A short history of Cumbria Bowling Association

A meeting was held in 1914 to discuss the forming of Cumberland Bowling Association, however no records were kept from this meeting.

The Men’s county association was formed in 1919 and celebrated their centenary year.

Eight clubs were the founder members, Carlisle Subscription, Edenside, Holme Head, Courtfield and Stanwix, along with Penrith Friars, Silloth and Throstles Nest Wigton.

In 1958 records show that this number had increased to 51 clubs.

In 1947 Sir E.H. Hodgson of Fitz Park, Keswick held the position of National President. Many years later in 1984 this position was held by R. F. Taylor of Edenside.

R. F. Taylor was given honorary life membership of the EBA, and this honour was also given to J. N. Bell, Wigton Bowls Club and E. Johnston British Rail Bowls Club.

The green at Brampton was laid in 1761 which makes it one of the oldest greens in the North of England and is still on the same site today.

Strangely it is recorded that Wm Johnston (Subscription) was President of English Bowling Association and was an International player from 1904 until 1911 – before the Cumberland  Association was formed.

The Cumberland Women’s Bowling Association was formed in 1958 with seven clubs affiliated, they were Carlisle Courtfield, Stanwix and Linton, Port Carlisle, Silloth and Throstles Nest Wigton.

Margaret Docherty was President of EWBA in 2006 and has been a member of the Bowls England Board since the inaugural Board was formed.

Nicola Bowe is currently Junior International Team Manager.

Until recently John Bell had held the position of Senior International Team Manager for many years and is also President of World Bowls.

Currently Cumbria Bowling Association has 38 clubs affiliated, this includes the newly resurrected bowls green at The Magpie Inn in Carlisle. For many years previously this green was attached to the pub which was one of the many State Management Scheme pubs that boasted bowling greens.

Both the men and women’s sections have had many Senior and Junior Internationals and have had a good number of National honours over the years.

County Details

Contact: Margaret Docherty
Tel: 01228 530901
Mobile: 0798 508 7837
Email: cumbria@bowlsengland.com
Agreed Centre: Keswick

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