Skottewes House - The site was demolished in the early 1800s and its garden called "The Level" became our Green.
🏆 Our History
Founding of Chesham Bowling Club – 1912
Chesham Bowling Club was founded on Saturday, March 9th, 1912, at the Crown Hotel in Market Square. The meeting was convened by Thomas J. Miller, who had moved to Chesham from Fakenham, Norfolk, in 1909. An enthusiastic bowls player, he decided that Chesham needed a bowls club and took the initiative to establish one. Miller became the Club’s first Chairman and Secretary.
During its inaugural season, the Club played on the lawn of Mr. G. Darvell, a local baker who lived at 40 Bellingdon Road, in the nearby Treacher’s Orchard.
Early Leadership and Events
Our first President was Mr. W. F. Lowndes of The Bury, who served until his passing in 1956.
One of the Club’s earliest public events was a bowling tournament at the Grand Bazaar in The Bury Grounds on June 27th, 1912, with prizes donated by Club members.
A Green of Our Own
The Club’s early success made it clear that a permanent home was needed. With the generosity of Mr. Lowndes, the Club moved to its current site in the Park in early 1913, paying a rent of £2 per year.
The site, known as “The Level,” had once been the lawn of Skottowes House, demolished in the early 1800s. Although the original lawn was uneven and required much work, it became our cherished green.
The Pavilion
The Club’s first pavilion — a portable “bowls house” — was purchased from Canada Works, manufacturers of portable buildings and poultry houses.
A new, more permanent pavilion was built in 1939, and the freehold of the site was acquired in 1947.
Between 2006 and 2008, the pavilion underwent a major refurbishment and extension, officially opened by the Mayor of Chesham.
Today, the improved facilities allow us to play short-mat bowls in winter as well as outdoor bowls in summer.
Growing Together
Club Achievements
Chesham Bowling Club has produced many talented players over the decades. Most noted were:
Supporting the Community
Each year, the Club supports a local charity through member donations and match collections.
We also host an Open Day each season to welcome new members.
Join us and experience one of England’s oldest and most enjoyable sports!
Founding of Chesham Bowling Club – 1912
Chesham Bowling Club was founded on Saturday, March 9th, 1912, at the Crown Hotel in Market Square. The meeting was convened by Thomas J. Miller, who had moved to Chesham from Fakenham, Norfolk, in 1909. An enthusiastic bowls player, he decided that Chesham needed a bowls club and took the initiative to establish one. Miller became the Club’s first Chairman and Secretary.
During its inaugural season, the Club played on the lawn of Mr. G. Darvell, a local baker who lived at 40 Bellingdon Road, in the nearby Treacher’s Orchard.
Early Leadership and Events
Our first President was Mr. W. F. Lowndes of The Bury, who served until his passing in 1956.
One of the Club’s earliest public events was a bowling tournament at the Grand Bazaar in The Bury Grounds on June 27th, 1912, with prizes donated by Club members.
A Green of Our Own
The Club’s early success made it clear that a permanent home was needed. With the generosity of Mr. Lowndes, the Club moved to its current site in the Park in early 1913, paying a rent of £2 per year.
The site, known as “The Level,” had once been the lawn of Skottowes House, demolished in the early 1800s. Although the original lawn was uneven and required much work, it became our cherished green.
- Late 1920s: Extended to six rinks
- 1932: Re-laid with Cumberland turf
The Pavilion
The Club’s first pavilion — a portable “bowls house” — was purchased from Canada Works, manufacturers of portable buildings and poultry houses.
A new, more permanent pavilion was built in 1939, and the freehold of the site was acquired in 1947.
Between 2006 and 2008, the pavilion underwent a major refurbishment and extension, officially opened by the Mayor of Chesham.
Today, the improved facilities allow us to play short-mat bowls in winter as well as outdoor bowls in summer.
Growing Together
- A Ladies’ Section was formed in 1965, and the Club became fully mixed in 2000.
- Since 1990, blind bowlers have used the green on Wednesday mornings, leading to the creation of the Chesham Pioneers.
In 2011, member Sarah Marshall won the Ladies BI (Totally Blind) National Singles Championship.
Club Achievements
Chesham Bowling Club has produced many talented players over the decades. Most noted were:
- 1936: Dick Goodson won the EBA National Singles Championship, featured in Town Talk No. 37.
- 2002: Pat Rodgers becomes the first lady member to obtain International honours and she is selected again the following year.
- 2003: Pat and Roy Rodgers win the National Mixed Pairs title.
- 2007: The Ladies Team won the National Top Club Trophy.
Supporting the Community
Each year, the Club supports a local charity through member donations and match collections.
We also host an Open Day each season to welcome new members.
Join us and experience one of England’s oldest and most enjoyable sports!