A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

WOKINGHAM BOWLING CLUB
• Founded 1930
• Reading Road, Wokingham
• Affiliated 1930
We were formed in 1930 on ground opposite St. Paul’s Church, owned by
Mr. Elliston-Clifford, who was both a local solicitor and a Wokingham
Town Councillor. Originally, built with a 6-rink green, it was later
expanded to include a 4-rink green, when the Ladies Bowling Section was formed in
1933. This rink has had a mixed history, becoming a car park before reverting back to a
bowling green, which was approved by Berkshire C.B.A. in 1992.
The Club has undergone a number of re-developments, the last one being it’s most
expensive. Having had a Lottery Fund application rejected, we set out to raise money and
go ahead anyway. By means of member’s gifts and loans, grants and self-help, the Club was
completely re-vamped, with a new lounge, bar, ladies and gent’s changing rooms, kitchen,
toilet and car park. The new facilities were officially opened by Mr. John Redwood M.P. in
April 2003 and now provide first class facilities for members and visitors alike.
During our life, we have grown from a small number of Founder Members to over 200
bowlers in 2008, including some 70 ladies.
During this period the Club has provided County Officers and many finalists. These include
County Champions in every competition, E.B.A. Champions, L.&S.C.B.A. Champions, plus
Middleton Cup representatives.
In this time of falling membership, the fact that the Club continues to grow is quite an
achievement! We have a thriving social scene with many members and are open (in one
form or another) all the year round.
The sound of the nearby church bells is often heard during the Summer, when Kennet
League or similar matches take place, and with our well kept grounds, provides a lovely
setting for the game of bowls.
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