Bowling Club History

A Brief History From Circa 1850

BOTANICAL GARDENS 1850

Clubs with greenhouses were being formed in the industrial areas of Lancashire by the Victorians who were then giving their leisure time to the study of Botany.   In time many of these clubs obtained a licence to sell spirits and beer to be able to survive financially and in addition many added billiards and a bowling green.   This was the way of the Botanical Gardens and to this day is still offering the community of Atherton various ways to spend their leisure time.

A BOWLER’S RECOLLECTION

In 1986 the Baptist Church in Dan Lane Atherton was demolished and timber from this, together with extra materials given by a local timber company, were used to build the present bowling hut.   A wooden hut was constructed by the pensioners of the bowling club, flags were laid and the bowling section became better off both with facilities and financially.   The hut was officially opened by Mr. R. Howcroft a good bowler in his day, ex-committee man and a well known gardener who won many prizes at the annual Botanical Gardens Flower Show.   At that time it was specified that the club should not be only for the men but should be a benefit and available to the community as a whole.

The Bowling Club today is still self-funding with a strong committee of men and women who are loyal and trustworthy, with ideas and determination to make the bowling club thrive for the benefit of the community.

ENDEAVOURS OF A COMMITTEE

By the year 2000 the old bowling hut had seen better days and although holding many memories for the senior members of the club, it had become uneconomical to repair.

In July 2002 the Co-op came to our rescue with a grant and the ever-optimistic bowling committee were at last rewarded in their efforts for funding.

After a lot of commitment and hard work by the bowling members, we now have a new bowling pavilion and look forward to members and the community young and old, enjoy the club’s facilities over many years to come.

Update 2013/14

Funding is still being sought towards the ever increasing costs of running the Bowling Club and despite the fall in membership and pressure of maintenance costs at the club, the committee still remain positive that we will be offering competitive and social bowling for local people and visitors.   In 2013 a Grant was obtained to buy a new mower and provide shelters around the green and our Club now offers excellent facilities to its members and the local community.    A bowling tuition course for beginners has been planned and future social activities, so we hopefully go forward to ensure a bright future for the Club.