A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

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.
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