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.

The 1925 construction site.
Ilkley 1910
The Club after the 1976 re-build
The Club after the 1991 re-build
EGM - Kings Hall

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.

2017 interior refurbishment

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.

Lounge area

COVID
March 20, 2020.
UK Government closes Pubs and Clubs.

July 4th, 2020
Pubs and restaurants restricted reopening in the UK. This involved opening 4pm to 8pm, outside at-table service only and no one entering the Club. The Club installed a marque which had to be open-sided and Portaloos.

October 31st, 2020
UK announces 4 week national lockdown in England with pubs and restaurants closed except for takeaways.

12 April 2021
The Club Re-Opened for inside use with Members following these directives.
Opening hours 4pm to 8pm
We are open only for drinks outside in the rear car park which has only partially covered seating.
Waiter service only at tables of up to six people – NO STANDING
Strictly maximum of six people to a table
No reserving seats for groups etc – first come, first gets seated
Masks to be worn when moving around the Club
The Club inside toilets will be open which is the only time you will be allowed to enter the Club

19 July 2021
Government remove all restrictions.

Members could come to the Club but had to stay outside for at-table service. Portaloos (in background) were installed due to Members not being allowed to enter the Club.
One snooker table was removed to accommodate extra socially distanced seating.
Although it was cold – Members still enjoyed a drink in the open-sided marque.

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.

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