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Hidden away between Church Avenue and Sidcup Green, our club could be described as the best kept secret in Sidcup. Until you have walked around the corner of the club and become exposed to the extensive, well tended, and tucked away out-of-sight grounds, you wouldn't believe it was here.
A very short history It’s somewhat surprising to hear that the Club started life in 1904 as a Football Club for local shop assistants to provide them with some recreational activity when not working. Tennis, Football and Cricket were played at Sidcup Place and the Club excelled itself by acquiring a three-quarter size billiard table. In 1910 the Sidcup Golf Club decided to leave its Church Avenue location and The Recreation Club was offered the building (half its current size) which it secured for the then small fortune of 100 guineas. A lease for the possession of the Club House and grounds was secured from the Frognal Estate in 1911. The Freehold was obtained when the Frognal Estate was eventually sold. Following the freehold acquisition the Club House was doubled in size and the small bowling green was replaced by a full size one For the following 11 years the two major bones of contention involved Sunday play and licensing the club for the sale of intoxicating liquors with votes 76 to 66 against Sunday play and 105 to 38 against licensing. At last, in 1922, ballots went in favour of both issues although the licensing decision resulted in the resignations of several Committee members. How times change. The Bowls Club prospered and as recently as the mid 90’s had a three year waiting list. At that time the Club insisted on ties and jackets for the men and skirts, tights and hats for the ladies. Today, while still respecting the on-green dress protocols, the Club is much more relaxed and welcoming (and enjoys the bar in the Recreation Club building). Sidcup bowls and the Recreation Club Sidcup Bowls Club (SBC) is one of the sports sections within The Sidcup Recreation Club (SRC) along with Tennis and Petanque. To play bowls at SBC you have to first become a member of SRC. This, however, brings with it a considerable range of facilities such as the bar and catering as well as an active and varied social events programme in addition to the bowls facilities. To get the full story on the Recreation Club use the link here. Bowls facilities Sidcup Bowls Club enjoys the use of its own dedicated Clubhouse with men’s and ladies’ changing rooms, viewing gallery and refreshment facilities. It has a full size 6 rink green. For newcomers to the sport, we have a stock of bowls that can be borrowed for trial runs before committing to the purchase of your own set. Second-hand sets are also widely available. Coaching and guidance on the rules and playing of the game are also available. Licensed bar services and daytime catering can be enjoyed in the main Recreation Club. Season dates 2023 The season is scheduled to start on Saturday 15th April, weather permitting, and will conclude at the end of September . |