A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

COURAGES SPORTS CLUB
Formed in 1966, with the green off Berkeley Avenue Reading, within a large sports ground
consisting of cricket, football, tennis and hockey facilities. Originally it was a men’s Club but
towards the end some ladies were admitted.
The Club was closed around 1990 in a rather abrupt way, with the gates literally being
closed upon them by the brewery owners!
However, members found new homes at Caversham, Three Mile Cross, Huntley & Palmers
and Prospect Park Bowling Clubs.
One of the founder members, Harry Sexton sadly died in 2008, some 42 years after the Club
opened.
COURT BOWLS CLUB
Affiliated to County in 1975, but very little is known of their existence.
Their exact date of closure is unclear, but records show they no longer existed by 1996.
EARLEY POWER STATION
Joined the County in 1949 and their green was situated in Shepherd House Lane, Reading,
and was constructed as a four rinker, laid with the finest Cumberland Turf.
The construction of the green was carried out by the construction company, who built the
power station during the 2nd World War, and formed part of a larger sports complex for the
employees.
Right from day one, equipment was not a problem, as this was gifted to the Club by the
construction company. It remained a mixed club until its closure in the mid 1960’s.
When the power station was decommissioned and demolished, the green facility went as
well, and the land now forms part of a trading estate in that area.
82