1906 to 2016
A Brief History of Bishopbriggs Bowling Club
Bishopbriggs Bowling Club owes its origins to a few resolute worthies who lived in or near the village of Bishopbriggs during the years of 1904/5, and who considered that a Bowls Club, as it was then known, should be formed.
At that time Bishopbriggs was a coal mining and farming centre. It was home to a few thousand souls and was being slowly but steadily populated by Glasgwegians looking for a rural setting to house their families. Having a bowling green in their midst seemed a worthwhile and desirable pursuit.
Their big question was, however, where could they meet? As it happens there was a well-known, well-liked Minister, Rev W.B.A. Watt, serving Cadder Parish Church. He was delighted to offer his village Church Hall to a Mr F Lynn and his friends as their initial meeting place. Their proposal was not, alas, a novel one as it had already been rejected seven years earlier for the want of inhabitants.
Having formed a committee nonetheless, various locations were considered. The club was to be known as "The Bishopbriggs Bowling Club". At a subsequent meeting it was decided to go for the Kenmure Avenue park site - as there was a lodge nearby. This was to be converted into the Club House which is still in use to this day.
As in all things, running costs came into play. Arguments as to leasing i.e. 21 years at £15.00 per annum plus a lesser sum for the Club House, or, £600.00 in all. Some members however thought that it would be preferable to feu and this is the present situation today. 110 years later we still rent the ground annually.
Today the Club has almost 200 members in total, all enjoying playing their bowls and appreciating the fellowship - thanks to a few doughty gents over a century ago having the foresight to put into effect a desirable facility a few yards from the centre of Bishopbriggs.
At that time Bishopbriggs was a coal mining and farming centre. It was home to a few thousand souls and was being slowly but steadily populated by Glasgwegians looking for a rural setting to house their families. Having a bowling green in their midst seemed a worthwhile and desirable pursuit.
Their big question was, however, where could they meet? As it happens there was a well-known, well-liked Minister, Rev W.B.A. Watt, serving Cadder Parish Church. He was delighted to offer his village Church Hall to a Mr F Lynn and his friends as their initial meeting place. Their proposal was not, alas, a novel one as it had already been rejected seven years earlier for the want of inhabitants.
Having formed a committee nonetheless, various locations were considered. The club was to be known as "The Bishopbriggs Bowling Club". At a subsequent meeting it was decided to go for the Kenmure Avenue park site - as there was a lodge nearby. This was to be converted into the Club House which is still in use to this day.
As in all things, running costs came into play. Arguments as to leasing i.e. 21 years at £15.00 per annum plus a lesser sum for the Club House, or, £600.00 in all. Some members however thought that it would be preferable to feu and this is the present situation today. 110 years later we still rent the ground annually.
Today the Club has almost 200 members in total, all enjoying playing their bowls and appreciating the fellowship - thanks to a few doughty gents over a century ago having the foresight to put into effect a desirable facility a few yards from the centre of Bishopbriggs.