A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

Crowthorne royal British Legion
Bowls Club
• Founded 1932
• Wellington Road, Crowthorne
• Affiliated 2008
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.
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