Colchester Borough Bowling Association
Historical Photographs
and
General Information
from
The Past
CENTENARY YEAR 2004
Several extra games were arranged during this our Centenary Year, perhaps the match against the English. Bowling. Association. would be considered the highlight.
This was held at Mistley & Manningtree B.C. on 14th July and was a great success. The score overall was a win for the EBA 113 shots to 98 shots. However, our President's rink achieved highest winning rink with a win over the EBA President (not sure whether this was the right thing to do or not!!!). A number of photographs were taken (including below) by Ron Dale of M&M and for those interested they should contact him - they are well worth looking at.
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REMINISCENCES OF AN OLD BOWLER
The following was supplied by Geoff Wiseman of the Southward Bowls Club with an explanation:
Re CBBA Centenary
The attachment is a letter received by South Ward, which unfortunately is
undated but refers to the early commencement of bowling in the Borough as
being in the region of 1894 - 1895 and specifically refers to South Ward
Bowls Club.
How clubs were started in Colchester and Elmstead
Claiming to be one of the oldest bowlers in North Essex, although by no means one of the most skilful, perhaps these few experiences may interest you.
My introduction to the game of bowls was in 1894 or 1895, when the late Councillor William Peck of Colchester presented a set of four pairs of woods for the public on the Colchester Recreation Ground. These bowls were eagerly sought for, intending players getting on the green early on Saturday afternoons so as to secure a pair and make sure of having a game. There was no green as we know them now, but just a small piece of green about twenty square yards, uneven, and very much out of level and with grass inches long. Nevertheless, we had many good games and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Soon, the fascination of the game increasing, players began to purchase their own bowls, and they formed a club and named it the South Ward Bowling Club. This club had no rules or laws of the game to guide them, as at that time there was no County Association. We just played to amuse ourselves, playing matches between ourselves, and we had a right good time.
This went on for a year or so, until the Secretary absconded with what small funds we had. This broke up the club, but the following Spring a new club which they named the Phoenix, arising as it did from the ashes of the old South Ward Club. Amongst those present at that meeting were the late Capt.C.H.Preston, the first Chairman of the Essex County Bowling Association, Mr. E.H.Berry and Mr.A.A.Springett, both having had the honour of being selected to play for their county. Out of this small beginning the Phoenix of to-day, one of the largest in North Essex owes its existence.
(Sgnd) Fredk. Jones
Hon. Sec and Treasurer.
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