Ashcombe Park are playing Bowls England as part of their centenary celebrations.

ASHCOMBE Park Bowling Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary next Wednesday.

As part of the celebrations, a representative team from Bowls England will be playing a match at the club on June 11. The game is due to commence at 1.30pm and visitors are welcome to attend.

There will be no charge, but since seating is limited, it is advised to bring a fold-up chair – car parking is provided adjacent to the club, in Ashcombe Park.

It all started on Thursday, June 8, 1911, when the green was officially opened, on behalf of the council, by Councillor Stadling. A match was then played between teams of some 50 a-side, captained by Messrs Stradling (representing the club president (H Butt JP), and GWH Pearce (representing the club captain Mr H Pike).

After a break for tea, when the photograph was taken, the game resumed, with Cllr Stradling’s team, winning by 113-67.

On May 5, 1927, Ashcombe Ladies Bowling Club was formed, the proud members being resplendent in new uniforms consisting of cream dresses, and brown blazers.

With more matches being played, a second green was needed, and on June 15, 1935, in the presence of the council and club members, the ceremony of opening the upper green was performed.

Mrs Annie Geeve, wife of council committee chairman, is pictured bowling the first wood. The new green, then considered to be one of the best bowling greens in the country, cost �1,275, and was constructed at a higher elevation, at the rear of the club pavilion.

The club’s principle achievements were winning the Turnbull Cup (the Somerset county club competition) on three occasions, 1933, 1947, and 1989. A fine recovery won the cup in 1933, beating Bath by 78-76.

An extra end was needed after the match against Bristol Tramways was tied - Ashcombe eventually won by 83-80. Winning the cup in 1989 was ‘a dream come true’ after waiting so long. Ashcombe beat off the challenge of a strong Bath team, to win by 66-61.