AFTER printing the old bowls pictures in our sporting memories a couple of months back, we were sent the following information.
The venue in the picture is Manor Road Scarborough. The green was laid and ready for play in 1902. This was carried out by the Scarborough Corporation specifically for the bowlers of the town. Some of which played on the Castle Hotel green amongst ot
hers but which was too small.
It was opened on August 2, 1902 by the mayor of Scarborough, Coun W Morgan.
In order to create more interest in the game of crown green bowls and also to provide a source of income for the Scarborough Hospital Mr Morgan, who was then the president of the hospital, very generously gave a massive silver cup valued at 25 guineas to be played for annually.
The competition was first run by the bowlers of Manor Road in 1902. This was taken over by Borough Bowling Club which was founded in 1905. The competition was later run by the Scarborough and District Association and is still played for today.
The first 40 years raised in excess of £1,000 for the hospital.
The Hospital Cup was first won by a Mr Charles Clayton of Borough BC.
The following year it was again won by a Borough player, Mr Tom Duxbury.
The first lady to win the competition was a Mrs W T Smiddy, of Northcliff BC at manor Road on August 21, 1948.
The full article contains 246 words and appears in Bridlington Free Press newspaper.
