BROADSTONE BOWLING GREEN 70th ANNIVERSARY

Whilst many Broadstonians will probably know of the existence of a bowling green in Dunyeats Road, few may know of its history. Only if you are a bowler will you be aware of what is reputed to be one of the best playing surfaces in the area or have seen inside what must be one of the finest pavilions in the county. All this a legacy of one man's vision and very much a reflection of his time.

Whilst there was already a bowling green on the Recreation Ground behind number 82, Dunyeats Road (then known as Wimborne Road), it was not of a standard size and the then owners Canford Magna Parish Council would not agree to pay the £200 it was estimated would be the cost of increasing its size.

Mr. E. Osman-Brown, an architect and Parish Councillor who lived on the corner of Lavender Drive, and who was a member of the old Broadstone Bowling Club, decided to take matter into his own hands.

He purchased land between his home and the entrance to the recreation ground and designed and built the pavilion and green with its surrounding gardens at a cost of around £15,000.

The inside of the pavilion was furnished with leaded lattice windows and an impressive fireplace imported from a New Forest cottage. The floor was strengthened to take a snooker table and the windows were hung with velvet curtains.

An impressive painting of Sir Francis Drake on Plymouth Hoe adorns the wall and is reputed to have been painted by local students. The gardens were landscaped by Eric Christopher who planted most of the trees and bushes that still provide a splendid backdrop to this day. Eric, who was also the green keeper, lived next to the green for many years.

The official opening was on the 21st June 1930 when the Wessex Bowling Club played its first match against an English Bowling Association team. Spectators sat on seats made from the timbers of HMS Indefatigable.

The spiked fencing surrounding the green disappeared during World War II to be turned into ammunition and only the front gates remain.

Osman-Brown died in 1937 and his wife (a former Miss Beale) became Honorary President.

Sadly the demands of World War II led to a reduction in membership and in 1940 the Council purchased the green with the proviso that they retained it for the playing of the sport.

It took until 1972 for the ladies to persuade the Wessex men to allow them to establish a ladies club. That they called themselves the Broadstone Ladies Bowling Club might be a reflection of their feelings on the matter!

The Pavilion remains much as it was in the thirties, the gardens have matured and we hope that both Osman-Brown and Eric Christopher would be pleased with our attempts to keep their memories alive.

Unfortunately the pavilion is in need of some sensitive modernisation. The ladies have to use a Portakabin for a changing room (this replaced the shed that they had used previously!), and the facilities need improving. The Clubs are co-operating with the Council to see how this can be achieved without changing the style of the building.

This year sees the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Wessex Bowling Club and the opening of the green.

We are a public amenity and welcome visitors simply to watch or bowl. Membership of either the men's or ladies clubs provides the opportunity to learn more of the game, participate in friendly and competitive matches or simply to enjoy a game of bowls in good company.

If you would like more information, please contact us.

Graham Williams, Secretary Wessex Bowling Club (267856)

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