1920s
History > 1920s
1920s
This section documents the early years of Consett Park Bowling Club, from its foundation in 1923 to 1929.
April 1923 - Formation of Consett Park Bowling Club
A report of the meeting in St Aidan's Hall, when the club was formed. The newspaper also commented on the removal of the fountain next to the Town Hall on Front Street.
May 1923 - Opening of the Green
The opening of the green, in "vile weather". Membership was at its limit of 100, with a long waiting list.
A report of a spoons competition, and a game against Spen. Mr Marr of Spen hoped that Consett Iron Company would create greens at their industrial centres, so a league could be formed.
September 1923 - Club Championship
The Club's first Championship (known then as the "club competition") nears its conclusion.
January 1924 - First Annual Report
The Club's First Annual Report is quite long, but is worth reading. The main news is that there is to be a second green, which will allow the membership limit to be increased from 100 to 200.
July 1924 - Consett Park vs South Moor
Two reports of matches against South Moor, starting with the first match played on South Moor's new green.
November 1924 - Whist Drive and Dance
This was a popular event throughout the 1920s, and took place in St Aidan's Hall. The chairman commented on "the excellent spirit of good fellowship prevailing amongst the members, which made the task of the Management Committee so light".
January 1925 - Second Annual Report
The second green will be ready for the 1925 season. The membership limit has been increased to 200.
The Club is now affiliated with the County Bowling Association and the English Bowling Association.
There was a new rinks competition in 1924.
Very successful whist drives and socials have been held.
March 1925 - Park Improvements
In March 1925, the Consett Guardian reported on the Lodge and the second bowling green.
October 1925 - Third Annual Report
The annual meetings have been moved to October, in accordance with the request of the County and the English Bowling Associations. who hold theirs in November and December respectively.
"The chairman said that they had two friends from South Moor with them that night - Mr. Turner and his colleague. (Applause.) They were very pleased to see them although they had come under the impression that it was the annual whist drive at the club."
A "Jumble" competition was introduced in May, and was popular.
A "Ladies" Day was introduced and proved to be most successful.
September 1926 - N.W. Durham League - Consett Park's Great Record
1926 was the first year of the North West Durham League. The Consett Guardian reported on the season. On the same page was a report of a man at Hamsterley who was attacked by wasps.
October 1926 - Fourth Annual Report
In 1926 the committee decided that there would be a club blazer. More details are in the report.
April 1927 - Whist Drive and Dance and Social
Another social event, this time with dancing until 1:00am. The Conside Quartette provided a musical treat, and we have found their names; if anyone has any more details (maybe even a photograph of the Quartette) please contact us.
April 1927 - The Opening of the Green
The season opened with a match between the President's Team and the Chairman's Team.
The Consett Guardian published the Club's fixture list, which included friendlies against Darlington South Park, Smith's Dock and Carlisle Subscription.
June 1927 - Consett Park vs Darlington South Park
Darlington South Park played Consett Park annually for many years, presumably because of the Alsop brothers - Ralph at Consett Park and Alwyn at South Park. We are delighted to welcome a South Park team to our club in our centenary year.
August 1927 - The Joy of Bowls
An anoymous reader, known only as "one of the boys" wrote a letter to the editor of the Consett Guardian, and included a poem.
September 1927 - North-West Durham League
The league standings at the end of the 1927 season.
October 1927 - Fifth Annual Report
Mr. Macfadzean was thanked for designing the Club's badge. Major Mangles said he would like to see more friendly matches and proposed a visit to Barnard Castle, "where they had an excellent club".
April 1928 - Opening of the Greens
The report includes details of the traditional start of season match between teams chosen by the president and the chairman. We will be playing a President vs Chairman match at the start of our centenary season.
August 1928 - Barnard Castle vs Consett Park
In 1928 the Club visited Barnard Castle. In our centenary year we will be visiting again; we are grateful to Barnard Castle Bowling Club for agreeing to the visit.
October 1928 - Sixth Annual Report
Membership was still limited to 200 and there was a waiting list.
The club broke fresh ground by arranging visits to West Hartlepool on Whit Monday and to Barnard Castle on August Bank Holiday.
On the closing day of the season the members took part in a new form of competition, viz., progressive pairs.
April 1929 - Opening of the Season
The season opened with a match between the president's team and the chairman's team.
Fixtures included games against West Hartlepool, Smith's Docks, Swan Hunter's and Darlington South Park.
June 1929 - Consett Park vs Darlington South Park
Another report of a match between Consett Park and Darlington South Park.
October 1929 - Report on Pelton Fell's success
Pelton Fell were winners of the North-West Durham Bowls League. This was the first time Consett Park hadn't won the league; they won it in 1926, 1927 and 1928.
October 1929 - Seventh Annual Report
A singles handicap competition was introduced, and won by Mr. E. Tindle.
The club also took part in the various competitions held under the auspices of the North-East Coast Exhibition.
Major Mangles resigned his position, because he was leaving the area, and was succeeded by Mr Lake.
November 1929 - Presentation to Major Mangles
A report of a special meeting of the North-West Durham League.