the story of the first 100 years
BRIDGEND BOWLING, TENNIS & CROQUET ASSOCIATION Ltd, Founded in a cafe in adare street in 1913
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BRIDGEND BOWLING, TENNIS & CROQUET ASSOCIATION Ltd. This the registered company name but realistically it is now the Bridgend Tennis, Squash and Bowls Association, with Brackla Harriers Athletic Club as Associated Sections and until recently Bridgend Sports R.F.C.
Since 1914 there have been many changes but the essential character remains, with an emphasis on encouraging sport for all ages out of the Clubhouse and Grounds in arguably the most picturesque location in Bridgend. The origins of the association date from an inaugural meeting on the 14th July 1913 of friends, business acquaintances and generally interested parties at the splendidly named Café Royal in Adare Street, Bridgend. There must of course have been much informal discussion and convincing prior to this meeting. At the meeting Directors were elected and these are named in Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. The Original Directors were: John Grant (Chairman) of Coychurch Road, a Draper. William Rees (Treasurer) of Cowbridge Road, a Schoolmaster. James T.Hitt (Secretary) of Cowbridge Road, a Accountant. William John of Broadlands, a Confectioner. Henry Gard of Coychurch Road, a Merchant. Ben E. Williams of Llyfnant, a Draper. William E. Atherton of Bryngarn, a Manager. Gilbert Williams of Wyndham Street, a Jeweller. James Evans of Penybryn, a Outfitter. Oliver Lewis of Cowbridge Road, a Draughtsman. Henry Higginbottom of Ochiltree, a Works Manager. Albert Radford of Park Street, a Saddler. |
much was achieved between the meeting in july 1913 and the opening of the club on 6th may 1914 |
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It was agreed that the capital of the Company should be £1000 in £1 shares and that the Company lay out grounds for Bowling, Tennis and Croquet. There had clearly been some preliminary enquiries and explorations, because also at the meeting it was agreed to take up Mr J. M. Randall’s offer to sell Caepant (our present grounds) for £600. Caepant translates as ‘enclosed field’ or ‘field in a hollow’- in Les Howell’s words, a natural amphitheatre.
It is worth noting how the costs mentioned would relate to price levels in 1914 and to price levels now. To make comparisons the multiplier is approximately 200.
£1000 share capital would represent £200,000 today.
£600 land purchase would represent £120,000 today.
There was, of course, further expenditure on the preparation and laying of the courts and green, purchase of turf (from Ogmore-by-Sea), fencing, haulage, shrubs, seats, water supply etc.
Costs quickly rose to £1163 (£232,600 )
It is worth noting how the costs mentioned would relate to price levels in 1914 and to price levels now. To make comparisons the multiplier is approximately 200.
£1000 share capital would represent £200,000 today.
£600 land purchase would represent £120,000 today.
There was, of course, further expenditure on the preparation and laying of the courts and green, purchase of turf (from Ogmore-by-Sea), fencing, haulage, shrubs, seats, water supply etc.
Costs quickly rose to £1163 (£232,600 )
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The Pavilion was built at an eventual cost of £287 (£57,400). Further expenditure on crockery, chairs, tables, tools, cutlery together with the purchase of equipment for bowls, tennis and croquet added another £150 (£30,000).Total expenditure was now in the region of £1600 (£320,000). This was considerably more than the share issue of £1000.The 12 Directors had taken out 130 shares among themselves but a great deal of hard work had to be done to persuade people to take up all the 1000 shares available. To overcome the difficulty the Directors stood surety for a mortgage on the premises, which demonstrated great confidence but not without personal risk.
What is apparent is that a huge amount of work had been done between the meeting of 14th July 1913 and Wednesday the 6th May 1914. The choice of a Wednesday for the Opening day is interesting and could well have been related to the half-day closing of shops in the town, with so many of the Directors being involved in the retail trade. |
W.H. John of Broadlands is reported as presiding over the opening ceremony. In his speech he emphasised that the grounds and pavilion were not for a particular class and they were not just for employers or professional men, but for everybody in the town who would like to join.
The Rev. David Phillips officially opened the grounds and appealed to the public at large to patronise the enterprise. He re-affirmed that those who had started the enterprise had not done so with the intention of making money but with far higher motives of benefit to the town.
Dr. W.E. Thomas also spoke to congratulate those who had driven the enterprise forward. Dr.Thomas was then resident at Ashfield.
To celebrate the opening there was later a concert with singers and dancers.
The Rev. David Phillips officially opened the grounds and appealed to the public at large to patronise the enterprise. He re-affirmed that those who had started the enterprise had not done so with the intention of making money but with far higher motives of benefit to the town.
Dr. W.E. Thomas also spoke to congratulate those who had driven the enterprise forward. Dr.Thomas was then resident at Ashfield.
To celebrate the opening there was later a concert with singers and dancers.
There was a Bowls Exhibition match featuring two international players - a Mr. J. Pollock of Cardiff and a Mr. D. Sutherland of Swansea. An inaugural Bowls Tournament was won by E. Loveluck, H. Abbot, D. Frew and P. Laurence.
In the Doubles Tennis Tournament the winners were Lewis and Douglas who beat Brewis and Howell. The Croquet victors were Mrs Simons and Mrs Bramley.
So the clubs within the Association commenced.
In the Doubles Tennis Tournament the winners were Lewis and Douglas who beat Brewis and Howell. The Croquet victors were Mrs Simons and Mrs Bramley.
So the clubs within the Association commenced.
The original fee structure is interesting. As fees generally come out of wages – with an average wage in 1914 of £80 and today £24,000- for comparison the multiplier is 300.
Bowlers
£1 / 1 / - (£315) related to average wages 2014
Tennis (men)
15 / - (£225)
Tennis (women)
12 / 6d (£187.50)
Croquet
7/ 6d (£112.50)
Casual per game – Bowls
6p (£7.50)
Casual per game – Tennis
3p (£3.75)
Bowling fees were high to cover the very expensive costs of laying the green - £400 (£80,000).The high capital costs overall were a problem and necessitated high initial fees, and this inevitably would have an effect on membership.
A column in the local newspaper at the time refers to the fees as prohibitive for many, but understands the high costs and welcomes the venture. It was certainly felt that a need had been filled for the town and its community. The Cricket Club had been in existence since 1840; the Rugby Club since 1878; there was an Association Football Club in 1914 and the Hockey Club since 1896. Many of the members of the Association were also members of and participants in these other sporting organisations as is the case today.
Bowlers
£1 / 1 / - (£315) related to average wages 2014
Tennis (men)
15 / - (£225)
Tennis (women)
12 / 6d (£187.50)
Croquet
7/ 6d (£112.50)
Casual per game – Bowls
6p (£7.50)
Casual per game – Tennis
3p (£3.75)
Bowling fees were high to cover the very expensive costs of laying the green - £400 (£80,000).The high capital costs overall were a problem and necessitated high initial fees, and this inevitably would have an effect on membership.
A column in the local newspaper at the time refers to the fees as prohibitive for many, but understands the high costs and welcomes the venture. It was certainly felt that a need had been filled for the town and its community. The Cricket Club had been in existence since 1840; the Rugby Club since 1878; there was an Association Football Club in 1914 and the Hockey Club since 1896. Many of the members of the Association were also members of and participants in these other sporting organisations as is the case today.
The whole of the period of the founding of the Association was one of worry and fear of impending war. These fears were realised when war was declared on August 4th 1914. Just three months after the joy at the ‘Opening of the Grounds’. The war as we all know, and are reminded of this year on the centenary of its outbreak, was one of the bloodiest in history and it certainly left its mark on the Association.
While sporting activity did not completely cease, it was severely curtailed. Tennis membership fell or stagnated as young men volunteered for the armed forces (some never to return). During the war the association and its clubs gave great support to fundraising for the troops and aiding the war effort in whatever ways it could.
After the Armistice to end the war on November 11th 1918 the Association set up a fund to commemorate those members of the Association who had lost their lives during the Great War. Our existing gates are Memorial Gates and were erected and opened in 1921. At the same time the Memorial Sundial was unveiled. The sundial plinth bears the names of members who gave their lives during the Great War.
The members were: T.G. Llewellyn; J. Palfrey; Ieuan Jones; J. Idloes Jones
An inscription circles the dial and reads in Welsh.
HED AMSER MEDDI. NA ERYS AMSER DYN A
Which translated reads:
TIME FLIES YOU SAY . NO! TIME STAYS MAN GOES
So after the Great War it took time for life to return to something like normality. But, by 1921tennis membership had shown a considerable increase and extra courts were soon laid. But, nevertheless, subscriptions were not enough to cover expenditure and club sections were encouraged to raise more money but not by increasing fees. One means of increasing membership would have been to establish a Ladies’ Bowls Club. This was proposed in 1917 but was turned down.
The 1920s and 1930s did not turn out to be prosperous times for a variety of economic reasons and the euphoria at the ending of the war and the expectation of good times ahead soon died away. Unemployment was high and wages fell. Maintaining membership became very difficult. At this time croquet playing ceased. Efforts were made to hold small functions at the pavilion to raise funds and to encourage new members. To this end also a piano and a gramophone were purchased.
While Croquet disappeared, a putting green seems to have been in operation from 1927 to 1931.The accounts record turf being laid and equipment bought. The location of the green is not clear but was probably somewhere at the south end of the grounds.
Although funds were short, regular bowls and tennis teams and tournaments were active. The Bowls Club maintained a strong fixture list involving considerable travel. Interestingly the minutes of Llanelli Bowls Club at this time contain a reference to the cost of the long journey to Bridgend.
However, by 1925 Bowls membership had dropped to 26 and there was a clear threat to the ability to raise a team. So, great efforts at cajoling and persuading others to join saved the situation. At the same time there were many complaints about the state of the green – nothing changes!
On the tennis side, during the 1920s the question of the provision of hard courts arose. Hard courts had been laid at Pencoed and members were being lost. Eventually hard courts were laid, but only after great efforts at fund raising by the Tennis Club. An interesting by-line at this time was that attempts were made in the town to combine Tennis, Cricket and Hockey into one Amateur Athletic Club. Eventually in 1937 there was an agreement to allow the formation of a Ladies’ Bowls Section. This was 20 years after the original request.
The seriousness with which such issues were regarded at that time is quite astonishing to us today. In view of the fact that tennis membership was problematic, it is amazing that Sunday Tennis was only allowed by a vote of membership in 1937 and then only on Sunday afternoons. This concession drew very strong opposition from local clergy. But this was a different era. The Association was paying ‘tithes’ through the period at 2 guineas per annum and it wasn’t until the beginning of the 1930s that the ‘Horse Account’ in the finance books was finally closed.
By the second half of the 1930s the Association was beginning to be more solidly based. But then in a little over 20 years after the end of the Great War, war broke out again for the United Kingdom on 3rd September 1939. Much had to be put on hold. Young men were drafted into the armed forces while rationing and restrictions on the purchase of fuel and electricity severely restricted activities. Tennis was particularly affected with many players being conscripted or volunteering, one being Dr.Bowen Rees who was to rejoin the Board in 1945. During the war the facilities were made available to servicemen based in the Bridgend district both British and American. No Bowls Championship was held in the 1939 and 1940 seasons, but resumed during the remaining years of the war. No Tennis Championships were held from 1940 to 1945.
With the ending of hostilities, progress resumed but only very slowly. The war had left the national economy devastated and rationing and restrictions on the use of power and fuel were not to be lifted completely for nine years.
Through the 1950s and 1960s tennis and bowls comparatively began to flourish. The Bowls and Tennis Teams had full fixture lists while social tennis and bowls were also active. During the fifties the Tennis Team from Bridgend Boys’ Grammar School played their home matches on the Tennis Club Courts. The writer well remembers the rivalry in matches against Cowbridge Grammar School.
However, the Association never found itself in an easy financial situation. Costs and expenditure were only matched by income with great difficulty. But the Directors and Club Committees continued their efforts as they had done for the previous 50 years.
While sporting activity did not completely cease, it was severely curtailed. Tennis membership fell or stagnated as young men volunteered for the armed forces (some never to return). During the war the association and its clubs gave great support to fundraising for the troops and aiding the war effort in whatever ways it could.
After the Armistice to end the war on November 11th 1918 the Association set up a fund to commemorate those members of the Association who had lost their lives during the Great War. Our existing gates are Memorial Gates and were erected and opened in 1921. At the same time the Memorial Sundial was unveiled. The sundial plinth bears the names of members who gave their lives during the Great War.
The members were: T.G. Llewellyn; J. Palfrey; Ieuan Jones; J. Idloes Jones
An inscription circles the dial and reads in Welsh.
HED AMSER MEDDI. NA ERYS AMSER DYN A
Which translated reads:
TIME FLIES YOU SAY . NO! TIME STAYS MAN GOES
So after the Great War it took time for life to return to something like normality. But, by 1921tennis membership had shown a considerable increase and extra courts were soon laid. But, nevertheless, subscriptions were not enough to cover expenditure and club sections were encouraged to raise more money but not by increasing fees. One means of increasing membership would have been to establish a Ladies’ Bowls Club. This was proposed in 1917 but was turned down.
The 1920s and 1930s did not turn out to be prosperous times for a variety of economic reasons and the euphoria at the ending of the war and the expectation of good times ahead soon died away. Unemployment was high and wages fell. Maintaining membership became very difficult. At this time croquet playing ceased. Efforts were made to hold small functions at the pavilion to raise funds and to encourage new members. To this end also a piano and a gramophone were purchased.
While Croquet disappeared, a putting green seems to have been in operation from 1927 to 1931.The accounts record turf being laid and equipment bought. The location of the green is not clear but was probably somewhere at the south end of the grounds.
Although funds were short, regular bowls and tennis teams and tournaments were active. The Bowls Club maintained a strong fixture list involving considerable travel. Interestingly the minutes of Llanelli Bowls Club at this time contain a reference to the cost of the long journey to Bridgend.
However, by 1925 Bowls membership had dropped to 26 and there was a clear threat to the ability to raise a team. So, great efforts at cajoling and persuading others to join saved the situation. At the same time there were many complaints about the state of the green – nothing changes!
On the tennis side, during the 1920s the question of the provision of hard courts arose. Hard courts had been laid at Pencoed and members were being lost. Eventually hard courts were laid, but only after great efforts at fund raising by the Tennis Club. An interesting by-line at this time was that attempts were made in the town to combine Tennis, Cricket and Hockey into one Amateur Athletic Club. Eventually in 1937 there was an agreement to allow the formation of a Ladies’ Bowls Section. This was 20 years after the original request.
The seriousness with which such issues were regarded at that time is quite astonishing to us today. In view of the fact that tennis membership was problematic, it is amazing that Sunday Tennis was only allowed by a vote of membership in 1937 and then only on Sunday afternoons. This concession drew very strong opposition from local clergy. But this was a different era. The Association was paying ‘tithes’ through the period at 2 guineas per annum and it wasn’t until the beginning of the 1930s that the ‘Horse Account’ in the finance books was finally closed.
By the second half of the 1930s the Association was beginning to be more solidly based. But then in a little over 20 years after the end of the Great War, war broke out again for the United Kingdom on 3rd September 1939. Much had to be put on hold. Young men were drafted into the armed forces while rationing and restrictions on the purchase of fuel and electricity severely restricted activities. Tennis was particularly affected with many players being conscripted or volunteering, one being Dr.Bowen Rees who was to rejoin the Board in 1945. During the war the facilities were made available to servicemen based in the Bridgend district both British and American. No Bowls Championship was held in the 1939 and 1940 seasons, but resumed during the remaining years of the war. No Tennis Championships were held from 1940 to 1945.
With the ending of hostilities, progress resumed but only very slowly. The war had left the national economy devastated and rationing and restrictions on the use of power and fuel were not to be lifted completely for nine years.
Through the 1950s and 1960s tennis and bowls comparatively began to flourish. The Bowls and Tennis Teams had full fixture lists while social tennis and bowls were also active. During the fifties the Tennis Team from Bridgend Boys’ Grammar School played their home matches on the Tennis Club Courts. The writer well remembers the rivalry in matches against Cowbridge Grammar School.
However, the Association never found itself in an easy financial situation. Costs and expenditure were only matched by income with great difficulty. But the Directors and Club Committees continued their efforts as they had done for the previous 50 years.
In 1975 occurred what might have been a death blow for a lesser organisation – a fire destroyed the 1914 Pavilion. The sight brought tears to the eyes of many members when the burnt out pavilion was viewed. But the Directors were determined that Tennis and Bowls should continue. Off court and green facilities were hosted in a temporary shed as well as in the Bowling Shed. While the building was insured, the amount realised would not have been enough to accommodate the needs of the Association. An appeal was made for donations and the response was excellent. Amongst the donors was Arthur Ashe who won the Wimbledon title that year. With the support of Bridgend R.F.C a fund raising match was held at the Brewery Field between Bridgend R.F.C and an International XV. Bridgend R.F.C also donated posts and fittings used for floodlighting when their new lights were installed. Fortunately, at about the same time, a pre-fabricated 2 storey building which was no longer required by Barclay’s Bank, Porthcawl, became available at no cost. However it had to be transported to the Association Grounds, erected, utilities installed, refurbished and fitted out. The logistics of this were challenging but it was accomplished. A bold decision was then made to build alongside this, a club lounge/bar and also to erect 2 Squash courts, all then being contained in one building including a Function Room, Kitchen and Changing Rooms – much as we see it today. All this was completed by 1978. The Directors of the Association and the officers of the Bowls and Tennis Clubs certainly need acknowledgement for their tremendous efforts of 36 years ago.
There is little doubt that the decision to build the squash courts was based on the “squash boom” that was taking place at the time. The Recreation Centre just across the river had opened in 1973 and its squash courts were quickly over-subscribed. The venture proved highly successful and a Squash Club was established in 1979 as a full section of the Association.
The early 80s were a period of growth for the Association and its sections. Membership was high – in fact tennis membership was closed for 2 years. Social activities were also vibrant. Functions were very successful; an Association Quiz Team played in the Bridgend League and there was a flourishing weekly cribbage competition.
However, there still remained financial difficulties. A decision was made to offer life membership to raise capital. These were priced at £250 (£1500 at today’s wage levels) which helped alleviate the existing problem.
By 1986, it is recorded that circumstances were getting worse. The squash boom had lost its impetus and that year there had been a loss of 22 squash members. By the end of the year it was clear that tennis and bowls membership had also declined. Consequently bar takings suffered and the directors expressed concern about the difficulty of staying within the overdraft limit.
To raise membership and income, a publicity campaign was launched which had a measure of success. A large number of share transfers were authorised at this time and nearly one hundred members became new shareholders which broadened the shareholder base, while a little later four new life memberships were granted at £ 500 each.
In 1988 there was much discussion about activities to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Association. One activity was a Directors’ Dinner held on July 14th for past and present directors. The then present directors agreed to cover all costs. A promotional sherry morning held in April was described as less than successful.
In 1988, Bridgend Sports R. F. C., while remaining as a separate entity, entered into an arrangement with the Association, and, apart from one short break, have had the clubhouse as a base since that time. The Sports are celebrating their 75th season this year.
In 1990 the Borough Council granted a 25% rate relief to the Association by virtue of the contribution of the constituent clubs to sport in the community. This relief still remains. 1990 also saw the arrival of our much respected steward and stewardess, Malcolm and Brenda Thomas. They remained until their retirement in 2002.
The Association has long had problems with trees near the boundaries of the grounds. Particular problems arose in 1990 which remain to this day. In 1990 also the Honours Boards for the three full section clubs were put in place.
In1993, a further 80 members were allocated shares again broadening the shareholder base.
In 1994, The Association received a £14,000 VAT rebate. This windfall certainly helped with necessary maintenance needs and provided a financial breathing space.
Throughout the eighties and into the early nineties there were periods of high rates of inflation together with high interest rates and this made the task of maintaining financial stability, yet alone progress, very difficult.
In October 1996, the minutes record a very sad meeting of the Directors. Dr Peter Williams had died. ‘Dr Peter’ as he was always affectionately known was Chairman of the Association from 1958 to 1991, a period of 33 years. He was chairman of the Tennis Club for 20 years from 1954 to 1974.This was followed by 22 years as President from 1974 to 1996. He was Tennis Club Champion 8 times in the 1950s and 1960s. Such service is unparalleled. The Association Chairs Board was placed in the Members’ Bar in his honour.
In December of the same year David German died. David had been a tower of strength for the Association and the Tennis Club in particular. He had been the Secretary of the Board and a voluntary legal advisor who gave unstintingly of his time and effort.
In 1997 Brackla Harriers requested to be based at the Clubhouse. This was granted and the running club still remains with us.
In 1999, well ahead of subsequent legislation, a decision was made, especially as the Association had an unwritten rule to promote health and welfare as well as sport, the members’ lounge bar became non-smoking.
As the Association moved into the 21st Century the challenges which existed over the years remained. A major decision was made in 2004 to borrow money from our bankers to pay off the brewery loan. The decision was justified as the rate of interest payable on the bank loan was now considerably less than the extra costs paid on brewery supplies as part of the brewery loan agreement. This made the bar a ‘free house’ with a better ability to negotiate.
Sadly in 2009, after 72 years of existence, the Ladies Bowls Club was wound up due to a lack of members. Throughout the 21st century the Association and the Directors have been faced with the same problems that have occurred throughout the hundred years – increasing costs and fluctuating membership, but the Association survives and progress is being made. Two grass courts have been brought back into use; the squash courts and changing rooms have been re-furbished; the Bowling Green is being re-invigorated. The three base Clubs, Bowls, Tennis and Squash are all still very active with competitive teams and social games. The Squash Club has added ‘rackets’ to its portfolio and there has been an influx of new members as the courts at the Recreation Centre closed. Bridgend Sports R.F.C. is flourishing with a strong ‘junior section’ and the Harriers have a good membership and continue to demonstrate an ‘all weather’ commitment. The Clubhouse is used by a variety of organisations for meetings and functions while the Association policy of particular help to charitable groups continues.
For future – perhaps reinstate the two former grass courts for tennis or perhaps croquet or putting; perhaps gain access and extend parking at the far end of the grounds; improve all clubhouse facilities and take steps to access further funding sources.
The founding fathers on that May 6th day in 1914, if they could have seen the Association one hundred years later in 2014 would not have been displeased.
So on to the next one hundred years…
There is little doubt that the decision to build the squash courts was based on the “squash boom” that was taking place at the time. The Recreation Centre just across the river had opened in 1973 and its squash courts were quickly over-subscribed. The venture proved highly successful and a Squash Club was established in 1979 as a full section of the Association.
The early 80s were a period of growth for the Association and its sections. Membership was high – in fact tennis membership was closed for 2 years. Social activities were also vibrant. Functions were very successful; an Association Quiz Team played in the Bridgend League and there was a flourishing weekly cribbage competition.
However, there still remained financial difficulties. A decision was made to offer life membership to raise capital. These were priced at £250 (£1500 at today’s wage levels) which helped alleviate the existing problem.
By 1986, it is recorded that circumstances were getting worse. The squash boom had lost its impetus and that year there had been a loss of 22 squash members. By the end of the year it was clear that tennis and bowls membership had also declined. Consequently bar takings suffered and the directors expressed concern about the difficulty of staying within the overdraft limit.
To raise membership and income, a publicity campaign was launched which had a measure of success. A large number of share transfers were authorised at this time and nearly one hundred members became new shareholders which broadened the shareholder base, while a little later four new life memberships were granted at £ 500 each.
In 1988 there was much discussion about activities to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Association. One activity was a Directors’ Dinner held on July 14th for past and present directors. The then present directors agreed to cover all costs. A promotional sherry morning held in April was described as less than successful.
In 1988, Bridgend Sports R. F. C., while remaining as a separate entity, entered into an arrangement with the Association, and, apart from one short break, have had the clubhouse as a base since that time. The Sports are celebrating their 75th season this year.
In 1990 the Borough Council granted a 25% rate relief to the Association by virtue of the contribution of the constituent clubs to sport in the community. This relief still remains. 1990 also saw the arrival of our much respected steward and stewardess, Malcolm and Brenda Thomas. They remained until their retirement in 2002.
The Association has long had problems with trees near the boundaries of the grounds. Particular problems arose in 1990 which remain to this day. In 1990 also the Honours Boards for the three full section clubs were put in place.
In1993, a further 80 members were allocated shares again broadening the shareholder base.
In 1994, The Association received a £14,000 VAT rebate. This windfall certainly helped with necessary maintenance needs and provided a financial breathing space.
Throughout the eighties and into the early nineties there were periods of high rates of inflation together with high interest rates and this made the task of maintaining financial stability, yet alone progress, very difficult.
In October 1996, the minutes record a very sad meeting of the Directors. Dr Peter Williams had died. ‘Dr Peter’ as he was always affectionately known was Chairman of the Association from 1958 to 1991, a period of 33 years. He was chairman of the Tennis Club for 20 years from 1954 to 1974.This was followed by 22 years as President from 1974 to 1996. He was Tennis Club Champion 8 times in the 1950s and 1960s. Such service is unparalleled. The Association Chairs Board was placed in the Members’ Bar in his honour.
In December of the same year David German died. David had been a tower of strength for the Association and the Tennis Club in particular. He had been the Secretary of the Board and a voluntary legal advisor who gave unstintingly of his time and effort.
In 1997 Brackla Harriers requested to be based at the Clubhouse. This was granted and the running club still remains with us.
In 1999, well ahead of subsequent legislation, a decision was made, especially as the Association had an unwritten rule to promote health and welfare as well as sport, the members’ lounge bar became non-smoking.
As the Association moved into the 21st Century the challenges which existed over the years remained. A major decision was made in 2004 to borrow money from our bankers to pay off the brewery loan. The decision was justified as the rate of interest payable on the bank loan was now considerably less than the extra costs paid on brewery supplies as part of the brewery loan agreement. This made the bar a ‘free house’ with a better ability to negotiate.
Sadly in 2009, after 72 years of existence, the Ladies Bowls Club was wound up due to a lack of members. Throughout the 21st century the Association and the Directors have been faced with the same problems that have occurred throughout the hundred years – increasing costs and fluctuating membership, but the Association survives and progress is being made. Two grass courts have been brought back into use; the squash courts and changing rooms have been re-furbished; the Bowling Green is being re-invigorated. The three base Clubs, Bowls, Tennis and Squash are all still very active with competitive teams and social games. The Squash Club has added ‘rackets’ to its portfolio and there has been an influx of new members as the courts at the Recreation Centre closed. Bridgend Sports R.F.C. is flourishing with a strong ‘junior section’ and the Harriers have a good membership and continue to demonstrate an ‘all weather’ commitment. The Clubhouse is used by a variety of organisations for meetings and functions while the Association policy of particular help to charitable groups continues.
For future – perhaps reinstate the two former grass courts for tennis or perhaps croquet or putting; perhaps gain access and extend parking at the far end of the grounds; improve all clubhouse facilities and take steps to access further funding sources.
The founding fathers on that May 6th day in 1914, if they could have seen the Association one hundred years later in 2014 would not have been displeased.
So on to the next one hundred years…
Special Thanks to Mr Godfrey Hurley for compiling this fantastic history of the club. If you have any comments or would like to add anything to this please get in touch via the contact form below.