Bob Richardson's article in the January 1992 issue of
News & Views stirred many memories of the Bowling and Bowlers of
this Grand Club, so I thought I would try and give some small account of
it's history, also for those of you now present, and in the many many
years to come, who just turn up with "Their Bowls in their Bags in
their Hands" Please spare a thought for those who have gone before
and prepared the ground for your enjoyment.
Let me tell you how the Bowling Club started. Yes,
and from this as well grew our Parochial Centre as it is today. Sixty
years ago when I first came to Lostock Hall the Turner Memorial Hall was
used for Dances, Whist Drives, Guild Tea Parties and as a Men's Club
with just soft drinks, but with 2 full sized Billiards Tables.
The Hall itself was built with voluntary Labour, but
supervised by a local Builder - This in the early 1900's as a place to
raise Funds to build our present Church. In the 1930's, the Men's Club
was closed down, so the men's togetherness only came about after the
Second World War, that is the late 40's and early 50's.
George Dawson and John Redmond ran a Saturday night
Cinema. Shades of a Dramatic Society. The demise of Whist Drives and
Bingo was born. What a success and what a money-spinner. The Classrooms
appeared and a School Kitchen as the Parish grew.
Suddenly the Men's Guild came to life. Whilst they
were always faithful in their service to the Blessed Sacrament, we were
now meeting to work for the Parish, as our forefathers had done before.
The extension to the Church was needed, as was a new School.
Sweepstakes, Raffles and Jumble Sales were organised. Bingo was making a
substantial contribution to Parish funds.
But you know the old saying - "All work and no
play makes Jack a Dull Boy" - But we had no Dull Boys in the B.S.G.
so once a month during the Winter we got ourselves invited to
practically all the Catholic Clubs in an area from Longridge to Coppull
and Chorley. We always had a fair number of non-Parishioners and
non-Catholic friends with us. These were great nights, especially as the
Hall was still used as a School.
From these Games Nights the idea of a Bowling Trip
was raised. Bill Cornwell organised the green, the tea and evening
entertainment. Les Darby saw to the bus and bought the prizes (at cost).
Frank Rogerson paired off the Bowlers and organised the Competitions, he
saw everyone got their share of Bowling and Bill and Les saw to the
Lubrication. We visited St. Bede's at Clayton Green, where we were
always most welcome. Then Knott End, the Golden Ball, Pilling, and one
of our favourite spots, The Royal at Burton in Kendal. Then we always
finished up at St. Mary's, Fleetwood (Alf Cook buying all the pies at
the Labour Club up the road), or at Blackpool Catholic Club, Talbot
Road. Fr. Forbes used to join us for the last hour, He would wander
round with a gill in his hand and have a word with each and every one of
us - May he rest in Peace.
These Bowling trips whetted our appetite for more
serious Bowling. In October 1972 the Blessed Sacrament Guild had a long
meeting, one of the items discussed was could we have a regular Bowling
Team? So a list was started for those interested, by December we had 20
names. In January a meeting was called for those interested. We agreed
to join a League. This was difficult; no one seemed to want to know us.
The Town greens in Preston were too far away and too expensive. Then
Dick Bamber at the Conservative Club heard of our plight. "No
trouble" he said. For some years we had supplied tables and extra
cutlery for their President's Day. They returned the compliment. We were
to use the Green for Home games on Tuesday nights. Best of all, free of
charge.
Next a League. We were
accepted into the 9th Division of the Preston and District Amateur
Bowling League - there were only 9 Divisions then - so a Committee was
formed. Frank Rogerson, Chairman, Gerald Flaherty, Secretary, Jack
Clisham, Treasurer, Bill Smith, Captain, Stan Flanagan, Vice Captain and
League Delegate, Eric Topping, Selection Committee Member.
Next Item, Financial Commitments (1) League
Subscriptions? and 6 Match Blocks. These bought from Willie Cunningham
who at that time had a Sports Shop in Church Street. Willie was great, a
true Sportsman. When he knew we were just starting and were strapped for
cash he let us have these Jacks at cost price, he also said he had got
them before Purchase Tax came in so we didn't have to pay that. Thanks
Willie Cunningham
To cover this outlay we decided straight away we
would pay lOp per week each and no perhaps. So now we were off. Our
League programme started just after Easter 1973. We finished the Season
4th out of 10 teams. We called on 17 players but 3 of these only had one
game each, the other 3 whilst Bowlers in the past said they would be
more than happy and support us. John Lee gave us a Cup and Johnny
Flanagan was the first winner. The next Trophy was donated by Eric
Topping. This we played for in a World Cup type Competition to try and
give everyone more than one game. Also whilst at the Conservative Club,
Mary Craven donated a Shield to be played as a Doubles Competition in
memory of their Tom. A great character who joined the men of the Parish
in all they’re fun and games. Mary continued to watch our progress and
was never happier than when making surreptitious donations.
In January 1974 we suffered our first sad loss.
George Dawson died. This was a sad loss to both Club and Parish. In
April John Schultz died. John was another great Parish worker and member
of the Bowling Club. Both George and John were great examples of the
very best of Our Lady and St. Gerard's. May they rest in peace.
For 10 years 1973-1982 we enjoyed great success,
rising to the 6th Division of the League, but bowling was becoming more
popular at the Con. Club: More people were using the Green. Veteran's
teams were starting, as was the Ladies. So towards the end of-the 70's
we realised we might need a new home. Besides which our Team was
creating more interest.
Back to the Blessed Sacrament Guild. Alf Cook said,
"What about Father Forbes
Garden. Alf made all sorts of enquiries
regarding size of greens etc. It was decided it was possible and Father
said "If you can do it, go ahead!" Looking back, we must have
been Crackers. The amount of work we had to do was unbelievable. See
Quotes.
QUOTE FROM BOWLING CLUB REPORT: -
"The reason we called this meeting was in view
of the suggestion raised at the Blessed Sacrament Guild meeting that
maybe we could eventually have our own Bowling Green. Needless to say
this project has the members wholehearted support. There will be quite a
lot of work to do in preparation, especially behind the Grotto, which is
both dangerous, and in a bad state; children are playing on and around
it. Watch the weekly sheet when we ask for volunteers."
DECEMBER 1980 - BOWLING GREEN: QUOTE FROM: -
"Men of the Bowling Section - Where have you
been? With just a small amount of help from each of you our hopes to get
planning permission this side of Christmas might have been achieved.
Since the time that a suggestion was put forward that we build a Bowling
Green at the rear of the Church and presbytery, i.e. early October,
about 100 hours labour have been put into this project - some 600 barrow
loads of soil have been moved from the rear of the Grotto and in
addition several tons of rock. All this work has been done by 2 senior
citizens, 5 younger men and two teenage parishioners."
JANUARY 1981 - BOWLING CLUB: QUOTE FROM; -
"In this year of 1981 we shall be needing the
help of some of the men of the Parish to prepare the ground for the
Bowling Green. The progress made has been really good and those who have
worked have done a first class job, for which we are grateful. We have
got to the stage where we should be making definite plans and trying to
produce a timetable. As soon as we can do this we shall publish the
information in the News and Views or the weekly sheet.
Then we would like your physical help. The other help
we shall need will be financial, but we do intend to try and give value
for money. We did make a start on December 16th - we held a Whist Drive.
Whilst we did not make much profit we did have a good start. The help we
had from Bowling Club members was grand - and those who bought tickets.
Thank you very much. Also thanks to all that helped and came. One source
of encouragement for our project was a donation of £25. This will start
our Bank Account. We thank the giver and know it will be a real start to
something which will enhance the whole of our Church surround."
FEBRUARY 1981 - BOWLING GREEN PROJECT: -
"We would like to thank Fr. Forbes for his
support and encouragement in this scheme. Whilst we hope to make a
Bowling Green which will be used by any parishioner, Fr. Forbes has
wider plans for this piece of ground. He hopes that it will be used by
all parishioners as a beautiful garden, not as it was becoming, a
wilderness, especially behind the Grotto which was quite a dangerous
area for children.
About 10 men, young and old have worked extremely hard during the past
two months. They have done a mountain of work. We are glad to see 3
under 20-year-olds helping. Let's not forget that the present Youth of
the Parish will reap the most benefit. We would like to thank the two
people who have given donations. One of £25 and one of £10 which has
swelled our funds to £52.00. The Bowling Club are committed to
organising Fund Raising efforts In February we plan to have a Whist
Drive on Tuesday, 3rd. Then on Friday 20th February we hope to have an
Old Time Dance run by Wilt Seddon.
We would be most grateful if any other Parish organisations would like
to do something to swell our Funds. All money received will be
faithfully accounted for. All expenditure properly recorded and an up to
date financial statement will be reported each month. Besides which we
shall need helpers to dig trenches for
drains, help to level the ground,
make surrounds and fences and plan and plant shrubs and flowers. Finally
this garden will be for your benefit, so we would like you to take an
interest. As the weather gets better come and see what is
happening."
Finances were a problem. So we did all sorts of
things. We sold roast potatoes in the Centre - roasted in the bonfires
of rubbish. We sold Holly, held Whist and Domino Drives. There were
Raffles outside Church, we ran sweepstakes. Then there was the great
generosity of those people who gave us donations. Raffles were held at
Wednesday night Bingo 6.
MARCH 1981 - BOWLING GREEN PROJECT:
"During the past month we have had 3 more
donations. We held a Whist and Domino Drive (To be repeated on Tuesday,
10th March), and we have done a thriving trade selling potatoes, roasted
in our clearing up bonfires, in the Centre on three Friday nights. So
now we have £107 in hand, with our expenses to date being £5.80.
Progress?
The area of Father's garden is now virtually clear.
The hedges have been cut and laid, rubbish and unnecessary growth
cleared and burnt. We now are now ready to submit plans to the Council,
applying for permission to change the use of the garden; we are also
ready to make detailed plans of what has to be done and the order of
doing this. We shall also see what we need and be able to estimate
costs. To this purpose we have formed a Working Committee who will be
responsible to Fr. Forbes. This Committee is - Alf Cook, Frank Alston,
Frank Rogerson, Jim Slater and Peter Watson.
There is also a willing band of workers, who have
really worked wonders (and that without the stimulation of D.D.) Fr.
Forbes and those of us who started this really do appreciate their
willing help. Thanks are due to all who express their interest, those
who have donated - those who have given prizes for the whist and Domino
Drives - those who have turned up to help and play - also not least the
people who pass by and look and say 'It's coming on, Good luck'."
At this time, we must make mention of Eileen Watson.
Before he died, Bernard Watson said that if there was anything he could
do we had only to ask. Well, Eileen honoured this commitment, but we
didn't need to ask her, with Peter Watson as operator, we had the use of
a J.C.B. at no cost. This was invaluable.
All through the first 6 months of 1981 we worked
continuously. The back of the Grotto was strengthened and a strong stone
wall was built. Ray Cartwright was our main Stonemason. The bowling area
was leveled and a retaining wall was built. This was necessary as the
garden sloped at least 6ft from the Presbytery to School Field. By June
we had Council permission to change the use of the area from Garden to
Bowling Green.
From now on we started to build a Crown Green Bowling
Green. Nobody knew exactly what to do. We read books, and in Peter
Watson we had an expert on draining and ground leveling
- two of the
most important aspects of the work, especially as this was to be a Crown
Green whose centre was 9 inches higher than all the edges.
We laid a herring bone drainage system. This took 70 tons of pea stone,
plus many tons of concrete and rubble that came from round-the Grotto
and an old Greenhouse foundation. Once the drains were filled in and the
ground levelled with a Crown we laid 180 tons of 2 to 3 inch stone. This
was the foundation for the Top Soil. We used 380 tons of Topsoil, which
came from the Carrot Fields in the Rufford Area. This was when we had to
turn to Father for some money. Without hesitation he lent us £ 1,000).
Whilst doing all this we were constantly raising money. People were so
generous. Eileen Watson especially, who paid some of our bills to save
V.A.T., and then forgot to charge us. But I think the Bowling Green
Project by now was everyone's Project. We kept people informed through
News and Views. Father let us have Raffles outside Church. Everyone
supported us. So many gave till it hurt - from £1 to £100.
Father was delighted at our progress. He was even
looking forward to having a Bowl House with toilets and tea making
facilities, because he envisaged the area as an amenity for the whole
Parish. A place to sit and relax. Earthly paradise not just for Bowlers.
Then right at the end of September, we turned to the
only real expert Tradesman, Eddie Cross from Stoney Lane, who came and
seeded the Bowling Area. When we came to pay him, he said "You've
done a grand job, have this on me". But there was still a great
deal to do - Paths to be laid Seats to be made – A good substantial
wall and fence to be built at the Cemetery End of the Green. Dunstan
Watson made and erected this very strong and attractive fence. There
were Shrubs to be pruned, flowers to be planted. Hedges needed
strengthening with new plants.
16th April 1982 - A Day to remember. The first mowing
of the Green. It yielded 4 Barrow loads of cuttings. We had an old
Mowing Machine given to us, but even after having it repaired it wasn't
a success so Father Forbes said, "Do the job properly, this we did.
The machine cost us just over £800 and is still going strong
During the clearing up operations we uncovered
another niche in the Grotto, for this we were given a most beautiful
marble statue of St Joseph with the Infant
Jesus. For this marvelous
gift we are indebted to Sister Mary McLaughlin, S.H.C.J., Convent of the
Holy Child Jesus. The statue was originally in Winckley Square Convent.
This is really very fitting it preserves a link with Winckley Square
Convent, where so many girls from Our Lady and Saint Gerard's Parish
received their Grammar School Education.
At this time we received one other outside Gift, well
not a gift, but a grant of £20 from South Ribble Borough Council. We
had applied to the Sports Council and to an Incentive Scheme run by
Whitbread Breweries with no response.
In January '83 a Parish Meeting accepted 10 Rules
already formulated by Fr. Forbes with the members of the Blessed
Sacrament Guild. One query was raised regarding Rule 6, which reads
"Full members only shall have the right to vote at General
Meetings". It was explained that as the Bowling Green is on Parish
Land just as any other part, Church, Cemetery and Parochial Centre, then
it must come under the jurisdiction of the Parish, with Ladies having
full rights.
February 1983. We were in the process of buying a
suitable building for a Bowl House. Planning permission would of course
be necessary. This we received in May. A friend of Cliff Hughes drew up
the plans for free (Many thanks), but the Council charged us £44. In
March we bought a building, it was at Courtaulds, and cost us £100.
That was the easy part. We had to dismantle it, transport it and
re-erect it. What a job that was, with one or two very hairy moments,
but we had a great band of helpers. We even got it transported for free.
Thanks to the Contractor from Longridge and the good offices of Cliff
Hughes.
It was such a good proposition that the job had to be
done right. This was necessary to obtain planning permission. A suitable
base was the first item - with water and drains. This was a job for the
Professionals and we were nearly out of money. This work was not
completed until the end of 1983.
At the end of February or beginning of March we
received a visit from an expert from Myerscough Hall Horticultural
College. He inspected the Green and said it was alright. He advised us
on further treatment and said, "get playing".
Easter Sunday, 3rd April 1983. The day we had been
looking forward to and working for, all these past 28 months broke grey
and damp. After a week of terrible rain. We only managed to mow the
green on Saturday afternoon. By lunch time on Sunday it looked as if it
would be fit for some play by 3 p.m. Father Forbes dashed from Baptising
an Infant. Thereby opening up a new life for this child. To throwing the
first wood to open up a new life for our Bowling Club. May both of them
enjoy three score and ten years of giving pleasure to people.
Bill Hall, the Preston and District League Secretary
came to see us start. Thanks Bill. Leyland Guardian and Evening Post
sent photographers. Thanks to them. Several of our Parishioners were
also clicking merrily away. So we should have a pretty comprehensive
record of the events.
After Father Forbes had a couple of ends, pride of
place and privilege of playing the first competitive game was accorded
to Frank Rogerson and Alf Cook. (Who have been faithful to this project
from its conception). Joining them to make up the first four were Arthur
Bateson (representing the oldest worker) and Keith Topping (The youngest
helper) They both have done more than their share of very hard work.
Then all who wished were made into fours and they enjoyed a game of
seven up. Whilst the green was heavy and the grass had been deliberately
left long it was possible to feel you were really playing bowls. League
bowling started the following week.
1st August 1983 - Father Forbes who had been ill -
died suddenly. Father, had been ill and in hospital, but this was a sad
shock to the whole of the Parish.
In the Evening of the 2nd August 1983, Father
Theodore Young was speaking of Father Forbes. He said "We should
think of this being the start of a wonderful life for Father", but
we have much sorrow to have lost from our lives one who gave us such
encouragement in the many projects the Parish organisations undertook.
Fr. Young said that Fr. Forbes would wish us to continue all these
activities as though he were still with us.
Sunday, 4th September 1983, was Father Forbes Trophy
Final. This was to be such a special day, with a very special Trophy
named after a very Special Man. The Father Forbes Trophy is part of the
garden, yes if you like a part of the Parish. The wood represents the
trees of the Garden. The Bowl given by Norman Dawson a Parishioner. This
was polished by Jack Catterall our Organist. The basic design by Alf
Cook and Frank Alston. The whole put together by Mr. Eccles of the Craft
Department of All Hallows. Although we since have a President's Prize,
whilst there will be other Presidents, there is only one Fr. Forbes. So
the hope is that the Bowlers make the Fr. Forbes Trophy Competition a
real special effort and a day of remembrance. Our first Winner was David
Coupe, who played for the team from the beginning.
This was the end of our first season. A season, which
started with such Joy and Hope, yet ended with so much sadness as well.
New friends made and a new way to enjoy our leisure moments. This was
expressed so well by Frances Kitchen who wrote in News and Views October
1983.
"Happy memories of one aspect of the past few
months."
A bleak windy Sunday afternoon - the opening of the
Bowling Green. Father Forbes rolling the first wood - photographs
-slides - "it'll be a tricky green this, by gum it will. Oh give it
time, it'll settle down".
Another cold day, Spring Bank I think, ventured on to
the green, lots of advice from Joe, Alf and Bill, concentration on
Maureen's face. I couldn't keep hold of the 'wood', managed at last to
'throw' it at least six yards. Revised my opinions of bowling and how
glad now that I did.
Those early days when more ladies came to play.
Monday and Friday afternoons with always a welcome from someone and
always a smile from Frank and Alf. Patient tuition from Bill Smith with
lots of laughs not forgetting, Joan's dry wit.
Early July the Sun came out and stayed out. The green
became a magnet for people to play, sit in the Sun or cool in the shade,
how relaxing it was. In the background always two or three men working.
Warm evenings, watching or playing, midges biting.
Regulars, Josie, Joan and Dorothy practicing in every corner. The first
ladies friendly with St. Bede's, they had a 'white' Jack - what a grand
crowd and how we enjoyed the night. Another friendly at Vernon's,
Penwortham, the green enormous, lush and springy with no familiar
patches or leaves to guide you, the lights came on, disappeared,
returned, some really good matches, and Marie won.
Second away match at St. Bede's - pouring rain - what
a laugh Oh: for a wet suit and flippers - Mary - took a dive, very
gracefully. The supper was delicious and of course, we talked and
talked...
To our last match against St. Gerard' s men. Cathy
Brown, complete with head bangers and camera - presentation (to the men)
by Frank, and the green closed.
A big thank-you to the people whose determination and
hard work made the green possible. To Maureen for her organisation - to
Bill Smith for his encouragement - to Betty for her patience - to the
many old friends and new friends (wish I could, name you all) I've made
- didn't we have fun and a special thank you to Frank R- - - . Roll on
next Season.
December 1983 - Father Justin Caldwell was
congratulated on becoming our Parish Priest. He was also welcomed as the
new President of Our Lady and St. Gerard's Bowling Club. One of the
first requests we made to Fr. Justin was for a further loan of £1,300.
This Fr. Justin supported and arranged perfectly easily. What
encouragement that was to us. This money was to pay for the base of the
Bowl House and it's completion. Our commitment to Parish was now
£2,300. (This has now been repaid)
What have we got for our money, a very substantial
building which Father insured for £5,000? A brand new Mower, £800.
Seven sets of bowls, plus 10 match blocks. These worth £30 plus other
Bowling Green tools. Not forgetting a Bowling Green.
A new Committee was formed to take us forward into
1984. Eric Topping, Chairman, A. Cook, B. Murphy, J. Robinson, W. Smith,
Mrs. J. Rostron, Mrs. M. Cook, Mrs. A Morris, Mrs. E. Snape and Mrs. J.
Topping. They still face a lot of work to complete all the amenities for
the smooth running of a Bowling Club. Not the least being the completion
of the Bowl House.
During the winter months Eddie Roe has built all the
dividing walls in the Bowl House. Now there is a Green Keeper’s store,
a Kitchen, Ladies and Gents Toilets, Storage space and a large communal
room. Eddie was helped by Alf Cook, Ken Smith and Derek Swarries, who
all gave up 5 weekends, Saturdays and Sundays till 2 and 3 o'clock. Jim
Bruce did the plumbing, Ken Phillipson and John Jones the Electric’s,
Freddie Byrne (deceased) the painting. The last 3 non-parishioners. This
work was all done free of charge. Also thanks to Jim Wilson (deceased)
for the Trophy Cabinet in the Centre.
What a lucky lot of Bowlers, a grand secluded Green,
a Bowl House with toilets and kitchen, plus plenty of space. A John Lee
Cup, an Eric Topping Trophy, Fr. Forbes Trophy, Tom Craven Sheild, a
Ladies Prize, the President's Trophy and a Ladies v Gents Trophy, Three
Men's teams and a Ladies 'team.
But, in this Guild Year of 1992, every credit to the
Bowlers, both Ladies and Gentlemen, you fairly have looked after the
Green - it is a Picture and Credit to you.
Our thanks go to Frank Rogerson for the use of all
his notes in compiling this History