A Tribute to Stonehouse Bowling Club in thier Centenary Year 2000 |
In 1900 a group of local Bowlers in the Lanarkshire Village of Stonehouse got together and proposed the formation of a new club and green which was situated on Vicars Road.The cost of the new green and clubhouse was £732 and members helped in financing this by buying shares at £1 a share . Work on the new clubhouse was completed in mid-summer 1901 and was formerly opened the following year by Lady Lockhart,wife of Sir Graeme Alexander Lockhart. Stonehouse Bowling Club were soon winning Cups and in 1903 they won the prestigious Hozier Cup against strong opposition. They also won Glasgow versus Lanarkshire Cup in 1908 and the Middle Ward in 1909.A Stonehouse Rink consisting of John Jackson,Robert Jackson,Tom Cochrane and Archie Thomson returned home as Scottish Rinks Champions..As War Clouds gathered in 1914,it was decided to keep the green opened.Play was restricted.Members used thier time to raise money for good causes and providing entertainment for wounded soldiers and sailors who were convalescing in the Village. In 1928 due to the increased membership of the club,it was decided to demolish the clubhouse and build a new one. The new clubhouse was formerly opened in 1928 by Mrs John Naismith.. As the club entered its third decade the ladies section was grabbing the headlines. A Rink consisting of Miss Jeanie Thomson,Mrs Robert Craig,Mrs W Stirling and Mrs W Jackson were welcomed home after winning The Scottish Championship. As War broke out again the club again played an important part in raising cash for good causes and in providing respite for wounded soldiers. In 1950 the club celebrated its Golden Jubilee and looked forward to the next fifty years. Throughout the club's history there have been many notable players who have contributed to Stonehouse's fine history by gracing the green with thier outstanding ability. Players like Alex McCrimmon,Tom Brownlie,Robert Leggate,Jock and Robbie Small,Michael Whitelaw,Mitchell Sorbie,Logie Armstrong.John H Thomson,Tom Hamilton,Bob Burns and the three Hamilton brothers -Jimmy,Jack and Tommy. In more recent times Stonehouse member George Whitelaw was Scottish Singles Champion in 1993. Congratulations to Stonehouse Bowling Club and I wish you every success in the next hundred years and beyond. Gary Bradley |
The Clubhouse |
President Kenneth Twaddle |
George Whitelaw |
The Committee for Season 2000 |
Gourock Park have been playing Stonehouse since around the end of the war. This years "Friendly" was played on Sat the 13th May. The Result was a home win for Stonehouse. After the game the players retired to the clubhouse for a spendid meal and of course a few refreshments of an alcoholic nature!!!. President Twaddle welcomed the members of Gourock Park.President Dougie Brown of Gourock Park, thanked President Twaddle for the welcome and presented him with a Silver Plate to mark Stonhouse's Centenary. The Members of both Clubs then finished of the day in the usual way,with a singalong.Gourock Park's Kenny McKinlay being the usual star of the day with his versions of "Wild Thing" ,"New York" and "Sex Bomb" |
Gourock Park's Karoke King Ken Mc Kinlay |
Kenny McKinlay up singing with President Brown |
Tommy Docherty,Terry Duffy,Frank Bell & Mark Wells with thier Prizes for being the highest up/DOWN!!! Gourock Park Rink |
