Gloucester city bowls club

OK – A little bit of bowls history

Gloucester -1714.  A bowling green in the grounds of Greyfriars was formed for the general public to enjoy.  In 1921 Greyfriars BC was established on that site and closed in September 2003. 

In 1812 in another area of Gloucester, James Kimber, established a bowling green and tea garden in Barton Street, later becoming known as the Vauxhall Inn and Zoological Gardens.  The green behind the Vauxhall Inn continued in use well into the 20^th century and was at one time the home of Caer Glow BC.

And now – who we are?

In 1866, a bowling club was established at Gloucester Spa in the park, which went on to become Gloucester Bowling Club in 1897.  (A Notable step forward then came with the development of bowls in England in 1903 with the establishment of an English Bowling Association (EBA).  Amongst its founding members was W.G. Grace, although better known for his prowess with a bat and ball.  He was President of the EBA from 1903 to 1905).  

In 1907 Gloucester Bowling Club became Gloucester City Bowling Club, consisting of 2 bowling greens, a putting green, a wooden hut, and a tearoom.  In 1920, another bowling club was formed, namely Gloucester Spa BC, who rented a bowling green from Gloucester City. Thus, enabling both clubs to enjoy playing the wonderful game of bowls in beautiful surrounds.  In May 1996, the clubs applied for a sports lottery grant, to build a new clubhouse.  A new lease was drawn up with the Council and finally, in April 2000, the new clubhouse was completed and officially opened.  That is what you see today complete with the original wooden clock tower.  The putting green in the middle of the two greens was then turned into an all-weather bowling green.

One stipulation from the lottery grant was that both clubs form an alliance, thus becoming Gloucester City and Gloucester Spa Bowling and Social Club, with both clubs keeping their individuality. 

Since then, the clubs grew from strength to strength, welcoming new bowlers, and hosting tournaments (where bowlers came from all around England to play).  But, September 2023, saw the demise of Gloucester Spa BC who decided to fold, sadly due to lack of members and funds, therefore leaving Gloucester City BC to ‘go it alone’ again.

Now 2024, gives Gloucester City BC a new start.  We will not only be holding our normal club fixtures, but birthdays/anniversaries/wakes /quizzes and charity events.  We have always welcomed touring sides from around the UK, with many returning after having said how much they enjoyed playing here.  We have also been approached by the GBA, both men and women’s, to host county games for bowlers that will then go on to play the Nationals being held by Bowls England at Leamington.  Furthermore, this year sees Gloucester City BC putting on an inaugural event of a one-day outdoor short-mat competition for Gloucestershire.  So far this has shown great interest.

There can only be exciting times ahead.

BC