Milford on Sea Bowls Club celebrated their 90th Anniversary in style on 21st June 2023 with a drinks reception for VIP's and dignitaries, an invitation match, a fun bowls game, a hog roast plus entertainment in the marquee erected on the seafront green next to the club.
Club celebrations will continue until the 25th June with plans for numerous celebration events including a match against 4 local clubs; a friendly against Clevedon Promenade who are also celebrating their anniversary; a pizza night; a disco party night and more.
New members are always welcome, so why not pop down and have a chat with the friendly players.
To see more 90th Anniversary celebration photos, please click here.
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| Milford on Sea Bowls Club 90th Anniversary match v Clevedon Promenade |
The Official Opening & History of Milford on Sea Bowls Club
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| Opening Ceremony photo 21st June 1933 Courtesy of Chris Hobby. |
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| Opening Ceremony photo Courtesy of Chris Hobby. |
On 21st June 1933 the Mayor of Lymington bowled a silver jack down the newly-created green on Milford seafront, and Milford on Sea Bowls Club was born.
Dress code was very formal, with men in suits, gaiters and trilby hats, and ladies wearing long dresses and bonnets. The first Club President was Lt Col. W Clemson DSO.
Since that day, the Club has operated continually, save a “Wednesday afternoon only” rule during the Second World War for safety reasons. Initially the Club membership was “Men only” – supported by a few partners who came along to help with teas. This gradually changed during the War years when ladies became regular players on the green. Three beach huts provided changing rooms and storage for grass cutting equipment.
In 1947 Milford Bowls Club was one of the founder members of the New Forest Bowling Association. In 1987 the current pavilion building was built.
On 21st June 2023, the Club celebrated its ninetieth anniversary, and Paul Ware-Lane, the current Club President, led a reception for local dignitaries, bowls association representatives and local businesses, who provide much-valued support to the Club. This was followed by invitation matches with Brockenhurst, Highcliffe, Lymington and New Milton Bowls Clubs. During the late afternoon members played a fun bowls match and enjoyed a meal afterwards in a temporary marquee arranged for the extra celebration activities.
On Sunday 25th June the Club hosted Clevedon Promenade Bowls Club who are also celebrating their ninetieth anniversary this year. A “friendly” bowls match was played, followed by a BBQ for players of both teams.
Three-piece suit, gaiters and leather shoes - the player's kit has changed quite a bit since 1933!
About Milford on Sea Bowls Club
The club was founded in 1933 and provides an inviting seafront location for its members to enjoy the playing of bowls and participate in our social events.
The Club’s Green has 6 rinks that are amongst the finest in the area and are situated on Hurst Road, Milford-on-Sea enjoying spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
The outdoor playing season runs from early April until late September. The mixed membership has Club roll ups on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and the club participates in the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Leagues. During the winter months the players enjoy indoor, short mat bowls.
Open to the Public
Locals and visitors are invited to give bowls a go on some days of the week when there are no league matches, competitions and/or special events taking place. Shoes and bowls available to hire. You can see the weekly timetable on the clubs website.
If you would like to play on the bowling green, please speak to the Duty Steward at the club who will be able to help you.
Milford on Sea Bowls Club
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.facebook.com/milfordonseabowlsclub
www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org
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