A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

LAMBOURN BOWLS CLUB
• Founded 1937
• Bockhampton Road, Lambourn
• Affiliated 1937
History indicates the Club was founded in 1928, although 1937 is the
recognised start date for the Club as we know it. Dr. K Bell at Trabbs House,
Goose Green and Dr.Bell’s lawn were used though 1929 as the original green.
In November of that year a piece of ground at the Football Field, equivalent to three
rinks, was offered by Mr. Alf Bracey for £5 a year on a 7 year lease. The offer was taken
up and that year Dr.Bell put up a Singles Challenge Cup, and that is still being played for
today.
In 1945 the green was enlarged to six rinks with the help of prisoner of war labour. In 1946
it was proposed that the Bowls Club became part of Lambourn Sports Club and be known
as Lambourn Sports Club Bowls Section. In 1953 The Ashley Baker League was formed and
initially consisted of three teams, Lambourn, Kintbury and Stockcross. We won 7 of the 8
games in the first year and, since those early days, have won the league many times.
In October 1993 work started on the new pavilion at a cost £20,000, which was to replace
the old caravan that had been given to the Club by local racehorse trainer Nick Vigors. Our
new pavilion was duly opened in June 1994 by Peter Walwyn.
2003 was the year in which the old green was removed and a new one laid by Avon Sports,
with the official opening in 2004.
Officials from the R.C.B.B.A. opened the green and played alongside invited players from
Clubs around the area against members of the Lambourn Sports Bowls Club, which was an
occasion to remember.
For the first time in its history, Lambourn hosted a full County Game in June 2005, when
Berkshire played Warwickshire and won. The new green bowled well and has put our Club
on the map for hosting these prestigious matches each year.
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