SYDENHAM BOWLERS RECEIVE SET-BACK THROUGH FIRE LOSS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18889, 12 October 1929, Page 9

SYDENHAM BOWLERS RECEIVE SET-BACK THROUGH FIRE LOSS.

CLUB WORKING HARD TO MAKE RECOVERY.

(Contributed.) After many years of steady progress the Sydenham Bowling Club had established itself in a strong position until a fire on Sunday, August 25 last, destroyed the pavilion. Members, however, set to work in earnest and a new building is almost completed. At this stage of the club’s history it is interesting to recall the work of the founders and interesting events in the development of the club. Thirty years ago—on March 27. 1899, a circular was sent out to residents in the district asking them to attend a meeting in the Sydenham Borough Council Chambers. Mr John Hadfield, a foundation member of the club, and also a life member, was responsible for the circular. The following were pre sent: Messrs J. Hadfield (in the chair), C. Allisen, H. N. Bates, W. Brew, J. Forrester, W. Mann, B. Throp, E. S. Wilson. It was moved on the motion of Messrs Allison and Forrester that it was desirable that a bowling club should be formed in Sydenham, and that when thirty persons had signed an agreement to form a proposed bowling club to pay an entrance fee of 10s, and an annual subscription of 20s, then the club be deemed to be formed. It was decided that the Sydenham Borough Council be requested to set apart the north-west corner of Sydenham Park, as a bowling green for the use of the new club, the ground to be forty yards square, and that Messrs Brent and Forrester interview the Reserves Committee of the council in question. Agreements for intending members to sign were prepared and signed by those present. Messrs Brent and Forrester were appointed to canvass for members.

Club Formed. The next meeting was held on April 5, 1899, when it was reported that twenty members had signed the agreement. Mr Hadfield reported that the Reserves Committee had,, agreed to recommend to the council that the club’s request for a portion of the park be acceded to. At this meeting the Sydenham Bowling Club was officially formed. It was decided to erect a netting fence six feet high round the bowling site. Further meetings were held for adoption of rules, getting the green ready and other business. The first general meeting was held on April 19, 1899. Thirty persons Attended. A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council, granting the land. It was decided at this meeting to accept the price of £35 for preparing the green and fencing the boundary. The rules of the Christchurch Bowling Club were adopted by the new club with the eyception of fees, honorary members to pay 10s 6d per year. The first president was Mr James Forrester, with Mr John Hadfield as vicepresident. At the annual meeting held the following May it was reported that the grass had not done as well as expected. But a few games had been played. Mr J. W. Horne sent some pipes to lead water to the green and this made a decided improvement. At a further meeting it was decided to pay £lO per annum to the borough council on condition that the bowling green was kept in good playing order. At this stage of the dub’s history Mr Brew presented the club with a packing case cupboard, which was accepted with thanks. At the annual meeting held in May, 1901, it was reported that the green had not been fit for any play until the end of December. The prizes for the doubles tournament were a wicker chair and a box of cigars. The balancesheet for the year showed receipts as £32 2s 3d, with expenditure £27 14s. This year complaints were very strong owing to the borough council having neglected to get the green ready for play and a deputation was appointed to meet the council on the matter. Scored a Win.

By the year 1903 a pavilion had been erected and the club was getting on very well. The first match won by the club against outsiders was against Southbridge, and the team were very happy over the victory. On July 15, 1903, the old colours of the club, yellow and black, were adopted. The general meetings at this time were still held in the Borough Council Chambers, the pavilion in use apparently being too small for meetings of any size. About this time it was decided to write to the caretaker of the park advising him that he keep nonmembers out of the pavilion; that it was not to be used as a rest house, and that a spring lock be purchased. As the years rolled on the club prospered until some few years ago it was decided to rebuild thq pavilion on more modern lines. For this purpose big euchre tournaments and a busy bee arranged to run some tourneys were put in hand, and through the success of these and an art union enough funds were raised to build a fine pavilion. It was fully furnished and a new honours board was erected and written up for the past thirty years. Then along came the fire in August and the whole place was wiped out.

Starting Afresh. On Saturday, October 12, the club will open with the new pavilion up-to-date in every way, but still with a burden of over £2OO in debt, whereas formerly they were free. However, concerted effort is being made by the committee, through a National Bowlers’ Art Union and with the splendid assistance of kindred clubs it is hoped before long to put the club in a better position. In the fire were destroyed all the photos of the presidents since the inception of the club, and many trophies impossible to replace. But, still Sydenham has an optimistic spirit of progress.