NORTHFLEET BOWLING CLUB POTTED HISTORY
The following is an extract from the ‘Northfleet Bowling Club Centenary 1903 – 2003’ written and compiled by Len Stevens, the Club President. Every Club Member was given a copy of the book to commemorate the Club’s Anniversary.
A copy of the book can be borrowed by members: contact Lorraine Paramor on 01732 823618
1903
Northfleet Bowling Club came into being on a Wednesday evening -10 June 1903 – with a newly constructed 3-rink green. Originally the Club was on a piece of land behind the Factory Hall in Northfleet. The Factory Club Games Committee had started the Club and so it became known as ‘Factory Club’.
1906
Most games were played as Triples playing ‘21 points up, playing Clubs such as Gravesend and Milton, Darnley, Bat and Ball, and Campbell.
1911
The Club’s Fixture List comprised Home and Away matches against the following: Gravesend and Milton, Darnley, Swanscombe, Bat and Ball, Grays, and Greenhithe.
1913
The Club now referred to as Northfleet Bowling Club, still only had 3 rinks but could field 5 rinks to play away.
1914/1918
The Club maintained its existence during World War I but little evidence exists of its activities.
1921
J B Lingham JP was President of the Club and was elected, on 27 July, a member of the Kent County Bowling Association.
1923
The Club played the Mayor’s team, which Northfleet lost by 5 shots.
1928
The Club Officers included a Wednesday Captain, Vice-Captain, Secretary, Saturday Captain, Vice-Captain, and a Secretary. The President was W H Hardy and the 4 Vice Presidents included a Member of Parliament, a Justice of the Peace, and 2 Councillors.
1932
The Club’s Fixture List had expanded to 19 matches and included games against Gravesend Ladies and the Chief Petty Officers.
1937
In July the Club traveled further afield, for the first time, to Radnor Park, Folkestone, winning the game 110 shots to 83.
A Public Meeting was held at the Northfleet Council Offices in September 1937 which resulted in the Club moving to a new full-size 6 rink bowling green in Wombwell Park, the following summer, which is still the Club’s home today. The Club became known as Northfleet Parks Bowling Club.
1939
Club President Albert H Hardy JP presented the Club with a cup for the Club Championship. He became President of the KCBA that year and he remained in office until 1944.
1941
Club Treasurer, Bill Larkin, who was Landlord of the Fleet Tavern in Waterdales, donated a cup for the Singles Handicap Competition.
1944
By this year the Club was playing 28 matches. It was noted that 3 matches had to be canceled because of ‘frequent attacks of flying bombs’.
1946
Bill Larkin presented the Club with a trophy for the Club Pairs and the Club saw the establishment of its Annual Dinner in December.
1947
Annual Subscription had increased to 7s 6p (37.5p)
1948
Mr. A Fields presented a cup for the winner of the Thursday Weekly Drive.
1949
Northfleet Urban District Council (NUDC) agreed for the Club to use the Council’s Coats of Arms on the Club badge.
25 years later the badge was redesigned by our Current Club President, Len Stevens.
Electricity was installed in the Clubhouse
1950
Junior Cup trophy donated by Mrs. R Hardy.
1952
Harry Hardy became President of the KCBA.
1956
NUDC gave a grant for OAPs living in Northfleet to use the Green for free.
1962
Harry Hardy became President of the English Bowling Association (EBA)
1970
The Club played its first indoor fixtures in the closed winter season.
1977
The Mayor of Gravesham, Len Hardy, donated the Club President’s Badge of Office which is still used today.
NUDC abandoned the Season Ticket System and introduced an annual charge to the Club of £200.
1978
The scoreboards was donated by the Deputy Mayor of Gravesham, Councillor Mrs. K Windiate.
Formal application made to the Local Council for improved facilities.
1980
The first Dance was arranged at the Northfleet Power Station. It was a complete success with 300 people attending and these dances carried on for another 6 years, raising funds for the Club.
Club President, Len W.Stevens, was elected President of the Gravesend and District Bowling Association, a position he held for 3 years until his death in 1983.
1981
Arthur Hardy became President of the KCBA.
1986
The Ladies’ Section was formed.
1987
The ladies’ Section became affiliated with the KCWBA.
1989
Work was completed on an extension to the small hip-roof clubhouse.
1991
KCBA removed the prohibition of management of affiliated clubs by Ladies. Club rules were amended and Ladies were given voting rights at meetings.
1993
A second successful planning application was made to Gravesham Council. The work was financed by a legacy from a past member Cliff Mason, a grant from the Foundation of Sports and Art, and finance from the Club. Club Member Lionel Payne with support from the members enabled the extension to be built.
In 1993 the Club took over responsibility for the maintenance of the green.
1994
Club rules were amended to enable the 2 sections to work independently but under the control of a single Management Committee.
1997
Life Vice-President W ‘Dick’ Hammerton celebrated 50 years of membership with the Club.
Club member Arthur Rayner died, having been a member for 72 years.
1998
The Club was granted a Registration Certificate for the sale of alcohol.
Derek Alford became the fourth Club member to hold the office of President of the KCBA.
2000
The Club membership at the start of the 2000 season was 82 Men and 60 Ladies.
In the summer season, the Club hosted the KCBA Competition Finals, the KCWBA Triples – Quarter and Semi-Finals, and the Gravesend and District Competition Finals.
2002
In November Norma Cheeseman became the first Lady Club member to be elected as President of the KCWBA.
2003 – Present Day
Under Construction….