The formation of Clevedon Bowling Club was first discussed in 1907.

A meeting was held in the Public Hall on 18th April, 1910 at 9pm under the Chairmanship of Mr T.W. Munden with J.B. Parker as temporary Secretary. The meeting was well attended by interested gentlemen and was informed that the site for the ‘Green’ would be in Linden Road adjoining the Tennis Courts and would be offered on lease for the princely sum of Five Pounds per annum. It was anticipated that the cost of running the Club for the first year would be approximately £20.00. There were forty definite promises of membership.

Eight pairs of bowls were purchased at a cost of Thirteen shillings (65p) per pair.

Several offers of matches from other Clubs were received but, owing to the condition of the Green, it was thought better to devote more time to practice.

On 23rd May, 1910, a full meeting was held for the adoption of the rules and election of Officers. At this meeting, Sir Edmund H. Elton was elected President, J.B. Parker, Secretary and Treasurer, O. Hunt, Captain and F. Seckington, Vice-Captain. Subscriptions were to be Two shillings and sixpence (12p) per annum. Any member wishing to pay Ten shillings and sixpence (52p) per annum would automatically become Vice Presidents.

The Chairman of Clevedon Urban District Council – Colonel W. Long C.M.G., officially opened the Green on Monday evening, the 30th May at 6pm. The Club Members made very good progress in their bowling ability and in assisting and encouraging interest.

The Green was opened to visitors at a fee of sixpence per day (2p), two shillings and sixpence (12p) per week, five shillings (25p) per month and bowls could be hired at two pence (1p) per game.

The first match in the history of the Club was played against Greville Smyth on Wednesday 27th July, 1910. The Match comprised of three ‘rinks’ and, for this occasion, the President, Sir Edmund Elton, bowled the first three ‘jacks’. The final result was Clevedon 44 ‘Shots’, Greville Smyth 50 ‘Shots’.

Matches could now be considered with other Clubs as much progress had been made by members. Clubs considered were Bristol Arrow, Beaufort and Eastvillians.

On the Bank Holiday of 1st August, 1910, a Match was staged of the Over 40’s playing the Under 40’s. The youngsters won by five Shots. (Was this how the present Caesarea Trophy was initiated?).

The first win at Home against an outside club was in Clevedon beating Beaufort B.C. by 19 Shots, 80 – 61. This led to members now feeling that the Club was progressing so well that a better green and facilities were required.

On 3rd October, 1910, a meeting was called by members to discuss an offer for the lease of a field near Christ Church called “The Paddock”. Mr Teddy Dawes – one of the founder members – took part in the negotiations on the understanding that if suitable terms and a lease could be arranged, a first class green could be laid. It was pointed out that it would be quite a cost but with such enthusiasm by present members, the Committee were assured that the money would be forthcoming.

A scheme was submitted by Mr G.W. Rowlands which was approved and the sum of £131 – 1 – 6d was immediately promised as financial support, and Sir Edmund Elton kindly agreed to give the turf for the new green.

A Special General Meeting was held on 10th November, 1910 to inform the members that “The Paddock” had been leased to them by Major G.W. Willcock for a term of 12 years at a cost of £15 per annum. It was agreed that the Committee’s scheme for a full sized green would be adopted and it was also seen that a wooden building that was already on the site could be adapted for use as a Club House.

The work was carried out during the months ahead by a Mr Swann of London, an expert in Bowling Greens. The biggest problem was to raise the ground at the Chapel Hill end with many tons of earth and stones by the height of six to eight feet without the means of machinery.

During this time, a Special General Meeting was held on 11th February, 1911 to wind up the old Club at Linden Road and cancel the lease. At this meeting, the Treasurer’s report showed a balance of eleven shillings and fourpence (58p). It was agreed to dispense with the Vice Presidents and replace them with Honorary Members. Subscriptions were to be :- Full Members – One Guinea (£1.05), Honorary Members – Half a Guinea (52½p).

On Wednesday afternoon, 15th March, 1911, Mrs Trestail, wife of Major A.B. Trestail who had been in all the negotiations for the new Green, laid the first turf for the Chapel Hill Green. The Club Captain was J.W. Woodington and on a wonderful sunny day the speeches referred to the fact that it seemed a good omen for the future of the Clevedon Bowling Club.

The turf used for the new Green was obtained from near the Sea Wall and was of very good quality. The last turf to be laid was by Colonel W. Long, Chairman of Clevedon Urban District Council and all members of the Council supported the event. This took place on Saturday, 6th May, 1911 and was followed by an enjoyable game for members to sample the delights of the new Bowling Green.

Major Trestail, who expressed the hope that he would soon see the Club’s own flag hanging from it, presented a flagstaff to the Club. In a short time, this was realised.

Local traders and residents took great interest watching the proceedings from Chapel Hill and Princes Road. The traders donated a trophy or shield to be played for amongst the members. (Where could this trophy be now?).

Wednesday 7th June, 1911 was to prove to be a beautiful summer day, ideal for the opening of the new green and Club House.

Mr J.W. Arrowsmith, President of the West of England Bowls League opened the Green with Club President Sir Edmund H. Elton. Tributes were paid to Mr Swann and his employees from London and grateful thanks were expressed to Major Willcock who had very kindly leased the land to the Club. Major Willcock remarked that he had always hoped that the land could be used for either a bowling green and/or tennis courts.

To mark the opening occasion, a special match had been arranged, with members playing one rink against Bristol Arrow B.C., one against Bristol B.C. and two rinks against Victoria B.C. The visitors won by a score of 91 Shots to 43. After the Match, three silver Trophies were presented to the club, one by Sir Edmund Elton, one by Major Trestail and the third by the Local Trade Association. In addition, two pairs of presentation bowls were given to the Club by Mr R.G. Lawrie who was representing a firm of bowls manufacturers from Glasgow.

The Club progressed and was affiliated to the English Bowling Association in 1912 and to the Somerset Bowling Association on its formation in 1915.

The Club would like to thank Peter Cornish for the time and work that he has spent in compiling the foregoing information and trust that find this interesting reading.