Two of our clubs are celebrating major anniversaries. Acle IBC is 25 and this year Norfolk Bowling Club celebrates 50 happy years.
The outdoor club started in 1922 and owned the land that the indoor club was built on.
As with most clubs the membership has declined over the years, but they still have around 350 bowling members. While of course the main number are of a more mature age, but still with a very competitive spirit, they have a strong nucleus of younger members who are bringing several honours to the club, both nationally and internationally.
They are having a celebration evening at the club, with a meal and Abba tribute act. Also there is a County friendly against their gentlemen bowlers in November, and as they are having a County friendly against the ladies in March, they will make that a bit celebratory as well.
It must be mentioned that they have the honour that the very popular ladies County League was formed by 2 of their ladies, namely Betty Procter (then Kemp) and Margaret Jermy.
The outdoor club started in 1922 and owned the land that the indoor club was built on.
As with most clubs the membership has declined over the years, but they still have around 350 bowling members. While of course the main number are of a more mature age, but still with a very competitive spirit, they have a strong nucleus of younger members who are bringing several honours to the club, both nationally and internationally.
They are having a celebration evening at the club, with a meal and Abba tribute act. Also there is a County friendly against their gentlemen bowlers in November, and as they are having a County friendly against the ladies in March, they will make that a bit celebratory as well.
It must be mentioned that they have the honour that the very popular ladies County League was formed by 2 of their ladies, namely Betty Procter (then Kemp) and Margaret Jermy.
A few memories from the early days
When I thought of applying to join the indoor club in the early 1970s, I was advised by a senior club official that
"we do not welcome ladies on their own".
Only men could propose and second a woman's application.
Only men could book a rink and if ladies were playing, they could be asked to leave the green if men wanted to play, though I never witnessed this.
A husband paid a small amount extra for his wife to become a member, but a single lady's sub was much more.
Even a fully paid up lady member was not allowed to attend meetings such as the AGM.
"over my dead body" was heard.
Gradually, with gentle persuasion, things improved and by the 1980s there was more parity . It was realised that
lady bowlers played a good game with competitive sportsmanship and etiquette on the green.
lady bowlers played a good game with competitive sportsmanship and etiquette on the green.
Over the 50 years many ladies (and men) have represented the club, with honour, at County, National and International levels.
We should be very proud of the excellent position and esteem that our club holds now, in many spheres.
May it long continue
May it long continue
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Betty Procter
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Click on a club's logo or badge to access their website. This will open in a new window.
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Acle Indoor Bowls Club,
Bridewell Lane, Acle, Norwich, NR13 3RA Tel: 01493 750869 |
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The Brecks,
Breckland Leisure Centre, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1JD Tel: 01842 753110 |
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Browston Hall,
Browston Green, Browston, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9DW. Tel: 01493 667591 |
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The County Arts Club,
Plumstead Road East, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, NR7 9ND Tel: 01603 434529 |
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Dereham Leisure Centre,
Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF Tel: 01362 693419 |
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Diss and District Bowls Club,
Lower Denmark Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4BE Tel: 01379 642908 |
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The Gallow Bowls Club,
Sports Centre Race Course, Fakenham, NR21 7NY Tel: 01328 862867 |
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Great Yarmouth,
Marina Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2ER Tel: 01493 851521 |
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Lynnsport,
Green Park Avenue, Kings Lynn, PE30 2NB Tel: 01553 818001 |
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Norfolk Bowling Club,
444A Unthank Road, Norwich, NR4 7QH Tel: 01603 455165 |
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North Walsham,
Rossis Leisure, Tungate Farm, Tungate, North Walsham, NR28 0JQ Tel: 01692 404966 |
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Oasis Leisure Centre,
Beach Terrace, Hunstanton, PE36 5BD Tel: 01485 534227 |
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Pentney Indoor Bowls Club,
Narborough Road, Pentney, Kings Lynn, PE32 1JD Tel: 01760 337392 |
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Roundwood Indoor Bowls Club,
44 Ringland Road, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6HY Tel: 01603 260830 |
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Shotford Bowling Club,
Spirketts Lane, Harleston, IP20 9JL Tel: 01379 852368 |
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Woodlands Indoor Bowls Club,
Holt Road, Upper Sheringham, NR26 8TU Tel: 01263 825700 |
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Wymondham Dell Bowls Club,
54b Norwich Road, Wymondham, NR18 0NT Tel: 01953 6020996 |