The Magazine Bowling Club is an independent club and is over one hundred and fifty years old. In 1841 the land was owned by an Ann Dean but by 1851 there was a bowling green behind the Magazine Hotel, although at that time it was called The Black Horse (which opened in 1779), and the Magazine Bowling Club was formed, in1853, (according to the Wallasey News 15/6/79 the Oldest Bowling Club in Britain,
( er! I don’t think so, what about Plymouth, Francis Drake and all that) by local shop owners. These shop owners businesses where open six days a week so Competitions where arranged on Sundays, and traditionally most still are. You might remember some of the old names of Wallasey, Cyril Lloyd, Stroud’s, Chester’s, Laurie’s and Scullion’s. The bowling green and clubhouse (a new one was built by Bass Northwest and opened on 16th September, 1989) are situated behind the Magazine Hotel, in attractive and pleasant surroundings. Now, the members hail from all walks of life which enrich the friendly atmosphere amongst the membership.
In 1953, the clubs Centenary and the Queen’s Coronation were commemorated by the presentation by The Mayor of Wallasey Ald. J.P. Ashton and the Chief Constable J. Ormerod, of The Basher’s Trophy(two truncheons rampant), to be played for between the Police and The Magazine Bowling Club annually.
The Club proudly runs a charity competition in June when over sixty couples descend on the green in good natured combat to rest The Magazine Bowling Club Charity Cup for themselves. Many local charities have been helped, such as Wirral Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Foxfield School, St. John’s Hospice, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Claire House, New Brighton Lifeboat Station, The Lonsdale Centre and many others.
The club has an extensive programme of activities (our Lady’s Day was reported by The Wallasey News as far back as 1927), and offers a warm welcome to new members. For those who have little or no experience of the game; there is social bowling in the afternoons when help is available if required. For the more experienced there are many club competitions throughout the season, league bowling during the daytime and of an evening. Snooker in the clubhouse is another activity available to members.
Membership is open to all people from ten years of age upwards.
Why not come along to our open day on Saturday 14th May from 12.00noon onwards.
For more information please contact the President: Telephone 638 1660