BROUGHTON GIFFORD BOWLS CLUB – A POTTED HISTORY 1961 – 2021

The idea to form a bowls club in Broughton Gifford began following a game at Holt Bowling Club, when someone observed that of the 16 players taking part, 12 resided in Broughton Gifford. 

Someone else suggested that they should consider the possibility of forming a bowling club in Broughton and the idea progressed from there. 

In March 1961 a public meeting was held, attended by 18 people with experienced bowler, Mr Howard Mortimer, accepting an invitation to take the chair. A gentleman named Bill Mizen was a leading voice, along with Bert Simpson, Derek Gerrish and Bob Mitchell. They approached a local landowner about some land that the club was eventually built on, it was agreed that the land would be released for £1 a year for 25 years.

The bowling green was constructed under the guidance of Mr Stafford Cripps who was employed at County Hall, with responsibility for all the school playing fields in Wiltshire. His knowledge of the subject was invaluable and of tremendous help to the volunteers who were indefatigable in their efforts to get the job done.

The land was covered with brambles which were waist high. Volunteers took scythes and spades to clear the land which was then ploughed and levelled.

Many tonnes of clinker and ash were transported from Wales, which ensured good drainage. Farm machinery was used to shovel topsoil over the clinker. This was then rolled and sown with grass seed. 

Sometime later, Bill Mizen borrowed a tractor and trailer to go to Winsley, where he collected a large wooden shed which was converted into a storeroom. The project was completed, with the club up and running in 1966. A Ladies section followed in 1967.

The club enjoyed continuing success in the ensuing years, and it was decided in 1976 that a clubhouse was required that had enough space to accommodate changing facilities and post-match refreshments. 

An articulated lorry was hired to load a Post Office sorting hut which was collected from a military establishment near Corsham, which was surplus to requirements. The hut was converted to suit the needs of the club and located on adjacent land owned by founder members Derek and Jean Gerrish. Michael and Christine Bailey, who is the daughter of the couple, continue to support the club in the same manner. 

The club would like to express gratitude and thanks to Christine and Michael for their continued kindness and generosity.

Bill Mizen and his wife Phyliss were honoured to be selected to play for the county team on many occasions. Their daughter Pat and son-in-law John didn’t play bowls, but closely followed the club’s progress. They have many fond recollections of those early times. John recently gave an amusing description of a visit from the Trowbridge Police team “Who drank like fish because they knew they wouldn’t get stopped!” 

It is believed that Alex Phelps is the last surviving founder member. Although he has retired from playing, the game and the club remain dear to his heart. 

Since those early days our club have gone from strength to strength and currently have 40 ladies and gentlemen members. 

The club would like to express thanks and gratitude to Pam Alford, Ted Jones, John and Pat Whiffen, and Michael and Christine Bailey for their contribution to this article. This account would not have been possible without their knowledge of the subject.

If there is anyone with further information or have any photographs of those times please email mervynhdavies@gmail.com or phone 01225 790669