A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

WANTAGE BOWLING CLUB
• Founded 1922
• Recreation Ground, Manor Road, Wantage
• Affiliated 1922
Although we were formed in 1922, we did not play our first match until 1923. A
report quotes - ”In the unavoidable absence of Mr. A. T. Lloyd MP, Mr. E. Robson
extended a hearty invitation to members of the Abingdon Bowling Club, who
played the first match on the new green. Pleasantly situated at the back of the Bear
Hotel The “Alfredians” have secured a nice green”.
The inaugural match resulted in a narrow four shot win for the visitors, and tea was served
afterwards in the Bear Hotel.
Fifty years later the Club moved to its present green in the local Recreation Ground, and
used facilities offered by the Comrades Club for changing and socialising. A ladies section
was formed in 1978.
In 1989 we became self contained, as grants / loans from the local council and Morland’s
Brewery enabled the building of the current club pavilion with the help of a Youth Training
Scheme work force.
The Club was honoured in 1979 when Aubery Denly became the County President and later
in 2006, Kath Seymour was elected President of the B.C.W.B.A.
Michael Willis was honoured for playing 115 consecutive Middleton Cup games, and later
became President of the E.I.B.A., followed by Presidency of the British Isles Indoor Bowls
Council in 2003.
On the green the most notable achievements have been the winning of the Kennet League
in 1989, Neil Stradling, Brian Griffiths. George Shepherd and Michael Willis reaching the
final of the E.B.A. Fours in 1979; Tim Rose and Michael Willis reaching the semi-finals of
E.B.A. Pairs in 1988 and Neil Stradling with Michael Willis being part of the Middleton Cup
Squad who lifted the Trophy in 1982.
58