Oliphant joined her husband, Nigel, in the St Clair club 50 years ago and their service over the years resulted in them both being elected life members of the club.
Her contribution was recognised on the opening day of the season when she threw up the first jack and declared the club season open.
Oliphant is a familiar figure at the club and casts a critical eye on performances when watching the action on the green.
"I don't like it when players play the bowl on the wrong hand," she said.
"I enjoy watching bowls."
Club president Carolyn Crawford has nothing but admiration for Oliphant's contribution to the club over the past five decades.
"Lorraine likes to keep in touch with what is going on at the club," Crawford said.
"She attends all functions and enjoys socialising at the club."
The club became even more important to her when her husband died 28 years ago.
"I enjoyed the companionship with the girls at the club when I became a widow," Oliphant said.
"The club became my second home after I lost Nigel."
Oliphant joined the St Clair club before the amalgamation of men's and women's bowls.
It was a time when the women had their own office bearers and conducted their own affairs.
"Lorraine always had the welfare of the whole club at heart and was convener of catering for the men for many years," Crawford said.
She held the office of president and was made a life member of the club in 1989.
Oliphant was competitive at club level on the green and won the fours on three occasions.
She has lived in Dunedin all her life and has three sons who all play bowls - Gerald (Taieri), Michael (Clyde) and David (Auckland).
