Club History

Caversham Bowling Club came into existence in the "Griffin" in June 1922. A number of Caversham Councillors were the prime movers and they asked Mr A. W. Carter (a non-bowler) to be President. He gave the "Carter Cup".  He was to be President for 15 years and a patron for a further 11.

The opening match was fixed for May 1923 between Caversham  and Reading Corporation. The Mayor bowled the first wood and Caversham won the match 94-67.

At the first Annual Dinner, in 1923, a Mr. Wright said "There was no reason why Ladies should be excluded from playing Bowls"(!) Dinners were stylish then; for 6/- per head one entertained an M.P., a Mayor, Chief Constable, Postmaster and five Councillors (1924)

Since those early days Caversham Bowling Club has gone from strength to strength and in 2002 celebrated its 80th birthday. That season ended on a high note when the President of the English Bowling Association, Wayne Manley (Sunningdale BC) brought along a strong team which included two legendary players, David Bryant and Tony Allcock, a formidable pair in their heyday and both first class singles players.

Against our President's rink - Graham Bland, Peter Ousley, Peter Day and Dave Allen - even this redoubtable pair plus Wayne Manley and yet a further full England player came out in second place with a win to Caversham by 25 shots to 17.

From left to right: Tony Allcock, Peter Ousley, Peter Day, Wayne Manley, Dave Allen, Graham Bland and David Bryant.