Chester Road Bowling Club

In 1902, several gentlemen met in Ye Olde Seven Stars Public House and persuaded William Adam (Adam Carpets) to rent land for the promotion of a “likeable sport” and to provide a loan for a pavilion. Local specialists laid the green, shrubberies and quoits pitch for £154. A condition that “no intoxicating liquor was allowed on the premises” remained until William Adam’s death in 1922. Discipline was strong then with the groundsman (£20 per year) being reprimanded for not rolling the green every day. Women were allowed in the grounds to pick the weeds out of the new green but were later requested to form a Tea Committee to provide refreshments. Now the ladies form a very vital and strong presence with full member entitlement.

A Limited Company was established in June 1926. All debts were paid off and the land bought for about £730.

In 1969, members who had been to support Worcestershire County Cricket Team saw the rink game being played at Cripplegate Park and proposed to convert our green. Although initially pursued with real enthusiasm the idea was not fully supported by the club members.

Interest grew again in the 1980’s and at the end of the 1988 season work began to level the green. The Club was admitted to the Association and the green was opened on a superb summer day in 1990 by the English Bowling Association President, John Hall (a Worcestershire bowler) with his team of bowlers from all parts of the country.

The Club has teams in the local bowling leagues on Monday and Thursday evenings, and also play a number of league and friendly matches during the season. Snooker, crib teams, and local Quiz League teams are all busy during the winter. Regular Quizzes, Race Nights, Auctions, Casino Nights and other social gatherings keep the club alive over the winter months.