A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

A Century of Bowling 

in Berkshire 

1910 - 2010 

Graham Rogers

Acknowledgements 

The author is very grateful to everyone who assisted in the production of this 

publication. Particular thanks go to the Secretaries of the Bowling Clubs 

affiliated to The Royal County, who provided information about their Club’s 

histories, and to those members of Clubs, who shared their stories and memories of 

Clubs they have known both past and present. 

I am also very indebted to Alan Bartter for the time spent as my “Proof-Reader”, thereby 

eliminating as many mistakes as possible in the compilation of this publication. 

Every effort has been made to verify the information herein, but should there be some 

discrepancies with people’s own recollections, please contact the author through the 

County. 

Graham Rogers. 

2

Foreword by The President 

I 

am very honoured to write this foreword as your President for this our Centenary 

Year, and also my 42nd year as a playing member with The Royal County of 

Berkshire Bowling Association. I have been closely involved with others in the 

continued development of the Association since 1993, when I was elected to serve as 

a Selector and in 2005 was elected to the post of Hon. Assistant Secretary, which has 

bought me into contact with many members over the years. I have been very proud to 

have played a small part in what has been achieved, and in the friendships I have made. 

The game has certainly moved on in the last 100 years. Gone are the days of men only Clubs, wooden 

bowls and men playing in flat caps, ties and ordinary dress shoes. Now replaced by Clubs 

adopting coloured shirts, many types of bowls and better playing surfaces. 

The Association would not function without the support of its 47 Member Clubs, who have 

always been very accommodating, when their facilities have been requested for County 

Matches and Competitions. 

We salute you. 

There have been many Berkshire successes over the years with members winning National Titles, 

becoming Internationals and we have contributed 5 Presidents to the National Body. 

Many members, past and present have made significant 

contributions for our benefit, and to enjoy the game we 

cherish, and I hope the next 100 years are as successful, 

which will enable the game to continue to attract more 

members and the friendship it brings. 

Barry Dillon 

President 2010 - The R.C.B.B.A. 

We are indebted to Graham Rogers for his tremendous 

effort in producing this publication and I wish to 

acknowledge the patience, research and professionalism 

by him and thank him, and also the Clubs and 

individuals for providing the information contained, 

creating a very comprehensive History of The Royal 

County of Berkshire Bowling Association. 

3

4 

A Message from Bowls England

A Message from The Queen 

5

100 Years and still going strong… 

Every birthday is special, but a 100th birthday is extra special and a time to be 

enjoyed in the company of friends. The Association’s Centenary programme is an 

invitation to all members and bowling acquaintances to renew their friendships 

and perhaps reflect on what has happened in the past. The purpose of our Association is 

to provide enjoyment through challenge, competition and companionship, and this we 

hope will be in abundance in our special year. 

All our regular competitions and fixtures are still in place, and we shall look forward to 

welcoming back to our greens, teams from Bowls England, Berkshire County Women’s 

Bowling Association, The Denny Side, Berkshire Vice Presidents and Home Counties Bowling 

Association to name but a few. 

Please see the back cover for fuller details of these special matches. 

In place of the usual Bannerette Matches for 2010 only, we will be holding eight invitation 

matches in various parts of the County, inviting a rink from each Club in that locality, to play 

against a team picked by the County, again consisting of County and Non-County players. 

We hope that this will allow the maximum participation in our special year by all Clubs and 

players. 

Please enjoy our celebrations both on and off the green and I hope the booklet brings back 

many happy memories of times past. 

With the support of all the members of The Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association, I 

am sure we will have a truly HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

6

The Story of our 100 Years 

The roots of our County actually started in 1906 with the formation of The 

Reading and District Bowling Association, where eligibility was based upon 

Clubs being within a 20 mile radius of Reading. 

The Association consisted of eight Clubs, Newbury, Bracknell, Desborough, Hurst, Huntley 

and Palmers, West End, Mortimer and Reading. 

The entrance fee was 10s.6d (52.5p) and subscriptions no more than 10s.6d. The rules of the 

London and Southern Counties Bowls Association formed the basis of their own rules, with 

minor amendments in subsequent years. 

On the 27th January 1910, it was proposed that the name be changed to “Berks. County 

Bowling Association” and this proposal was later carried in a motion at a subsequent meeting held on 

14th March 1910, with the recommendation that they also contact the E.B.A. 

Colours were to be – “green and red stripes and monogram for pocket badge to be in gold, 

with a line around the pocket”. The badge would also incorporate the Stag and Oak, which 

appeared in the regimental colours of the Royal Berkshire Militia. 

The first County match against Gloucestershire took place at the Winter Gardens rink on 

June 6th 1910, and featured below is the team who were:- 

Leaver, F Attenbrow, Anderton, T Street, W Johnson, W P Lasham, W Hyde, F Pitcher, W Davies, G Panter, T Lawrence, 

T Ward, J Blazey, J Foster, F Butler, H Childs, J Webber, J H Baylis, R Jones, H Meabey, G Eighteen, H Wright, T Waldron 

& F Lindar. 

7

Later in September 1910, a match with Bedfordshire took place at West End Club. 

In the first annual report to the Association held on the 11th March 1911 held at the Bull 

Hotel in Reading it was reported as follows:- 

Dear Sir, 

In submitting the report for the past year I am pleased to state the 

Competitions were all well contested. 

The Silver Challenge Cup was this year won by the representative 

team of the Factory Club, who beat the holders, Reading, by 33 to 30 

points. This makes the 4th time the Factory has won it. The winners 

will also be presented with a prize. 

In the Single Handed Competition Mr. H. Hawes (Hurst Club) and 

F Pitcher (Maidenhead Thicket) were left in the final and after a very 

keen game, Mr. Hawes won by 21 to 18 points. The winner will 

receive a prize kindly presented by the President (Mr. T. Street) and 

the runner-up a prize given by the Association. 

The Association is to be congratulated on winning all the County 

matches they played last season. The first one played was at Cheltenham 

on 6th June, against Gloucestershire, the result being Berkshire 118 

Gloucestershire 108 The return match was played on the Reading 

Green 8th August, Gloucestershire this time only losing by 3 points; 

Berkshire 124, Gloucestershire 121. 

The next match was with Oxfordshire, played on the West End Green; 

here again another keen and close game, the scores being: Berkshire 

106, Oxon 102. The competing clubs were Reading, Mortimer, Hurst, 

Bracknell, Desborough, Maidenhead Thicket, Sutton’s, Reading West 

End, Reading Biscuit Factory. 

Yours faithfully, 

John Foster 

Hon Sec. 

8

Clearly we got off to a good start with our County fixtures, which have grown significantly in 

numbers since then, as we now have 19 Inter County Matches, plus 4 Associations we play 

on an annual basis. 

In 1912 the after match meal against Gloucestershire was hosted at the well known and 

fashionable Skindles Hotel in Maidenhead, where Lord Desborough and Lord Astor were 

invited guests. 

1913 – The drawing of rinks used to be with the use 

of a bowler hat for each side. Picture of County 

playing Gloucestershire & drawing their rinks. 

1913 was also the year in which the first 

of “Bannerette Styled Games” took place, 

as Newbury invited the County to bring 

a team to the Club, but alas lost 49:65. 

Bannerette Games now form an integral 

part of our bowling year and help to 

provide all bowlers with a chance to play 

elsewhere. 

After 3 years of County Matches, it was 

decided to create a selection committee 

to choose the players for matches, 

and this consisted of The Captain, Vice 

Captain and three other representatives from different clubs. Needless to say there were the 

usual questions asked “Why did not you choose a player from my club” and moans about 

the teams selected, perhaps some things never change! 

As we moved forward to 1914, when we were at 

war, the minds of bowlers turned to raising money 

for the benefit of charities and the war effort. A 

smoking concert was held and raised £32.12s.6d, 

which was handed over to the Royal Berks. 

Regiment for their Tobacco Pipe and Cigarette 

fund for the troops fighting on the front. Similar 

acts of generosity continued throughout the 

County and its Clubs. 

1927 – the year in which Tom 

Tickle of Park Institute Club 

became the first player to win 

the E.B.A. Singles Championship 

for Berkshire, although 

we had a runner-up in 1909 

& 1922. 

9

In July 1928 Berkshire was privileged to entertain the New Zealand Bowlers at Aldermaston. 

The Tourists performing the traditional Maori dance to their hosts and opponents 

at Aldermaston Court. (Berkshire won the match 131:95). 

By 1929 there were 22 Clubs now affiliated, so for the purposes of competitions, the County 

was split into zones as follows: 

Newbury & District 

Abingdon 

Reading 

Maidenhead 

4 clubs 

4 clubs 

8 clubs 

6 clubs 

Zone winners would then go forward and play on a neutral green. 

By 1931 the ever vexing question of uniform was with us again, and we now had – a green 

blazer, white flannels, brown shoes, white felt hat with County hat band, and the official 

stockists were Mr. Butler of King Street Reading. 

Also in this year the idea of having a Benevolent Fund was raised, which became a 

reality three years later. It was agreed that the identity of the beneficiaries would remain 

confidential to the Fund’s Officers, and that same tradition is upheld today, with many 

bowlers benefiting from various forms of financial assistance. 

The Annual Accounts for the Fund showed that in 1934 there were already Grants being 

made to six cases, and the total funds then were £134.10s.0d. Herbert Farley was our first 

Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, followed by Ted Shuttle, who in turn was succeeded by 

Wally Kersley. 

10

Wally was described by Mr. Campbell-Dykes as “one of the most indefatigable workers I 

know for the cause.” 

Since then we are indebted to the number of Committee Members, who have given so much 

time and energy to furthering the cause of the Benevolent Fund. 

Berkshire was a leader in this field, for in 1936 the EBA acknowledged that we were in the 

forefront with our Benevolent Fund set-up. 

1934 saw the first tour by the County being arranged under the name of “The Berkshire 

Tourists”. They played Torquay, Madeira (Exmouth), Barnstaple, City of Exeter, Torbay Country, 

and Sir Francis Drake clubs. Of these, 5 were won, whilst the game against Torbay Country Club 

only 15 ends were played owing to rain, the Tourists at that stage being behind. 

“The Tour proved to be very successful from every point of view and the 31 players 

who made up the party appeared to enjoy every minute of it. Hopes were freely 

expressed at the termination of the Tour that one of a similar nature would be 

arranged during the next season” 

(it was reported in the AGM minutes of 1934.) 

Indeed the President’s Tours have continued ever since, with the 2010 Tour scheduled to 

return to Devon, where it all started. 

Also in 1934 the criteria for the awarding of a County Badge to players became an item of 

discussion at the AGM, where the motion was “that a player would receive his badge after 

playing 6 County Matches”, but this was once again emphatically rejected by a vote of 55:17. 

1935 was the year in which our first flag was purchased, and this was donated by Mr. T. 

Campbell-Dykes, who was the President at the time. 

The flying of the flag at County Matches has become an integral part of every match we now 

play, even with the Under 25’s. 

In the same year The Keyser Cup was won by Hungerford, from an original entry of 24 clubs. 

Once again charity was foremost in the bowlers’ minds, for the surplus of £12.12s.0d was 

handed over to Royal Berks. Hospital – Sportsmen Fund. 

11

In 1940 “The Bob Thackray Cup” was presented for competitions, with a view to raising 

funds for Red Cross work in the War, where the magnificent sum of £375 was raised. The 

Trophy is still in use today for the winners of the Triples in our County Competitions. What a 

proud history that Trophy has. 

Further fund-raising in 1942 took place by virtue of the fact that all players who won War 

Savings Certificates and Stamps returned them, and the proceeds went again to the Red 

Cross. 

Following the end of the War, the production of The Year Book was resumed in 1946, after a 

lapse of 6 years. With the County now back in full swing, it was also decided to appoint the 

first Press Officer in 1947, and Mr. Wallie Kersley of Maiden Erlegh was the first to hold this 

important post. 

By the time of our Golden Anniversary in 1960, membership had reached 45 clubs with 

2132 members. At that point in time Caversham was the largest with 110 members. 

During the first 50 years, the County had only two Honorary Secretaries, who were-John 

Foster 1910-1929 and J. F. Thomas 1930-1959, and you have to admire so much devotion to 

duty. 

The year before, the country was suffering from petrol rationing, which had an adverse 

impact on travel and competitions, but gladly by our Golden Anniversary, things were back 

to normal. 

1960 was also the year in which the County finally agreed to the appointment of a Junior 

Deputy President and a Senior Deputy President, for this idea had previously been rejected 

in 1947. Mr. W. Murray of Prospect Park became the first Senior, and Mr. R. Wood of Windsor 

& Eton the first Junior. 

Changes were coming thick and fast, for we now see our first typed reports in The Minute 

Book, making it easier to read past reports, especially where some styles of hand-writing 

were not easy on the eye! 

12

Membership continued on its upward trend, for in 1961 there were now 49 Clubs affiliated, 

and bowls was attracting a great deal of interest both across the County and the Country. In 

the same year we had 1904 competition entries, again reflecting the competitive nature of 

our sport and our players. 

After some 32 years of wearing green blazers, it was decided we would change to dark 

navy blue for County players with the badge being a stag in gold, on red background. The 

awarding of a Middleton Cup Flash to go on our blazers was agreed after 3 qualifying games 

had been played, and has remained the same since then. 

Up until 1972 The Annual Dinner Dance and Prizegiving, had mainly been held at various 

hotels in the Reading area, with the Great Western Hotel being the last. When they were 

unable to accept us anymore, the venue changed to the Berkshire Masonic Centre at 

Sindlesham, for the first time and remains there to this day. 

The first County Coach, Mr. M. N. Neville, was appointed, and he attended a coaching 

session at Worthing in the April of 1974 as part of his training. Since then the role of the 

County Coach has become well established, and now provides us with a formalised cohesive 

training programme, for all those wishing to aspire to the role of being a Coach. 

Also in April 1974 following the Local Government Act 1972, we had the northern part 

of the County become a part of Oxfordshire, with Faringdon, Abingdon, Shrivenham, 

Wantage and hinterland becoming part of the Vale of The White Horse District, and Didcot 

and Wallingford going to form part of the South Oxfordshire district. In return Berkshire 

obtained the towns of Slough and Eton and part of the former Eton Rural District from 

Buckinghamshire. The original Local Government White Paper would have transferred 

Henley-on-Thames from Oxfordshire to Berkshire: this proposal did not make it into the Bill 

as introduced. 

From the bowling perspective we retained the Clubs of Faringdon, Shrivenham, Wantage, 

Didcot and Wallingford, but Slough remained within Bucks. There was not a Club in Eton, 

but Windsor and Eton Club looks after the needs of bowlers in that vicinity. 

Two years after a Coach was appointed The Umpires Association was formed and within 3 

years we had 5 qualified umpires operating within the County. 

13

1982 was to be the year of great celebration on the bowling green, as our players were 

successful in Winning the Middleton Cup for the first time, having only reached the 

final back in 1922. It also coincided with Berkshire winning The Home Counties League 

by the narrowest of margins in the final match against Oxford by half a point. Players from 

both teams enjoyed a celebration with their wives / partners at Thatcham Bowls Club with 

the lads from The Middleton Cup Squad receiving their trophy on the 4th of December 

1982 at The Connaught Rooms, where tickets were the princely sum of £12.50. 

(A list of all the players is shown in The Honours Section of this book on page 96). 

The County Handbook by 1986 was at last making a small profit, as adverts now formed an 

important part of the income stream, which combined with the fact that all competitors in 

County Competitions were now required to purchase a book, helped to overcome a longrunning 

problem of losing money on its publication. 

With an increasing number of younger bowlers, the County created an Under 35’s Squad in 

the early 1990’s, which played adjacent Counties on a competitive match basis. The Home 

Counties League was approached with the idea of forming a league for this age range, but it 

was initially rejected. 

14

1991 was the year in which we saw a 

talented young bowler make his first 

appearance as a Junior Internationalist, 

and of course I refer to Robert Newman, 

who has consistently represented 

the County at a very high level ever 

since, a truly inspirational player in all 

disciplines on the green. 

However, as these matches 

continued to be played with other 

Counties, they took more interest 

in them, and discussions between 

various Counties and themselves, 

produced The Under 25’s League, 

with Ken Nash becoming the first 

Team Manager. 

Ken remained in this role for some 

8 years, and he was followed by Barry Dillon, who have between them, produced a fine 

squad of bowlers, many of whom have gone on to be Middleton Cup players. 

Having a dedicated Team Manager and a very competitive league under the umbrella of The 

Home Counties, has paid handsome dividends in the creation and nurturing of the younger 

bowler, such as Robert Newman. 

By 1998 the world of bowls was making some radical changes, well some people thought 

so, as coloured bowls were now allowed at all levels of play. Their appeal was generally to 

the younger element of bowlers and when you are watching an Under 25’s game, it is now 

very difficult to spot a traditional black or brown bowl. 

1999 was the year in which Her Majesty The Queen gave us permission to include “The 

Royal County” wording in our County title, and thus we became The Royal County of 

Berkshire Bowling Association, which we are immensely proud of. That name is scheduled 

to be carried forward into our Unified County with the ladies of Berkshire. 

With the ever-increasing use of the Internet, it was recognised that we would need to have our 

own web site and the Domain Name of www.bowls-berkshire.com was established in 2001. 

Our web site now provides a valuable communication tool between both the County and its 

members. Within the last few years the ladies have been linked into the web site and they 

too enjoy the benefits. 

15

In 2007 we were very privileged to play at The Royal Household Bowling Club with Her 

Majesty The Queen in attendance. The match recognised the unique situation of The Presidents 

of the Indoor and Outdoor County Associations coming from the same Club in the same year. 

To commemorate the occasion a special badge 

was struck for all the participating players. A 

proud day indeed for Ken Blackall and Marshall 

Smith, Presidents of The R.C.B.B.A. & B.C.I.B.A. 

respectively. 

As we near the end of our first 

100 years, our County goes 

into the next 100 years as a 

Unified County, under the 

name of The Royal County of 

Berkshire Bowling Association. 

A lot of work over the past 2/3 years has been carried out by The Unification Steering 

Committee, which will give us all a different second Centenary in 2110. 

In 1958 Godfrey R. Bolsover compiled the “Who’s Who and Encyclopaedia of Bowls”, which 

ran to 1298 pages, and must have been a definitive book on bowls throughout the bowling 

world at that point in time. 

On page xxi he included an article written by Francis Burton J.P. Past President of Sileby B.C. 

Leicestershire who wrote the following: 

“Bowls is an “old soldier” of sport. It will never die. It will not even fade away. Its 

fascinating history as a game played by kings and knaves to a “mixed bag” of diverse 

rules over many centuries is abundant proof of its appeal to every generation. 

Today the game is organised through Associations of Clubs, Nationally and 

Internationally. Except for small minorities and minor details, all bowlers 

everywhere play to common rules. The pattern is set and it is unlikely that we shall 

see any important constitutional changes or alterations to rules in the future. “ 

When you reflect on these words, I think you will find it hard to disagree with much of what he said 

some 50 years ago. As we go into our 100th Year, I think we can look forward with confidence as to 

the future of the game, for with some of the very talented young players we have, Berkshire will 

continue to pick up National Honours and represent us well against other Counties and Countries. 

The following pages include contributions from every Club currently affiliated to The 

R.C.B.B.A., where their stories reflect their past, showing how each of them have 

contributed to making our County one to be proud of. 

16

We also have memories of Clubs that have been part of our past, but sadly no longer 

exist for whatever reason, but their contribution to what we are today should never be 

underestimated. 

The competitive nature within us all, has over the years spawned a number of leagues, some linked 

geographically to certain parts of the County, others covering different needs based on size, and again 

I found it interesting to learn more about them and the valuable contribution they all make to the 

outdoor bowling calendar of each Club, in different parts of Berkshire. 

I hope you enjoy the celebrations we have planned in 2010 and will support President Barry 

Dillon and his Officers in this most important year. 

CHANGES IN OUR COUNTY BADGE 

The County Badge incorporating The Stag and Oak, first appeared in the 

regimental colours of the Royal Berks. Militia, presented to the Regiment by 

Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1855. 

The first County badge only had the Stag and Oak Tree, with “Berks” County Bowling 

Association. In 1937 it had a blue surround, but now to be Stag in gilt on red background & 

surround in green with gilt lettering 

From 1975 “Berkshire” now replaces “Berks” in the badge wording, but colouring remains the 

same as described above. Picture shows commemorative badge for our 75th Anniversary. 

In May 1999 H.M. The Queen gives permission to use “The Royal County” in our badge, which 

has been redesigned as seen opposite, to reflect changes. 

17

ABINGDON Bowling Club 

• Founded 1913 

• The Albert Park, Abingdon 

• Affiliated 1920 

Founded as a men’s bowling Club, generally for businessmen of the town. 

Originally known as The Crescent Bowling Club, but changed its name one year 

later. A new green was laid in 1920, and a new pavilion was built in 1926. One of 

the early matches to be played was a home game on Saturday 20th June 1914 against 

Witney Town, which is about 15 miles from Abingdon, the game being followed by a 

smoking concert at a local hotel. 

Friendly and County games have been played in the beautiful setting of Albert Park, which 

was created in Victorian times and has 300 specimen trees. The custodians of the Park are 

the Governors of Christ Hospital, a well-known charity organisation. 

Abingdon was a Berkshire town until 1974 when a County boundary change meant that 

Abingdon became part of Oxfordshire, however the Club remains affiliated to The R.C.B.B.A. 

In 1921 the “Preston Cup” was given to the Club by Alderman Preston, to be presented to the 

winners of an annual competition, taking place usually at the end of July, between rinks of 

men from bowling clubs in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. 

In 1971 ladies were admitted to play at the Club, and since that time they have been 

responsible for arranging matches, competitions and managing their own affairs. 

In 1988 a new clubhouse was built to replace the old timber one with the opening 

ceremony performed by the Right Honourable John Patten, a Member of Parliament. 

Ron Etheridge a player with a long association with Abingdon was elected President of The 

R.C.B.B.A. in 2009 and follows in the footsteps of the late Gordon Bradley(1992) and Des 

Gibbs (1978). 

Club Badge and Tie – a circular badge in green and gold with Abingdon Coat of Arms in the centre. 

18

A.W.R.E Bowling Club 


• Aldermaston Recreation and Social Club, Reading 


The Club was originally founded in 1956 and the existing green was opened in 

1960, just after the Club affiliated to the County in 1959. In order to become 

a member, applicants must also be an AWE Aldermaston Recreational -Social 

Member, as the facility is within the grounds of A.W.R.E. (Aldermaston Weapons 

Research Establishment). 

In the preceding 4 years the Club shared Thatcham’s green, and that relationship is 

commemorated to this day with “The Lord Peney Trophy”, which is an annual home and 

away men only fixture between the two Clubs. 

The opening of a new green, was witnessed by 130 people on Saturday 23rd April 1960 and 

was only achieved as a result of the untiring efforts of the Chairman Mr. J. N. Hounsham, 

whose ambitions for the Club had now been realised in full. 

The opening ceremony was also attended by the President of the County, 

Mr. T. Campbell-Dykes and his team of County players, who eventually won the celebratory 

match by 72 shots to 55. 

The match was followed by an excellent tea followed by the presentation of the County’s 

Jubilee Badges (50th anniversary) to the principal guests Dr. Levin, who was an original 

founder of the Club, and Mr. Hounsham. 

The subscription for the year was 10s 6d for both men and ladies with the recorded hope it 

would be reduced in the following year! 

The Club has separate sections for Lady and Men players with a very full fixture programme. 

19

Bracknell Bowling & Social Club 


• Church Road, Bracknell 

• Founder Member 

Club was formed in 1904 and its first bowling green was located in the Royal 

Forest Hotel meadow on a 7-year lease. Access to the green was through the 

hotel and they supplied all refreshments. 

In 1906 we became members of the Reading & District Bowling Assn. and subsequently 

became a Founder Member of Berks. B.A. 

By 1911 it was necessary to move to a new green at Stanley Road where the land was 

purchased for £330 and a limited company was formed to own the lease, with the freehold 

being purchased in 1936 for £675. 

By 1932 the ladies were at last accepted as members of the Club, having been previously 

rejected in 1912 and 1925. In 1935 the adjacent Social Club allowed their premises to 

become a regular venue for meetings. 

For many years the address of the green was known as Stanley Road, but in 1959 an audit of 

the deeds showed the green to be in Rochdale Road! 1963 was the year when the Bracknell 

Development Corporation made a compulsory purchase order of the Club’s premises for 

which £8,820 was eventually paid two years later. By 1968 the new green and facilities were 

in use, and in 1970 the Bracknell Social Club was amalgamated with the bowls Club and the 

new name of the Bracknell Bowling and Social Club came into being. By this time the Club 

was producing a high standard of bowlers at all levels in both the ladies and gent’s sections 

1978 gave Bracknell its first Bannerette win over the County with more success in Nationals 

and players in the winning Middleton Cup Squad of 1982. 

By 1999 floodlighting had been installed and by the time of it’s Centenary, the clubhouse 

was now a two-storey building with excellent facilities. 

20

Burghfield Bowls Club 


• Reading Road, Burghfield 


Burghfield Bowls Club was founded in 1990 by a group of 15 local bowlers. The 

Club was set up specifically as a mixed club in order that its members could play 

mixed friendly matches. 

Work on the green, which was built by the members, started in May 1990. An application to 

join the County Association was submitted in 1991 and approved the following year. While 

the green was being prepared local Clubs kindly allowed us to use their facilities so that we 

could play them on a home and away-basis. 

On 31st August 1992 the first match comprising 7 rinks of triples was played on the new 

green and a few matches the following season. 

Ken Downton, County President, formally opened the green on 13th April 1994. 

The first couple of years went well, but due to lease difficulties the Club reluctantly moved 

to Pincent’s Manor, Calcot in 1995.Unfortunately a change of ownership and new plans for 

the Manor placed the Club in an awkward position. However we were offered the chance to 

return to the original green and returned in 1997. 

Since those days the Club has settled in at its original green and maintained a membership 

of around 70 players. Currently, its members are active in County Competitions, the Men’s 

Kennet and Kennet LX Leagues, the Ladies Thames Valley League and the Manchester Unity 

Mixed Triples League. In addition the Club has a full fixture list of mixed friendly matches. 

Since its formation the Club has prided itself as one that maintains friendliness to its visitors 

for the enjoyment of the game. 

21

Caversham Bowls Club 


• Albert Road, Caversham 


Caversham Bowling Club was formed when a number of Caversham Councillors 

met at the local Griffin Inn in June 1922. Mr. A. W. Carter, who was not a 

bowler, agreed to be the President, a position he held for fifteen years, and 

gave the trophy, which bears his name for the Men’s Championship. This has been 

contested annually since 1923. A handicap competition and a pair’s competition were 

introduced at the same time. 

The Mayor of Reading bowled the first wood in the match in May 1923 between Caversham 

and the Reading Corporation, which was won by the Club, 94 – 67 shots. 

At the first annual dinner, held the same year, a Mr. Wright said “There was no reason why 

ladies should be excluded from playing bowls”, though a Ladies Section did not materialise 

until 1971. 

The Club has long been recognised as having a fine running green, tended until the early 

1990’s by council park keepers, who themselves were members. Since the 2001 season the 

Club has had a lease from Reading Borough and is now looking after the green itself. The 

Club had already celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a match against the E.B.A., but a 

bonus was to arrive in 2002. 

Then, Caversham was able to mark its 80th birthday with a previously unscheduled visit 

by welcoming Berkshire’s English Bowling Association President, Wayne Manley, and an 

E.B.A.Team including two legendary players, David Bryant and Tony Allcock, who have won 

every honour in the game – an honour indeed, for the Club. 

At present there are about 70 men and 35 women playing members, and both sections play 

in the weekday county leagues. In addition there is, on average, one club match a week for 

both the men and the women. Mixed matches are also played with Clubs on a Sunday. 

22

Crowthorne royal British Legion 

Bowls Club 


• Wellington Road, Crowthorne 


Crowthorne became one of the earliest Royal British Legion branches when it 

was formed in 1922 and it occupied a hut near the Iron Duke Public House. Due 

to the generosity of a local resident Mr. Talmadge, who donated farmland on 

Wellington Road, the branch was able to move to bigger premises in 1929. 

The bowls section was then formed three years later in 1932 and has played on its three 

rinks ever since. The green is adjacent to the Royal British Legion building and enjoys a nice 

view over the park opposite. 

Unfortunately very little is known of its early history, but the Club has maintained its early 

ideal, to give members an opportunity to enjoy themselves in friendly competition with 

other like minded Clubs in and around Berkshire and Hampshire. Due to its size it was not 

able to retain many of its better players over the years, as they moved to other Clubs in the 

local area. 

In 1995 we tried to affiliate to the County Association, but we did not have sufficient 

members and it was thus rejected. Over the last few years we have been actively looking 

to lay down foundations for the future. The Club has worked hard to improve facilities, 

especially the green, to attract new members and to improve its fixture list. 

To this end we applied to the County for affiliation and were accepted in 2008 and are now 

ready to enjoy the 2009 season, meeting new friends throughout the County. 

All members both male and female look forward to the coming years with anticipation but 

also to maintain the original aim to enjoy themselves. 

23

DESBOROUGH Bowling Club 


• York Road, Maidenhead 


The outdoor green was gifted to the town of Maidenhead by Lord Desborough, who 

became President of the Club from 1907 to 1936. Previously the land had been 

used by the Maidenhead Cricket Club, having been farmland before that. 

He was a man of great distinction in sport, excelling himself at Punting, Climbing The 

Matterhorn, swimming across Niagara not once, but twice. Fencing at Olympic level was yet 

another achievement. Desborough was one of the founding members of the Berks. County 

Association, before it became the R.C.B.B.A., and has remained a strong supporter of the 

County ever since, with four County Presidents coming from the Club. Tom Street was the first 

in 1910, when the County was formed, Mr. T. Campbell-Dykes, our third County President 

went on to become President of the E.B.A. between 1942 and 1945. He was preceded by D. 

Ingamells in 1915 and more recently, Graham Rogers in 2008. 

The ladies finally obtained the rights to use the green in 1962, when the ladies section was 

formed, and has performed strongly ever since. 

The Club was able to expand its premises in 1965 with the purchase of adjacent land, on which now 

stands the Indoor Bowling Facility. Adjacent to the Club stands the Maidenhead United Football 

Club, which makes the combined clubs a desirable and constant target for property developers, but 

as yet no deals have been done, although Tesco came close to negotiations in 2000. 

The Club enjoys a strong membership outdoors of 120 gents, with some 55 lady-players. 

Having celebrated its own Centenary in 2007, the President and Officers wish the R.C.B.B.A. 

continuing success and prosperity in 2010 and beyond. 

24

Didcot Bowls Club 


• Smallbones Recreation Ground, Brightwell Road, Didcot 


The Club was formed in 1969 with about 30 members, and since 1972 has used the 

Didcot Bowling Green, which was built and then maintained by the Didcot Town 

Council. In 1981, at the request of the council, we took over all maintenance of the 

green, using funds from our finances and our own voluntary labour. 

Excellent co-operation is maintained between the Didcot Town Council and the Club and the 

arrangement is mutually beneficial, as it provides access for the public to all the facilities. 

In the autumn of 1997, a new clubhouse was built, following a grant of over £103,000 from 

the Sports Council National Lottery Fund (Sport England) plus further funds from the town 

and district councils. Members provided £45,000 in personal loans repaid over the following 

few years. 

The new clubhouse was opened by Robert Newman in May 1998, so that no break in bowling 

activities was required during the conversion to the new premises. 

An initiative was established with a local junior school to provide tuition in short mat and later 

outdoor bowling on a weekly basis. This resulted in a vigorous youth programme, with Didcot 

becoming the first Club in the County to establish a Youth Officer on its main committee. 

Since its inception, Didcot has won 18 county finals and, in 1997 the Club Fours of I. Snowdon, 

G. Evans, J. Evans and P. Smith went on to win the National Trophy in the E.B.A./E.W.B.AMixed 

Fours from a field of over 5000 entries. The Club has also provided two Presidents to the 

B.C.W.B.A. one to the R.C.B.B.A., namely Gordon Evans in 2001. 

Club membership has grown since its formation and now stands at 56 men, 45 ladies and 3 

juniors making 104 members in total. 

The age range of members is from 12 to almost 90 years, indicating the broad attraction of the sport. 

25

FARINGDON Bowling Club 


• Gravel Walk, Faringdon 


Faringdon Bowling Club was formed as a result of a meeting of like-minded 

townsfolk at The Crown Hotel on February 8th 1911. The first “green” was a strip 

of the outfield at our local cricket club. However, after a short while, land at the 

local tennis club became available, a green was laid, and the first match took place on 

May 20th 1912. 

The Club affiliated to Berkshire County Bowling Association in 1921 and the following year 

made its first foray into the world of County Competitions. In the year 1932 four of our 

members were selected to represent the County and these were to be the first of many 

County honours awarded to Faringdon players. 

In 1964 we moved to our present premises in Gravel Walk and the new green opened for 

business in April of 1966. A timber building was acquired, and this was to become our 

much-loved clubhouse for almost forty years. 

Thanks to the generosity of local organizations and our own members, together with a 

great deal of hard work, we were able to open the new clubhouse in 2003, with spacious 

accommodation and excellent facilities. 

The clubhouse also has the benefit of an elevated view over the green, with an attractive 

balcony, for those lovely sunny days, we can have sometimes! 

Over the years the Club has produced two County Presidents, a number of County 

Champions, and at least two International Trialists. This, considering that we are a relatively 

small Club, gives us a great deal of satisfaction. 

26

Farley hill social & Bowls Club 


• Church Road, Farley Hill, Nr. Swallowfield 


The Club’s records were destroyed by fire, but as far as memory goes the Club 

was established around 1958 and subsequently affiliated to the County in 1966. 

The site the green now occupies was originally a tennis Club and was initially 

converted to three rinks, with an additional rink added later. 

The green was originally opened by Dowager Lady Palmer, who was of course connected to 

the Huntley and Palmer Biscuit Factory in Reading and lived in the area at the time. 

The site of the green and the adjacent Village Hall, stands on land given to the village in 

1919 by a local squire and essentially the Club enjoys rent free facilities from the Trustees, 

who are currently Lord Bearstead and Lady Hillwood. 

The green occupies a delightful spot adjacent to the church and adjoins wooded land on 

one side. The Village Hall until 10 years ago used to enjoy a thriving membership, but fell 

away due to financial issues, but the Club still enjoys the use of this ageing building as its 

club-house. 

Although the Club is in a village location only two members actually come from Farley Hill, 

with the remaining 36 players coming from various places around the area. 

This mixed Club currently has two county players in its midst, but most games against local 

clubs are on a mixed match basis. 

27

GREAT HOLLANDS BOWLS CLUB 


• Recreation Ground, South Road, Wokingham 

• Affliated 1985 

Bracknell Council had started laying a bowling green at Great Hollands Playing 

Fields off South Road in 1981. In the early days of the Club we had no clubhouse 

and were allowed to use the sports club house for teas after the game. 

Next we had erected, a shed with no front to it, which soon became known as “the bus 

shelter”. This acted as the changing rooms; yes it was rather drafty, to say the least. 

Next, one of our members had as his barber shop, a portakabin, which was given to the 

Club when he opened a proper shop. The Club was now really growing from bus shelter to a 

portakabin; but we had to wait many years for the Club house we have today, to be built. 

The membership limit was originally 100, but had to be raised to 150 with the opening of 

the new Club house in 1991. The year 2000 was the first year of the Berkshire Conference 

League and Great Hollands won it. 

The Ladies Section went from strength to strength winning many County Competitions, 

winning the T.V.L. four times and the last being in 2008. 

The 21st Century saw the Club membership fall well below the 150, but with the closing 

of local bowling clubs, we welcomed new members. In 2007 the Club won a Bannerette 

Match against the President’s Team and a year later The R.C.B.B.A. came back to the Club 

to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Today we have only two founding members who have 

stayed the course, Bob and Vi Hales Owen. 

Members enjoy many social events throughout the year, often ending with a marvellous 

B.B.Q. Hog Roast Supper. 

Our Club has tried very hard to be a friendly mixed Club, and like all families we have had 

“our problems”, never I might add over the subject of bowling. To all Berkshire County 

Bowling Members, we send our Club’s Greetings. 

28

HAGBOURNE BOWLING CLUB 


• The Croft East, Hagbourne, Didcot 


Like many Clubs, we were formed by a group of local residents with our early 

games played on an area of lawn of The Grange, by kind permission of The 

Viscountess, Lady Dillon, who presented our first trophy for The Men’s Singles 

Cup, which is still played for today. However in 1939 a site was located and purchased, 

but the turf laying and levelling did not commence until 1946. Our turf came from 

gallops on the Berkshire Downs owned by Mr. H. Cundell, with the cartage to Hagbourne 

done by Mr. Cargo. 

Access to the land was through the garden of Mr. Townsend at 14 Main Road. 

In 1946 at the A.G.M. the pre-prepared rules were adopted, and membership fees were 

set at 7s6d, with green fees at 4d each per player per game. Our inaugral match was in 

May 1948 against a combined team from Abingdon, The Fish B.C., Marlborough Club, and 

Wallingford, with a one shot victory to Hagbourne. 

One regular match, which gained a reputation was the “Duck Supper Game”, which was 

against an invitation side, brought to the village by the County President. After the match 

the teams retired to the Travellers Welcome where the famous Duck Supper was provided by 

the landlord, and his wife. Sadly, this lovely event no longer takes place. 

Our first success in County Competitions came in 1969, with Les Parsley winning the 

Secretaries singles, but even greater success came in 2005, when Malcolm Edney, Dale Hall, 

John Stradling and Ian Snowden became winners of the National 4’s Competition. Further 

success came in 2007 when a team from Hagbourne and Tilehurst won the National Double 

4’s at Worthing. 

Just before our Diamond Jubilee in 1997, we re-built the pavilion in 1994 to provide better 

facilities for all concerned. We remain a competitive club, where good hospitality is enjoyed 

by members and visitors alike. 

29

HARWELL BOWLing CLUB 


• The Green, Westfield, Harwell 


In 1932 a group of Harwell men came together to pursue Drake’s art of bowling. 

They originally set out a rink in between the cherry trees of a local orchard on land 

donated by a local farmer and so was formed Harwell Bowling Club. 

As the popularity of the sport grew and numbers increased, more rinks were needed and in 

1934 on ground, leased from Harwell Parish Council, adjacent to the Recreation Ground in 

Westfield, a three rink green was opened. The local press at the time reported that “it was a 

Club for hard working men, and that the Bowls Club had come into being due to the efforts of 

H. S. Baker, Selwyn Caudwell, Sergeant Martin and Mr. A. Wood. Dr. Rice the hardest working 

man in the village bowled the first wood and commented that it was a good green”. 

During the Second World War the Club nearly ceased, but was re-invigorated after the 

peace was established. The number of bowlers increased steadily and by the end of 1992 

season, matches were being played on an enlarged six-rink green. At the same time it was 

necessary to enlarge the Clubhouse to cater for these increased numbers. 

The men and ladies of the Club participate in County Competitions and Leagues, with 

members also playing for the County and on a few occasions have played at National Finals. 

The Club plays its part in contributing to County affairs and has had members participating 

as County Officers. 

The Club has a good relationship with Harwell British Legion and uses their bar facilities to 

fortify players after matches, as well as their dining room, for those special matches, when 

we host County Matches, Bannerette or President’s Invitation Games. 

30

HUNGERFORD BOWLING CLUB 


• The Croft, Hungerford 


Situated in the tranquil and beautiful Croft Green of Hungerford in the Royal County 

of Berkshire, the grounds of our Hungerford Club are a gift of a Mr. Wooldridge of 

Hungerford. Our founders made the land available as a sports ground about 1910, 

and it was handed over to the Hungerford Private Members Club in 1918. 

The Bowling section as we know it now, became affiliated to the County in 1924 and in 2009 

we celebrated our 85th Anniversary. It is very much a mixed Club. Our records show that no 

less than three of our former Members served as County Presidents, namely D Brittain 1977, 

J. Davies 1982 and E Hill in 1987. Alan Bartter our oft-times Club President and long serving 

member of the Club and County was honoured as Berkshire County President in 2003. His 

Presidency was closely followed by Chairmanship of the County Vice President’s Association 

and Trustee and Chairman of the County Benevolent Fund Committee. 

There have been major successes on the green. Those recorded as: 

Winners of County Competitions are 

1925 Singles J Seddon, 

1946 Triples-H Bushnell, J Seddon & R Newbrook. 

1977 Singles – M Sampson 1986 Pairs R Bailey & E Hill 

1986 Fours – A P Banner, T Hooson, A Bartter & H Vellender 

1987 Benevolent Triples -B Liddiard, E Hughes, K Hughes, 

2002 & 2006 Champion of Champions – A P Bartter 

The Ladies Section won the County Triples in 2006 represented by J Bartter, M Uprichard & A 

Ward. Joined by K Quartermaine they reached the Final of the County Fours in 2009. 

Keeping bowling alive in our ancient town is a constant struggle. In common with many 

other Clubs we battle every season to retain our membership and fund our activities. 

However we are maintaining our position and remain active and relatively successful. 

Our green is widely acknowledged throughout the County as having an excellent bowling 

surface. The surroundings too provide an excellent backdrop. 

31

HURST BOWLS CLUB 


• Church Hill, Hurst 


The bowling green in Hurst is reputed to be the second oldest in the country, 

and it is said that Charles 11 played on it. A Mr. Belchin visited it and the Church 

House, after attending morning service in 1747. 

His diary extract states: “this house is very pleasantly situated and has belonging to 

it a large and handsome bowling green for the diversion of those gentlemen who 

please to play. Being all assembled together we sat down and smoked our pipes and 

drank some wine in a very sociable manner. The afternoon being spent, the landlady 

of the house made her appearance and in a very complacent manner desired the 

company should be pleased to drink tea. Our ladies immediately accepted this offer”. 

A painting was executed of the green towards the end of the 18th Century by Michael 

Rooker. This painting was purchased and taken to America, and it is now part of the Paul 

Mellon collection in Washington D C. However, a print has been obtained and now hangs in 

the Clubhouse with the only noticeable difference from the current being, a dual staircase 

up to the balcony outside the pub’s upstairs room. 

The Church House had become known as “The Bunch of Grapes” (which is the origin of the 

Club’s emblem). Some time later it was renamed the Castle. 

W G Grace, the famous cricketer, played at Hurst as a member of the London Club – and was 

not amused to lose the game! 

Hurst is one of the original clubs in the R.C.B.B.A. The green was extended from 4 to 6 rinks 

c.1920. Playing membership is currently 45 and the Club mainly arranges its matches as 

mixed triples. The Club operates a unified and equal opportunity management structure. 

32

ISLAND BOHEMIAN BOWLING CLUB 


• De Montfort Island, Brigham Road, Reading 


The Club is unique, being situated on an island on The River Thames, and 

admittance can only be gained by ferry, with the Club having its own fleet of 

ferries and boatmen. 

In 1909 at the A.G.M. of The Old Codgers Club it was agreed to change the name to The 

Island Bohemian Club and the Club as we know it was born. Records prior to 1909 do not 

exist, so 1909 was treated as the year of formation. 

In 1913 the green was extended, but the landlord would not permit ditches or banks, so it was 

not until 1958, when the green was further extended to play in both directions, did a fully 

operational green appear. At around this time the boundary line of Berkshire and Oxfordshire 

ran through the middle of the island, and when playing on the green north to south, members 

were bowling in two counties! The boundary line was however altered and the island is now 

firmly in Berkshire. Ten years later additional land was acquired, which previously had been 

tennis courts, and this decision proved to be a very wise move for the good of the Club. 

The Island’s name derives its name from one of the combatants in a duel actually fought 

on the island in 1163. The duel was between Robert de Montfort and Henry, Earl of Essex, 

hereditary Standard Bearer to the Kings of England. The full story is captured well in 

postcards available from the Club, (should you visit the Club). 

Island Bowlers enter most of the County and National competitions and have on occasions 

done very well. Eric Marsh became County President in 1965, and subsequently became 

President of the E.B.A. in 1974. 

Social events also form part of the busy calendar of events, this helps to make it a friendly 

family Club enjoying a much-extended Clubhouse, a pavilion, car park and a lovely location 

in the Thames. 

2009 was our Centenary and we enjoyed celebrating this milestone with celebratory 

matches with Bowls England and the R.C.B.B.A. 

33

KINGSTON BAGPUIZE 

& SOUTHMOOR BOWLS 


• Oxord Road, Kingston, Bagpuize, Abingdon 


The Club came into existence in late 1990 when a short-mat bowling Club was 

formed. This took place in the local Village Hall in Southmoor on two 45ft. 

carpet bowling mats. At this time we had about 45 members. Even in these 

early days the mandate given to the committee, was that at some point in the future, 

when a suitable plot of land could be acquired and adequately financed, the Club would 

build an outside bowling green. 

In 1994 this dream came true with the purchase of land off the old A420 from a local farmer, 

Mr. Murray Maclean. The next step was to arrange funding, and the bulk of finance was 

raised in the form of grants of £42,000 from The Lottery Sports Council, £25,000 from the 

Foundation for Sport and Art, with our local District and Parish Councils also providing 

funds. After careful consultations it was decided to have an artificial all weather surface, 

with the work being carried out by Greengauge, between June and August 1996. At the 

same time the Club was busy erecting and repairing two old army huts, which had been 

donated from the Milton area. The clubhouse was finished in the Spring of 1997, complete 

with a kitchen, bar and toilet facilities. On the 12th April 1997 the green was officially 

opened by Andy Thomson, with the Presidents of the R.C.B.B.A. and the B.C.W.B.A. also in 

attendance. 

In 2003 the Club undertook an exercise to plan and cost for a brick purpose-built clubhouse, 

which was eventually opened in July 2004, providing members with much needed enlarged 

facilities, allowing more scope for social activities at the same time. 

Although the Club is relatively new and inexperienced, it does have two members who have 

gained County badges, Peter van de Mortel and Jean Potter. 

2007 also saw the Club win the Ashley Baker Mixed League. 

Current activities involve fund raising for replacement of the bowling carpet at a cost of 

£25,000 for 2010 season. 

34

KINTBURY BOWLS CLUB 


• Recreation Ground, Inkpen Road, Kintbury 

• Affliated 1928 and then again 1980 

In the early 1920’s the village of Kintbury was given a recreation ground by our 

benefactor, Mr. Arthur Stuart Gladstone, and in 1925 a bowling green was laid, and 

a brick-built pavilion for the Kintbury Bowls Club constructed. 

A photograph taken in 1936, shows that bowls is a popular sport with some 35 players 

shown in that photograph. Mainly friendly matches were played, and Kintbury became well 

known for their teas, which always included lard cake made by Mr. Rolfe, one of the founder 

members of the Club. 

During the war, because of the lack of male players, ladies were needed to make up 

teams, and Kintbury became a mixed club. We were also involved with the formation of a 

competitive league of small local clubs, together with Stockcross, Lambourn, Ramsbury and 

Great Bedwyn, named “The Ashley Baker League”, after the man who provided the trophy. 

The Club has gone through bad spells, with diminished membership, but has survived up to 

the present. It is now involved in The Kennet League LX only, due to membership, but still 

plays in the Ashley Baker League, which is a mixed league. 

Over the years, a new building has been added to provide changing rooms, a kitchen and 

a bar area. Kintbury has hosted County matches, and some of our members have become 

County players. The green has been improved by the addition of a concrete ditch, a watering 

system and under green drainage. 

35

LAMBOURN BOWLS CLUB 


• Bockhampton Road, Lambourn 


History indicates the Club was founded in 1928, although 1937 is the 

recognised start date for the Club as we know it. Dr. K Bell at Trabbs House, 

Goose Green and Dr.Bell’s lawn were used though 1929 as the original green. 

In November of that year a piece of ground at the Football Field, equivalent to three 

rinks, was offered by Mr. Alf Bracey for £5 a year on a 7 year lease. The offer was taken 

up and that year Dr.Bell put up a Singles Challenge Cup, and that is still being played for 

today. 

In 1945 the green was enlarged to six rinks with the help of prisoner of war labour. In 1946 

it was proposed that the Bowls Club became part of Lambourn Sports Club and be known 

as Lambourn Sports Club Bowls Section. In 1953 The Ashley Baker League was formed and 

initially consisted of three teams, Lambourn, Kintbury and Stockcross. We won 7 of the 8 

games in the first year and, since those early days, have won the league many times. 

In October 1993 work started on the new pavilion at a cost £20,000, which was to replace 

the old caravan that had been given to the Club by local racehorse trainer Nick Vigors. Our 

new pavilion was duly opened in June 1994 by Peter Walwyn. 

2003 was the year in which the old green was removed and a new one laid by Avon Sports, 

with the official opening in 2004. 

Officials from the R.C.B.B.A. opened the green and played alongside invited players from 

Clubs around the area against members of the Lambourn Sports Bowls Club, which was an 

occasion to remember. 

For the first time in its history, Lambourn hosted a full County Game in June 2005, when 

Berkshire played Warwickshire and won. The new green bowled well and has put our Club 

on the map for hosting these prestigious matches each year. 

36

MAIDEN ERLEGH BOWLING CLUB 


• Beech Lane, Earley, Reading 


The land which we own, originally formed part of the original Maiden Erlegh 

Estate and was the kitchen garden to the Manor house, re-built in the 17th and 

18th century (now demolished). 

The Estate originated from the ancient Manor of Erlegh St. Nicholas, 19 acres of which were 

granted by John de Erlegh of Whiteknights, to Robert de Erlegh in 1362. 

On July 18th 1939, a public meeting was held in St.Peter’s Hall, chaired by Alderman George 

Ford, and attended by approximately 50 members of the public, with a view to forming a 

Bowling Club. The advent of the war and considerations of the site, delayed the opening 

until September 9th 1944, marked by the President of the E.B.A., who brought a team of 24 

players. He presented a flag to the Club and both teams and visitors were entertained to tea. 

Records show that an initial meeting was held to form a ladies section in 1967, but they 

continued as a separate section, until full integration in the late 1990’s. 

Meanwhile, in 1968 a meeting was held, attended by a large number of members of local 

Clubs, to discuss the creation of an indoor bowling Club. Our site contained suitable land for 

this project and a 99-year lease was signed in November 1971, later extended to 2090. 

Further major developments started in 1995, with extensions to the Indoor Club premises, 

the car park, the “movement” of our outdoor green, and construction of a clubroom and 

storage facilities. 

We celebrated our 60th Anniversary in 2004, having had Gerry Elliott as a County President 

in 1989, and subsequently our first Lady President took office in 2006. In 2006 we embarked 

upon improvements of the green, by appointing external contractors. Priding itself in its 

attractive surrounds and friendly atmosphere, the Club is looking forward to a bright future. 

37

MAIDENHEAD THICKET BOWLS CLUB 


• Shire Horse, Bath Road, Maidenhead 


The story begins in the summer of 1905 when the local paper reported that 

a dinner had taken place at the Coach & Horses Inn, Maidenhead Thicket, to 

celebrate the laying down of a bowling green at the rear of the public house. 

In September grass seed was sown by residents and visitors, who were each assigned a plot 

to sow. The names of those participating were then inscribed on a scroll, which was placed 

in a bottle that was buried in the foundations of the green for posterity. 

1906 saw the formation of the Club with representatives of local Clubs and the first 

President of the County, Mr. T. Street. The Club’s first President was Mr. R. Nicholson of 

Nicholson’s Brewery, with 60 initial members joining. It was reported in 1925 by the local 

paper, that the Club had many lady members, and “what is game for the gander is game for 

the goose!” 

In the same year the Club received “notice to quit the green” by the brewery, which resulted 

in many members leaving to form the Maidenhead and Taplow Bowling Club, which played 

behind the Dumb Bell in Taplow. In 1941 Bill Sweetzer, the landlord of the Coach & Horses 

proposed re-opening the green at the rear of his pub. Old Thicket Members were invited to 

reform the Club, which was coinciding with the closure of the other club at Taplow in 1942. 

Since those days the Club has enjoyed success at County level and has provided four 

Presidents for the County – 1914 J. G. Grierson, 1967 E. F. Halfacre, 1975 R. J. Carter & 1996 

F. Young. 

The keeping of the green, the Clubhouse and surrounds are maintained on a purely voluntary 

basis, as the Club is handicapped by being unable to generate income from bar sales, under 

the terms of the lease. In the past 20 years members have put in new banks, an automatic 

watering system and carried out extensive improvements to the Clubhouse facilities. 

38

MAIDENHEAD TOWN BOWLS CLUB 


• Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead 


The Club was formed in 1942 from the nucleus of the old Taplow and Maidenhead 

Bowls Club, who had their green behind the Dumb Bell Public House in Taplow. 

Many of their trophies are still played for and awarded every year in club 

competitions. 

Despite the ongoing World War 11, the Club was reformed at the Municipal Bowling Green 

in Oaken Grove Park on 13th July 1942, with a friendly match against Burnham. The official 

opening took place on 13th August 1942 by the E.B.A.President T Campbell-Dykes, (who 

was also the President of Berkshire B.A. since 1928), the Mayor of Maidenhead Alderman H. 

H. Neve, together with six County Executive Officials and two Lady County Executives and all 

Club members. 

The green is now known as Oaken Grove, with the members being fully responsible for the 

upkeep and maintenance of the green and surrounds. 

Joining the Berkshire County Association the same year, the Club has been an enthusiastic 

supporter of the County and the E.B.A. ever since. In total they have won 34 County titles 

including The County Club Championship twice, Mixed Double Fours and Unbadged Singles 

five times each. 

We have supplied one E.B.A. President - Roy Thomas J.P. in 1991, four County Presidents – 

1966 A J Hooper, 1988 R H Thomas J.P., 2002 John Marshall and in 2006 Grant Oxtoby, as well 

as two County Secretaries – John Watling and the current County Secretary - Stewart Wright. 

Current membership numbers over 90 men and 40 ladies, who compete in all the 

County and National Championships. The clubhouse has recently benefited from many 

improvements in the kitchen, changing rooms and access for disabled people, making it a 

very pleasant and traditional clubhouse. 

39

MILTON HILL BOWLS CLUB 


• Milton United Football Ground, Milton Heights 


The Club has had a very chequered but interesting life. It was originally formed 

in 1941 on the Singer Estate, when it was used by the “Pool Board”, (a collection 

of oil companies including Shell, Mobil, BP and Esso). At the end of the War, 

Esso European Laboratories continued working on the site and in 1945 the Club was 

named the “Esso Bowling Club” and became affiliated to the Berkshire County Bowling 

Association and the E.B.A. 

Around 1970 The Esso Research Centre sold a part of the estate, including the bowls green, 

to W H Smith but the green was leased back for the use of Esso employees. However, in 

1986 the lease was terminated and Esso laid a new green adjacent to their Social Club. In 

1999 to reflect changes taking place at the research site, the Esso Research Bowling Club 

changed its name to Milton Hill Bowling Club. Following the Esso merger with Mobil and 

the transfer of research activities to the USA, the Club was given notice to vacate the green 

at the end of the 2000 season. Throughout 2001 and 2002 the Club continued its fixtures 

by playing all matches on away greens, as members were determined to continue as a Club, 

and stay together until a new site was found. 

In 2002 land was acquired from a local farmer behind the Football Club in Potash Lane, and 

a contract was signed with McArdle Sport Tec to construct an artificial green. Work began in 

May 2002 and was completed for the official opening on 4th October 2002. 

The Club has subsequently extended its pavilion, to accommodate a short mat, built toilets 

and a large car park. The Club currently has about 60 members, with an additional 12 

associate members joining us for the winter season; the synthetic surface allowing us to 

bowl twelve months of the year. 

40

MORLAND BOWLING CLUB 


• Orchard Lane, East Hendred, Wantage 


The Morland Bowling Club founded in 1948, was an offshoot of the small 

Abingdon Brewery’s Sports and Social Club, whose other branches gradually 

withered away. But the tiny bowls Club survived on a three-rink green behind 

the Packhorse Inn at Milton Hill, just outside Abingdon. 

A few years later the Fish Inn Bowling Club at Sutton Courtenay, another three-rink Club, 

collapsed, and that coincided with the Packhorse green closing. The Morland Bowling Club 

then moved to Sutton Courtenay. At that time only employees were allowed to become 

members. 

In 1993 the Fish Inn underwent an extension, which again meant that we had to find 

another home. So here we go again !!! For the next three years we arranged to play all 

club fixtures away. That worked out quite well. During that time we had negotiated with 

Morland a lease on a piece of land that had not been used, and as a consequence was very 

overgrown. This land was at The Orchard, East Hendred. 

Having gained this lease, the Brewery gave us £10,000, which was matched by “Sports 

Match”, a further grant from the Foundation for the Sports and Art for £17,000 and a further 

loan from the Brewery of £15,000 (in return for selling their beer), gave us a grand total of 

£42,000. The cost of making the new green was £38,000, so we contracted Wellborn Sports 

of Lincolnshire to construct our green. 

Over the next few years we carried out considerable work around the green and in 2009 

we constructed new toilets and kitchen facilities, which will make things much more 

comfortable for members and visitors alike to enjoy. The Club’s transformation of the land 

they inherited to the Club it is now, has been captured with a series of photographs, at 

every stage of development, and makes very interesting reading for visitors. The Club has 

provided two County Presidents, with W.Greenway in 2005 and B.Dillon for 2010. 

41

NEWBURY BOWLING CLUB 


• Victoria Park, Newbury 


The ancient bowling green in the hamlet of Speenhamland, Newbury is where, 

as far back as 1571, there is reference to the popular game of bowls being 

prohibited during the local church service. This is where the Newbury Bowling 

Club played its matches when it was founded in 1598, making it one of the oldest Clubs 

in the country. 

In 1935 the Club moved its premises to Victoria Park and records show the preparation of 

the six-rink green cost £730 and the clubhouse a further £650. The setting within the park is 

very attractive, although vehicular access is prohibited on most occasions. 

After a mistake in 1970 by the council green-keeper, who selected weed killer rather than 

fungus control powder, the green was damaged. This was unfortunate for Reg Huckle, 

who was the County President in 1971, as he had to seek favours from other Berkshire 

Clubs to host his County Matches on their greens. Needless to say the wonderful spirit 

and co-operation of Berkshire Clubs ensured President Reg was able to fulfil his County 

commitments in style, for which he was very grateful. 

Following a fire from an electric fault in 1985, one corner of the clubhouse and the whole of 

the roof section were destroyed. The entire upper section was rebuilt, close to the original 

design, allowing it to retain its original atmosphere. 

Newbury is now a small unified Club with 34 men and 22 ladies. Our premises are rented 

from the Town Council, but our dedicated members manage to maintain the green to a very 

good standard. 

As a link with the past, our President wears the medal awarded to the 1858 Bowling Green 

Champion as his Official Badge of Office. 

Newbury wish every success to R.C.B.B.A. in its Centenary Year. 

42

PALMER PARK BOWLING CLUB 


• Palmer Park, Wokingham Road, Reading 


In April 1908 the Reading Standard reported that the first “municipal bowling 

green” was laid in Palmer Park, an area of land given in trust to the local 

community by Lord George Palmer, Mayor of Reading. Apparently members of the 

local council pressed ahead with the project despite strong opposition about the costs. 

In June 1908 our green was officially opened by the Mayor of Reading, Councillor W 

Colebrook. A match was played between Borough Officials and a team of Reading bowlers, 

which included members from Suttons and Biscuit Factory Clubs. It was noted that the 

Mayor’s opening shot scored a “toucher” – a good sign for the future of the green! 

The difficulties of space, brought about by success and increasing Club membership, has 

always proved to be a major problem. The original wooden style pavilion has long since 

been replaced with improvements seen in the 1960’s and the mid 1990’s. The last major 

improvement was completed in 2006, when it was officially opened by Ken Blackall, (Senior 

Deputy President R.C.B.B.A.) and Kath Seymour (President of B.C.W.B.A.). 

It was a fantastic day for all our members – one which we remember with great pride. The 

Ladies Section of the Club was a long time in being recognised, but in 1964 it was formed 

and they now form part of a well established mixed club, with a Lady Club Secretary and a 

Lady President having held office. 

The Club maintains a good record of success in local leagues, and as the Honours Boards 

show, the Club has achieved success since its formation, together with a fair share of County 

Honours to date. 

In 2010 we will be celebrating our Centenary, with the R.C.B.B.A. Congratulations to 

everyone. We look forward to sharing in our joint celebrations, when you visit us during 

what will be a very special season for us all. 

43

PANGBOURNE BOWLS CLUB 


• Recreation Ground, Thames Avenue, Pangbourne 

• Affliated 1935 

Pangbourne Bowls Club in many ways epitomises the rural bowls society, with it 

being located in the recreation ground adjacent to the river in this Thameside 

village. Our Club was established in 1922, but sadly little is known about its 

activities during the formative years – all our historians have now sadly passed away! 

Whilst in its earlier life the Club was considered to be a mixed friendly organisation, 

changes started to take shape during the 1980’s. Firstly the green was upgraded to “County 

standard”, with the grass banks (over which the woods inevitably rolled ! ) being replaced 

by bespoke ditches. During this time, Pangbourne Bowls Club members came up with the 

idea for the Manchester Unity League, which of course is still running today for the 10 clubs 

in and around the Reading area. 

The Club also participates in Kennet, LX and T.V.L leagues, whilst the traditional club 

competitions, friendly matches and “Tuesday Points” continue. 

County Honours have been somewhat sporadic, but the Club has achieved a limited 

recognition over the years. County Teams have been to the ground to play in a number 

of Bannerette games of course, and in addition we have entertained the English Bowls 

Association twice in the 1990’s, the latter event in 1997 to celebrate the 75 Year Anniversary 

of the Club’s inauguration. 

Along with many clubs we strive to increase membership, and most importantly this 

involves a need to move with the times. With this in mind, further information about the 

Club can be found on our new web site: http://www.pangbournebowls.co.uk. 

44

PROSPECT PARK BOWLING CLUB 


• Prospect Park, Honey End Lane, Tilehurst 


A 

bowling green was constructed in Prospect Park and the Mayor of Reading 

laid the last turf in 1912. Officially the Club started in 1913 after a meeting 

of 12 local business men on 25th February, who agreed a set of general rules 

and regulations, which had to be strictly adhered to! The membership was 48 men, 

with a subscription of 2/6d per member. After the first season there was a healthy bank 

balance of 10/6d! 

Our first President was Alderman E O Farrell and the two Vice Presidents were Sir Rufus 

Isaacs and Captain Leslie Wilson (RN). Both later served as Members of Parliament. Blazers 

and club badges were introduced in 1923, with the emblem being the Oak Tree, which could 

be seen from the Clubhouse. 

From then through to the 1970’s, a host of National and County Honours being gained – 

35 in all making the Club one of the most successful in Berkshire. T Yates, another very 

proficient winner of competitions gave his name to a Cup (The Yates Cup), which since 1951 

has been played for annually by Prospect Park, Palmer Park and Caversham. 

At the same time the Ladies Section was formed, with the first lady President, Mrs. M. 

Perkins, who later became President of the B.C.W.B.A. A new Clubhouse was built and 

officially opened by the Mayor of Reading in 1974, which was initially not allowed a liquor 

licence, although the Council thought better of that decision a few years later. 

In 2003 Wendy Smart was elected President of the B.C.W.B.A., during which the Club hosted 

a very successful Ladies County Finals on our green. 2005 was the most successful in recent 

years, with the Club being LX Finalists and Winners of Kennet League Winners Division 2. 

The Club is now a fully mixed Club, with 25 ladies and 55 men. 

45

READING BOWLING CLUB 


• Kendrick Road, Reading 


The first green was behind, and belonged to the Crown Hotel, a posting house in 

Crown Street, with land extending to the stables of the Red Cow public house. 

The Club was deprived of the use of the green, when the site was developed – 

principally by Huntley Bourne and Stevens, the metal box maker for the famous biscuit 

company Huntley & Palmers. 

The Club was able to acquire it’s present site at a rental of £15 p.a. with an option to 

purchase, and was conveyed on the 26th November 1892 for the sum of £675, with the 

granting of a £500 mortgage. Leading up to this decision, a number of meetings were held 

to explore possibilities. 

A meeting held in April 1892 resolved “that this meeting is of the opinion that the 

site offered us is every way calculated to make a most desirable green, but that 

the apathy displayed on the part of some members, added to other difficulties in 

acquiring and preparing the ground under the scheme, too impracticable to be 

entertained”. 

However, three weeks later the purchase went ahead when a subscription of one guinea 

was agreed, with eighteen guarantors being liable (if necessary) for another half guinea. In 

1897 the green was re-laid at a cost of £35, only to be replaced by another one in 1906 at 

a cost of £320, with the turf obtained from Cumberland. In May of that year, Dr.W.G.Grace 

brought a team of London bowlers for a match to celebrate the opening of the new green, 

resulting in a win for Reading by two shots. 

Our Honours Boards reflect the successes we have had at International, National and County 

levels, and in County Leagues. The exploits of Robert Newman are best known. Above all we 

remain a Club catering for the needs of all members, at whatever level they wish to play. 

We have provided 7 County Presidents with J.H.Baylis 1917, M.N.Neville 1968, L.G.West 

1976, L.Seward 1980, P.N.F.Moore 1990, P Cutler 1991 & W Wilson in 1999. 

46

ROYAL HOUSEHOLD BOWLING CLUB 


• Frogmore Home Park, Windsor Castle 


In 1663 the first bowling green was laid at Windsor Castle by the North Terrace at 

a cost of £13.12s.0d, presumably for the King and members of the Royal Court. A 

copy of the bill to lay this green is on display in the Clubhouse of the new green, 

which was laid in 1920 for the staff at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. This green 

was officially opened by King George V on 18th June 1921 and a newspaper report from 

the times states “The Earl of Athlone, President of the Club, whom received the King, 

asked him to throw the first jack and woods. In the subsequent game the King, who 

showed considerable skill, was on the winning side” 

Early records show a membership of 47, and today men members are only around 55 with a 

further 20 ladies, the ladies section having begun in 1949. 

By tradition the Club President is the Governor of Windsor Castle and whilst several have 

ventured onto the green, none have yet to play regularly. 

In 1985 we won the County Club Championship and have provided winners in the County 

Pairs, Triples, Honorary Secretaries, Unbadged Singles and Champion of Champions. The 

Club had two members of the winning Middleton Cup side in 1982 and George Wilson 

completed over 90 appearances for Berkshire, before retiring from Middleton Cup duties. 

Ken Blackall became our first County President in 2007. 

Our Clubhouse is very traditional in style, but holds a great deal of Royal Memorabilia, which is 

of great interest and fascination to the large number of visitors we cater for each season. 

We get many requests from Clubs and associations celebrating anniversaries, and as a result 

it is a very full fixture list, with many Clubs travelling far and wide, from Devon and Wales in 

the West and Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the North. 

47

SHRIVENHAM BOWLS CLUB 


• Martens Road, Shrivenham 


Shrivenham Bowls Club has quite rightly remembered its roots and retained its 

allegiance to the Royal County of Berkshire. This is despite being shunted over the 

border into Oxfordshire in the mid 1970’s Local Government reorganisation. And 

just to add to the border issue, Shrivenham has in fact a Swindon, Wiltshire postcode! 

Bowls was first played in the Recreation Ground in 1914, however, it soon faded, but was 

revived in 1967 and a green opened. 

Land was obtained from the Parish Council for a new green in Martens Road in May 1971, 

our present home, and two years later the new premises and green were opened. 

A ladies section was created in February 1974, and today we are a thriving mixed Club with 

a strong social side, having over 80 playing members and forming an important part of the 

village. The Club does not close in winter, so we operate our own short mat leagues. 

Shrivenham hosted the English Bowling Association in a special match in 1997 to celebrate 

the Club’s 25th Anniversary as a registered member of the E.B.A. 

The clubhouse has seen several extensions over the years and today can comfortably host 

District, County and National Competition matches as well as up to seven rink friendlies, on 

our excellent green. We also stage annually, for two weeks of September, both an open and 

members floodlit tournament, which continues to attract a lot of interest and players. 

The Club has enjoyed several women’s successes at county level, but alas none on the 

national front! We are very proud and honoured to have had two members, Ken Downton 

(1993) and Pat Smith (1995), elected as County Presidents. 

48

SUNNINGDALE BOWLING CLUB 


• Whitmore Lane, Sunningdale 


Sunningdale Bowling Club was formed in 1913, when 62 shares were sold at 10 

shillings each to founder members. The green was formed in the grounds of the 

Vicarage in Church Road, Sunningdale, and remained there until 1927, when the 

Club was forced to move due to re-development of that site. 

Then Mrs. Kruse, a local lady who owned a large house and grounds in Whitmore Lane, 

made a gift of the existing plot of land to the Bowling Club for permanent use as a bowling 

green, that could not be used for building or any other purpose, even if the Club ceases to 

exist. 

Then in 1940 the Pavilion was destroyed by a direct hit from a bomb and many members 

lost their shoes and woods. However the Club continued by using a tent for teas and 

sandwiches, until members received compensation after the war and were able to erect a 

new pavilion. 

Then in 1962 it was decided to install electricity and a bar, as the Club was continuing to 

grow in numbers. In 1983 the decision was made to replace the pavilion with a more up to 

date building, and the existing clubhouse was erected with many of the members doing a 

lot of jobs of finishing the inside fittings within the bar, kitchen, dressing rooms etc. 

From a total expenditure in 1915 of £10.8s.11d up to many thousands at the current time, 

the Sunningdale Bowling Club continues to thrive as a friendly and welcoming Club under 

the umbrella of the County Association and Bowls England, in a delightful rural location 

backing on to fields. 

The surrounding borders within the Club are well maintained and provide a setting, many 

visitors enjoy. 

The Club is proud to have provided three Presidents for the County with H.J.W.Brown 1970, 

W.J.Sarney 1985 & W.J.Manley 1997, who went on to be President of the E.B.A.in 2002. 

49

SUTTONS BOWLING CLUB 


• Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, Reading 


Suttons began life as part of Suttons’ Seeds Recreation Club at Cintra Park and 

to get things going “20 pairs of bowls, second quality, with a selection of sizes” 

were purchased. 

In 1909 there were a total of 155 competition entries, indicating a strong membership, and 

a year later we joined The Berkshire County B.A. Although friendly games continued, formal 

play was suspended during World War 1. The green was re-laid / seeded in 1924, which 

was a departure from the usual turf. In 1925 there were lengthy discussions regarding the 

wearing of blazers, but they were not mandatory. The matter of dress code has been a point 

of discussion ever since! 

1934 saw the Club taking its first tour to Teignmouth, followed by more enjoyable tours 

in successive years. The Club remained at Cintra Park until 1955, when Sutton’s Seeds 

developed their trial ground at London Road for bowling and tennis. The possibility of a new 

motorway cutting through the green was mentioned in 1968 and the threat existed for the 

next 20 years, before we finally had to relocate to our present home. 

In 1969 Ladies were finally accepted into the Club, but initially as “Friends”, but thank 

goodness attitudes have changed, as they form a significant part of our success and wellbeing. 

Prior to the move to Chalfont Way in 1988 there were many years of uncertainty and 

disruption in the playing of matches, with local Clubs giving much needed support during 

that period. 

As Speyhawk were the developers who built the Club and green, it was decided to name the 

clubhouse “The Speyhawk Pavilion”, and our new badge adopting a hawk, was created, but 

still retaining the name of Suttons Bowling Club. 

Our Centenary in 2006 was celebrated in style with many memorable matches and with our current 

membership of 100 men, 40 ladies and 50 social members we remain a strongly based Club. 

50

THATCHAM BOWLING CLUB 


• Memorial Playing Fields, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham 


The inaugural meeting of the Club was held in Thatcham Drill Hall in May 1950, 

followed by the first proper meeting on 27th July 1950. Annual subscriptions 

were set at 10s 6d and Jack Gooding was elected as Chairman. It was further 

decided that the name of the Club should be “Thatcham Bowling Club”, with play taking 

place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Fixtures were arranged with 

Kingsclere, Stockcross and Hungerford. 

Initially, all catering was done from a small garden shed in the southwest corner of the 

green. A small pavilion for catering and cloakroom facilities was acquired in 1952, but 

unfortunately, on match days, had to be shared with the local cricket club, thus making the 

serving of teas etc. the equivalent to a military operation. 

“The Ashman Cup” was the first club competition inaugurated in 1952, with Mr. S. J. 

Ashman donating the cup for a “4 Wood Singles Competition. A year later Colonel Neville 

donated “The President’s Cup”, which was presented to the winners of a “4 Wood Pairs 

Competition”. 

A special meeting was called in 1953 to decide on the format of the Club blazer badge. It 

was agreed that the depiction of a medieval castle and below it, the dates of 1150 and 1950 

to represent the old bowling green at Henwick Manor and the birth of the present club. 

The ensuing years have seen the Club grow and strengthen, with the gaining of honours at 

both County and National level. Continued growth of membership to the present day has 

produced a Club with a well-appointed clubhouse and a green of excellent quality. 

2010 will mark our 60th Anniversary and the celebrations will be a milestone in the driving 

force to ensure a long and successful future at the Club. 

51

THREE MILE CROSS BOWLING CLUB 


• Ford’s Forge, Basingstone Road, Three Mile Cross 


The Club was formed in 1938 by the signing of a lease for a plot of land of about 

one acre at the rear of the village Forge. The reference to the Forge appears in 

the address of the Club to the present day. 

The original plan was for a bowling green and tennis club. The tennis activity continued 

until 1972, when it was discontinued, and the space was utilised for car parking 

The first recorded note of a formal meeting was at Muford Hall in the village on 3rd October 

1941. In 1942 the first President was appointed and in the same year, the Berkshire C.B.A. 

brought a team to the Cross, to play the Club. Following this event, the Club became 

affiliated to B.C.B.A. 

In 1947 the Club fixture programme comprised of matches with The Islanders, Mortimer, 

Hurst, Bulmershe, Farley Hill, Pangbourne and Tilehurst. In the same year a Ladies Section 

was formed. 

By 1950 the number of matches played in the season had risen to 13. 

In 1966 a bar licence was obtained and the opening of the bar was celebrated by a match 

against a team brought to the Club by the President of the Berkshire C.B.A. Rumour has it 

that the team consuming the most alcohol won the match, but which team this was is not 

recorded! 

The purchase of the land was achieved in 1974, and in 1982 the green was extended to six 

rinks. In 1990 a new pavilion was built, and in 1998 the green had to be completely re-laid. 

Since that time the green has continued to improve and the decision in 2004 to place the 

overall care of the green in the hands of a specialist contractor has resulted in the TMX green 

becoming one of the best in the area. 

52

TILEHURST BOWLING CLUB 


• Wardle Avenue, Tilehurst 


In November 1933, thirty local residents met in the Village Hall where it was 

decided to form a bowling Club. A suitable site was available, but at a price 

considered to be too high, a committee was formed to get the Club off the ground. 

At the next meeting in December it was reported that a better site in Wardle Avenue was 

available at a much more attractive price, the purchase money was provided by one of 

the committee and secured to him by a first mortgage at 5% interest per annum, and 

conveyed to 4 trustees. 

Maxwell Hart were contracted to install the green at a cost of £500. Letters were sent to the 

residents of Tilehurst asking for members, and in March 1934 there were 30 men and 4 lady 

members. The Club was accepted into membership of the Berkshire C.B.A. in 1934, and a 

representative of the Club was elected to serve on the County Executive Council. 

The green was finally handed over to the Club in the same year and then was formally 

opened by the Mayor of Reading. During the war years the wooden pavilion was used by the 

members to raise funds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the Spitfire Fund and the Red Cross, 

and was also used as a classroom. 

The wooden pavilion was eventually replaced by the present brick and tile clubhouse in 

1984, when our membership was around 100 men, 50 ladies, and 30 social members. 

At the present time we are probably the only Club who operate with 3 committees, a Men’s 

Committee, Ladies Committee and a Management Committee, with a present membership 

of 75 men 42 ladies and social members. 

We are in the throws of extending the pavilion as part of our 75th Anniversary in 2009 and 

wish to congratulate the R.C.B.B.A. on achieving its Centenary in 2010. 

53

TRENTHAM BOWLING CLUB 


• Bowling Green Lane, Purley on Thames 


The Club was formed in the grounds of building contractor G Percy Trentham 

Limited at Purley-on-Thames, at the end of Bowling Green Lane, off Sherwood 

Rise. Originally a two rink green was constructed, and the six rink bottom green 

was added later. 

“Players” were restricted to employees of the company and their spouses, which restricted 

numbers, so most games consisted of four triples. 

The timber clubhouse was constructed at the company’s Cardiff joinery works, and is still 

there, albeit clad over following the pavilion refurbishment in 1989. The spacious clubhouse 

has an elevated position overlooking the six rink green and affords a lovely outlook to 

members and players alike. 

The Club opened to non-employees in the early 1980’s to bolster membership, and we have 

won two County Competitions to date in 1993. 

With the demise of Trenthams as a company, the land was transferred to Purley Parish 

Council, and a forty-year lease was granted to the bowling Club. 

The Club badge was designed by one of the Trentham architects, and depicts two trees, the 

Berkshire Oak and Willow, with King John and a Berkshire Stag either side, the blue in the 

badge represents the nearby River Thames and the book, “Wind in the Willows” written 

nearby. 

The new millennium brought mixed membership to the Club, and from struggling to field 

twelve players, we now regularly play six mixed rinks as well as fielding two Kennet League 

Teams, two LX Teams and a Ladies Thames Valley League team. 

54

TWYFORD BOWLING CLUB 


• 12a Wargrave Road, Twyford 


The Club was formed as a result of meetings held in the Court Room of the 

Twyford Almshouses in 1935, where they identified an old gravel pit behind the 

old Kings Arms as a suitable site. Following negotiations with W H Brakspear & 

Sons (Brewery), a green was laid at their expense, for which we paid a peppercorn rent. 

John Chalcraft (Chairman of the Brewery) became our first President in 1936 until he died in 

1985.As there were no official fixtures then, five local clubs – Bearwood, Bulmershe, Hurst, 

Maidenhead Thicket and Wargrave each kindly arranged two home and away games to give 

the Club an opportunity for match play. Changing facilities were sparse until the 1940’s 

when a wooden pavilion was obtained, and ten years later the ladies room and gent’s toilet 

block were added. 

By the 1970’s membership was down to 30 players and the green had deteriorated due to 

subsidence, reflecting its former use as a gravel pit and a rubbish tip. The very dry summer 

of 1976 and the ban on watering had such a disastrous effect that no home games could be 

played in the latter half of the season or for the whole of 1977. 

A lot of work was required to level the green and since then we have seen a constant 

improvement in the playing surface, through the dedication of green keepers and members 

alike. In 1986 a formal lease was obtained, membership was increasing which allowed the 

Club to install an automatic watering system. 

1997 represented another setback as the clubhouse was destroyed by fire and was a 

complete write-off. After protracted negotiations with the landlord, a replacement brick 

pavilion was finally built and opened in 1999. 

Constant recruitment and coaching has helped to keep membership levels around 80 ladies 

and gents at the present time. 

55

UNIVERSITY OF 

READING BOWLS CLUB 


• Earley Gate, Whiteknights, Reading 


In the early days we played friendlies, but over time we have attracted some 

talented players, who have then gone on to win County and National Honours, 

although they have moved on, to further their ambitions with other Clubs. 

We are quite unique as the only University with a bowling green on its campus. Membership 

comes from all sections of the University Staff, together with a strong cohort of retired, 

family, associate and community members. Occasionally, some students have joined the 

Club, even though the outdoor season is much longer than the University Summer Term. 

In the late 1980’s we joined Manchester Unity Mixed Triples League, and won this for the 

first time in 1994. In 1995 we entered the Kennet League and have been moved around 

as a result of the East /West reorganization, and have moved up and down the leagues, 

and currently reside in Division 2. The Kennet League has produced a great opportunity to 

play more competitive bowls, which has helped all concerned to compete more strongly in 

County and National Competitions. 

We run our activities as a mixed Club, with the ladies section increasing in strength year 

on year. The ladies have also provided a Club Captain, and we were one of the first Clubs in 

Berkshire to do so. 

Our active “Retired League”, which started in 1993, is a very popular league and currently 

some 30% of our members play in this weekly points league. 

Maintenance of the green is very much a joint effort by members and they have produced a 

good bowling surface for our some 80 members and visitors to play on. 

56

WALLINGFORD BOWLING CLUB 


• Bullcroft Park, Wallingford 


As can be seen from the badge, we celebrated our 75th anniversary in 2000 and 

continue to provide bowling facilities to a membership of around 50 members. 

The green is situated in the middle of Bullcroft Park, with access from two 

sides of the Park. 

Membership is drawn from Wallingford and the surrounding villages with mixed matches 

being the order of the day, but there is ample opportunity for competitive play for men in 

the Kennet League and for the ladies in the Ridgeway League. 

Over the years we have accumulated a number of trophies for various competitions, which 

are keenly contested throughout the season by our bowlers. In the clubhouse we provide 

a simple match meal, usually a buffet, for both sides on match days, tea on Saturday and 

Sunday. In 2008 we had the pleasure of a Bannerette game against the County, which 

proved to be most enjoyable for all concerned, and gave an opportunity to many people to 

visit us for the first time, which is what these games are all about. 

We have also provided the County with a President, namely Mr. A. K. Purton in 1972, who 

before that, held the post of Honorary Secretary for many years in our Club. 

Like many Clubs recruitment of new bowlers is always a high priority and in that respect 

we have members who readily provide tuition and advice on the finer points of bowling. A 

good encouraging and supportive attitude is encouraged throughout, which makes for a 

nice friendly Club. 

Maintenance of the green and surrounds is the responsibility of the members, who have 

achieved a consistently fine bowling surface and pleasant surrounds within the hedged 

perimeter. 

“Remember you don’t have to be retired to play bowls” is our motto! 

57

WANTAGE BOWLING CLUB 


• Recreation Ground, Manor Road, Wantage 


Although we were formed in 1922, we did not play our first match until 1923. A 

report quotes - ”In the unavoidable absence of Mr. A. T. Lloyd MP, Mr. E. Robson 

extended a hearty invitation to members of the Abingdon Bowling Club, who 

played the first match on the new green. Pleasantly situated at the back of the Bear 

Hotel The “Alfredians” have secured a nice green”. 

The inaugural match resulted in a narrow four shot win for the visitors, and tea was served 

afterwards in the Bear Hotel. 

Fifty years later the Club moved to its present green in the local Recreation Ground, and 

used facilities offered by the Comrades Club for changing and socialising. A ladies section 

was formed in 1978. 

In 1989 we became self contained, as grants / loans from the local council and Morland’s 

Brewery enabled the building of the current club pavilion with the help of a Youth Training 

Scheme work force. 

The Club was honoured in 1979 when Aubery Denly became the County President and later 

in 2006, Kath Seymour was elected President of the B.C.W.B.A. 

Michael Willis was honoured for playing 115 consecutive Middleton Cup games, and later 

became President of the E.I.B.A., followed by Presidency of the British Isles Indoor Bowls 

Council in 2003. 

On the green the most notable achievements have been the winning of the Kennet League 

in 1989, Neil Stradling, Brian Griffiths. George Shepherd and Michael Willis reaching the 

final of the E.B.A. Fours in 1979; Tim Rose and Michael Willis reaching the semi-finals of 

E.B.A. Pairs in 1988 and Neil Stradling with Michael Willis being part of the Middleton Cup 

Squad who lifted the Trophy in 1982. 

58

WARGRAVE BOWLING CLUB 

• Formed 1926 

• Recreation Ground, East View Road, Wargrave 


As a result of a number of local men approaching the local council to rent land 

at the Recreation Ground, we were able to form the Club and on the 23rd 

June 1926 our green was officially opened by Mrs. F. Calling, the wife of our 

first President. To set the Club going 15 debentures of £5 each were issued, and with 45 

members the subscription was set at 10s.6d p.a., suits and collars were the order of the 

day with trilby hats to the fore. The annual rent was set at £30p.a., which was expensive 

at the time, but subsequently reduced to £10p.a. 

The Club consisted of a lot of local businessmen from it’s inception and after the war, they 

came back to bring the membership up to around 40 again. In the early 60’s numbers were 

further increased with the formation of the Ladies Section, but mixed matches did not 

prevail for another 10 years. 

By 1986 the clubhouse was in need of considerable repair and improvement, and with the 

benefit of a substantial donation from the Sultan of Oman, who lived locally, we were able 

to complete the work in 1987, with additional funds coming from the Wokingham District 

Council and Fuller’s Brewery. A portrait of the Sultan is prominently displayed in the Club in 

recognition of his contribution. A grand opening celebration took place with a Gala Day, to 

which 24 local Clubs were invited, and those Gala Days continued for many years thereafter, 

to help with fund-raising. 

There has always been a strong competitive element within the Club in both the ladies and 

gents sections, with successes at County and National levels being achieved. 

By 1990 membership was 76 with in addition 16 social members. The Club is very much 

run and looked after by members, with a strong element of coaching helping to attract 

members over the years. 

59

WINDSOR & ETON BOWLING CLUB 


• Goswell Meadow, Barry Avenue, Windsor 


We were founded as a limited company in 1922 by the businessmen of 

Windsor, and are situated in Goswell Meadow, immediately below 

Windsor Castle. The area is in the care of the National Trust, having been 

purchased by public subscription in 1910, in order to preserve the view of the Castle 

from nearby Alexandra Gardens and the River Thames. 

Originally Cumberland Sea-washed Turf was laid, but over the years parts have been 

renovated with bowling-green turf. The club pavilion was originally made of thatch, but in 

recent years has been changed to slate, due to cost and maintenance reasons. 

The standard of bowling throughout the years has been of a high standard, and is borne 

out by the very impressive Honours Boards. These include many winners in prestigious 

competitions at County and National levels. 

At the time of the Club’s Jubilee in 1972, as shown in our badge above, we claimed to be the 

only club in the country to have produced two England’s Singles Champions, Ernie Newton 

and Norman Butler. 

The current Club Patron is Gwen Foreman, who was one of the Club’s great players and 

remains an institution within the Club, having joined us in 1932. 

Membership remains strong at around 100, and due to the prime position we have in 

Windsor, with the Castle as our backdrop, we gain a lot of attention from the constant 

stream of visitors Windsor enjoys. 

Our players, visitors and the green are probably featured in many tourist’s photographs 

around the world as a result of our position on the main pathway coming up from the River 

Thames area to the centre of the town. 

We are very fortunate to have many Clubs wanting to visit us and play on the green against 

our members, for that we are very grateful. 

60

WINDSOR GREAT PARK BOWLING CLUB 


• York Club, Windsor Great Park 


The Club is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Windsor Great Park, which 

consists of 5500 acres of park, heath and woodland, which are the remnants 

of a Royal hunting forest, that once stretched across the whole of southern 

Berkshire. 

We were founded in 1955 as the York Bowling Club, under the patronage of Her Majesty The 

Queen, and affiliated to the both the County Associations for ladies and gents in the same 

year. We have provided two County Presidents since then, with Jack Taylor in 1984 and Wilf 

Barfoot in 1998. 

In our time we have provided three Presidents for the County, and are proud of our 

contribution. Located in the village and affiliated to the York Club, we changed our name to 

Windsor Great Park Bowling Club in 1977, and have a County “standard” green with its own 

clubhouse, as well as the use of the facilities of the adjacent York Club, and celebrated our 

50th Year in 2005. 

During our history, there is one occasion that will never be forgotten. 

On Wednesday evening of May 5th 1982, during a match between ourselves and British 

Airways Concorde B.C., at about 7.00p.m., the bowlers must have felt that the end of the 

earth had come, when lightning hit a nearby oak tree. The strike was so powerful that the 

bowlers were “lifted off the ground” and left in a stunned and confused state, fortunately 

there were no injuries. 

The tree was blown to pieces, with slivers of wood scattered everywhere, the green looked 

like the back of a porcupine with wood embedded all over it. The old pavilion on the far side 

of the green had all its windows shattered, but luckily the recently opened new pavilion was 

not damaged. 

61

WOKINGHAM BOWLING CLUB 


• Reading Road, Wokingham 


We were formed in 1930 on ground opposite St. Paul’s Church, owned by 

Mr. Elliston-Clifford, who was both a local solicitor and a Wokingham 

Town Councillor. Originally, built with a 6-rink green, it was later 

expanded to include a 4-rink green, when the Ladies Bowling Section was formed in 

1933. This rink has had a mixed history, becoming a car park before reverting back to a 

bowling green, which was approved by Berkshire C.B.A. in 1992. 

The Club has undergone a number of re-developments, the last one being it’s most 

expensive. Having had a Lottery Fund application rejected, we set out to raise money and 

go ahead anyway. By means of member’s gifts and loans, grants and self-help, the Club was 

completely re-vamped, with a new lounge, bar, ladies and gent’s changing rooms, kitchen, 

toilet and car park. The new facilities were officially opened by Mr. John Redwood M.P. in 

April 2003 and now provide first class facilities for members and visitors alike. 

During our life, we have grown from a small number of Founder Members to over 200 

bowlers in 2008, including some 70 ladies. 

During this period the Club has provided County Officers and many finalists. These include 

County Champions in every competition, E.B.A. Champions, L.&S.C.B.A. Champions, plus 

Middleton Cup representatives. 

In this time of falling membership, the fact that the Club continues to grow is quite an 

achievement! We have a thriving social scene with many members and are open (in one 

form or another) all the year round. 

The sound of the nearby church bells is often heard during the Summer, when Kennet 

League or similar matches take place, and with our well kept grounds, provides a lovely 

setting for the game of bowls. 

62

WOODLEY BOWLING CLUB 


• Woodford Park, Haddon Drive, Woodley 


Woodley Bowling Club was born when Woodley Town Council developed 

Woodford Park in the early 1960’s. A group of bowlers got together and 

formed the Club, with the first matches being played in 1964. 

Over the years membership grew, and in the early 1980’s Club members decided it was 

time to go ahead and build their own clubhouse, as up to then, we had used the Council’s 

facilities. 

Permission was granted and members set to work and literally built the Clubhouse 

between them. It was extended to its present size during the early 1990’s, again to cater 

for increasing membership numbers. With the development of the clubhouse, the Ladies 

Section was formed in 1983 and now take a very active part in the Club’s bowling calender. 

The Club has provided Officers to the County, including Brian Matthews as President in 

2000, and also as Match Secretary from 1990 to 1998, with a further period in this role at 

the present time. Members of the Club have also reached the finals of County Competitions, 

winning the Unbadged Singles and twice winning the Honorary Secretaries Competition. 

The Ladies have also been present at Leamington in the finals of the Ladies Competitions. 

We have a very active friendly fixture list, as well as being involved in League Bowls. The 

men first played League Bowls in the Thames Valley League in the late 1960’s and now play 

in the Kennet League, whilst the ladies are members of the Thames Valley League. 

Our Club also hosts County fixtures for Ladies and Men, as well as hosting League Finals, 

with such fixtures as the Kennet League. 

63

WRAYSBURY BOWLS CLUB 


• The Green, Wraysbury, Staines 


Wraysbury Bowls Club is one of the most picturesque Clubs in the County, 

with its backdrop of a windmill and pavilion designed by a member Glynn 

Larcombe, owner of the windmill, to blend in with the scenery. 

We were finally formed in 1998 by the tireless efforts of our first President, the late Robert 

“Bob” Marshall, ably assisted by his wife Sheila, who is our current President. Saying it was 

finally founded, is because it took several years before the Club was granted it’s present site, 

which was an overgrown section of the Village Hall car park. 

Many hours were spent in developing the site, clearing old trees etc., before the green could 

be laid. Because of the overall size, we are restricted to three rinks, laid with carpet, so that 

members can play throughout the year. 

We celebrated our 10th Anniversary in August 2008 and held a special dinner with 

entertainment in the Village Hall. 

The village of Wraysbury is well known for its social life, and the bowls Club being no 

exception to this, creating a welcoming atmosphere to visiting Clubs and members alike. 

Many of those Clubs want to return for friendly games, but this is at times, is restricted by a 

shortage of playing members. 

Our social games are well managed with several mixed in with the league commitments. 

We are also able to participate in the Kennet LX League, as that only requires three teams of 

triples, and is within our rink ability to play. 

We are a very welcoming Club, where the accent is on the social aspect as much as the 

bowling. One special event that is held most years is a game on New Year’s Day morning, 

which does wonders for the head and sets off the year with a good start! 

64

BERKSHIRE GRANFERS 

BOWLING ASSOCIATION 


• An Associated Member 

We were set up by four bowling founder members, all grand-fathers, hence 

the name. It is a loose association of bowlers from Clubs within Berkshire, 

Hampshire and Wiltshire. We have never had our own Headquarters or 

Clubhouse, so meetings are held in various venues, including Tilehurst and Whiteknights 

Bowling Clubs. 

Around 1989 the Association had its first lady officer, but the teams were all male until 

1992, when mixed matches were played. 

However in 2001 the first lady became Captain, then subsequently President two years later. 

The aim of the association has always to collect funds from within the bowl’s fraternity, by 

visiting Clubs by invitation, and at the end of the game take part in raffles, auctions etc, 

raising funds to benefit the general community. 

The Clubs who host our matches, usually donate the profits or part thereof from such exercises. 

In turn, these Clubs are then invited to nominate local registered charities to be supported that 

season. Last year donations of £500 were made to each of seven local charities. 

In recent years donations have been made to adult and children hospices, children’s 

bereavements units, Cardiac Rehab Unit, Air Ambulance, Contact the Elderly, Cancer related 

units and other health related charities to name but a few. 

Currently we have around 60 playing and 4 social members, who come from Berkshire and 

Hampshire. In 2008 we played 14 Clubs outdoors, plus internal games and 5 Clubs indoors 

within the two counties. 

We hope to continue to enjoy our bowling, but more importantly to raise money to help 

others. 

65

BERKSHIRE MASONIC 




Although it has existed unofficially since 1915, we were constituted in 1935 and 

will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary in 2010. Sadly almost all the records 

from the early days have been lost, but the legacy they founded, lives on with 

the Association continuing to play matches throughout the year. As with most bowling 

associations we are indebted to local Clubs for the use of their facilities, to host our 

matches against other Masonic Bowling Associations, which are played on a “home & 

away “ basis. 

Full members are all Masons from Berkshire or surrounding Provinces, or London, and 

usually are members of bowling Clubs within Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire or 

Wiltshire. 

The “Aims & Objects” of the Association is to promote the game of bowls for its members 

against other Masonic Associations and local bowls Clubs. In addition, as is traditional in 

Masonry, we raise money for both local and national charities. 

Over the years the membership has included many well-known Berkshire Bowlers: Ellis 

Halfacre, Des Gibbs, Arthur Mullins, all sadly deceased. 

Roy Thomas and Mike Newman are currently members and Les West and Keith Parish are 

Life Members. Past Secretaries include Bill Freeman and Ron Russell. 

As with many organisations membership has been slowly declining from over 100 some ten 

years ago to around 40 or so at the present time, but an Associate Membership category, 

introduced three years ago has boosted our numbers to in excess of 60. 

The Association would welcome all enquiries for membership. 

66

BERKSHIRE VICE PRESIDENTS 


• Formed 1967 


The first meeting of the Association was held at Huntley & Palmers on the 4th 

February 1967. Ellis Halfacre, then the President of the B.C.B.A. held temporary 

Chairmanship until the Officers of the Association was elected. Mr. E. Marsh was 

duly elected as the first Chairman. 

The first Committee Meeting was held on the 9th February 1967, the main purpose being 

to formulate the rules of the Association, and after discussion it was agreed the Association 

will be called:- 

“The Berkshire Vice Presidents Bowling Association”. 

The objectives being:- 

a) To promote and foster the game of bowls under E.B.A. rules. 

b) To support and assist the Berkshire County Bowling Association. 

c) To arrange matches with other such associations. 

Unlike some associations, membership to the Berkshire Vice Presidents is by invitation 

only, and extended to members of Clubs affiliated to the County Association. Typically we 

play about 13 outdoor fixtures and 8 indoor matches, often against other Vice President 

Associations on a alternating home and away basis each year. 

Nomination for membership initially comes from the Club secretaries, who can nominate 

members, who in their club’s opinion have tendered noteworthy service to the game of bowls. 

There is no requirement to be a President of a Club to become a member of our Association. 

67

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 



The Royal British Legion (RBL) was born following the carnage of the 1st World 

War in 1921. Its purpose was to provide help to ex- service people in times 

of need. During the years that followed, the RBL grew and in Berkshire we 

currently have fifty Branches. 

One of the social activities offered to our members is the opportunity to play bowls for 

their own Branch, which many still do today, enjoying the well-known camaraderie along 

the way. 

RBL historical bowls records are now but a few. However, those that do exist suggest inter 

Club games were taking place within the county and across borders, as far back as the 

1950’s or before. Many of those bowling Clubs still survive, alas others do not. 

One or two branches had, and still have their own bowling green. 

Historically, however, most RBL members have played their bowls at one of the many 

private Clubs or on a municipal green. 

Since the mid 1950’s, or before, the RBL has run a Three Year Competition, which includes 

the usual disciplines from singles to fours. Starting at County level, winners progress to Area 

in year two, then to National in year three. The competitions are open to members of either 

gender, with the last finals having taken place in 2009, at Suttons Club in Berkshire. 

In the 21st Century, its good to be able to record some success stories, for in 2008 our branch 

at Crowthorne, with its own bowling green, achieved affiliation status with the R.C.B.B.A. 

Although friendly games between Branches are now few in numbers, the Three Year 

Competition is very much alive, with Berkshire members representing their Branches at 

all levels. 

68

Competitive Leagues 

We all enjoy a competitive game and the creation of leagues across our 

County over the years, has provided the means by which Clubs can 

challenge each other over the whole of a bowling season. 

Very often it is merely the honour of winning that matters, rather than any large cash prize. 

I have included details of the largest of those competitive leagues, although I am aware that 

some very local competitions do exist. 

69

CHILTERN & THAMES BOWLING ASSOCIATION 

Founded in 1979 by clubs in Chesham, Bucks, this league consists of 3 mixed 

triples and has now expanded to 7 leagues, grouped on a geographical basis 

with no movement between them. 

Berkshire has Wargrave and Wraysbury currently playing in this cross-border league, 

(which goes into Bucks and Middlesex), but one of the founder members Hurst, no longer 

participates. 

The Leagues are: – Thames North, Thames East, Thames South West, Thames West, Mid 

Thames, Chilterns South and Chilterns North, with Wargrave in Thames West and Wraysbury 

in Mid West, with 5 teams in each league. 

Each league produces a winner, after a home and away match against each other, who 

together with the highest scoring runner-up of all the leagues, then go forward to a 

quarter-final played on one day. Then on another day, the semi and final are played. 

Wargrave have been the winner of this league on more than one occasion. 

Sometimes an extra rink is played to accommodate the needs of other bowlers, but any 

score achieved does not count for point’s purposes. 

This competitive league is ideal for small mixed clubs and is played on a mixture of artificial 

and grass surfaces. 

Additional clubs from Berkshire are welcome, and should contact The Secretary John 

Bristow, on 01494 583085 for further information. 

70

HOME COUNTIES BOWLS ASSOCIATION 

Berkshire decided to join the Home Counties League around 1970, when 

games were initially played on a Saturday, and has been an active supporter 

ever since. The Association comprises of seven counties, Berkshire, 

Buckinghamshire, Kent, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex, and has maintained 

that number, despite frequent requests from adjacent counties to join. 

The Chairmanship of the Association moves by rotation through the counties involved annually. 

Competitions / Leagues cater for the needs of the Under 25’s and for the competitive county 

bowler, throughout the outdoor season. 

The Home Counties League has a very high standard of bowlers and is seen as the testing 

ground for bowlers looking to aspire to “The Middleton Cup Squad”, whereas the Under 25’s 

is a league where the younger bowlers within each county, are given a league, within which 

players of a certain age range, play each other and develop their bowling skills. These young 

players very often go on to play in either the Home Counties League or indeed The Middleton 

Cup Squad. The Under 25’s always have an enthusiastic squad of supporters, with parents 

providing both encouragement and transport! 

In addition to these matches, the H.C.B.A. plays 7 rinks, one from each county, against 

like-minded county associations, i.e. Eastern, Midlands and South West Counties Bowls 

Associations, as well as the Chairman’s County, together with a few other selected 

celebratory games during a season. 

Towards the end of the season, the winners of the individual County Singles, Pairs, Triples, 

Fours and Under 25’s are invited to compete against each other in a Final’s Day, thereby 

rounding off the outdoor season in a splendid way. 

The Association is self-funding and looks to attract sponsorship to supplement income, and 

has been very successful in this activity. 

71

KENNET LEAGUE. 

The League was formed in 1972 by Hungerford, Newbury, Thatcham, Abingdon, 

Faringdon, Hagbourne and Tilehurst. The games consisted of three triples, the points 

available being ten, four for the match winners and two each for the rink winners. 

Didcot joined the league in 1974, but a year later numbers were back to only four teams as Abingdon, 

Faringdon, Hagbourne and Newbury dropped out, and the future looked bleak. 

A year later numbers were back to seven, as Hungerford fielded another team and Wantage 

together with Prospect Park joined in. By the end of 1976 the County took an interest in the 

league and created three sections – Eastern, Western and Central, with triples still being 

played. 

1977 attracted 100 spectators to watch the County League final at Trentham, with 

Hungerford winning on the day, and County Officials were very pleased with the success of 

the new format. In 1978 Marlborough and Mortimer joined the Western Section with the 

final taking place at Hungerford in front of another very good-sized audience. By 1980 the 

format had changed to four rinks. 

With an increasing enthusiasm for competitive bowls, the demand for more games grew, and 

by 1988 the KLX League was introduced for those over the age of 60, and these fixtures were 

played on weekday afternoons, so as not to clash with the well established evening fixtures of 

the Kennet League. 

Within 12 years demand had created The Conference League, again aimed at the over 60 

age group and this fitted in well with the weekday afternoon schedules in Clubs. 

The Kennet League has come a long way since its early days of formation in 1972, and now 

provides The Royal County with a well run, highly competitive league structure catering for 

the competitive bowlers in our Clubs. 

Without doubt the League has improved the standard of bowling but its success brings its 

own problems, in as much as there is a greater demand for places in the leagues, than there 

are places available. 

72

MANCHESTER UNITY TRIPLES LEAGUE 

The name of the League comes from The Oddfellows Society, as they are the 

sponsors. The League operates across county borders with Berkshire and 

Oxfordshire involved, and currently consists of Burghfield, Goring, Harwell, 

Henley, Hurst, Palmer Park, Pangbourne, Peppard, Shiplake and the University of 

Reading. 

Matches normally consist of 5 mixed triples (except at Goring where the green only allows 

for 3 rinks). 

Two points are awarded for each winning rink, and two points for the winning overall score, 

giving a total of twelve points per match. 

When played at Goring three points are awarded for each winning rink and 3 points for the 

overall winning score. 

Since the year 2000, there has also been an additional “Officers” friendly competition for the 

“Millenium Cup”. 

Each club provides a triple and teams are created on the basis (loosely) of North of the 

Thames versus South. 

The rink with the highest winning margin on the winning team collects the trophy. 

73

SWINDON & DISTRICT BOWLING ASSOCIATION 

As the name implies, it is not part of Berkshire’s regular leagues, but does 

tend to benefit the Clubs on the furthest western side of our County, namely 

Shrivenham and Faringdon. Shrivenham originally joined in 1973 and some 

5/6 years ago Faringdon became a supporter. To belong to this League now, Clubs should 

be within a 12 mile radius of the centre of Swindon. 

The League was founded in 1927 as “The Swindon Bowling Association”, and to be eligible 

the Clubs had to be within Swindon Borough. 

Two years later they changed their name to the current one. During the Second World War 

play was suspended until 1946, when it started up again. From small beginnings they have 

continued to grow in numbers and currently stand at 22 Clubs, underlining the need for 

competitive bowling in the area. The Association still retains the Coat of Arms of Swindon 

Borough as its “Badge”, some 82 years after its formation. 

The League operates two main leagues, The Four Rink League and The Afternoon Triples. 

The Four Rink League has two divisions, which at the end of the 2009 season had 13 

teams in Division One, where Shrivenham finished 3rd and Faringdon came in last. 

In Division Two there are 15 teams, where we had no Berkshire teams represented in 2009. 

Both divisions play each on a home and away basis, and again winners and losers within a 

league are decided on a point’s basis. Two teams go up and two teams go down at the end 

of the season. 

The Men’s Afternoon Triples splits into three divisions, where we have Shrivenham and 

Faringdon in Division 2 and 3. 

Winners and losers within a league are decided on a point’s basis. Three teams go up and 

three teams go down at the end of the season. 

74

THE ASHLEY BAKER LEAGUE 

This League was formed in 1953, initially consisting of three Clubs, Lambourn, 

Kintbury and Stockcross, but soon after Ramsbury and Great Bedwyn joined. As 

can be seen from the Club names it was not confined to Berkshire Clubs, and still 

continues today with 10 clubs currently belonging, of which 8 come from Berkshire. 

However like many leagues, numbers have fluctuated over the years, having reached a low 

point of 3 at one stage and up to 11 Clubs at its highest point. 

The Clubs that were in the league at the close of the 2009 season were - Faringdon, Great 

Bedwyn, Hungerford, Kingston Bagpuize, Kintbury, Lambourn, Milton Hill, Morland and 

Ramsbury. 

The winner is decided on a points basis played over 18 matches (based on 10 teams in 2009) 

on a home and away basis against each other. 

Lambourn were the winners in its first year, and have continued to win the league many 

times, although in 2008 Kingston Bagpuize beat them by 31 points. Hungerford, who 

entered the league in 2004, achieved success as winners in 2006. In 2009 Shrivenham put in 

a good performance running a close race with Morland , who were the eventual winners 

The League is named after the donor of the Trophy, Ashley Baker and tends to attract clubs 

in the west of our county, who are usually of a smaller size in membership. 

75

THE PRESTON CUP 

This knockout competition has been running since 1921 with the 84th event 

taking place in 2009. It has always been run by Abingdon Bowls Club, for the 

Trophy is named after Alderman Preston, who donated it all those years ago, 

and he was the first President of Abingdon Bowling Club. 

Historically teams from all parts of the County took part, but in recent years entries have 

mainly been confined to the North and West of the region, and at the same time crossing 

borders with Oxfordshire. 

It is an annual competition between teams of four men from bowling Clubs affiliated to 

Bowls England, and they may enter more than one team if they wish. 

In 2009 19 teams took part with eight from Berkshire - Hagbourne, Morland, Abingdon and 

Wantage. 

In the Oxford camp, there were teams from Cotswold, South Oxford, Carterton, Headington, 

Oxford C & C, Lower Heyford, Watlington, Woodstock and Middle Barton. 

The final usually takes place around July / August time and forms a competitive fixture in 

this part of our County. 

76

Memories of Clubs 

The following Clubs have helped to shape The County, as we know it today. Their 

contribution is difficult to measure precisely, but we know they all valued the 

game of bowls and made a substantial contribution in the furtherance of the 

game within our County. 

Inter- County Bowls Match at Gloucester. 1913. 

1. Gloucs. skips drawing for rinks. 2. Berks. skips drawing for rinks. 3.Spectators. 4. “A good end” 

5. View of green with game in progress. 6.Skip coaxing a wood in! 7.The two teams before play. 

77

ALDERMASTON 

Aldermaston was truly a Private Green as it formed part of Aldermaston Court, purchased 

by Charles Keyser in 1893, who became the County President from 1922 – 1929, (the year 

of his death). He was clearly a man of substantial wealth and effectively “bank-rolled” the 

County in those early days, by hosting many prestigious matches on the green, providing 

lunches before the match and tea later in the afternoon. 

The Club was formed in 1922 and affiliated in the same year, but sadly closed its doors, with 

the death of Mr. Keyser in 1929. 

In 1923 the County hosted a match against Sussex and beat them 103 to 98. There were 

many guests present and for those not playing bowls, they went on a conducted tour of the 

extensive grounds. 

1925 was the year the E.B.A. came to Aldermaston as well, but on this occasion the County 

lost 91:159 shots. 

July 1928 was the time when the Tourists from New Zealand came to the U.K and had the 

pleasure of Aldermaston Court as well. Although they lost 95:131, I am sure the Tourists 

would have remembered the splendours of the green and location. 

78

ARDINGTON & LOCKINGE 

Affiliated in 1961 and closed 2001.The green was situated some 2.5miles between Wantage 

and East Hendred, near a school and behind a pair of houses. 

The land was owned by The Lockinge Estate, and the Club only had the benefit of a 25 year lease at 

the time of closure, with only 8 years left. It was a 3 rink green and only bowled one way. 

Adjacent to the Club was a tennis Club, which folded and there were plans to expand, but 

the Lockinge Estate said “no”, and eventually two large 4-bed.detached houses were built, 

where the green once stood. At the time of closure, membership was around 25, and from 

that number, 9 went to Morland and a similar number went to Milton Hill. 

ASCOT 

The green was “mid the splendours of Ascot Heath”, and they were founded in 1903, later 

affiliating in 1913. They were very actively involved in competitions and county matters 

until their closure in 1930, but enjoyed a membership of some 28 men. 

During their existence, Mr. A. Bullock, former treasurer of the Club, became County 

President in 1921 and served on The County Committee from 1914 to 1928. He achieved 

success in the Singles Competition by being the runner-up in 1915 and 1917. 

BEARWOOD 

Founded in 1933 and a year later affiliated. They remained a member until 1964 and their 

green was in Bearwood, Wokingham, close to the green used by The Oddfellows. 

The green was believed to be 4/6 rinks, with a small clubhouse used as both a changing 

room and a bar. Essentially the bar came into being whenever a crate of beer arrived for 

consumption after a friendly match! 

It remained a men’s Club throughout its history. 

A J Orchison won the Secretaries Cup 1940,43,44,45 & 1946. 

79

BERKS CONSTABULARY 

Affiliated to the County in 1952 but resigned in 1958 due to the loss of their green, which 

was at Sulhamstead House, Police Training School. 

BRITISH ELECTRIC 

Joined the county in 1949, but very soon disappeared with no information available on 

them. 

BROADMOOR 

Founded in 1946 and affiliated in 1949 and remained a member of the County until its 

closure in 2007. The green was situated outside the Broadmoor Hospital in Crowthorne, 

with a small pavilion, but meals were catered for in the nearby Staff Sports & Social Club, 

famed for its excellent after match meals and hospitality. 

Inside the grounds of the hospital, there was also a 6 rink green laid with Cumberland Turf 

back in the late 1970’s, but visitors to the inner green were limited and admission to within the 

hospital grounds was stopped some 6/7 years ago, probably on grounds of Health and Safety. 

The Club enjoyed much success within The Aldershot & District League, which mainly 

covered Hampshire and Surrey clubs, although an exception was made to accept Broadmoor 

into it. They won the league many times as well as individual competitions. 

Within Berkshire, E Griffiths won the Singles in 1975 and in 1978. 

J Smith and J A Clarke won the Pairs. 

Mr. Clarke also won The Secretaries Trophy in 1970 and 1976. 

At the time of closure, 32 members were eligible to share in the proceeds from dissolution, 

although playing numbers were down to twenty. 

Dennis Sherwood was a long serving and active member in the Club’s upkeep, until its demise. 

80

BULMERSHE 

This Club took over the Park Institute Club’s green when that closed in 1945. The original green 

was laid in 1909 and Bulmershe was formed in 1946 and affiliated to the County the same 

year. 

The green was situated in Bulmershe Road Reading, but is no longer in existence, as flats 

have now been built there. The Club continued until 1965, when it lost its green. 

During its time J H Sowden-Hill won the Secretaries Cup in 1950 and 1952. 

C.W.S. PRINTING WORKS BOWLS CLUB 

Founded in 1947 and affiliated in 1950. The green, which was laid in 1947, was in Elgar 

Road, Reading and at the time of formation, none of the members had any bowling 

experience. 

Their Club badge and tie was, “a devil’s head surrounded by Club name on oval shield” The 

tie was navy blue with red and yellow stripes. The badge represents a symbol of the trade. 

The Devil’s head refers to the printer’s devil used in former times. 

They were quite successful in County Competitions, as runners-up on three occasions, but in 

1961 F Acres and P Thatcher were the winners of the Pairs. 

The exact date of their demise is unknown, but we know they were gone by 1996. 

CAVERSHAM PARK SPORTS CLUB 

Founded and affiliated to the County in 1913, the green was in Conisboro Avenue, 

Caversham, where Mr. Valentine Fleming M.P. was the President. 

Described in the Reading Chronicle in 1914 as “ it is completely isolated from the outside 

world and a quieter healthier spot it would be difficult to imagine. However, it 

is useless denying the fact that the green has not yet reached the high level that 

bowlers like.” By this time there were 50 members and a fixture list of 18 matches. The 

demise of the Club in 1922 coincides with the formation of Caversham B.C. as we know it, 

but there is no proven connection between the two on file. 

81

COURAGES SPORTS CLUB 

Formed in 1966, with the green off Berkeley Avenue Reading, within a large sports ground 

consisting of cricket, football, tennis and hockey facilities. Originally it was a men’s Club but 

towards the end some ladies were admitted. 

The Club was closed around 1990 in a rather abrupt way, with the gates literally being 

closed upon them by the brewery owners! 

However, members found new homes at Caversham, Three Mile Cross, Huntley & Palmers 

and Prospect Park Bowling Clubs. 

One of the founder members, Harry Sexton sadly died in 2008, some 42 years after the Club 

opened. 

COURT BOWLS CLUB 

Affiliated to County in 1975, but very little is known of their existence. 

Their exact date of closure is unclear, but records show they no longer existed by 1996. 

EARLEY POWER STATION 

Joined the County in 1949 and their green was situated in Shepherd House Lane, Reading, 

and was constructed as a four rinker, laid with the finest Cumberland Turf. 

The construction of the green was carried out by the construction company, who built the 

power station during the 2nd World War, and formed part of a larger sports complex for the 

employees. 

Right from day one, equipment was not a problem, as this was gifted to the Club by the 

construction company. It remained a mixed club until its closure in the mid 1960’s. 

When the power station was decommissioned and demolished, the green facility went as 

well, and the land now forms part of a trading estate in that area. 

82

ESSO RESEARCH BOWLS CLUB 

Formed in 1941, then in 1945 joined the County with a three-rink green, which was 

extended to six rinks in 1951, and at that point in time they were “The Esso Bowling Club”. 

In 1970 the name changed to “Esso Research Bowling Club”. 

In 1986 a new green was created on the Esso Research Campus near to the social club, with 

the benefit of an interest free loan. 

Subsequently Esso Research moved back to the U.S.A. and the Club changed its name to 

“Milton Hill Bowls Club”. 

In the year 2000, they moved to the newly created Milton Hill artificial green, which is a 

Club still thriving today. 

The majority of the members, which totalled 60 at the time, went to the new Club, with the 

move financially assisted to some extent by Esso. 

The “Tiger” symbol of Esso is still retained on the club badge of Milton Hill recognising its roots. 

During its time as Esso, they did win the County Triples in 1966. 

FISH BOWLING CLUB 

The Club was located to the rear of The Fish Inn in Sutton Courtenay and was a three rink green. 

The first affiliation to the County was in 1945, but two years later they resigned their membership. 

The Club then rejoined us in 1958 and remained as the Fish Bowling Club until 1967, when it 

was taken over by Morland Bowling Club, which is a well established club now situated in East 

Hendred. 

Before that move to East Hendred, they remained at the Fish Inn until 1993, when the pub 

underwent large extension work, thereby robbing the Club of its green. 

83

HEELAS BOWLING CLUB 

The Club was founded in 1966 and the green was sited at Kings Meadow Reading. 

Membership of the Club was mainly restricted to employees or their immediate family of 

the then Heelas Store in Reading, but a small number of associate members were allowed. 

In 1987 the Club moved to the Cintra Park green in Reading, due to the lease at Kings 

Meadow coming to an end. 

Another move was forced upon them when the Reading Council closed the green at Cintra 

Park in 2003. Local club, Palmer Park offered membership to its members; now known as 

The John Lewis Bowls Club to reflect the new name of the store. 

The Club continued as a separate entity, whilst playing at Palmer Park, but enjoyed a very 

friendly relationship with the members of Palmer Park. 

The Club never won any County Competitions during their existence, but did manage to 

provide a number of players, who gained their County Badge. Unfortunately due to a lack of 

playing members the Club took the decision to cease playing at the end of the 2008 season. 

HOWARD PALMER BOWLS CLUB 

Situated in the Market Place, Wokingham, behind The Rose Public House, was a six rink 

green, which affiliated to the County in 1931 and remained a member until 1964. 

During its life they won the Singles in 1949 and 1951 and in 1944 they were the winners of 

the Double 4’s Championship. 

84

Bowls HUNTLEY Club & PALMERS BOWLING CLUB 

• Info 


• Info 


• Info 

Formed as part of a company social club, and was reported as the oldest works 

bowls Club in the country. The green was for many years at Kings Meadow, which 

was behind the factory, but in 1965 moved to Kensington Road, which was near 

to the Old Elm Park Football ground used by Reading F.C., before they moved. 

When the County was formed, they were always referred to as “The Biscuit Factory” 

and played a very large and active part in County matters for many years, and in 1911. 

T. H. Lawrence became the second County President. Initially competitions were played 

between departments of the company, but matches against local Clubs were always a part of 

the bowling calendar. Membership was restricted to employees and their family right up until 

the mid 1970’s, when the production of biscuits ceased at the factory, and guest players were 

then allowed in. It remained a men’s club until 1994 when ladies were admitted. 

Over the years, the Club played host to visiting teams from New Zealand and Canada to 

name but a few, and they always were presented with a tin of their famous biscuits, and 

acted as the perfect hosts for the County. 

As can be seen by the badge, they celebrated their Centenary in 1998 and the badge 

contains the Maltese Cross, an island and a palm tree, all connected with the Palmer family. 

During their long county membership, the Club was very successful winning the Singles 

three times, Pairs five times, Club Championship twice, Double 4’s four times, Benev.Triples 

once, Honorary Secretaries seven times and Champion of Champions twice. 

Sadly the Club suffered a combination of a declining membership and rising costs and were 

forced to close its green in 2007. 

85

MARLBOROUGH CLUB 

Affiliated in 1938 and were part of a working men’s club in Didcot, and although they are no longer 

part of the County, the green still exists as does the Club. Facilities were built in 1928 by a local 

brewery, with the members initially paying rent, until they purchased it all in 1947 for £5,000. 

Original members consisted of Railway workers, and personnel came from Woolwich 

Arsenal to work at the R.A.O.C. depot at Didcot. They became involved in County 

Competitions winning the County 4’s in 1940. They were also involved with the Kennet 

League in its early days. 

Their current web site indicates “that a bowls team is to be formed in the near future”, so we 

may see them involved with the County again in the future, who knows! 

MILTON BOWLS CLUB 

Affiliated in 1930, but within three years they resigned from the County. No more is known 

about this club. 

MORTIMER BOWLING CLUB – 

FOUNDER MEMBER 

The Club was a Founder Member of the County, with a three-rink green that was situated behind 

the Railway Hotel in the village of Mortimer. Originally it belonged to Wethered’s Brewery, from 

whom they had some form of agreement, but subsequently Whitbread’s became their landlords. 

The Club did have a small pavilion, but with a change of landlord, he wanted the building back, as 

he was determined to make more money out of a new set up he had in mind. 

The green was interesting in as much as it was not square, and always represented a 

challenge to visitors! 

With a worsening relationship with the landlord, the Club felt unable to remain part of 

the County and resigned in the late 1990’s, before finally closing in 2000. The green is now 

a lawn, with no trace of its former use. Their greatest success came in 1976 when D Higgs 

won the Champion of Champions, although it was the training ground for Robert and Michael 

Newman, who both went on to greater things. 

86

NEWBURY CONSERVATIVE CLUB 

They joined us in 1927 and the bowls section was disbanded at the end of 1930, at which 

point they resigned their membership of the County. 

PARK INSTITUTE 

They applied to join in1920 and remained a very competitive Club until they disbanded in 

1945, at which point they were taken over by Bulmershe, who stayed on the green until 

1965, when they eventually closed. 

One of their greatest players was Mr. T. Tickle, who was an International in 1928–31-33, as 

well as winning the Singles in 1930,1933 and 1934, having been runner-up in 1924 and 

1927. 

In 1934-36 and 43 they had a runner-up in the same competition, as well as J F Thomas 

winning the Singles in 1943. Further success came in the Pairs in 1939 and 1942, won 

County 4’s in 1932-34 and 37. 

Winning the Club Championship twice and the Double 4’s Championship also twice, 

confirmed the Club’s status as a highly competitive and winning Club in those early days. 

READING POLICE 

Very little known of them other than they resigned the County in 1974 and became part of 

Thames Valley Police and joined Oxford C.B.A. 

READING CORPORATION TRANSPORT 

Their green was at Cintra Park, Reading, and they were a part of our County for some 30+ 

years, having joined in 1956. Sadly little else is known of them. 

READING N.A.L.G.O. 

They had their green at Cintra Avenue Reading and were founded in 1956, and remained 

within the County until 1975 and had a membership of 30 when they first started. 

87

READING & DISTRICT 

ODDFELLOWS BOWLS 



Formed by a few members of the sports section of the Reading District of 

Oddfellows Friendly Society, who were bowling members of Clubs in the Reading 

area. Initially after the recruitment of a number of playing members, the Club 

played its matches at Cintra Park by arrangement with the Reading Council sharing the 

green with Heelas B.C. 

Matches were usually played on Saturdays and Sundays. The facilities were minimal, but the 

club fixture list of friendly matches grew with help given by other local Clubs. 

In 1982 the opportunity arose to move to a little used bowling green at Lord Harris Court in 

the grounds of the Berkshire Masonic Centre at Sindlesham. An agreement was made with 

the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to rent the green and the clubhouse allowing 

Residents of Lord Harris Court to become members. From that point onwards the Club grew 

rapidly and affiliated to the County, with the ladies section subsequently affiliating to the 

B.C.W.B.A. 

The Club was invited to join a small sponsored league of 9 clubs, but in a very short 

time that sponsorship came to an end. After negotiations with the Reading District of 

Oddfellows, the Triples League was re-introduced under a new sponsorship and became the 

Manchester Unity Mixed Triples League. 

The formation of the league proved extremely successful and remains in existence with 10 

clubs taking part under the sponsorship of the Royal Berkshire Branch of Oddfellows, which 

took it over at the time the sponsorship was withdrawn. 

We enjoyed many happy and successful years in the “eighties”, and early “nineties”; the 

membership and reputation of the Club increased as the years went by and until the Club 

folded at the end of the 2004 season, as the tenure of our green was due to expire in 2005. 

88

READING WEST END – FOUNDER MEMBER 

“West End” as they were originally known in County records were one of the Founder 

Members of our County In 1910, but vanished from records in 1922 for some reason. 

They then rejoined in 1937, but by late 1943 the Club was scheduled to close, due to the 

poor condition of its green, and they finally resigned County membership in 1945. 

The green was behind “Pond House” Oxford Road, Reading and was a 6-rinker. By 1914 the 

membership stood at 70, and the green was used on more than one occasion for The County 

Tournament. 

Visitors could use the green for a charge of 2s6d per week, should they so wish. 

In their early years they were runners-up in the Singles in 1916,1918 and 1920, with R J 

Locke winning the title in 1917. 

Success in the Pairs came in 1918 and a year later they won the Double 4’s Championship. 

SANDHURST WORKING MEN’S CLUB 

The name identifies their location and origin and they became part of the County in 1932 

and remained within, until 1941, when they disbanded due to a lack of members. 

SPEEN BOWLS CLUB 

Speen is a small area just off the Bath Road Newbury, and in 1949 a club in that locality 

affiliated, but membership was short-lived, as they resigned a year later due to a loss of 

green. 

89

STOCKCROSS BOWLS CLUB 

Stockcross is a village near Newbury and the green was originally founded in 1932, but did 

not affiliate until 1986. 

The green was adjacent to a church and consisted of three rinks, but they were never 

allowed to play on a Sunday, as the land was church owned. 

Often described as “ a lovely little Club”, it was a shame to lose it in 2003, when it ceased to exist. 

STREATLEY ON THAMES 

Very little known about this one, it joined the County in 1937 and resigned its membership 

in 1939. 

THEALE AND ENGLEFIELD BOWLS CLUB 

The Club as such never actually got round to bowling a wood on its own green, as there 

were ongoing issues with the cricket club, with whom they were to share their pavilion. 

The proposed green would have been located within the Benyon Estate near Theale, but was 

never actually laid. 

Membership was applied for in October 1997 and resignation came in May 1998. 

90

WITH GRATITUDE… 

The Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association owes a great debt of gratitude to all the 

people listed below, who were President’s of The County, for their time and devotion to the 

game of bowls. 

Thank you for helping to make the Association such a great one. 

1910 T. Street Desborough 

1911 T.Lawrence Huntley & Palmers 

1912 B. W. Francis Mortimer 

1913 W Johnson Suttons 

1914 J. G. Grierson Maidenhead Thicket 

1915-16 D. Ingamells Desborough 

1917-19 J. H. Baylis Reading 

1920 E T Bryant Palmer Park 

1921 A Bullock Ascot 

1922-29 C E Keyser Aldermaston 

1929-61 T Campbell-Dykes Desborough & Maidenhead Town 

1962 W A J Murray Prospect Park 

1963 R E Wood Windsor & Eton 

1964 S Widdicombe Newbury 

1965 E T Marsh Island Bohemian 

1966 A J Hooper Maidenhead Town 

1967 E F Halfacre Maidenhead Thicket 

1968 M N Neville Reading 

1969 F A Wilson Maiden Erlegh 

1970 H J W Brown Sunningdale 

1971 R J Huckle Newbury 

1972 A K Purton Wallingford 

1973 J I Vallis Thatcham 

1974 A G Drew Faringdon 

1975 R J Carter Maidenhead Thicket 

1976 L G West Reading 

91

92 

1977 D J Brittain Hungerford 

1978 D Gibbs Abingdon 

1979 A Denly Wantage 

1980 L Seward Reading 

1981 T Hathaway Windsor & Eton 

1982 J T Davies Hungerford 

1983 R F Belcher Thatcham 

1984 J J Taylor Windsor Great Park 

1985 W J Sarney Sunningdale 

1986 G D Palmer Three Mile Cross 

1987 E D Hill Hungerford 

1988 R H Thomas Maidenhead Town 

1989 G F Elliott Maiden Erlegh 

1990 P N F Moore Reading 

1991 P N Cutler Reading 

1992 G R Bradley Abingdon 

1993 K Downton Shrivenham 

1994 T D W Besford Windsor & Eton 

1995 J Booth Kingston Bagpuize & Southmoor 

1996 F Young Maidenhead Thicket 

1997 W Manley Sunningdale 

1998 W Barfoot Windsor Great Park 

1999 W Wilson Reading 

2000 B Matthews Woodley 

2001 G Evans Didcot 

2002 J Marshall Maidenhead Town 

2003 A Bartter Hungerford 

2004 B Dover Suttons 

2005 W Greenway Morland 

2006 G Oxtoby Maidenhead Town 

2007 K Blackall Royal Household 

2008 G V Rogers Desborough 

2009 R Etheridge Abingdon 

2010 B Dillon Morland

THE ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE HONOURS 

The County has produced five National Presidents for The English Bowls Association, 

who gave so much to the sport we all enjoy. Their energy and devotion to the 

game do them great credit, and we shall remain very much in their debt. 

The first President was Harry Childs in 1912, who came from 

Reading B.C. although Harry was never a President within Berkshire, 

he was a great ambassador for the game and a very good bowler in his 

own right. He was an International in 1905-6-7-8-13 and a Runner-Up 

in the National Singles in 1909. 

Tom Campbell-Dykes became the second President in the 

period 1942 – 1945 whilst remaining as the County President from 

1929 to 1961, truly a remarkable feat, for anyone to take on such high 

profile roles for such a prolonged time. Tom was a member of both 

Desborough and Maidenhead Town during his time, and both Clubs are 

very proud of their association with him. 

Mr. E. T. Marsh became the first County President in 1965 to come 

from the Island Bohemian Bowling Club. 

He became President of the E.B.A. in 1974, which coincided with 

the National Championships moving from Mortlake, where they had 

been held for more than 15 years, to Beach House Park Worthing. 

93

PRESIDENTS OF THE E.B.A. continueD… 

Roy H Thomas J.P took on his role as President of the E.B.A. in 

1991 having been the County President in 1988. 

His year in office coincided with England winning the British Isles 

Team Championship for the ninth consecutive year- being at that time, 

England’s longest winning run since the inauguration of the event. A 

devoted member of Maidenhead Town, who has always taken a very 

keen interest in all aspects of bowls. 

Wayne I.H. Manley took office in 2002 as the President of the 

E.B.A. and has remained very much involved with National matters 

ever since, and is currently the Men’s County Delegate. 

Prior to this role he was the County President in 1997 and comes from 

the Sunningdale Bowling Club. In 2008-2009 he was fully involved with 

Unification at County level and helped to produce the E.B.A.’s Centenary 

Booklet. 

Honorary Members of Bowls England 

R.H.Thomas J.P. 

W.I.H.Manley 

94

THE ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE HONOURS. 

Internationals:- 

H. Childs 1905-6-7-8-13 C. G. Roach 1923 

H. Meaby 1908 T. Tickle 1928-31-33 

H. F. Lindars 1908 J. W. Bailey 1953-54 

E. Newton 1946-47-48-49 J. R. Haines 1982-83-84-85-86 

N. C. Butler 1957 R. Newman 1994-95-96-98-99- 

E. L. Coates 1911 2000-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-09 

M. Bantock 2009 (Previously in Bucks) 

Junior Internationals:- 

N. A. Haines 1991 D. Holder 1995-97-98-99 

R. Newman 1991-92-93-97-98 C. Brooks 2004 (Reserve) 

G. Stacey 1992 S. Jones 2001-02-03-04-06 

07-08 

World Bowls Championship:- 

J. R. Haines Gold Medalist- Fours-1984 

R. Newman Bronze Medallist- Triples-2004 

R. Newman Bronze Medalist- Fours-2004 

R. Newman Bronze Medalist- Fours-2008 

Commonwealth Games:- 

R. Newman Gold Medalist- Fours-2002 

E.B.A. Championships. 

Middleton Cup:- 

Finalists 1922, Semi-Finalists 1954, Quarter-Finalists 1977, Winners 1982 & Quarter-Finalists 2000. 

95

1982 Winning Team (Final) 

Rink 1 - Robert Aitken, Keith Hawes, Jim Clark & Keith Hughes 

Rink 2 - Eric Wells, Malcolm Edney, Dave Dearling & Ron Aitken 

Rink 3 - Mike Thornton, Neil Stradling,Tony Lawrence, Micky Willis 

Rink 4 - Paul Ryman, George Wilson, Ken Nash & Julian Haines 

Rink 5 - John Smith, Mike Newman, Colin Brown & Ray Jenkins 

Rink 6 - Mike Mullins, Peter Heayns, Keith Hawkins, Arthur Mullins 

Reserves - John Talbot & Dick Jones 

County Top Four Competition:- 

M. Mullins, G. Wilson, R. R. Jones J. R. Haines 1983 Runners-Up 

G. Waldron, K. Nash, R. Newman, J. Stradling 1998 Winners 

National County Two Fours Competition:- 

Winners 2006 – D. Weberley-Emberson, A. Collins, G. Stacey, R. Newman, J. Heapy, D. Hall, 

I. Snowdon, J. Stradling, J. Smith (Reserve). 

National Under 25 Double Rink:- 

Semi-Finalists 1994 Squad – F. Ballantyne, M. Beardsley, S. Gilbert, D. Holder, R. Nash, 

R. Newman, R. Perton, I. Snowdon & J. Stradling. 

Singles:- 

H. Childs 1909 Runner-Up 

C. G. Roach 1922 Runner-Up 

T. Tickle 1927 Winner 

E. Newton 1946 Runner-Up & Winner in 1948 

N. C. Butler 1956 Winner 

W. J. Horne 1965 Semi-Finalist 

96

Under 25 Singles:- 

R. Newman 1999 Runner-Up 

Pairs:- 

L. A. King & T. Tickle 1926 Runners-Up 

J. F. Thomas & T. Tickle 1934 Runners-Up 

K. R. Hawkins & C. C. Brooks 1987 Semi-Finalists 

T. Rose & M. Willis 1988 Semi-Finalists 

R. Newman & M. Newman 1990 Semi-Finalists 

Triples:- 

W. J. Stone, L. G. Stone, F. H. Thomas 1952 Winners 

G. Waldron, R. Newman, M. Newman 1994 Runners-Up 

M. Burchell, C. Fairbrother, A. Burchell 2002 Semi-Finalists 

B. Greenough, R. Newman, M. Newman 2003 Winners 

G. Knapper, A. Knapper, W. Hing 2004 Runners-Up 

Single Rink:- 

T. Waldron, F. E. Blackmore, F. W. Thompson, H. F. Lindars 1911 Runners-Up 

T. Waldron, J. Higgs, J. Burling, H. F. Lindars 1914 Winners 

H. Brown, J. A. Wells, W. Foxcroft, W. G. Lawrence 1914 Runners-Up 

W. J. Jones, H. A. Cannan, T. Webb, F. Bennett 1926 Runners-Up 

C. Snow, N. Wakefield, R. H. Wrate, V. C. Wakefield 1952 Winners 

M. Manifold, J. Rivers, C. S. Reed, G. K. Collyer 1957 Runners-Up 

G. Shepherd, N. Stradling, B. Griffiths, M. Willis 1979 Runners-Up 

J. Smith, W. Bayliss, I. Baker, J. Clarke 1991 Winners 

G. Waldron, A. Graves, R. Newman, M. Newman 1993 Winners 

D. Hall, M. Edney, I. Snowdon, J. Stradling 2005 Winners 

97

National Top Club:- 

Suttons B.C. 

2004 Semi-Finalists 

National Club Two Fours:- 

Windsor & Eton 

1986 Runners-Up 

National Over 60’s:- 

E. Wood 1975 Winner 

National Mixed Fours:- 

Mrs. P. Smith, Mrs J. Evans, G. Evans, I. Snowdon 

1997 Winners 

98

Centenary 

Dinner &Dance 

Saturday 20th November 

at 

The Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham 

Make a note in your diary for this important Dinner / Dance 

incorporating the Presentation of Prizes and Trophies after the Dinner

The County has arranged a number of matches to celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2010, 

with Friends and colleagues from a number of Associations. 

Date Match Venue 

Sunday 2 May 

Monday 3 May 

Celebration Match Group 6 – Crowthorne R.B.L., Farley Hill, 

Great Hollands, Three Mile Cross, Wokingham & Woodley 

Celebration Match Group 8 – Bracknell, Royal Household, 

Sunningdale, Windsor & Eton, Windsor Great Park & Wraysbury 

Woodley 

Windsor & Eton 

Friday 7 May Cornwall C.B.A. Maidenhead Town 

Sunday 9 May 

Celebration Match Group 1 – Abingdon, Faringdon, Kingston 

Bagpuize & Southmoor, Morland, Shrivenham & Wantage 

Faringdon 

Sunday 30 May Berkshire Kennet League Wargrave 

Monday 31 May Berkshire County Indoor B.A Morland 

Saturday 5 June Berkshire Masonic B.A Didcot 

Sunday 6 June 

Celebration Match Group 2 – Didcot, Hagbourne, Harwell, 

Milton Hill, Trentham & Wallingford 

Trentham 

Sunday 13 June Berkshire County Women Wokingham 

Sunday 20 June 

Sunday 27 June 

Celebration Match Group 4 – Burghfield, Caversham, 

Pangbourne, Prospect Park, Reading & Tilehurst 

Celebration Match Group 7 – Desborough, Hurst, Maidenhead 

Thicket, Maidenhead Town, Twyford & Wargrave 

Reading 

Desborough 

Monday 28 June Dennyside Bowling Association Maidenhead Town 

Monday 5 July Bowls England Suttons 

Thurs 15 July Home Counties B.A. Three Mile Cross 

Sunday 29 Aug 

Celebration Match Group 5 – Island Bohemian, Maiden Erlegh, 

Palmer Park, Past Presidents, Suttons & University of Reading 

Maiden Erlegh 

Monday 30 Aug Berkshire Vice Presidents B. A Island Bohemian 

Saturday 4 Sept 

Celebration Match Group 3 – A.W.R.E., Hungerford, Kintbury, 

Lambourn, Newbury & Thatcham 

Hungerford 

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A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

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