The History Of Long Crendon Bowls Club
Long Crendon Bowls Club was founded in 1921; the founder(s) of the club are unknown for the whereabouts of those early records are buried in the minds of people long gone...
Records do show that one of the early presidents of the club was Colonel S. L. Barry during 1937. The chairman was Mr. A. J. Kerrand the captain of the club was Mr H. J. Massingham.
In that year (1937) records show that Long Crendon Bowls Club played matches against Aylesbury Post Office, Aylbury Borough, Brill, Chilton, Headington, Oxford Co-op, Manor Vale, N.A.L.G.O., Waddesdon, Wingrave, Sandford Vale, Steeple Aston and Stone. Many of these clubs have long since disappeared but Long Crendon continues to prosper.
In 1921 the land for a three rink green was leased from Long Crendon Council. Later more land was leased from Long Crendon Parish and two additional rinks were added.
The site of the Clubhouse at Long Crendon Bowls Club was a former school building, known as a 'Horsa hut'. Horsa is the acronym for the 'Hutting Operation for the Raising of the School-Leaving Age'. These were constructed at the end of the Second World War to support the raise in the education age to the age of 15.
Horsa huts were constructed of concrete and timber and were only intended as temporary accommodation with an expected lifespan of only ten years.
Until 1981 the members had no Clubhouse for refreshments and had to make arrangements with the Churchill Arms and Star public houses.
In January 1981 planning permission was granted for the renovation of the Clubhouse. The first picture below shows the condition of the building before works commenced.
The existing Clubhouse was refurbished and opened in June 1981 by Mr W. Dalton, B.C.B.A President during 1981.
During 1989—1990 50% of the paving and flower beds were completed. Then in 1991 the green was extended to include a sixth rink. The banks and ditches were built to B.C.B.A standards and the paving and flower beds were completed, as it is at present.
During 1994 the water irrigation system was installed.
2002 saw the dining room, lounge and kitchen refurbished. The external walls and windows to the front and rear elevations were also rebuilt. Unfortunatly the club also experienced damage due to vandalism in 2002.
In March 2004, after long negotiations with Bucks County Council, the Club completed the freehold purchase of the land and building.
In 2021 more improvements have been completed, with the interior of the Clubhouse being completely renovated to provide one large function room and new kitchen and bar areas.
The old "Horsa hut" building...
The current Club House...
... and the Men's changing room.
