In September 2025 the Lord Howe Island Historical Society and Museum hosted two talks by John Brock, who was visiting the island, on the life of early Island resident Phil Payten.
Presentations by John Brock on the life of Philip Payten
John Brock had been researching land surveying history in Parramatta and came across a record of Phillip Joseph Payten who was a surveyor in the 1920s at Parramatta; and for health reasons he moved to live on Lord Howe Island in 1923.
Philip Payten was also a keen lawn bowler and with others, started the first lawn bowls in Australia, at Parramatta. He brought his love of bowls to Lord Howe Island and set up the first bowls club on the Island in 1922.
John gave his presentation at the Bowling Club on Tuesday 2nd September 4 pm. It was enjoyed by all who attended, particularly two of the Island elders Lois Whistler (100 years old) and Betty Lonergan; who remembered as children Phil Payten and his wonderful garden.
John also gave his presentation at the Museum 10 am Thursday 4th September.
Philip Payten lived at the property Valdon, which is where the Beachcomber Lodge is now situated.
In 1933, he coached the Lord Howe Island Cricket Team, playing against the NSW Parliament team.
