Sileby Bowls Club 1939

The 2 photos were donated by Graham, they show the beginning of bowls in Sileby in 1939. Thank You Graham. I hope you can read it ok.

Below is a translation of the newspaper cutting.

The Leicester Mercury, Tuesday 7th March 1939

About 50 were present at the meeting held in the Sileby Village Institute last night, when it was decided to form a Bowling Club. Mr C.H.Martin was in the chair and outlined the project.He stated that the late Mr G.A.Burton, Mr Francis Burton and himself had decided to meet the cost of making the green which was now well in hand. This would be fully sized and would be ready for the end of April. Mr Martin said that after looking in vain for a place in Sileby to lay a green, they approached the Methadist Sports Club which has kindly with them to convert three grass tennis courts.H pointed out there would be no rent to pay for the ground, and the present pavillion could be shared with the tennis club until such time as the Bowls Club could erect one. Mr Francis Burton stated that a piece of land quite near to the sports ground had been given to his late father for the purpose of a car park.

Mr Will Harvey (Barwell) spoke of the benifits of bowling clubs from the social standpoint and Mr F.W,Harvey, secretary of the Leicestershire County Bowling Association also spoke. Mr A.T,Dakin moved that the club should be formed. Mr E.W.Parkinson seconded. Thirty people then gave in there names, promising to become members. It was decidedto call a meeting of these for March 20th and of any who may promise to join by that date, when the officers will be elected.