A WHITCHURCH bowling club will celebrate its centenary year next week with a special open day to commemorate its rich history.

Whitchurch & District Club, in St John’s Park, will celebrate 100 years on Saturday, June 8 with members coming together to show residents its very best.

Outgoing president Pat Paddington, who will be succeeded by David Hiles, set out the club’s illustrious history over the last 100 years.

OTHER NEWS: 

She said: “A peek behind the iconic gate at the top of the steps reveals a sports club with a rich history which has marched into the 21st century towards a landmark 100 years of providing sport and leisure facilities for Whitchurch. 

“The club, as it is now, was first formed following a meeting at the Victoria Hotel on June 10, 1924, with John Joyce, a farmer from Black Park, chairing the meeting.

“A committee was appointed and the trustees acquired the current site in1925 by lease at £56 per annum with an option to purchase, which was duly exercised in 1935.

Whitchurch Herald: A picture of old club members, year unknown. A picture of old club members, year unknown. (Image: Pat Paddington.)

“This land had been the grounds of St Marys House, owned by Captain Bambridge, the local vet who had bought the property from the executors of Dr C. Gwynn who in turn had bought it at the turn of the century with a description ‘including bowling green’.

“As a Whitchurch Club had been formed at the adjacent Hermitage in 1883 with membership invitations extended to local gentlemen. it is not unreasonable to assume that this was the forerunner of the District Club as the membership list of illustrious names has not a Miss nor a Mrs, never mind a Ms.

“The current District Club was created in 1924 and continued over the following decades as a gentleman’s club.

“Once up the steps and through the gate, you were free from all feminine influence.

Whitchurch Herald: Members enjoying a competitive game on the green. Members enjoying a competitive game on the green. (Image: Pat Paddington.)

“With a thriving adjacent livestock auction it was popular with both farmers and businessmen with a waiting list for membership and a tortuous interview to endure to gain admittance.”

Pat said that it was not until 1998 that female members were admitted and a new home was sought but eventual roots were re-established to make the District Club a place to be.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@whitchurchherald.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

She added: “The premises are wholly owned by the members who elect a committee who ensure that a very high a standard of facilities are available throughout the year.”

The centenary celebrations will feature a barbecue from 7-8.30pm and entertainment from Jamie Ashton from 9pm.

Tickets are £12.