dittonhistory


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The formation of the Ditton Bowls club came about after Tony Mulcuck put an advertisement in the local newspaper asking if any interested people would come along to a meeting with the idea of starting a club; that was in the autumn of 1986. 18 people turned up and Tony presented the plans for raising the finances and layout of the club, which would be on land the Parish Council were to acquire by way of a donation from the Tilcon Quarrying Group as the quarry had closed. It was agreed at this meeting to form the club and the members present made a donation towards the costs. Within 9 months the committee had raised the required sum to enable the green to be laid, the Parish Council had provided the chain link fencing and the contractor started leveling the ground. Since then the club has gone from strength to strength and has a large number of full and associate members, has won various area competitions, leagues and has had players selected to represent the County.
	Originally the clubhouse and changing rooms were 2 mobile home style caravans which were destroyed in the hurricane of October 1987. These were replaced by a wooden building, then in 1994 work started on the present brick clubhouse and with a further extension in 2004 now accommodates a full kitchen, Bar, Toilets, Disabled facilities, changing rooms and spacious club lounge and dining area. This area is also used by the Short Mat Bowls section during the winter period.

	Ditton Parish Council maintained the green until October 2005 and since then the ‘GREEN TEAM’ under the guidance of Richard Boorman and Ron Holyoake have produced a first class bowling surface that has gained the plaudits of all that play on it.

	Over the past few years the club has been closely associated with schools in the area with pupils, teachers and parents coming along to find out more and give the game of bowls a try. Regular coaching for youngsters and newcomers takes place on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings.

In 2005 we were highly recommended in the National Club of the Year competition for all the work both on and off the green and in 2006 we were runners-up in the competition and Men’s Captain Tony Mulcuck and Secretary John Ranger received the award in London. We now have a superb all-purpose clubhouse and since 2007 a new Men’s changing room that was kindly donated by the then club President, Desmond Butters. We all look forward to the future with many more years of friendly and social bowling.