A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

BERKSHIRE MASONIC
BOWLING ASSOCIATION
• Founded 1935
• An Associated Member
Although it has existed unofficially since 1915, we were constituted in 1935 and
will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary in 2010. Sadly almost all the records
from the early days have been lost, but the legacy they founded, lives on with
the Association continuing to play matches throughout the year. As with most bowling
associations we are indebted to local Clubs for the use of their facilities, to host our
matches against other Masonic Bowling Associations, which are played on a “home &
away “ basis.
Full members are all Masons from Berkshire or surrounding Provinces, or London, and
usually are members of bowling Clubs within Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire or
Wiltshire.
The “Aims & Objects” of the Association is to promote the game of bowls for its members
against other Masonic Associations and local bowls Clubs. In addition, as is traditional in
Masonry, we raise money for both local and national charities.
Over the years the membership has included many well-known Berkshire Bowlers: Ellis
Halfacre, Des Gibbs, Arthur Mullins, all sadly deceased.
Roy Thomas and Mike Newman are currently members and Les West and Keith Parish are
Life Members. Past Secretaries include Bill Freeman and Ron Russell.
As with many organisations membership has been slowly declining from over 100 some ten
years ago to around 40 or so at the present time, but an Associate Membership category,
introduced three years ago has boosted our numbers to in excess of 60.
The Association would welcome all enquiries for membership.
66