Project at Thornes Bowling Club
Keith Hawes and members of Thornes Bowling Club are researching the history of crown green bowling clubs in the Wakefield area. Their own club has received a grant from Wakefield Council to preserve and repair their 1930s pavilion which they believe is the only remaining one in the district. Still in use, it is a good example of the period with original lockers and fittings in the interior. The gutters and downpipes will be replaced, and the flooring and railings will be restored with timber as they were originally. The asbestos roofing will also need to be replaced. They also hope to provide better toilet facilities as the present brick-built block is overgrown and in poor condition. A similar pavilion that was used by the adjoining tennis club is probably past restoration.
The club was originally provided by Paton and Baldwins for its workers when there was a surge of interest in sports in the 1920s and 1930s. Keith and his colleagues are researching the history of bowling clubs provided by such companies. It is believed that crown green bowling emerged by the 18th century with the less affluent playing on common ground and parks close to inns and taverns in comparison to flat bowling which was for the moneyed classes who owned large gardens and made bowling alleys on their lawns. The crown green is undulating with bumps known as crowns. It is a relatively easy game to learn, but considerable skill is needed to become good at it. It continues to be played primarily in the north of England and the Thornes club still play four times a week.
If you are involved in a bowling club and have photographs or know about the history, please get in touch: info@WakefieldHistoricalSociety.org.uk
