Celebrating 100 years of sport and friendship

Tucked away behind a row of houses in Sidemoor is a hidden gem. Few people of Bromsgrove are aware of its existence, but there in all its glory is the Sidemoor Bowling Club, where many happy hours are spent in the civilised art of bowling.

This year the club will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary. As other bowling clubs have formed and folded, the Sidemoor club keeps on going. Just as Francis Drake kept bowling as the Spanish Armada approached, so the Sidemoor Bowlers kept bowling throughout World War Two.

At first it was gentlemen only allowed to play, with ladies graciously allowed entrance into the green in order to make the tea and wash up afterwards! Now of course all and sundry are welcome, and many life-long friendships have formed over the years. Some members have been playing there for more than 50 years, and their children played alongside them.

Sidemoor Bowling Club is rather unique in the fact that the bowling is considered to be for social purposes, and bowls drives are arranged among the members only with no competitions arranged between other clubs. Rather than a strict dress code of white shirts and grey trousers or pleated skirts, as seen in other clubs, Sidemoor members can wear whatever they wish. It is a relaxed, cheerful and colourful spectacle for anybody taking a look.

However, although it has been running for 100 years, Sidemoor Bowling Club needs some fresh members to keep it running. Anybody interested in joining this friendly club is more than welcome to give them a try. Please ring Harry or Barbara Hill on 01527 831257 for more information. They would love to chat with you.