A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

HARWELL BOWLing CLUB
• Founded 1932
• The Green, Westfield, Harwell
• Affiliated 1958
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.
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