1906-2006  TONBRIDGE BOWLING CLUB  

Anecdotes from the Club records.

 

1921- Sevenoaks again  requested that we join the Sevenoaks and District  League.

After much consideration TBC felt that " SUCH LEAGUES HELPED to DESTROY  

the social side of the game and that we were fully occupied with friendly matches  

of OLD ACQUAINTANCES."  The Sevenoaks & District Bowls League eventually started in  

1968 and we joined in 1970!   

1922- Club considered buying a railway carriage from the London  Brighton &  South Coast Railway for use as a pavilion.  

1923-  A new pavilion was opened although no surplus railway carriages were available!  

1925- Tonbridge Sports Association invite TBC to  the opening of the new bowling green   

at the sports ground.  Annual strawberry tea on the 1st July a great success.

Mr P Aldrick won the KCBA singles championship.    

1927-  First mention that Licence for the sale of alcohol obtained and bar opened.

A simplified Bar Tariff was agreed with  Whisky 6d,  1 pint bitter 6d and port also 6d.   

1932-Green relaid / returfed.  To finance this expenditure Debentures issued to members

 at 50/- each at 5% interest per annum, on a voluntary subscription basis.

1933 - Mr F W Franks President since 1906 passed away (after 27 years)

1934 - Still a men only club!!

1935-The start of a 35 year saga of allowing Ladies to become an integral part of the club.

1936- At AGM it was indicated that there was nothing in the rules to prohibit ladies from  

joining the club. "Meeting voted 17 to 11 with 3 no votes against ladies joining".

however the following year in

1937- An EGM voted to allow ladies to play in afternoon's on Mon,Tues,Thurs and Fridays.

Agreed to install electric light in the pavilion with a generator providing the electricity

1939- War declared in September. Committee agreed that the Bowls Club should remain

open if possible.  The army takes over the Angel Cricket Ground for the duration.

1940- Members of other bowling clubs at present in HMForces stationed in Tonbridge were  

 offered Hon. Membership of the club when in the town.  Only 15 matches due to the war.

At the AGM President said-"He urged the members to give full support to the club",  

declaring "it a National Duty to keep alive the country's sporting and social activities."

Battle of Britain followed by the Blitz..                                           Click for more TBC History

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