CLUB HISTORY
OPENING OF THE COTTINGHAM BOWLING GREEN 1920
THESE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW SOME OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF COTTINGHAM WHO HELPED JUST AFTER THE FIRST WORLD WAR. it is probable that some bowls was played in Cottingham before the 1st World War but after the War it was realised that there was a need to revive sporting activities in the village which had been lacking during the period of the war. The first clubhouse was a 1914/18 army hut which underwent many changes including a veranda. The male bowlers who dominated the scene had their own hut near the North East boundary close to the Beulah estate and their toilet was a secluded area behind this hut where an apple tree benefited from the additional ‘nutriment’.
In 1926 Captain Neilsen the owner of Beulah house sold the land for £350 a very attractive price. Cottingham Bowling Club was formed in 1919 playing at the current site in 1920.
COTTINGHAM RECREATIONAL CLUB LTD, WHICH OWNS THE BOWLING CLUB LAND AND BUILDINGS, WAS INCORPORATED ON 24TH MARCH 1927. Between the wars bowling continued and the club paid an annual subscription to Bingley Greenkeeping Research for advice on greens maintenance. The upkeep of the green was always given the highest priority. However, in 1949 it was decided not to play home matches due to the poor state of the green. For a short period of time we received the hospitality of Kingston B.C. Also in 1949 the green was lengthened by about 6yards making a total length of 40 yards, which was a great improvement for matches and competitions. in 1960 we encountered further problems and the head gardener from Hull University helped with formulae and methods of treatment.
Probably the biggest help came from the supervisor of the playing fields owned by East Riding County Council. Not only was he helpful with formulae but also provided soil, mixtures, seed and chemicals, all at favourable prices. The concession also applied to free loan of a variety of mechanical machines. it was agreed in 1953 that the lighting be changed from gas to electricity.
For a few years the club held a Licence from the Justices to sell alcoholic drinks. It was thought that this would enable members to return the hospitality of visiting bowlers from clubs such as Kingston and Riverview who had bars. The idea sounded attractive but proved difficult to manage. On one occasion when the clubhouse was broken into the only items taken was spirits and beers. This precipitated the closure of the so-called bar.
Indoor carpet bowling was introduced in 1957 during the winter season and was a healthy source of income for the club, as it is today.
OPENING OF THE NEW PAVILION SUNDAY 6TH MAY, 1973
THE PAVILION, THE SECOND SINCE THE CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN 1919, WAS BUILT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE BOWLING SEASON IN 1972. THE COST WAS DEFRAYED PARTLY BY A GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL; BY DONATIONS FROM CLUB MEMBERS; AND THE BALANCE WAS RAISED BY SOCIAL EFFORTS. THE SPORTS COUNCIL GRANT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE, BUT FOR THE EXISTENCE OF COTTINGHAM RECREATIONAL CLUB LIMITED.
central heating was installed in the late 1970’s. the old boiler was renewed in 2003.
The Ladies of the Club raise Large sums of money organising coffee mornings; jumble sales; tombola’s and so on. Apart from all these activities the ladies look after the catering in the pavilion. the Club has also raised money through the lottery with attractive cash prizes and substantial balance for club funds.
there was a large number of Lignum Vitae woods that the club had and did not know what to do with, as composition bowls were now the future for bowls. In 1972 there was a national request for Lignum Vitae woods to help London University in their research into heart implants. (use of Lignum Vitae in pacemakers).
New Green
The suggestion for a new green was first mooted in 1984 following a successful meeting with Yorkshire and Humberside Sports Council. The new green was completed in 1985 and the following year was one of consolidation, including voluntary work by members, strengthening the surrounds and landscaping. the Sports Council grant covered about a third of the cost. Thanks to this and to our own housekeeping in way of finances and to the generous gesture of 10 guarantors, the bills of the contractors were settled in full. Thanks to the foresight and dedication of the then management we now have 2 greens, much to the envy of other clubs.
In 1926 Captain Neilsen the owner of Beulah house sold the land for £350 a very attractive price. Cottingham Bowling Club was formed in 1919 playing at the current site in 1920.
COTTINGHAM RECREATIONAL CLUB LTD, WHICH OWNS THE BOWLING CLUB LAND AND BUILDINGS, WAS INCORPORATED ON 24TH MARCH 1927. Between the wars bowling continued and the club paid an annual subscription to Bingley Greenkeeping Research for advice on greens maintenance. The upkeep of the green was always given the highest priority. However, in 1949 it was decided not to play home matches due to the poor state of the green. For a short period of time we received the hospitality of Kingston B.C. Also in 1949 the green was lengthened by about 6yards making a total length of 40 yards, which was a great improvement for matches and competitions. in 1960 we encountered further problems and the head gardener from Hull University helped with formulae and methods of treatment.
Probably the biggest help came from the supervisor of the playing fields owned by East Riding County Council. Not only was he helpful with formulae but also provided soil, mixtures, seed and chemicals, all at favourable prices. The concession also applied to free loan of a variety of mechanical machines. it was agreed in 1953 that the lighting be changed from gas to electricity.
For a few years the club held a Licence from the Justices to sell alcoholic drinks. It was thought that this would enable members to return the hospitality of visiting bowlers from clubs such as Kingston and Riverview who had bars. The idea sounded attractive but proved difficult to manage. On one occasion when the clubhouse was broken into the only items taken was spirits and beers. This precipitated the closure of the so-called bar.
Indoor carpet bowling was introduced in 1957 during the winter season and was a healthy source of income for the club, as it is today.
OPENING OF THE NEW PAVILION SUNDAY 6TH MAY, 1973
THE PAVILION, THE SECOND SINCE THE CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN 1919, WAS BUILT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE BOWLING SEASON IN 1972. THE COST WAS DEFRAYED PARTLY BY A GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL; BY DONATIONS FROM CLUB MEMBERS; AND THE BALANCE WAS RAISED BY SOCIAL EFFORTS. THE SPORTS COUNCIL GRANT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE, BUT FOR THE EXISTENCE OF COTTINGHAM RECREATIONAL CLUB LIMITED.
central heating was installed in the late 1970’s. the old boiler was renewed in 2003.
The Ladies of the Club raise Large sums of money organising coffee mornings; jumble sales; tombola’s and so on. Apart from all these activities the ladies look after the catering in the pavilion. the Club has also raised money through the lottery with attractive cash prizes and substantial balance for club funds.
there was a large number of Lignum Vitae woods that the club had and did not know what to do with, as composition bowls were now the future for bowls. In 1972 there was a national request for Lignum Vitae woods to help London University in their research into heart implants. (use of Lignum Vitae in pacemakers).
New Green
The suggestion for a new green was first mooted in 1984 following a successful meeting with Yorkshire and Humberside Sports Council. The new green was completed in 1985 and the following year was one of consolidation, including voluntary work by members, strengthening the surrounds and landscaping. the Sports Council grant covered about a third of the cost. Thanks to this and to our own housekeeping in way of finances and to the generous gesture of 10 guarantors, the bills of the contractors were settled in full. Thanks to the foresight and dedication of the then management we now have 2 greens, much to the envy of other clubs.
more recently cottingham parish council has generously supported the club with grants for the installation of our flag and contribution to a newly refurbished mower.