From Humble Beginnings...

This is where our journey began. 1911 to the present day. Our history tells tales of success and community. Lawn Bowls has come a long way, and continues to develop into one of the most approachable sports there is. We also continue to grow and adapt to the modern age, but we will never forget our past and those members who helped build our club. We're glad you dropped by to see these precious images from our past.

Changing Times

Fashions change with the years. Always have and always will. Our old members played and dressed in style. Image taken in front of the Victoria Gardens Bandstand (No longer there) but our club continues to thrive in the footsteps of our founding members. Every wood bowled, is bowled with these gentleman still in our hearts.

 

 

 

Woods Were Made of Wood

From the first ever game of Bowls played by Sir Francis Drake, playing Bowls were made of wood. Lignum vitae (Latin for "wood of life") is one of the world’s hardest and most heaviest woods. It actually sinks in water! Derived from Guaiacum trees, it was the most suitable wood to use as Bowls, however, unfortunately these were prone to drying out and it was common to see them split due to expansion. But at the time there were no suitable equivalent, and this is why, even today, we call ALL playing Bowls 'Woods'! (Yes! Even the Melamine Plastic ones)

 

1975 League Winners

Image to the Right...South Dorset League Trophy Winners back in 1975. A tremendous achievement for our boys. Sadly many are no longer with us, but the Club captain with the trophy on that day... is still very much with us and is a formidable member, gentleman and player. In the image below, Club SDBA Captain Colin Slade held the very same trophy in 2014 albeit the trophy has had an extra large base added since then.

Knights in White Linen

Playing in whites is all about showing respect. We play in whites for Competitions and Friendly matches. The match attire has been relaxed over the years as Bowls England strives to encourage new people to try the game in the modern age. The image to the left shows a typical match in whites. But looking at them, it makes our green look like a bath mat! :-)