About Us
The Green and Clubhouse
South London Bowling Club is a club with a heritage dating back over 120 years, but with a strong ethos and playing reputation. We boast an enviable green kept in top condition by our greenkeeper and volunteers, plus an up to date club house with all facilities.
The club’s members are across the spectrum of bowlers. From those who play regularly in Bowls Surrey and National competitions – to those who wish to play socially and enjoy the camaraderie of being a member.
We play in three leagues in the summer season (May to end September). The New Surrey League, Wimbledon & District League and the Jenkins Law League. Matches take place on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The club hosts social evenings on Fridays.
Club competitions take place across the summer with Finals Day taking place in September.
The South London Bowling Club clubhouse has a large social area with well stocked bar. There is also a Pool Table and Dartboard.
History
South London Bowling Club was first established in 1900 and is one of the oldest clubs in London. Tom Robertson was a founder member of the club, and the renowned cricketer W. G. Grace played here in its early days. They were among the founder members of the English Bowling Association formed in 1903. Tom Robertson was the President of the English Bowling Association in 1906.
Dr W.G. Grace and Tom Robertson playing bowls c 1911
The green was laid with special turf brought all the way from Forres, Scotland – a provision designed, no doubt, to ensure the greatest degree of perfection. The club attained a prominence very early in its history and was chosen along with the London County Bowling Club at Crystal Palace for the first international matches played in July 1913 between the four countries of the United Kingdom.
Mr. Tom Robertson
The clubs aim at conception was to promote the game of competitive bowls and this has remained the aim of the club into the 21st Century. The club has had the honour of proving more English International Players than any other English Club to date, albeit in the earlier part of the 20th Century.
Bowling greens don’t last forever but surely it was uniquely co-incidental that the old green of which Tom Robertson was so proud should die with him. If the club was to survive the green must be re-laid. The second green was relaid in 1946 finance coming from an appeal to members and friends. They also wanted a tangible tribute to that Grand Old Man of Bowls, and unveiled a commemoration plaque in the club pavilion which still takes pride of place to this day!
Towards the end of the 20th century the club had a huge decision to make as the clubhouse also reached the end of its natural life. The members agreed to sell some of the club’s land in return for funds to be able to build a brand new clubhouse that would take the club forward. The original clubhouse was demolished at the end of the 2004 season, with the new facilities becoming ready for the start of the 2006 season with the bowls green being resurfaced at the same time.
The club is proud of its 120 year history with its walls reflecting the names of members who have contributed to its success and longevity – whilst being able to enjoy modern facilities and an exceptional green.
Officers
The Officers of the Club for 2024 are as follows:
President Paul Mullins
Vice President John Graham
Captain Chris Burke
Vice Captain Tony Huckfield
Secretary Wendy Davidson
Match Secretary Wendy Davidson
Hon. Treasurer Phil Gregory
Safeguarding Officer Stacey Malinowski
Committee
The Committee for 2024 is made up of the Officers, plus the following Committee Members
Adam Wright
Stuart Cameron