDO Equipment, Betta Electrical and Bright Sparks have their name etched in Lismore City Bowling Club history. Who will it be in 2026?

(Last year's winners Bright Sparks: Tanya Gregor, Jefferey Bird, Anna Dodd and Richard Lewin. Photo: supplied)

The option is also for friends to form a team of four and participate. "We welcome everyone, not just the businesses. If anyone wants to just come over for a fun three Wednesday afternoons, they are more than welcome," Sharon Pepper told the Lismore App.

"It's been a great gathering since the floods. Everyone talks about it around town, and asks me when it's going to happen again when January comes around. All different businesses come, which is really good."

If you are thinking of joining the challenge this year, be quick to register your team, as there are only a few slots left, with 17 already on the list.

"If you've got a team, come down, because you're sure to have a fun afternoon. We have a free sausage sizzle, eat as many of the sausages as you want, and it is a good, fun afternoon.

"There's also $500 prize money for the team that scores the most points after the three weeks. But there are prizes to be given out every week for first, second and third. And it's not just for the winners, we draw a card out for teams and if you're the loser or the winner on that card, then you win some prizes, which are all different things, beer, wine, UDLs, t-shirts and all sorts of stuff."

The first time the All In The Same Boat challenge was run, the mood was sombre, and people were exhausted from a tough year. As the years roll on, that mood has lightened.

"It was sad for a lot of people the first year, myself included; we all had stories to tell about the floods. But now it's a happy time. It's a great feeling down here when it happens; everyone has a good time, and everyone's tormenting each other about their shots. We have a dress-up on the last day, which everyone gets involved in. And there's a prize for that as well."

To register a team, call Sharon on 0416 282 247.

You arrive around 5.30pm for a 6pm start, and are guaranteed to be home by 7.30pm.

Bowls are not a requirement as the club has plenty for everyone. "Just bring yourself and your smile," Sharon added.

Greenkeeper Wayne Robinson has had a tough time with the ground pearl lawn disease over the last few months, as have other bowling clubs, so the greens won't be in good order. "We're getting on top of. We've worked out what we've got to do to kill it off. It's like an acid that comes up through the soil, and you see the burn marks on the green."

"They won't be in tip-top condition, but you know what? They're good enough for a bit of fun and a giggle."

Lismore City Council is working on the Municipal building, so parking will be limited at the front entrance. Sharon said there is plenty of space at the back of the City Bowling Club if you drive down Anzac Close, near the Lismore Baths and war memorial. Or park on Molesworth Street and walk around.