Ladies and Gentlemen, Visiting teams and friends of Bethlem, I hope you have had a good afternoon’s bowling
Ninety years ago, in a small corner of the grounds of Bethlem Royal Hospital a handful of men from the staff of Bethlem rolled the very first bowls on our green. They couldn’t have known that their simple love for the game would grow into a tradition that would span generations, weather wars, economic changes, and countless British summers — some sunny, many not so much! Yet here we are, nearly a century later, still gathering, still competing, still laughing together.
A Ladies Section was added in 1970 and over the years, the club has opened its doors to friends and local people, both as players and social members. It is now a private club maintained by the members, both men and women having equal membership facilities.
Our club’s history is not just about matches won or trophies displayed. It is about people. It is about the members who built the first clubhouse with their own hands, the volunteers who kept the greens immaculate, and the quiet heroes who made tea, organised raffles, and welcomed newcomers warmly.
We remember those who are no longer with us — their spirit lives on in every friendly game, every shared story, and every cheer from the side-lines. They laid the foundation for what we enjoy today.
Today, our club is more than a sporting venue — it’s a community hub. We’ve seen friendships forged here that have lasted decades and we’ve welcomed players from all walks of life.
We’ve adapted over the years too — embracing new formats, hosting charity events, and opening our doors to the wider community on our social evenings. Our success is measured not just in competitions, but in the laughter, camaraderie, and sense of belonging we create.
Ninety years is a remarkable milestone, but it’s also a stepping-stone. The question we must ask is: what will our centenary celebrations look like? Will we continue to grow, to welcome new members, to inspire the next generation of bowlers? I believe we will — because the same passion that started this club in 1936 still burns brightly today.
Before I sit down, I would like to thank Debbie and Ken for all their hard work with the catering the bar and organising the raffle and all the other members who helped to get today ready. Thank you to Roger who has been a great assistant over the years not only today but with the Open Competitions, which still seem to be flourishing.
So tonight, let’s raise our glasses — to the founders who dreamed, to the members who built, to the friends we’ve made, and to the future, we will shape together.
TO BETHLEM – AND THE NEXT CHAPTER IN OUR CLUB’S PROUD HISTORY
Cheers! 🥂