Bowling Club News - April 09

Now that most of the winter is over we are beginning to look forward to another season of outdoor bowling and The Green had its first cut of the year during the third week of February, and a dressing of fertilizer and iron treatment were applied. The new season starts on Saturday, April 25th, but before that it is hoped to hold a working party to lift and relay uneven paving slabs around the perimeter of The Green.

A dinner at The Catherine Wheel in February was enjoyed by 27 members and, for those of us who don't live in Hemyock it was good to meet together and catch up with all the news.

History of Hemyock Bowling Club

One of our club members, Ted Collins, has done a lot of research into the history of the Bowling Club. When visiting clubs come to Hemyock he always produces welcome cards, for the tea tables. These cards are always very well received and include the story behind the Club. I thought that many people may like to know more about how the club started, so, thanks to Ted and with his permission, here are the facts.

"Hemyock Bowling Club was founded on Wednesday, July 26th 1905. The founders were a group of local business men, the local schoolmaster, and several farmers. The bowling green land was rented for several years from Mrs Tapscott, before it was purchased, on behalf of the club, by the Rev John de Forbes, who was the first President of Hemyock Bowling Club.

At a meeting on May 8th 1906, details were given of the possibility of purchasing an old London tramcar for between £3 and £6 which could be used as a clubhouse. The cost of the rail freight from Paddington would possibly be as much as £8, via Tiverton Junction to Hemyock railway station. However, it was finally decided to approach one of the Vice-Presidents, Sir Charles Follett, to try to obtain several larch trees so that a 'Bowls House' could be built. That is how the club obtained its first Clubhouse!

In December 1905 it was decided to purchase 16 tons of beach sand from Bude, at 7s.3d per ton, including freight to Hemyock Railway Station. It was spread on the new Bowling Green before opening day in 1906.

At a meeting in 1911 a committee member suggested that ladies could use a couple of rinks, once or twice a week, to play croquet. The proposed added that it "would enable ladies to enjoy a pastime, and it would augment the revenue of the club". The idea was not favoured, especially by the groundsman, and the matter was not pursued!

In 1921, at the Annual General Meeting, there was a motion that "Ladies be allowed to be members of Hemyock B.C., at the same subscription as men". The motion was passed unanimously. However, it was not until 1956 that it was suggested that a Ladies Section be formed - and the ladies, finally, had their own section for the 1957 outdoor season.

In 1969 the Ladies asked for the installation of electricity to the clubhouse, to make the provision of tea more convenient. They said that they could provide the money for the installation. The men accepted the offer with grateful thanks, and a refreshing cup of tea!"

Penny Gale