THE EARLY HISTORY OF WONERSH BOWLING CLUB (Author unknown)

From the early committee minutes

The formation of a bowling club in Wonersh may be said to have originated in the City of Oxford when I used, in the summer evenings, to see middle aged men busily engaged in the game of bowls. I had been living for more than a year in Wonersh when the idea came into my mind that there were men in the village too old for active games like cricket and football; why not try to start a Bowling Club.

The subject was first broached in the winter of 1925/26 after a meeting of the Unionist Association Committee in the Corner Cottage, in the room now Dr. John Bell Nichol’s consulting room.  There was not much enthusiasm but those present thought it would be a good thing if the necessary money could be raised.

I then consulted Mr. John Courage of Derry’s Wood who was always very generous in helping to promote any scheme that brought benefit to the village.  Mr. Courage at once promised his support and agreed to call a public meeting to find out whether there would be general approval.

The meeting was held in the Memorial Hall - about 50 persons were present including some of the most influential people in the Parish.  Mr. Courage presided and was supported by Mr. J.H. Cook, Mr. Frank Rogerson and Mr. Robert Haslam. A resolution to form a Bowling Club was approved.

It was decided that the annual subscription should be kept as low as possible (5/-) but it was hoped that members themselves would look after the ground.  A subscription for funds was proposed toward the preparation of the ground, Mr. Courage and Mr. Cook each promised £25 and Mr. Haslam £12.10/- (£87.10/- in all).  These gentlemen were elected Founder Presidents with Mr. Courage as the Senior President.  Dr. Hawkes agreed to act as Secretary and Mr. Neil-Miller as Treasurer. A committee was also formed. 

           The most appropriate site appeared to be in the field behind the Memorial Hall which belonged to Mr. Rogerson.  Mr. Rogerson promised to lease sufficient ground for three rinks at  a nominal rent of 2/6d per annum and his offer was accepted with thanks. 

           As the ground was on a slope it had to be levelled and the contract was given to Mr. John Butcher for an estimate of from £ 60 to £ 70.  This included the laying of the turf.  The ground was enclosed by Astolat for £ 22:3/3d in September 1925. The turf for the green was given by Mr. John Sudbury, the then tenant of Wonersh Park, with the consent of the owner Mr. Haslam. The first turf suggested was unsuitable and Mr. Elliott, head gardener of Derry’s Wood and I suggested turf from the Deer Park - on the site of what is now Mrs. Paice’s garden.  The turf was cut and carted free by Mr. Cook’s men.  The work of levelling and turfing was finished in 1925 and the ground left to settle for the winter.