History
It all started in 1889
The Ilkley Bowling Club is a private club and was established in 1889. The members played bowls on a green at the back of what was The Lister Arms Hotel which is now The Lister Court Retirement Homes Development.
Later in 1889 Ilkley Bowling Club’s first annual meeting took place at The Crescent Hotel where the accounts were read and officers elected. It was reported that a good season had been experienced and it was hoped that the same would apply in what was the next and only the second season since the bowling green was taken over and made into a private club.
Due to a disagreement with the Landlord of the Lister Arms Hotel in 1924, six local businessmen and tradesmen decided to purchase the field which is the site of the present club.
On Tuesday 3 March 2020 the club held an EGM at the Kings Hall, Ilkley where the members voted by a large majority to accept ladies as full members.
The founder members were Edwin Naylor (Butcher), James Rayner (Blacksmith), Charles Frederick Bolton (Owner of the Victoria Steam Laundry), Fred Trees (Greengrocer), John Boddy (Carter) and H. Whittley (Accountant).
In 1925 the field was purchased for £124 and the green was constructed by Gardeners of Addingham. Descendants and relatives of the six men who originally bought the field are members of the club today.
In 1976 plans were agreed by the council for demolishing the wooden pavilion erected by Gardeners in 1925 to make way for the new extension which was built by developers Hayes Pilgrim. This comprised of an enlarged games room, new meeting rooms, kitchen, hall and toilets on the ground floor and a three bedroomed Steward’s flat on the first floor. The Club’s house on Alexander Crescent was sold to help finance the development.
At the end of 2017 the club began an extensive refurbishment completed and opened on 19 March 2018. This comprised a new entrance incorporating a greenkeepers room and smoking area. The interior of the club was completely ‘gutted’ with a new layout including new toilets, bar, cellar, carpets and furniture.
Throughout the years Ilkley Bowling Club has been well served by its officers, committees and the many stewards and stewardess partnerships. Notable past presidents include Stan Tennant (12 years) and Bob Rishworth (15 years).
Our existing president Bob Pickering, 10 years and counting.
After over 100 years Ilkley Bowling Club with a membership in excess of 2,000, continues to go from strength to strength.