We believe that this photo was taken in 1971 and, thanks to
Fred Watton, (front row, right hand side)we have identified all
but three members of this group
Those we have identified are:
Back row:- Jack Shaw, Peter Burdon, Jimmy Hudson, Fred Jefferson, Harry Bell, John Taylor, Tommy Jones, Unknown, and Billy Harrison.
Middle row:- Bill McLeod, Unknown, Fred Burdon, Albert Crooks, Unknown, George Foundling, Jack Bell and Ronnie Hutchinson.
Front row:- George Crooks, Dennis Mason, Ossie Collins, Maynard Wilson and Fred Watton.
This photograph is from the early days of
the club (1937) and is taken from the
front of the original clubhouse.
In 1969, the Ladies Section was formed. Their first general meeting was held in the Cocktail lounge at Thornaby Indoor Bowling Club with 19 Ladies attending and several others sending apologies. Initially, the total membership was 30. For the first four years the Ladies played friendly matches against other clubs and in Club Competitions.
By 1973 the Ladies felt ready to participate in league matches and were admitted to the Teesside Ladies league. At this time the format was four rinks of triples and changed later to the current format of three rinks of four players.
1984 saw the demolition of the old wooden clubhouse by the local council, who provided a more modern brick building for the members.
The club was considerably weakened in Sept. 1988 when 10 members left the Village Club to form a new club at Teesdale Park, Thornaby.
In 1998, after considerable discussion the club, voted to go private. To this end a committee was formed to run and improve the facilities for future use.
Throughout his 53 years as a member of the club, he never lost his enthusiam for the club or indeed, for the game of bowls.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLUB
On Oct 9th 1935 an Inaugural Meeting was held in the Oddfellows Arms to form a Bowling Club at Thornaby Village Recreation ground. It was decided to proceed with the proposal with an initial membership of 33 with annual subscriptions set at 5 shillings each (25p).
Click on the Image to see Larger Photograph
No doubt there is much useful information regarding club history,
of which we have no record, so if you know anything you consider
interesting about the club, please contact the club by phone or e-mail