Epsom Park Bowling Club
began as an unincorporated members’ club on 12 February 1912 with an initial
membership of 50 men, each of whom paid an annual membership fee of 2/6d
(12.5p). The cost of a season ticket for the use of the green was a further 5/-
(25p) but this was reduced to 2/6d if the member provided his own bowls. At
that time two greens were available in Alexandra Park, and members also had the
use of what was then said to be one of the finest greens in Surrey, in which
members could hire the use of a locker for just 1/- (5p) a season.
In 1951 Epsom & Ewell
Borough Council provided a new green, which was of such a high standard that in
1956 it was used for an inter-county match between Surrey and Hampshire. This
green is still used by the Club but, due to cost pressures on the Local
Authority, it can no longer be maintained to quite such a high standard.
A ladies section was begun
in 1952, but the men’s section was unfortunately forced to close on 30th
September 1974, as too few members were prepared to act as officers and
committee members. The Competition Trophies were sold off to members and the
remaining men’s club funds were distributed to various charities.
However, the ladies section
continued to thrive and in 1984, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of
enthusiasts, the men’s section was reformed. In the 1990’s there were moves
towards integration of the two sections by setting up a Joint Committee and arranging
mixed matches. The first Joint AGM was held on 13th November 1993.
In 2008 the Club converted
itself to a Company limited by guarantee, but the bowls carries on unaffected
by the change. Today, both sections continue bowling with members of all
abilities, in both single-sex and mixed events.