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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
People ask me”how did you get into bowling”......
When I was a girl, my parents took their young family away to the South coast for the annual Summer holiday. Every evening after dinner we would walk along the promenade. Without exception, every resort we visited had a bowling green on the “front”, and without exception men and ladies would be out playing bowls. I would sit and watch while my siblings walked on. I was totally fascinated by the game. So it was that when my husband and I moved to Mill Hill I wasted no time in joining the local club. To find myself elected President of the club in its Centenary year with a hundred years of history behind us is indeed daunting. Originally for men only a ladies club was formed in the 1940s and later the The Hendon Group Hospitals club joined them on the site. In 2003 the clubs voted to amalgamate into one mixed club. PAGE(s) 5 Since our instigation in 1919 the club has relied on a partnership between club and The Borough of Barnet. Thanks to the members, we have continued to support our part of the deal. Financially we 7 - 13 have had some tough decisions to make. After numerous meetings with the council members responsible for overseeing the continued 14 - 15 well being of Bowls clubs in Barnet the financial situation is becoming clearer. Barnet Council have ambitious plans to develop 16 - 19 the recreational open spaces in Mill Hill which will include the Mill Hill Park and the Bowls club. 21 The club is thriving with over 50 playing members and 30+ social members.The onus is on us to continue this growth and I feel very positive about our future.
CONTENTS Captains Letter 2019 Events & Officials History Collage of Photos History Memories
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More Memories
25
The Future
With some new and innovative ideas from members, the club’s social 26 Messages side has developed into an all year round success. The catering team headed by Pat Suitor has produced some magnificent occasions which have kept our playing and social members in touch throughout the close seasons. Of course a very useful source of income. Contacts Our resident coach David Kopkin heads our coaching programme and continues to have 2 coaching mornings every week. Our new membership has grown steadily. The Centenary committee has worked tirelessly to compile a programme of special events for the coming year. A special mention for Bryan Gilbert who has spent the last year putting together an in depth and very colourful history of the club. His constant humour shines through. We have a very hard working committee and with the continued support of members, I feel very positive about our future. Congratulations to you all.
Gill Almeida President
Web: millhillbowlingclub@gmail.com Tel : 020 8906 1326 MHBC is located in Mill Hill Park next to the tennis courts, on the corner of Wise Lane and Daws Lane NW7 4 SD
Credits Content by Centenary Committee Design & Layout Mark @ Arc Media NW7 Printing by Splash Printing NW7 History by Bryan Gilbert Thanks to our advertisers & sponsors
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CAPTAIN’S LETTER My Year As Captain | Wendy Goldsmith When I allowed myself to be gently coerced into standing for vice-captain in 2016, I gave little thought to the fact that there was a good chance that one day I might have to take on the role of club captain. It all seemed so easy helping do the draw for games and occasionally deputising for the captain at the odd match. The crunch came when the nominations went up for the 2018 committee and Cynthia the current captain stood down after two years of sterling service. I desperately hoped that someone would come forward to replace her, but no such luck and as her deputy I was the obvious candidate for the position. Cynthia was a hard act to follow, not only is she the club’s lady bowls champion, she is also erudite, eloquent and confident. Unfortunately I am sadly lacking in all of these attributes. Having had no previous experience in such an important role and being well aware that the captain along with the president is both ambassador and figurehead for the club, I just had to get over my doubts and fears and knuckle down to do my best. From the start of the season in April, I discovered that there was no longer such a thing as “me” time. I work every Tuesday and Thursday, which, along with Sundays became my respite days. Every other day was taken up with organising events and matches, playing in roll ups, competitions and matches, interacting with club members, listening to their concerns and suggestions and generally trying to keep everyone happy and motivated. From my point of view the highlight of my year was Captain’s Day. I felt that I wanted the day to be a thank you to all members for their support and help throughout the year and this included the social members. I came up with an idea of a day consisting of fun games on the green that anyone could play in the morning followed by a buffet and a bowling competition for playing members and a quiz for social members in the afternoon with prizes for everyone. The idea may have been good but the execution thereof was a different matter, logistics have never been my forte. I enlisted the help of the committee and anyone else I could collar and so my dream became a reality. The day dawned sunny but not too hot, volunteers set up and ran the games, others organised the food and everyone helped clear the green and club house afterwards. Most important of all we were well supported. I was overwhelmed by the help and support I received on the day from everyone who attended to make what could have been an embarrassing failure into a triumphant gala. Overall, although at times I felt as though my life was no longer my own, I have enjoyed the year and have gained much confidence from the experience. Most of all I have enjoyed the comradeship, help and support I have received from the committee and members of the club. So thank you one and all for making this past year an exciting and rewarding adventure.
OFFICIALS LIST 2019 President
Gill Almeida
Secretary
Jeanette Poulton
Assistant Secretary Betty Gill Treasurer
Bryan Gilbert
Assistant Treasurer Marilyn Davies Captain
Wendy Goldsmith
Vice Captain
Jim Powers
Competition Secretary Cynthia Gilbert Membership Secretary Catering Supervisor Elected Member Co-opted Member Finchley & District Rep NLWDA
Joyce Phillips Pat Suitor Lawrence Drecksler Bill Webb David Frost Betty Gill
CENTENARY EVENTS Sat. 27 April | Opening Weekend for the club Sat. 11May | 2pm Opening Day of Centenary celebrations with a visit by the Mayor of Barnet and a number of local teams. Sat. 18 May | First inter club home match with Finchley Victoria Wed. 22 May | Invitation to ex members, present members and spouses to join in a short friendly match, followed by afternoon tea. Wed 5 June | Evening event of “9 and Dine”, 1920s Edwardian costumes, jazz music, canapés, finger sandwiches and fruit punch. Sun 7 July | Family Gala Day – lunchtime BBQ, children’s games, competitions, raffle… Thurs. 1 August | Evening Bannerette match (Middlesex) followed by a meal. Wed. 14 August | 2-4pm we host ex-members, neighbours who live alone, people who appreciate an outing & enjoy an afternoon tea. 6, 7, 8, 9 September | Finals Days Sun. 29 Sept A Gala Lunch at Mill Hill Golf Club with Mayor, local councillors/sponsors as guests. 5
HISTORY
President Gill Almeida with Writer of the Centenary History ; Bryan Gilbert
After the war was over … ......…four stalwarts of Mill Hill, A.G.Cook, F. Isaac, A. McNaughton and E.C. Barsham met in the Three Hammers Public House for a drink. This was early 1919, Mill Hill was substantially a village with no public parks but plenty of open fields and footpaths. However rambling was not on the minds of our four founders – a bowling green was what they wanted. The Clarence Club, a nom-de-plume of Maples, the West End store, whose grounds were on the western side of the railway line ( close to the junction with Bunn’s Lane and Graham Park Way as it is now ) were approached and agreement reached for the new club to play on their green within the grounds. The cost 12 shillings and sixpence per member annually. ( 62 1/2 pence today ). Thus, in Autumn 1919 Mill Hill Bowling Club was born. The hundreds of members who have passed through the ranks owe the four founders a great debt of gratitude; they formulated a set of rules which are substantially those observed today, creating a democratic institution that was without distinction of class or creed.
Our Philosophy The essence of the philosophy of the club is invested in its each member’s recognition that class, creed, colour and status are without distinction and that the game, its laws, the club rules, social fabric and culture are what make this Club unique.
Our first clubhouse and members 7
The 1920s
First President
HISTORY
Club Photograph
Location of the original pavilion/clubhouse
The first set of minutes of the committee of the new club are dated January 25th 1922, although reference is made to previous meetings. A visiting player to the club in 1921 had lost a shoe and it was agreed that all players on the relevant day would pay 1/6 each compensation. At the same meeting it was agreed to insure the club for fire and theft costing £50 annually. (Something about closing the gate after the horse has bolted).
About this time a sign appeared and is still displayed to this day. The unofficial motto of the club :
Unfortunately it soon became apparent that the poor state of the green and a discouraging lack of enthusiasm of members led to an approach being made to the council who confirmed the rumours that they had purchased Daw’s Lane farm for use as a park with leisure and sporting recreation. The park opened in July 1924 and exactly a year later a new bowling green plus a new hut ( costing £54!). The club to be responsible for the upkeep of the green and the council looking after the hut. Play was not permitted on Sundays.
Mill Hill Bowling Club Green 1930
In 1936 following pressure from the Townswomen’s Guild ably led by Miss Weeks, a resident of the Drapers’ Cottage Homes, the Mill Hill Ladies Bowling Club was created, although such as it was in those days the ladies were not allowed into the clubhouse, even having to change their shoes outside. Rumour has it that in the early days on a particularly rainy day before a match, the Ladies were offered the privilege of entering the clubhouse to change their shoes. The ladies exact words used in the response are not recorded but the offer was refused. They were only allowed to play on weekday afternoons and were permitted to use the accommodation provided by the pavilion, but not on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. A second green was laid in 1938 to be used only by the men!. 8
HISTORY Photo Needed
Strangely play was called off for the day!!
The Clock Plaque
Second World War 1939 – 1945 The usefulness of the club in providing relaxation from the arduous duties of Air Raid protection in its various forms, in addition to the increased stress of civilian occupations, was greatly appreciated. Any food provided at the various matches was subject of a licence from the Food Authorities even for the most modest of meals. A member at this time was Jack Lines who from 1938 served in various offices and eventually was President of Middlesex County Bowling Association. Play continued throughout the war in various stages, often interrupted by air-raid sirens, indeed on one occasion the players were required to assume prone positions, mostly in the ditches, so adroitly and speedily when one of Hitler’s secret weapons, the V1, passed low down over the green.
After the war was over … The war was over at last and on Sunday 13th May 1945 members of the Club attended a Thanksgiving Service in the park. The club could indeed be thankful that casualties had been so few. Attention could now be given to the provision of the projected pavilion or at least the provision of electricity and water to the old one. Fortunately the green had survived and was playing well. Over the next 5 years membership reached 88 and the demand made it necessary to introduce a scheme for part-time play to meet the demands of 9 applicants 5 of whom had been waiting for nearly a year for membership. They were excluded from play on Wednesdays and Saturday afternoons unless they were invited by the Captain to join in!
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HISTORY
Hendon Group Hospitals
Mill Hill Ladies Bowling Club Memories
Hendon Group Hospitals was formed in 1952 and most of the founder members were employees of local hospitals in Barnet. For 50 years they amicably shared the top green with Mill Hill Ladies Club. The picture (below) shows one of the final pictures of the club. In the centre and wearing a blazer is Don Dongworth a long serving member who was in his time President, Captain and generally the prime motivator within the club.
I think Pat Suitor who joined in 1999 and me who joined in 1998 are the only ones left still bowling who belonged to the Ladies Bowling Club. It was a very different scene in those days. We were in the backroom of the Clubhouse with HGH in the other backroom (with the door between locked). My husband Ernie joined the the Mens BC at the same time – two completely separate Clubs. The Ladies played on the top green and the men on the bottom green. The men had the large clubroom and there the boundaries started – the ladies were not allowed in the men’s room and the men were not allowed in the ladies room. If you wanted to talk to each other you stayed in the hallway. Ernie and I were not allowed to play together (as a concession we could have a roll up on the top green when everybody had gone home).
In November 2000, led by President David Bailey and Captain John Payne the members of the Mill Hill Men’s Bowling club voted 67 for to 4 against for amalgamation with the Mill Hill Ladies Club, the latter having voted unanimously for such a move. Thus on 1st April 2001 the two clubs amalgamated and Mill Hill Bowling Club was re-born, as a mixed gender club. A further amalgamation occurred in 2003 when on their 50th anniversary the Hendon Group Hospitals Bowling Club voted for amalgamation which led to the three separate sections of the pavilion becoming one and renovation of the club house was completed.
‘Bowling is a young person’s game which old people can play.’
The Club rules were very much adhered to – the ladies played in white (or cream) skirts and tops, white shoes and tights, even in the very hot weather . White regulation dresses were allowed if you were lucky enough to have one! 2 pm sign in and the Captain or Vice Captain sorted out the teams – you played where you were told – once on the green you all knew your position and you stayed there, no talking – I once went to the side to say Hello to a friend and was told in no uncertain terms – you must not leave the green –no acknowledging anybody else – no waving!! When the Senior Ladies went to a match with another Club they wore white skirts and tops, white hats, white gloves, navy shoes, navy bag, navy or white blazer. Fortunately by the time I was good enough to play with the hierarchy the hats and gloves rule was relaxed. There were some extremely good bowlers in the Club who played at County level very, very keen and very very good. Even after all that it was a friendly club lots of nice teas with the ladies competing who could make the best cakes. I enjoyed my years with them and made some very good friends.
BETTY GILL
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HISTORY
People and Cups Part 1
Following the amalgamation of the three clubs it was necessary to reorganize the various competitions, some were dropped, names changed but the principle remained the same. To win any of them you have to be good! Only two players have ever won all six trophies in one year, Bill Brant and Cynthia Gilbert.
Last year short mat bowling was introduced. The carpet laid in the main room allows members to play indoors during winter. Not too much energy required but plenty of skill. Note the rolled up carpet off cuts laid to protect the cupboards , fridges etc. from damage by wayward woods. Early days yet. 12
Jack Lines joined MHBC in May 1938 and became President for the first time in 1942. In 1956 he was made President of Middlesex Bowling Association He left MHBC and joined Stanmore B C and became their President and he presented the Jack Lines Cup still played between the two clubs to this day.
HISTORY Barnet Blind & Partially Sighted Bowling Club The Barnet Blind and Partially Sighted Bowling Club was formed in 1975 although originally the members played only indoor carpet bowls in various church halls and schools. In 2003 the Barnet Blind and Partially Sighted Bowling Club were invited to use the top green aided by volunteers from our club. The B.B.P.S.B.C. still share the club’s facilities two days a week. And two of their members are international players. The club was ably led, driven, taught and generally encouraged and to watch them play is to see a small group of bowlers thoroughly enjoy themselves. Wynn Hughesman, Ron and Tessa Smith organized transport, catering, fixtures with Wynn an able secretary for so many years. She sadly passed away in 2017, but her memory and efforts will linger on forever.
Club members and blind bowlers socialising
Blind Bowling at MHBC
Explained Twice a week, sighted volunteers and a group of blind and partially sighted bowlers come together at Mill Hill Park to enjoy a game of bowls. How on earth can they do that, asks the man in the street? How do they manage to bowl? Do they have a special jack? Do they have a bell in their woods? No! Although bowling clubs for the blind and partially sighted cannot take place without fully sighted volunteers, the same green, the same bowls, clothing and equipment are used. The same rules of the English Bowling Association are followed, with only some variations to the game.These variations include using a thin strip or string which runs from ditch to ditch down the centre of the lane, so the bowler is better able to judge the angle according to the distance required. When the jack has been played, it is moved by the sighted volunteer across to the string. The jack is now placed and the game can begin. The sighted person, standing at the mat end, passes the woods to the bowler and advises on the length of the jack. The bowler feels for the string and chooses in which direction to bowl. Then he/ she bowls. The helper then describes the progress of the bowl from delivery until it comes to rest. This adds interest to the blind bowler. The sighted person at the other end informs the bowler where his/ her wood has finished in relation to the jack by using the hands of a clock to describe it. For example 12 o’clock would mean the bowl was behind the jack. Or 3 feet at 5 o’clock would mean their wood is three feet short of the jack and to the right of the string. Other than the centring string, no other aids should be used. Our Barnet blind and partially sighted players are accomplished, with two international players representing England.
Playing Chelsea Pensioners 2012
Volunteers are always needed. Do ask to speak to Ron Smith if you can help. 13
PHOTO MEMORIES
Number 3 of team on mat with last bowl calls to skip” where is our nearest bowl”? Skip:”you’re holding it”
Phone rings at Bowls Club...... Caller: Is that the local Bowls Club? Bryan: Depends where you’re calling from 14
PHOTO MEMORIES
Up and down walking walking Often measuring sometimes chalking Shifting mats, keeping score Eighteen ends maybe more Aching back and tired of limb Cheers for others but not for him Night draws on darker and darker No one cares he’s just the marker.
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HISTORY Catering
From the very beginning, the question of catering has been mentioned almost without exception in every set of minutes. In the first two years the facilities of the Clarence Park club were shared but it was obvious this was not a happy arrangement when members of Mill Hill were not permitted to use the deckchairs of Clarence Park to have refreshments. In 1924 it was agreed by the committee to allow the ladies of club ( mainly wives and family ) but not players, to prepare teas, cakes etc. and work in conjunction with an entertainments committee! So it remained until the early 1990s when a team of men led by Dudley Farrow and Bernard Stupak took over to be followed by David Bailey together with his wife Jeanne when the ladies and gents club amalgamated.
The main room ready for Christmas lunch. In the background and on the left the Honours Board from HGH club
Catering Team Today, and for the past 10 years, the team is headed by Pat Suitor, who provide refreshments for many varied events from entertaining visiting teams, Christmas lunch, end of season celebrations etc. etc. Members know that when the tea is scones, cream and jam, cakes and sandwiches, it will be an experience, not just a tea. Gala days incorporating bowling and dining usually have a theme, St.George’s Day, Burns dinner, St Patrick’s Day and several royal anniversaries all had one thing in common – each was an overwhelming success enjoyed by all.
Helpers posing for the camera at one of our annual MacMillan Nurses Coffee Morning was just one of the non-bowling events held at the club. 16
The picture below clearly shows the general layout of our new kitchen with Joan Telfer our secretary. Joan devoted much time to theclub. She was a first-class bowler, an excellent secretary and a lovely person. With her passing we lost a good friend.
2003 was a memorable year in the catering department. Following amalgamation, a generous donation, foresight and careful planning the three parts of the pavilion were made one with two kitchens, with an oven, microwave, dishwasher and serving counter. Thus a whole new vision of catering opened.
HISTORY Celebration at the Clubhouse
People and Cups Part 2 Eric Prior joined MHBC in1983 and since that date such has been his devotion to the game he was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 2009 by the Middlesex Bowling Association. He was the County President 1996 and to this day is still their fixtures secretary. He was awarded his county badge in 1992.
The Prentice Cup is a keenly contested team competition, run on an home and away aggregated score system by the Finchley and District B.A..25 clubs partake. Mill Hill won it in 1988 (photo above) and in 1994 (Photo below) skipped by Eric Prior.
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HISTORY
Christmas Lunch
95th Anniversary
Captain’s Day 2018
Bob Krause Cup
With thanks to the previous histories of MHBC
1919 - 1979
1980 - 2005
This is the very brief history of Mill Hill Bowling Club. Picture the scene on a fine afternoon. One after another the players deliver their woods. Some look as though they are praying; some as if they are performing a rite in the smallest room in the house; some as if starting a sprint. A back kick, crossed legs whilst other hurl themselves and their woods with gay abandon. See the players creep, lope, stride, lumber, swagger or stagger from end to end. It’s all good fun and it’s better to have played and lost than never to have played at all. To some it is an obsession; to some it has a high priority. To some a gentle relaxation. But from the bowls bore to the newest recruit it is all good fellowship. The members of Mill Hill Bowling Club are a representative cross section of the local community. But for bowling some may have been using the services of the NHS. None are waiting to die. 19
L
Lawrence and Susan Drecksler
wish Mill HIll Bowling Club A successful 100th Anniversary & many more enjoyable years to come
Rotary Club of Mill Hill Service above self
One hundredfold congratulations to Mill Hill Bowling Club The Rotary Club can be contacted on 07714 242 491
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MEMORIES
FLORENCE WALSH I joined Mill Hill Ladies in the 1990s. In 2001 we amalgamated with the men’s club.
I have very fond memories of those days and met such lovely friends and still keep in touch. I remember being captain for one year. In 2003 HGH Bowls Club joined us. Our social events were so well organised and so much fun. All of this will stay in my thoughts forever. Florrie THE CENTENARY When the club is celebrating it’s Centenary I will be celebrating 25 years as a member (having joined in 1994). In 2009 I moved from Finchley to St Albans — two well known bowling clubs within a ten minute drive. Big decision to make. Do I join a local club or continue my membership at Mill Hill. Now a 35 to 40 minute drive each way. Despite the driving distance, it took me a very short time to decide to continue as a member at Mill Hill. In my time at the club I have always found it to have a dedicated hard working Committee resulting in a well run club. Also we similarly have a very happy and friendly membership. Well done MHBC John Holland
So what the L is that about? Actually it’s about two L’s Line and Length. Plus of course delivering the bowl correctly.Then there are a few basic rules that we must all abide by. Even when playing a roll up. My first full season at MHBC was 1999. I missed 2 seasons later due to work travel.I started to help Sam McKeown, the club coach and took over when he left.I still enjoy coaching, as during my working life I trained or was in charge of a training school helping people to get work. (The age group just a bit younger)! Coaching Bowls is for a different reason. It helps people keep fit. A little gentle exercise in the fresh air ( an extra bonus) So keep bowling folks. For those of you I coached, do you remember the reasons for the silly questions I asked on your first day? 1. Do you drive? 2. Do you look when you put the key in the ignition? Enjoy 2019 everyone — and beyond David Kopkin Coach MHBC
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MORE MEMORIES
David & Jeanne Bailey
A few memories of their membership of Mill Hill Bowls Club, by their children: Mike, Tim, Pat & Rob. When asked to contribute to this account, we came to the joint conclusion that the overpowering sense of our parents’ involvement in Mill Hill Bowls Club (MHBC), was one of dedication & commitment. This approach to their membership was one that, as their family, we recall with admiration and pride. Indeed, we all came up with the same collective memory of this approach… But first some background Their involvement with MHBC didn’t originate as a partnership, David first contemplating becoming a member as part of his ‘Retirement Plan’. Although he entered retirement gradually, the Plan was necessary, because, certainly in our view, he was a bit of a workaholic… His full time commitment to his Surgical career meant that he was rarely at home, and when he was, he needed rest & recuperation (as we children knew, that meant peace & quiet), until he had the energy to spring back to his husbandly duties on Sunday afternoons (Sunday mornings having been spent meeting the patients he would treat during the week). His commitments at home were mainly completed under the bonnet of the car – he didn’t trust the garage to do the job properly; or in the garden – mainly with bonfires or his beloved lawn. It is possible that it was the keeping of a ‘fine lawn’ that sparked his interest in bowling. It was on more than a few occasions that his lawn was likened to a bowling green. The aforementioned collective memory was an example of one of our Father’s maxims (and he had many...) “If you want a job done well, you’d best do it yourself”.For a good few years, MHBC had problems (possibly even to this day) with the appearance overnight of spray paint graffiti on the walls, doors, & shutters of the clubhouse. The park keepers were informed, but the wheels of administration would grind exceedingly slowly…In the end, David & Jeanne came up with their own solution.They were already in the habit of taking an early morning walk before breakfast everyday, taking in the newsagents in Dawes Lane to collect their Daily Telegraph. So they added in a trip around the clubhouse to inspect for damage. It is also our belief, that inside the clubhouse, they kept a supply of the necessary paint & brushes etc to deal immediately with the offending ‘artwork’, possibly even sourcing so called Graffiti Proof paint.
Ralph Calder
Another recollection, is that Jeanne took a lot of persuading to join the Ladies Bowling Club. However, once she did, it was taken on wholeheartedly.We recall that she became a very accomplished bowler, winning many competitions. She was also responsible for introducing others to the club (one example being Pam Harmer, who often states that she was really grateful, very much enjoying the time she spent as a member). Jeanne also became fully involved with the sessions held for the Blind Bowlers. But it may be her role in the catering department that will stay with us all… Cake baking on a grand scale was already a passion, and she always had several cakes in the home freezer in case needed for Bowls Club Teas. David himself had many achievements as a club member, winning competitions as a bowler and applying his practical skills to solve club problems, such as improving a piece of scoring equipment which may still be known as a ‘Bailey’. However, he would look on his umpiring skills as his greatest achievement with MHBC. Carried out like a new career, to him it was something to be proud of. In memory of that, Jeanne made sure that his ‘Final Journey’ was made wearing his umpire’s uniform. Jeanne’s association with MHBC was much more than taking part in an inclusive and fulfilling sport. Her own ‘Final Journey’ came some years later, and we know that she greatly valued the club experiences, on and off the green; the many friendships she made and especially the support that MHBC and her friends gave her. Thank you, MHBC. Long term member of the club. He was Vice President from 1984 -1986 and President from 1987-1988. He remained a much admired member of the club until his death in 1996. During his time in office he updated the rules of the club. The club flagpole was donated by his family, in his memory. Ralph was an Ordained Minister and worked extensively abroad. He was a keen Historian and wrote an in-depth history of Mill Hill. He was remembered as a gentle man who was a friend to all who knew him. Memories from his wife June Interviewed by Gill
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TO MILL HILL BOWLING CLUB
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CENTENARY Best Wishes The Siegals
HAYTER PLASTERING LTD
Congratulations to the Mill Hill Bowling Club in your centenary year. From Bob and Lyn Hayter
To Mill Hill Bowling Club
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CENTENARY LOUISE & DAVID FROST
51 Goodwyn Avenue Mill Hill London NW7 3RJ
TEL : 020 8959 1907/1908 FAX : 020 8959 0473
Reception@thebalcombepractice.co.uk www.dentists-london.co.uk
Congratulations to Mill Hill Bowling Club on reaching your 100th anniversary Best Wishes for 2019 your centenary year and for the future
Mr and Mrs Digweed
Blessed are they who can play sport Blessed are they who can be taught Blessed are they who accept with grace To play in any selected place.
Founded in 1929, the objectives of the Mill Hill Historical Society are: To encourage the study of history in all its aspects. To organise meetings for lectures and visits to places of historical interest. To collect and preserve every kind of historical record relating to Mill Hill. To encourage the preservation of local place names and the names of distinguished residents. To publish, in the form of books, leaflets and newspaper articles, information of historical value and also periodical reports of the Mill Hill Historical SocietyĘźs activities. Historical Society welcomes new members who The Mill Hill His are historically minded at whatever level. In addition to lectures, the Mill Hill Historical Society organises a programme of visits to places of historical, literary and architectural interest.
To Join The Society please visit
www.millhill-hs.org.uk
THE FUTURE Forecasting the future of our Club is not easy. At this present time we have a reasonable membership of 80 bowling and non-bowling men and ladies.
Present | 2019 Shirts sponsored by Saracens RFC
Unfortunately the sands of time never stop and whilst our boast is ‘ bowling is a game to be played through to an old age’ there comes a time when this is not always possible. The encroachment of digital smart this, smart that, tablets and clever i-things etc. all are taking a toll on the generations following us to the extent that outside activities are taking a back seat and it necessarily follows that new, younger members will be hard to come by. The Club now has a 25 year lease with the council and thus has full use of the pavilion. Already we have a short mat bowling carpet in the clubhouse used avidly Tuesday and Fridays, with whist drives on a Monday, plus numerous quiz and coffee days are planned with other special events being organized by the new committee . In a recent Father Brown Mystery on BBC the miserable detective says ‘ Bowling, bowling, nothing ever happens there!’ Well our President, supported by her committee and committed members, will make sure there is always something happening at this bowls club.
Coronation Cup Won by MHBC Triple 2018 Dave Aubrey Andrea De Biase Wendy Goldsmith
There is much to look forward to and while the membership stays as it is - very social, happy, friendly and many other adjectives apply - we will continue as we are into the future.
MILL HILL PRESERVATION SOCIETY is delighted to wish the Mill Hill Bowling Club a Happy 100th Anniversay To see how we fight to maintain the green spaces and unique character of Mill Hill visit our website www.mhps.org.uk
Prizewinners 2018
Join us and help us try to keep Mill Hill a pleasant place to live contact@mhps.og.uk 020 8906 0769 Mill Hill Preservation Society
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MESSAGES A very important milestone, congratulations ! We hope to enjoy all the club has got to offer for many years to come. Nel & John O Brien 100 Years - Well Done Good Luck for the Future Harvey & Judy Kass Congratulations on reaching 100 years. May all that follows be as good. Bill & Ann Webb To Mill Hill Bowling Club THANK YOU ! Barnet Blind & PS Bowls Club To Mill HIll Bowling Club Here’s to the next 100 Years ! Ron & Tessa Smith Many happy years spent at Mill HIll Bowling Club Betty Gill Congratulations on the first 100 years. Here’s to the next 100. Wonderful camerderie. The club is a great asset to the community. Suzan & Brian Roth I love bowling I love bowling @ MHBC Thanks for my new interest ! Jeanette Poulton Congratulations Mill Hill Bowling Club on reaching your centenary year 2019. May you continue for many years to come. Joyce Phillips To Mill Hill Bowling Club Wishing the Club a long and happy future. Isabelle & Roland Spencer and the Twins Congratulations on your centenary and wishing you many more years of successful bowling. With Best Wishes from The Ellis Family Congratulations to all playing and social members of the club who have helped to keep the show on the road. Tony Almeida Congratulations Mill HIll Bowling Club. Here’s to the next 100 years. Mal & Lan Best Wishes to a very special club that makes such a difference to so many people’s lives. The Kass Family
With Thanks to all Club Members for the friendship, laughter and bowling fun enjoyed at each social, competitive and friendly event. Arnold Ellis We wish to thank the members of M.H.B.C. for their many years of happy membership and friendship. May the club continue for many years. Dennis and Audrey Humphryes Delighted to have joined Mill Hill BC. Thanks to everyone for the very warm welcome and congratulations on your Centenary. Paul & Iris Ede Congratulations on the occasion of celebrating the Mill HIll Bowling Club’s first century. With Best Wishes Tony De Lord In memory of those who had the foresight to form the club, and long may the future generations continue to keep it going. ANON Wishing Mill Hill Bowling Club all the best for the next 100 years. Alan Clark Thank you to the Mill Hill Bowling Club for keeping my Mum occupied for the last 21 years !! Tracey & Family To Joan Telfer Thank you for being such a lovely secretary and dear friend. Pat & Betty At this time I remember all my relatives and friends both past and present who play bowls in the Southern Hemisphere. Wendy Goldsmith Congratulations for 2019. Good Luck, for the following Centenary. We will be watching you from outer space by then. Pat, Olivia, Oscar and Rosie Wishing all members of the Bowling Club and their families good health and happiness. Pravin Vyas Congratulations to everyone at Mill Hill Bowling Club on your Centenary and here’s to the next 100 years ! Nicola Hart & Family Hearty congratulations to a great Club - such a friendly and cheerful bunch of members, who have made us relatively new social members so very welcome. Cheers ! Jean & Derek Hackett
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