The History of Hertford Bowls Club

Hertford Bowls Club is very proud to have celebrated its centenary in 2008 and is looking forward to another enjoyable season.

The Club was founded during the year 1908 and was at that time a 'Gentlemen's Club', using a green (no longer in existence) in Brewhouse Lane.

The membership of the bowls club seems to have been closely linked with the Old Cross Club in Hertford, which was also used exclusively by gentlemen, but there is little on record as to its activities.

The Club was a member of the local bowls league, but not consistently. The records suggest that occasionally a decision was taken not to join for a year or so. In most cases regular friendly matches were played in the evenings and on a Saturday together with a few club competitions. County games and participation in tours were all part of the programme as the club developed and gained its reputation.

We have been able to establish that the oldest trophies were the Green Cup and The Victory Cup. Whilst the former is lost with no records to be found, the latter is still in existence. The Victory Cup was first competed for in 1946 and was presented to Harold Howard in perpetuity, following his third success in 1961.

 

 

 Harold, now 93, can be seen with the cup when he was located again in the autumn of 2007. He is also proudly showing his County badge, which he still has, together with numerous old trophies and metal badges. We are still searching for past members, but it is possible, that in finding Howard, we have located the oldest living member of the Hertford Bowls Club.

The Club is very proud to be able to include the Hertford Town Crest in its badge, a concession that dates back to the mid fifties and still exists today. We also relate to the towns motto "Pride in our past, faith in our future".

In 1953 the Club accepted the terms offered by the Borough of Hertford to use the green at Wallfields and thus ended a period of some 45 years using the green at Brewhouse Lane.

To mark the opening of the green the Corporation of Hertford invited the Club to provide three representatives to participate in the inaugural match, together with the Mayor and Corporation and players from the surrounding clubs.

Today the Club shares the green at Wallfields with Hertford Castle Bowls Club on a friendly and successful basis, The management of the green and clubhouse is undertaken jointly by members of each club, under the umbrella of Wallfields Bowls Ltd. Significant improvements to the facilities have been achieved in recent years, which is an indication of the good management and co-operation of the two clubs.

At the present time the mixed membership hovers around 35 and we remain viable due to their loyalty and enthusiasm. It goes without saying that we are always pleased to welcome new members, both beginners and experienced players.

During the winter months, the members continue to meet for regular social events and some indoor bowls matches with other clubs. In addition, some members also participate in local indoor leagues during this period.

We take great pride in our long history, but it is the future that is really important.  At Hertford Bowls Club you will find a small friendly club that embraces the inevitable changes with enthusiasm, whilst keeping a hold on the traditional practices which have served us so well in the past.

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