A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

ISLAND BOHEMIAN BOWLING CLUB
• Founded 1909
• De Montfort Island, Brigham Road, Reading
• Affiliated 1926
The Club is unique, being situated on an island on The River Thames, and
admittance can only be gained by ferry, with the Club having its own fleet of
ferries and boatmen.
In 1909 at the A.G.M. of The Old Codgers Club it was agreed to change the name to The
Island Bohemian Club and the Club as we know it was born. Records prior to 1909 do not
exist, so 1909 was treated as the year of formation.
In 1913 the green was extended, but the landlord would not permit ditches or banks, so it was
not until 1958, when the green was further extended to play in both directions, did a fully
operational green appear. At around this time the boundary line of Berkshire and Oxfordshire
ran through the middle of the island, and when playing on the green north to south, members
were bowling in two counties! The boundary line was however altered and the island is now
firmly in Berkshire. Ten years later additional land was acquired, which previously had been
tennis courts, and this decision proved to be a very wise move for the good of the Club.
The Island’s name derives its name from one of the combatants in a duel actually fought
on the island in 1163. The duel was between Robert de Montfort and Henry, Earl of Essex,
hereditary Standard Bearer to the Kings of England. The full story is captured well in
postcards available from the Club, (should you visit the Club).
Island Bowlers enter most of the County and National competitions and have on occasions
done very well. Eric Marsh became County President in 1965, and subsequently became
President of the E.B.A. in 1974.
Social events also form part of the busy calendar of events, this helps to make it a friendly
family Club enjoying a much-extended Clubhouse, a pavilion, car park and a lovely location
in the Thames.
2009 was our Centenary and we enjoyed celebrating this milestone with celebratory
matches with Bowls England and the R.C.B.B.A.
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